I am intrigued by the constant use of ice packs for all manner of things includi

Question

I am intrigued by the constant use of ice packs for all manner of things including sports injuries, post surgical healing such as knee and hip replacements. However I have never been able to find any convincing scientific evidence that there is a rational basis for the use of ice. What I know about the application of ice is that cold constricts blood vessels and that, post cold-application, the blood vessels enlarge to flood the area with blood. I fail to understand why the intermittent use of ice will reduce swelling or speed up healing.

Explanation / Answer

Soft tissue injuries such a contusions, strains and sprains are frequent in multiple human endeavours and ice is commonly applied as part of the PRICE principle which stands for Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Ice is generally applied immediately post injury to reduce tissue metabolism thereby limiting secondary hypoxic damage and reduce the degree of oedema and muscle damage. Although this holds credited scientific rationale there is very little empirical evidence to support the use of ice at this stage.

The second common use of ice is in the rehabilitation stage

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