According to experts, the Paris Olympics is not only a platform for showcasing athletic talent but also a venue for a range of alternative medicine therapies aimed at treating, improving performance, and alleviating pain for athletes.
Originating from various parts of the world, therapies such as ice baths, chiropractic adjustments, and cupping have long been controversial regarding their effectiveness.
Ice baths remain a controversial treatment method lacking scientific proof (Image: Getty).
Despite being “venerated” by athletes and applied whenever possible, these methods have little proven medical value from a professional standpoint.
Ice Therapy Rising in Popularity
According to a recent publication in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, federations participating in the Paris Olympics have requested over 16,000 tons of ice, with estimated costs reaching up to $2.7 million.
Of course, no organization can provide such a large quantity of ice. This indicates a reality that cryotherapy for athletes participating in the Olympics is indeed a rising trend.
However, this approach has faced significant criticism from experts.
Cryotherapy is a trend on the rise.
Their argument states that while ice baths may treat certain ailments, there is no evidence that regular use leads to better athletic performance.
In fact, ice application can be counterproductive, such as slowing tissue regeneration or impairing muscle recovery.
Additionally, the production, transportation, and storage of such large quantities of ice could have adverse environmental impacts.
Chiropractic Adjustments: Lack of Scientific Basis
Another alternative treatment method sought by athletes is chiropractic therapy. In fact, this is not a new approach for Olympic participants.
Chiropractors have long been present as staff for federations, providing support in recovery rooms and monitoring athletes during competitions.
Chiropractic adjustments are not scientifically recognized as a treatment method (Image: Health Care).
However, according to Science Alert, chiropractic therapy in particular, and recovery through body manipulation in general, have very little scientific basis. Its efficacy remains a topic of debate.
A randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2021 compared the effects of chiropractic therapy with “sham” treatments involving light touch on 400 patients with back pain.
The results showed that both types of interventions were clinically insignificant.
Pascale Mathieu, President of the French Physiotherapy Council, criticized chiropractors for providing athletes with a sense of well-being without actual healing effects.
“Marketplace” for Injury Treatment and Pain Relief Products
In addition to the existence of scientifically unsupported treatment methods, the Paris 2024 Olympics is also being exploited as a “marketplace” for some pharmaceutical companies, featuring a variety of unproven products.
Eight years ago, at the 2016 Summer Olympics held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a method known as cupping gained popularity among swimmers, including Michael Phelps.
This method is based on ancient alternative medicine, involving placing cups on the skin for several minutes to create suction. The idea is to facilitate blood flow to and from different body parts, thus helping the treated individual to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and relax.
However, to date, there is very little scientific evidence that this method is more beneficial than using a placebo.
