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From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
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Icing is a core part of my recovery process and I’ve consistently found it to dramatically improve [[Muscle|muscle ]] healing. However, it's important to use ice, not a gel pack.
==The science==
I would have like to write this article based on scientific research, but there is remarkably little available. A 2004 analysis of the available research at the time stated "Currently, no authors have assessed the efficacy of ice in the treatment of muscle contusions or strains. Considering that most injuries are muscle strains and contusions, this is a large void in the literature." A 2008 study stated in its conclusion "There is insufficient evidence to suggest that cryotherapy improves clinical outcome in the management of soft tissue injuries"<ref name="x1"/><ref name="x2"/>. We'll therefore look at some anecdotal, real world experiences and recommendations.
