old_school posted:so ice is bad...I recall thread a few years back where there were arguments that making a kid run distance was actually hurting them...
everything in moderation is what my grandmom used to say.
It's not that either is bad, it's just that, for the purposes pitchers have traditionally employed them, they are a waste of time. Ice when used for swelling is good. For example, with a sprained ankle or significant bruising, ice can reduce that swelling. However, when used for recovery, while it may numb the pain, it constricts blood flow to muscles and slows down the healing process. An e-stim device or anti-inflammatory will do a much better job (NSAID's though have their own risks). As for running, it's a great thing for overall cardio-conditioning, but for years it was sold as how pitchers eliminate lactic acid after pitching. Further research, however, couldn't back that up. Most lactic acid leaves the body at the same rate with or without running. Simply put, running does nothing for recovery of pitchers after a session on the mound and takes time away from other options that do. So, bad? No. Just not very helpful.