Why do pitchers ice their arms?

Answer: Limits post-exercise swelling

Ice prevents muscle loss — Not quite. Ice doesn't directly affect muscle mass. It's mainly used to manage the immediate aftermath of intense throwing, not to preserve muscle.

Ice boosts blood flow to the arm — Actually, ice does the opposite—it narrows blood vessels, which reduces blood flow. That helps limit swelling and bleeding from tiny tears. Heat is what you'd use later to encourage blood flow.

Limits post-exercise swelling ✓ — That's right. Pitching puts a lot of strain on your arm, causing small tears in the tissues. Icing right after helps constrict blood vessels, which reduces swelling and numbs the area, easing the pain. It's a common practice, though some debate whether it might slow down long-term adaptation.