Applying cold (ice or otherwise) to an injury is counterproductive in the long term because it slows down the body's natural regeneration and healing processes.

noli's read

The creator points to a significant shift in sports injury management, moving away from the traditional RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) protocol. Current research, notably the work from La Clinique du Coureur mentioned, supports the idea that while cold is effective for reducing the immediate perception of pain (analgesic effect), it may indeed hinder the inflammatory response necessary for tissue repair (Meta-analysis, British Journal of Sports Medicine). Initial inflammation is a crucial biological signal to trigger the healing process. Nevertheless, stating that cold is "worse" or "prevents" healing is a strong interpretation: it is more a nuance regarding recovery optimization. It is true that the systematic use of ice is currently being questioned for minor muscle injuries, as it could limit beneficial adaptation to mechanical stress. The statement is generally aligned with modern recommendations, although the term "slows healing" is a simplification of a complex biological mechanism.

the sources

1. 1Roberts LA, Raastad T, Markworth JF, et al. 2015
2. 2Petersen AC, Fyfe JJ 2021