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Ice Therapy WorksâIf Used Correctly
Full Title
Ice therapy: how good is the evidence?
Summary
This systematic review looked at how ice therapy should be applied for acute soft tissue injuries. The review found that ice is most effective when applied as melting ice water (not just cold packs) through a wet towel for 10 minutes at a time, in repeated sessions. This method cools the muscle effectively without damaging the skin. Continuous icing is less safe and may reduce effectiveness. Importantly, ice can impair motor function temporarily, so people should avoid activity for at least 30 minutes after treatment to reduce the risk of re-injury. Overall, ice is helpful, but only when applied with proper timing and method.