Top 10 Ice Therapy Devices to Optimize Recovery - Detailed Reviews (2023)

The best ice therapy device for physical therapy:

1. Kit Ossur cold fever

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Kit-Ossur cold fever

This model is very popular with customers for two important reasons:1. It has a compact design but still manages to make the most of the available space inside the bucket– You can add up to 6 liters of water and ice;2. It's easy to useand comes with all the necessary accessories to treat pain in the knee, shoulder and other areas of the body.

Stays fresh longer

After you add ice and turn on the machine, you have about6 hoursuntil the temperature is too high in relation to the maximum allowed. This means you'll have less trouble filling up your tank throughout the day thanks to the following features, more commonly found on a commercial model than a private one:

• Insulated cell walls– The plastic on the walls is thicker and includes a layer of insulation that keeps the cold inside while preventing the hot air from outside from increasing the temperature.
• insulated hose– Heat is kept away from the water even as it flows through the hose due to the layer of insulation that is also in the hose.
• Less heat transfer from the engine.– The positioning of the motor is designed to minimize heat generation and prevent the heat generated from heating the water in the tank.

Adapts to the patient's needs

Sensitivity can vary from person to person, so it's important to have a device that offers adjustment options and a mode of operation that suits most patients:

• adjustable water flow- It has abuilt-in buttonThis allows you to select the speed at which you want the water to flow through the hose and onto the pad.three optionsYou are available.
• Chronograph– The device then switches off automatically30 minutesto avoid colds in case the patient falls asleep.
• brushless motor– last but not least, this model has a very quiet motor connected to a submersible pump. The maximum noise power is30 decibels, which resembles whispering.

Performance results: What do the experts say?

Editor's Choice / Best Compression Ice Therapy Machine:

2. Polar Active Ice 3.0 Products

Polar Active Ice 3.0 products

You should consider buying this knee ice therapy device as it will help you get rid of postoperative pain. This model has recently been updated, so its features have improved significantly. Just like himKit-Ossur cold fever, It has onequiet operation of only 30dBthat is no louder than a whisper. It also comes with one9 liter bucketThis allows it to function optimally for up to 6 hours before a new batch of ice needs to be added.

Helps you get rid of swelling and pain. Hebuilt-in safety timeryou can set it to run continuously in 10-minute increments for up to 990 minutes. Compared to this brand's previous cryotherapy product, thePolar Products Active Ice Therapy System 2.0which you can analyze in the direct comparison that the matrix offers after this reviewIt is a product with many other advantages. After all, version 2.0 was limited to a maximum of 30 minutes for setting the timer. Once the timer ran out, the machine stopped and you had to press the start button again to extend the timer by another 30 minutes.

ÖQuick Couplings/Disconnect CouplingsThey allow you to detach the pad during therapy if needed to move it more easily to another location or to apply the pad to a different area.The included pad is perfect for wrapping around your knees and ankles., which provides adequate compression to ensure rapid reduction in inflammation and appropriate treatment of your injury. In addition, the company offersSupport for 6 months. If there is a leak or other problem with the product, our customer service representatives will promptly respond to your request and either replace the defective part or repair the product.

Polar products The best ice therapy devices in comparison

	Polar Active Ice 3.0 products	Polar Products Active Ice Therapy System 2.0
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Preis		Amazon price
time between charges	Up to 6-7 hours	up to 6 hours
Chronograph	up to 990 minutes	up to 30 minutes
adjustable temperature	with optional control unit	with optional control unit
adjustable water flow
Including accessories?
user-friendly design

Best Shoulder Ice Therapy Machine:

3. Vive cold therapy device

Amazon price

Vive cold therapy device

This device comes with a universal therapy pad so you can use it on ankle, knee, hip, shoulder and arm. If you've had an injury or surgery, the device will help with swelling, pain, and inflammation. It is also useful for joint pain due to arthritis. the permanent foundationIt can hold up to 6 liters of cold water.. It has an innovative operation because it has5 continuous streamswith a cycle time of half an hour. HeChronographIt can be set for shorter periods of time, but unfortunately 30 minutes is the maximum interval the device can run before it shuts itself down.

Öbright LED screenYou will learn which setting is selected. When filling the machine you will find the marked guides on the bottom very useful and the fact that the bucket is transparent makes measuring easier. Whatthe reinforced cushion shines, you don't have to worry about leaks. Also, because the 5ft connection pipe is insulated, your water stays colder longer, so you don't have to refill it for about 10 minutes6 hours.

4. DonJoy 11-1426 Classic Iceman

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DonJoy 11-1426 Classic Iceman

The DonJoy company was the first to invent knee braces and has now taken a new step to bring relief to patients who have undergone knee surgery. The IceMan Classic is a large machine that can run for many hours and directs cold water onto the curing area. It is sturdy and has a firm handle that allows you to carry it comfortably. But note thatYou must have a medical license to purchase this device, then you may need to ask your doctor to make this purchase for you.

Alternatively you coulddecideDonJoy 11-1633 Ice Man Clear3you can find more information on this in the following comparison matrix. You don't need a license to buy it, and reports highlight it as an improved version of IceMan Classic. However, since we haven't been able to test this product yet, we'll only mention it and the manufacturer's specifications. What we do know for sure is that the water flow cannot be adjusted with the Clear3 version, which is a step down from the Classic model we've already reviewed.

