How long are cold therapy treatments generally administered per session?

Cold therapy treatments are generally administered for a duration of 15-20 minutes per session. This specific time frame is recommended to effectively reduce swelling, decrease pain, and minimize tissue damage without risking frostbite or skin injury. Cold applications are designed to allow tissues to warm back up before reapplication, which is why sessions are typically kept to this range.

Longer exposure to cold temperatures can lead to adverse effects such as skin injuries or numbness, making the 15-20 minute timeframe optimal for maintaining safety while achieving therapeutic benefits. This careful consideration of time helps ensure that cold therapy can be both effective and safe for the patient.