Abstract: As a positive recovery strategy, hydrotherapy which consists of cold water immersion, ice bath and contrast bath has become a popular recovery intervention after training and exercise. These measures may increase athletes’ heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, respiratory minute volume and peripheral catecholamine. On the other hand they reduce the activity of CK, muscle micro-damage, soreness and formation of oedema, enabling the body feel less fatigue and attenuates post-exercise power and strength reductions, which helps the body return to its state before exercise more quickly.

Key words: hydrotherapy, cold water immersion, ice bath, recovery