How Do Ice Packs Work on Injuries

Icing an injury typically takes place immediately after the injury occurs. Using a cold compress or ice pack on a strained muscle can decrease inflammation and numb pain in the area. Icing is effective at reducing pain and swelling because the cold constricts blood vessels and decreases circulation to the area.

Do ice packs speed up healing?

Yes, ice can reduce the pain of swelling, but it doesn’t seem to expedite the healing. A 2013 study looked at what happened when cold packs were applied to the exercised muscles for 15 minutes after a bout of arm extensions.

Can icing an injury make it worse?

Ice can also make your pain worse if you mistakenly use it to treat a tight muscle because it will make the muscle tighten and contract more, rather than relaxing it and easing the tightness that’s causing the pain. Sometimes this happens when people incorrectly identify the source of their pain.