A new study from McGill University in Canada, published in Anesthesiology, raises questions about whether ice always helps the body in the best possible way.
Researchers examined injuries in mice and found that cold treatment could quickly reduce pain.
At the same time, the results showed that the healing process in some cases took longer.
Previous research has also suggested that treatments designed to reduce inflammation may affect the body’s natural response to injuries, according to SciTechDaily.
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Not tested on humans
The researchers emphasize that the findings cannot yet be directly applied to humans.
New trials have therefore been launched to investigate whether the same effect occurs in patients recovering from minor surgeries.
The researchers believe that more knowledge is needed about when anti-inflammatory treatments are beneficial and when they may delay the body’s healing process.
The study therefore suggests that using ice for injuries may not always be as beneficial as many people believe.
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Sources: SciTechDaily and Anesthesiology.
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