What must ice baths be filled with?

Ice baths must be filled with ice and water to create the appropriate temperature and therapeutic effects for recovery. The combination of ice and water allows for efficient thermal conduction, which cools the body quickly. This process helps reduce inflammation, muscle soreness, and can enhance recovery after intense physical activity.

Using just ice without water would not achieve the desired temperature regulation effectively, as the ice would not be able to surround the body properly. Similarly, filling the bath with water alone would not provide the benefits associated with cold exposure since the cooling effect of the ice is necessary to lower the water temperature significantly. Therefore, the use of both ice and water is critical for creating an effective ice bath.