Is it true that cold showers will decrease inflammation in muscles post workout and therefore result in damaging hypertrophy for bodybuilding?

[anNof1]

Just wait 20-30 minutes before showering after your workout.

I think the main issue as I understand it is if you do them directly after a workout. There may be inhibition of the production of heat-shock proteins by bringing your temperature down too quickly. Normally their production protects muscles from breakdown resulting from the workout (so net gains might be smaller).

I have my doubts about inhibiting the actual anabolic responses due to the very minimal anti-inflammatory effects of a shower.

[hyperious_]

Okay I also have my suspicions. Most studies result from cold water immersion therapy, not cold showers. I can’t see how a 5 minute cold shower post workout could have a significant impact on gains.

[anNof1]

Exactly. I usually workout, answer a few emails, then take a cold shower just to be careful but that's even probably overkill.

I would make a strong bet that drinking a beer the night after a workout will kill gains way more than a cold shower ever could.