Why does first aid for sprains/strains etc (Rest Ice Compress Elevate) focus on reducing swelling? Doesn’t swelling help with healing?

Question

It’s my understanding that swelling is the body’s way of delivering healing “supplies” to the injured area. Why are we stopping that from occurring?

In: 96

Answer 1

New studies are showing that icing injuries impedes the healing process so that is falling out of favor. I read a NY Times article about it not too long ago.