Localized temperature therapy, the application of heat or cold, has long been recognized as an effective therapeutic intervention. The appropriate application of localized temperature therapy has several clinical benefits including pain relief, improved blood flow, and tissue metabolism, removal of wastes and toxins, and reduction in swelling. There are several therapeutic modalities available today that either use the body’s natural thermoregulatory mechanisms to relieve pain, encourage healing, or enhance the body’s ability to maintain a normal core temperature. Therefore, nurses and other health- care professionals must remain aware of the use of localized temperature therapy as an effective treatment modality.