In a groundbreaking initiative, the first of its kind in Israel—and perhaps even in the world—an innovative and impressive project took place at the Hydrotherapy Rehabilitation Center of Sheba Medical Center. A professional chiller and an advanced ice bath were installed as part of this initiative. This project represents a unique integration of advanced medical technology with innovative rehabilitation methods, aiming to enhance the physical and mental recovery processes of various populations, including war veterans, orthopedic patients, and the hospital’s medical staff.

A Unique Integration of Medical Innovation and Advanced Rehabilitation

The initiative began in January 2024 with a professional discussion involving experts in hydrotherapy and rehabilitation, led by the team from IceZ. During the first session, which also served as a practical pilot, around 28 participants—including patients and medical staff—immersed themselves in the ice bath. The experience was highly impactful and led to the expansion of the project.

Since May 2025, following the training of a hydrotherapist in the Cold Water Therapy method, the pilot program has expanded to include not only patients but also medical staff and doctors at the rehabilitation center.

Ice bath immersion is integrated into the rehabilitation routine to enhance physical and mental recovery, providing a holistic approach for the patient population.

Unique Study: The Impact of Cold Water Immersion on the Rehabilitation Process

The implementation of the ice bath at Sheba Medical Center is not just a therapeutic project; it is part of a groundbreaking study conducted in collaboration with Dr. Avi Avitan and Caroline Bermetz, Director of Hydrotherapy Services at the hospital.

The study examines the effects of combining intense physical activity with cold water immersion on the rehabilitation process, particularly among war veterans with above-knee leg amputations.

Study Details:

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The study emphasizes the integration of physiological and psychological components, focusing on innovation and improving the patients’ quality of life.

Cold Water Immersion – Beyond Mental Resilience

Cold water immersion, also known as Head-Out-of-Water Immersion (immersion up to the neck with the head above water), induces a series of significant physiological changes in the body:

• The hydrostatic pressure applied to the body improves blood circulation

• A beneficial effect on the autonomic nervous system, helping to balance the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-relaxation) systems

• Vasodilation and vasoconstriction of blood vessels, enhancing anti-inflammatory and recovery processes

• Improved mental resilience through the reduction of stress and anxiety

This therapeutic tool is considered a breakthrough, as rehabilitation in medical centers has so far focused mainly on warm-water treatments. The use of cold water adds a new dimension to rehabilitation, enhancing both physical recovery and mental resilience.

IceZ Contribution – Pushing the Boundaries of Rehabilitation Therapy

IceZ is proud to lead the therapeutic revolution at Sheba Hospital by combining professional expertise and technological experience with the most advanced equipment:

This combination enables the hospital to provide patients with an advanced, effective, and personalized rehabilitation experience, positioning Sheba as an international model for post-trauma care, complex injuries, and advanced rehabilitation.

Where Do We Go from Here? – The Future of Cold-Water Rehabilitation at Sheba

Today, the Hydrotherapy Center at Sheba is working on establishing the Sheba Protocol – a standardized and comprehensive document for the use of cold-water immersion in rehabilitation, which includes:

• Precise indications for when the treatment is appropriate

• Contraindications and health limitations

• Precautions and monitoring during treatment

• Preparation process, guidance, and systematic follow-up of patients

The aim of the protocol is to integrate the treatment as an essential part of the rehabilitation routine at the center, ensuring patient safety and providing optimal care for their needs.

The goal is to continue leading medical innovation at a global level and to expand the use of cold-water therapy in additional medical centers in Israel and worldwide.

In Summary

The implementation of the ice bath and chiller in the Hydrotherapy Rehabilitation Center at Sheba Hospital is a significant and groundbreaking step in medical rehabilitation. It enables an integrated, multi-dimensional, and innovative treatment, focusing on both patients’ physical recovery and mental resilience.

IceZ, which initiated and led the project, continues to push the boundaries of therapy, providing the most advanced technological platform for safe, effective, and advanced rehabilitation.

For more information about IceZ’s products and services, you can visit the company’s website: icez.life