Ice packs are a tool used to reduce swelling and inflammation after an injury. Ice is a very helpful, natural tool to aid in reducing inflammation. Ice does not act as a healing agent but instead reduces swelling which can be damaging to surrounding tissue around the injury. When one is injured swelling occurs because the body goes into defense mode. The body pushes extra blood and fluids to the injured part of the body in order to aid in healing. What the body does not take into account is this swelling came be very damaging to the surrounding tissue.
Applying an ice pack to the inflicted area actually decreases the blood flow. By applying ice the small blood vessels constrict decreasing the amount of blood that goes to that area therefore reducing swelling and inflammation. If one does not apply ice packs to reduce swelling the fluids will build up in the small blood vessels and cause them to burst. This releases blood into the tissue and can be seen as red and purple on the surface. Bruising occurs from fluid buildup that happens around and inflamed area. To avoid bruising it is important to apply ice packs to the inflamed area to reduce inflammation that can lead to bruising.