Changes

==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.

A widely publicized 2010 study<ref name="xTelegraph"/> has shown that inflammation is necessary for healing, something that has been known for some time<ref name="xHealing"/>. The study did not look at the use of ice for healing, only the role of inflammation itself, so I believe the popular conclusions are flawed. While ice does have some anti-inflammatory properties, ice also increases blood flow (cold induced vasodilatation<ref name="xCIVD"/>). This alternating reduction in inflammation and increased blood flow is believed to act as a ‘pump’, speeding up heeling. This cycle typically takes a few minutes, as shown below.

[[File:CIVD.jpg]]

==See Also==

* [[Icing with a Camelbak]]

== References ==

<references>

<ref name="x1">Does Cryotherapy Improve Outcomes With Soft Tissue Injury?

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC522152/?tool=pubmed</ref>