What is the correct order of sensations an athlete will experience in a cold whirlpool?

The correct order of sensations experienced by an athlete in a cold whirlpool is cold, burning, aching, and then numbness. When the body is exposed to cold water, the first sensation is typically the immediate feeling of cold due to the temperature drop. This cold sensation is followed by a burning feeling, which can occur as the skin and underlying tissues begin to react to the cold stimulus. Subsequently, as the exposure continues and blood flow is affected, athletes may start to feel aching in the muscles or areas submerged in the cold water. Finally, as the temperature continues to impact the sensations and blood flow decreases, the athlete may experience numbness, where the sensation in the submerged areas is significantly diminished or lost.

This sequence is important for understanding how the body responds to cold therapy and can help guide therapeutic practices for injuries or inflammation.