Ice and compression are commonly prescribed by practitioners in the management of acute injuries for the following reasons:

-Ice reduces tissue temperature, minimising further tissue damage.

-Ice reduces pain by numbing nerve endings.

-Ice slows the release of chemicals causing inflammation.

-Ice causes narrowing of blood vessels which reduces blood flow to the area.

Compression applied with ice, further reduces tissue temperature, minimises fluid accumulation and reduces blood flow and heat around the injured area.