Ice is a vasoconstrictor, which means it slows blood flow. If you have an acute injury, using ice for the first 36-48 hours may help minimize the extent of your swelling. After 48 hours, there is no evidence that it helps with swelling. Using ice for pain relief is an excellent strategy. Ice is an analgesic, which means it helps reduce pain. Icing for about 20 minutes at a time is an excellent general guideline. Using real ice for extended periods can cause injury/damage to the skin, so be careful. For people with other health concerns, like heart conditions and pregnancy using ice for shorter periods is recommended.
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