What is the typical duration for an ice massage treatment?

What is the typical duration for an ice massage treatment?

• A. 15-20 minutes
• B. 5-10 minutes or until analgesia occurs
• C. 60 minutes
• D. 30 minutes

Answer: (C)

Ice massage is used to quickly produce superficial cooling and analgesia in a small area. Because the goal is to numb the surface without risking tissue injury, the treatment is kept short—typically about 5 to 10 minutes, or until analgesia or numbness is achieved. Stop as soon as the area feels numb or you notice the desired analgesic effect, and monitor the skin for signs of overcooling (pale, mottled, or burning skin). Prolonged exposure beyond the point of numbness increases the risk of frostbite, so longer sessions are not appropriate for ice massage.

Ice massage is used to quickly produce superficial cooling and analgesia in a small area. Because the goal is to numb the surface without risking tissue injury, the treatment is kept short—typically about 5 to 10 minutes, or until analgesia or numbness is achieved. Stop as soon as the area feels numb or you notice the desired analgesic effect, and monitor the skin for signs of overcooling (pale, mottled, or burning skin). Prolonged exposure beyond the point of numbness increases the risk of frostbite, so longer sessions are not appropriate for ice massage.