Summary
Methods to alleviate acute soreness include compression, massage, and thermal strategies like cold water immersion. Factors to consider when choosing a method include budget, preferences, availability, and timing. Cold water immersion has been shown to effectively reduce muscle soreness, with recommended temperature and duration of moderately cold water (40-50 degrees) for 15 minutes or sub 40 degrees for at least 5 minutes. Contrast therapy, which involves alternating between hot and cold, is another option to consider.