Ice

Ice

Ice is one of the initial management methods used after injury. Ice shrinks the tissues and the blood vessels so that less fluid runs into the injured tissues. Less fluid means less swelling and bleeding. Swelling increases pain as the swollen tissues press on nerve endings. Also, less tissue swelling & blood flow inhibits the release of the inflammatory cascade–a very complex set of proteins. This in turn can prevent further scarring in the injured area and help with the recovery process.