Sale Sharks’ use of a mobile cryotherapy unit to aid post-match recovery is seemingly spurring the side on as Steve Diamond’s team bagged their first LV Cup win of the season against Harlequins on Friday night.
An action-packed affair in south west London finished 31-26 in favour of the Sharks though Diamond immediately turned their attention to Friday’s clash with Worcester.
To help the club with their hectic schedule, players are being treated in the special chamber at their Carrington base that is kept at around -120C which speeds up physical recovery and reduces inflammation and increases blood flow.
“The anecdotal evidence that I have seen so far from the players is that they say they like it, they feel fresher, able to train to a maximum more often but also it is helping them sleep,” head of performance Adam Grainer told the club website.
“So far we are happy with it and after the four weeks we will hopefully see the benefits of it.”
Summer signing Michael Paterson also gave the unit a positive review: “We get in the gym and out to training a lot quicker and recover a lot faster so it is proving its benefits at the moment.”
A number of teams participating in the Rugby League World Cup have used the unit as well as some of the football clubs based in the area.
While there was a mixed start for new signing Viliami Fihaki, who made his debut only days after joining the club and paid his first visit to the sin bin two minutes after coming off the bench, Diamond was happy with his side’s form.
“We came down here three weeks ago in the Premiership and were beaten fairly soundly by a good side,” said the director of rugby.
“We have Worcester at home in the Premiership next week and we were looking to build for that.
“Obviously we want to do well in this competition but the league is the main focus.”
Image courtesy of ESPN Scrum, with thanks.
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