British journal of sports medicine
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Cryotherapy for acute ankle sprains: a randomised controlled study of two different icing protocols.
The use of cryotherapy in the management of acute soft tissue injury is largely based on anecdotal evidence. Preliminary evidence suggests that intermittent cryotherapy applications are most effective at reducing tissue temperature to optimal therapeutic levels. However, its efficacy in treating injured human subjects is not yet known. ⋯ Intermittent applications may enhance the therapeutic effect of ice in pain relief after acute soft tissue injury.