What is the maximum treatment time for ice massage?

The maximum treatment time for ice massage being set at 5 minutes or until numbness occurs is rooted in the physiological effects of cryotherapy on the body. Ice massage is used to reduce inflammation, decrease muscle spasm, and alleviate pain, and it's essential to apply it for a duration that balances effectiveness with safety.

Applying ice for too long can lead to adverse effects such as frostbite or skin damage. Feeling numbness during the ice massage indicates that there is sufficient cooling effect on the tissue, which can be the best time to stop treatment to prevent any potential harm.

Therefore, the guideline of 5 minutes or until numbness ensures that the treatment is both effective in providing relief and safe for the patient. This approach emphasizes the importance of continuously monitoring the patient’s response during the therapy to achieve maximum benefit while minimizing risk.