What really does ice do?

Im currently trying to establish the best evidence based approach to improve outcomes post knee replacement,especially the ability to aide swelling.

It has been "common knowledge" to use ice to aid swelling and therefore aid movement and muscle control. However i am yet to find any reasonable convincing scientific evidence that there is a rational basis for the use of ice for this very useful biological response. There's limited evidence to suggest that the application of ice enhances the recovery rate of injury rehabilitation. I understand the supposed lewis hunting responses that " reduces inflammation", but where is the actual evidence.

Conversely, there's probably growing evidence that suggests it might actually be detrimental to attempt to reduce the inflammatory response through ice application because inflammation is a critical part of the repair process.

I understand the use for analgesic aide but are we just using ice because we always have done?

I'd really appreciate your views on the ways you may help to control swelling post surgery, and what the general consensus is on cryotherapy for "reducing swelling".
How can we truly improve our patients outcomes......using Evidence.

Using ice is best for injuries or pain that is less than 24 hours old, or any injury that continues to produce swelling. Ice helps reduce pain and closes small blood vessels. This limits the amount of swelling that occurs immediately after the injury. It also helps calm the nerves, which decreases pain. But the Ice or cold packs should not be put directly on the skin due to the risk of frostbite.

Ice acts as a constricting agent, and narrows the blood vessels at the injury area. It helps reduce the swelling further...but also stops other fluids like white blood cells to reach the area that slows down the healing process...

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Originally Posted by KelcieLe

but also stops other fluids like white blood cells to reach the area that slows down the healing process...

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White blood cells slow the healing process???

I agree that we should not use ice in a situation of small trauma, to facilitate the repair process. However in post-surgery and major trauma, I always use ice, at least until the patient tolerates the swelling without much pain.