CTV> Watch recovery session and press conference at St Kilda Sea Baths

On Tuesday morning the St Kilda Sea Baths hosted the Collingwood team for an additional “recovery and freshen-up” session.

With ocean temperatures around the 14 degree mark, players moved from the cold water to the heated spas inside the St Kilda complex.

Sports Science Director David Buttifant explained to Collingwoodfc.com.au why the players headed down to the baths three days after the elimination final.

“The reason why we send the players to the sea baths on a Tuesday is to add additional recovery from Saturday afternoon’s game and also freshen them up for a full training session on Wednesday,” Buttifant said.


“It is important that the players are fresh for the full-training session on Wednesday to enable them to work on specific skills rather than just going through the motions. 

"You want to be able to do the technical things at a really high level.”

Buttifant also highlighted the importance of players using ice baths directly after a game to aid in recovery.

“Obviously we do the ice baths straight after a game.  Having the resources here at the Lexus Centre aides in getting the boys in the ice within the two hour frame needed to successfully combat the fatigue.

“The rationale behind it is after a game you have a lot of inflammatory responses post-game.  That’s what causes the muscle soreness. 


“To accelerate the recovery process, you want to decrease any swelling or any inflammation.”

Buttifant arrived at Collingwood in 2000 after spending time working at the North Melbourne Football Club and heading the Australian Olympic athlete preparation for the Sydney Olympics.

 “When you are cycling through cold to hot, you get a shunting effect, a lot of movement of the blood flows in and out.  By doing that it helps the body eliminate some toxic responses and has some positive effects on the hormonal responses as well. 


“Mobilisation in cold water (around 14 degrees) and by doing range of movement  helps to decrease any inflammation and any potential swelling.  The process has multiple effects like helping contusions known as “corkies”, helps reduce bleeding and swelling, and reduces any general soreness.”