In briefDirect local application of cold to a soft-tissue injury decreases edema, inflammation, local blood flow, and hemorrhage. It also has a local anesthetic effect and can reduce spasticity during rehabilitation. For therapy, ice or some other cold material is usually applied directly to the skin intermittently for the first 36 hours after an injury. Intermittent application reduces the danger of frostbite and is more comfortable. To avoid further injury, athletes treated with cooling should not resume activity until tissues have rewarmed. Cold therapy should not be used in patients who are unconscious, semiconscious, have collagen diseases, or vasospastic conditions.