Ice applications lower metabolism in injured tissue, which decreases the need for oxygen. This inhibits secondary hypoxic injury in cells within the injured tissue.

The total amount of injured tissue is decreased. Non compliance with using cold therapy can complicate the injury and result in delays of 1 – 3 weeks in resolving the injury.

Swelling is restricted, resulting in less pain.

Both compression and elevation contribute to swelling control by decreasing capillary filtration pressure and preventing blood pooling. Stabilisation allows musculature around the injury to relax and limits the pain-spasm pain cycle.