In what situation should cold therapy be carefully considered before application?

Cold therapy should be carefully considered in situations involving a history of circulatory issues due to the potential negative impact it can have on blood flow and overall circulation. Individuals with these conditions may experience impaired blood flow, making the application of cold therapy problematic. Cold applications can constrict blood vessels and further reduce circulation, which might exacerbate existing issues or lead to complications such as tissue damage or worsening pain.

In contrast, other situations like a client being active or having recently completed heat therapy may not pose as significant risks. While being active does influence body temperature and immediate response to treatments, and prior heat therapy could lead to varying sensitivities to cold, these scenarios do not inherently present the same level of caution required for someone with circulatory issues. Additionally, a recent meal is not directly relevant to the safe application of cold therapy.