Sure. The body repairs acute damage such as sprains and bruises the same way it does the micro tears of a workout. Although the degree of damage has changed, the mechanisms in play are primarily the same. The biggest difference is the amount of waste that is being generated as the body sends resources to heal the area. The fluid rushed to that area will remain as swelling unless contended with by the lymphatic system. Enter the Marc Pro. The non-fatiguing contractions rush in good stuff and whisk away the bad. If applied soon enough after the injury, swelling may never occur.
If someone ices that area, it will also reduce swelling (for a time) but in a way that delays recovery. The constriction caused by the icing will reduce incoming resources and trap waste in and around the damaged tissue.
For pad placements, general rule is upstream and downstream of the damage. Twisted ankle? Foot and calf. Swollen elbow? Forearm and bicep.