CAPTA News
Volume 3, Issue 11, November 2008
Guidelines and Precautions for Using Cold Therapy
The use of cold and/or heat may help speed recovery and decrease pain following injury or surgery. However, certain precautions need to be taken in order to avoid adverse effects, such as frostbite or burns.
Ice or cold therapy is generally used within the first 48 hours after an acute
injury.
During the application of cold by any means (e.g. ice pack, ice massage,
frozen towels, ice water), you will usually experience intense cold followed
by burning, aching, and finally numbness/pain relief.
In general, wrap a cold or ice pack in a towel or pillowcase before covering the affected area. Leave the pack in place for 10-15 minutes to control pain, inflammation, or edema. Ice massage (water frozen in a paper cup) is applied by rubbing ice directly over skin using small, overlapping circles. This typically takes only 5-7 minutes depending on the size of the area. Stop once the area is numb. It is normal for the skin to be red or dark pink after icing. Watch for any adverse effects such as hives or rash, frostbite or nerve damage.
Individuals with cold hypersensitivity/intolerance, Raynaud’s disease, poor sensation or circulation should not use cold therapy. Precautions to the application of cold include over an open wound, hypertension, and in very young or old patients. Caution should also be used for 30 minutes after ice treatment because patients are more prone to injury due to impaired motor and reflex function.