Which of the following is NOT a purpose of using ice in injury treatment?

Using ice in injury treatment serves several important purposes, primarily aimed at managing acute injuries. The correct answer, indicating that increasing blood flow is not one of these purposes, highlights the physiological effects of ice application.

When ice is applied to an injury, it induces vasoconstriction, which is the narrowing of blood vessels. This process is crucial as it helps to reduce blood flow to the injured area, leading to decreased swelling and inflammation. The application of ice thus alleviates pain and limits tissue damage by minimizing the metabolic rate of cells and slowing down the injury process.

So, while ice effectively reduces pain and swelling and helps to protect injured tissues from further damage, it does not serve to increase blood flow. Instead, it counteracts this process, which is beneficial in the initial stages of injury management.