Ice Cupping can be one of the most important immediate treatment steps for acute injuries such as sprains and strains, overuse injuries, contusions, and bruises. Applying ice to a soft tissue injury can help reduce swelling and inflammation by reducing blood flow to the injured area.. Ice can help decrease pain, swelling, and inflammation that can result from injury and from some conditions such as arthritis. Ice massage is a quick and easy way to get the benefits of ice.