Cold showers reduce muscle soreness after exercise.

Is it true that cold showers reduce muscle soreness after exercise?

Partly. Cold-water immersion studies and a 32-trial meta-analysis of cold therapy report reduced muscle soreness after exercise, but one cold-shower trial found no significant difference in perceived muscle pain versus control, and a Wikipedia summary notes insufficient or contrary evidence for whole-body cryotherapy. No retrieved item directly tests cold showers as a soreness remedy, so the evidence only partially addresses the claim.

Verdict: CONTESTED PARTIAL · 3 sources for, 2 against · Last checked 3 Oct 2026

The private library was unavailable for some searches in this check. Missing library results are not evidence against the claim.

Stella, A. B., Dragonetti, A. M., Fontanot, S., Sabot, R., Martini, M., Galmonte, A., Canton, G., Deodato, M., & Murena, L. (2024). The Acute Effects of Cold Water Immersion and Percussive Massage Therapy on Neuromuscular Properties and Muscle Soreness after Exercise in Young Male Soccer Players. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12060167

Physiologic and Perceptual Responses to Cold-Shower Cooling After Exercise-Induced Hyperthermia. (n.d.). cir.nii.ac.jp. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-51.4.01

Wang, Y., Li, S., Zhang, Y., Chen, Y., Yan, F., Han, L., & Ma, Y. (2021). Heat and cold therapy reduce pain in patients with delayed onset muscle soreness: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 32 randomized controlled trials.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ptsp.2021.01.004

Effects of cold water immersion after exercise on fatigue recovery and exercise performance--meta analysis - PMC Lock. (n.d.). pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2023.1006512

Delayed onset muscle soreness. (n.d.). en.wikipedia.org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delayed_onset_muscle_soreness