We’ve all seen the scene on TV: a soccer player takes a hit, falls, and twists his ankle. Within moments, medical staff rush in, the team doctor sprays the injury with ice spray—and just like that, the player is back on his feet. Magic? Not quite.
The athlete isn’t suddenly healed. The cooling treatment may allow them to finish the game, and ideally, it helps speed up the healing process afterward. “Cold and compression are the most important first-aid measures in the case of an acute injury,” explains Dr. Mathias Frey, team physician for 1. FC Heidenheim’s professional footballers.
Cooling slows down bodily processes at the injury site. When applied immediately after impact, cold causes the blood vessels to constrict, reducing blood flow and minimizing internal bleeding. It also slows the transport of fluid and inflammatory messengers to the affected tissue, which helps limit swelling and inflammation. This delay gives the body a head start on recovery and reduces the pain response, since nerve signals slow down under cooler conditions.
You don’t need professional-grade ice spray. An ice pack from the freezer, a bag of ice cubes, or even cold running water can be just as effective. The key is to act quickly—but safely. Always place a cloth or towel between the cold source and your skin to prevent frostbite.
And don’t forget to elevate the injured limb—ideally above heart level, as Dr. Frey recommends. This helps reduce blood pressure at the injury site and further limits swelling.
