Both the size and type of cold pack used affect how much the body tissues are cooled down. Whenever possible, use a form of cold therapy that covers the body part in question. Trying to use a small pack to cool a large area will not have the intended benefits.

The initial temperature of the cold pack is also important. Using a cold pack that has been refrigerated but not frozen is not adequate. Finally, the greater the amount of fat in the area, the longer it takes to cool the tissues. For example, the hips, buttocks, or abdominal areas have more fat and require greater cooling time than bony areas like the hands, elbows, or ankles.