ÖTwo-position locking capIt ensures you don't have to deal with spills. This model has a small control center at the entrance that allows itcontrol the temperaturemiAdjust water flowso the water flowing through the pad is as cold as you can handle it. Compared to the bestPolar Active Ice 3.0 productsNo pad is provided, but the company offers several models so you can choose the one that best suits the type of surgery you've had. The warranty offered for this product is the standard warranty.6 Fun.

The best DonJoy ice therapy devices in comparison

	DonJoy 11-1426 Classic Iceman	DonJoy 11-1633 Ice Man Clear3
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Preis	Amazon price
time between charges	N / D	Up to 5-6 hours
Chronograph	N / D
adjustable temperature
adjustable water flow
Including accessories?
user-friendly design

Best Elbow Ice Therapy Machine:

5. Aqua Hot/Cold Therapy pain management technology

Aqua Hot/Cold Therapy pain control technology

For about the same money you would spend on the bestKit-Ossur cold fever, you can have this device with pain control technology that may not fare as well in tests when it comes to cold therapy relief but manages to pack two functions into one device.It can be used for heat or cold therapy., an advantage that only theTheramax hot/cold therapyoffers, but in a much less efficient way. The durability of this pain management input is superior to the product mentioned and it does not generate as much noise as Theramax.

The company also produced theArctic Ice Cream Cryotherapymachine we reviewed previously. The time between recharges was longer on this previous version, 8 hours to be exact, but with the advent of this heat and cold therapy machine we decided to give it a try as wellI found it more practical than its predecessor.. The update was urgently needed as it enhances the product's usability. However, if you prefer a simpler product and are convinced that you will not benefit from heat therapy at all, you can do sosee the stats of the Ice Cold model versus the Aqua Hot/Cold in the matrix below. The warranty is the same for both products, as is the timer setting, so both models are basically the same.

A universal pad is included., so you can adjust the Velcro to fit perfectly around your shoulder, knee or elbow to treat bumps and injuries. After testing, we came to the conclusion that the pad does not adequately cover the board's shoulders. So if you're wider at the top, you might want to consider buying a larger pad. Due to its widespread use, in addition to relieving pain from arthritis and joint pain, among other chronic conditions,also reduces pain from neuropathy. It comes with 6 months manufacturing support, the company's standard warranty for heat and ice therapy equipment.

Comparison of the best ice therapy machines for pain management

	Aqua Hot/Cold Therapy pain control technology	Arctic Ice Cream Cryotherapy
script
Preis		Amazon price
time between charges	up to 5 hours	up to 8 hours
Chronograph	up to 60 minutes	up to 60 minutes
adjustable temperature
adjustable water flow
Type of therapy offered	hot Cold	only cold
Including accessories?
user-friendly design

Best Ice Therapy Machine for the Money:

6. LEONNS cold therapy device

LEONNS cold therapy device

A value proposition in every sense of the word, this LEONNS ice therapy machine is a must-have when your budget is tight but you don't want to compromise. Despitecosts a little over $150, it comes with a universal pad and a dedicated knee pad, eliminating the need to make additional purchases later. What's also impressive is that it's quite feature-rich, even compared to more expensive products. Contrary toVive cold therapy device, Hatadjustable water flow. There are actually 5 settings to choose from. Admittedly, the water pressure isn't quite as great as the Vive, even at the highest setting this machine offers, but given the price and the fact that you have options when configuring your operation, it's a minor flaw and it's easy to overlook. .

Integrates a 30 minute timerSo you can limit the time you spend on cryotherapy to avoid side effects. However, if you want to extend this time, you need to press the start button again when the set time is up and the machine will shut down automatically. The long insulated hose ensures that the water temperature is kept as good as possible.Speaking of temperature, it's adjustable via easy-to-use digital controls.. It also sends you an alert when the temperature fluctuates so you can fix it by adding more ice.

The pool is transparent so you can see for yourself how high the water is thanks to the fill lines. Finally, we mention thisThe company guarantees 1 year against defects.. So when it comes to support, thatcheap cryotherapy deviceoutperforms even premium products like thatKit-Ossur cold feveror thePolar Active Ice 3.0 products.

The Best Ice Therapy Machine for the Knee:

7. Aircast Cryo Blue-Large

Amazon price

See Also

10 Best Ice Packs After Shoulder Surgery in 2022 - GadgetsSaiShoulder Surgery Ice Machine - HealthyJointsClub.comHow to Sleep After Rotator Cuff Surgery (10 Doctor Tips)How to Fix a Frozen Shoulder - Harvard Health

Aircast Cryo Blue-Large

This product can provide fresh, targeted compression to problem areas. the machine isnon-motorized and gravity fed, which means you have to put it on a table or chair so that it is on a higher level. In this way, the filling water flows from the pool directly to the cuff without the need for electrical energy. Although not as convenient as a model that uses a pump like thisKit-Ossur cold feverIn our top, the advantage of this type of arrangement is thatYou can keep using it even when it is turned off.

What is special about this product is that it offers superior cryotherapy and minimizes the risk of tissue damage. You should use this device for swelling, pain, post-operative recovery and sports-related injuries.Cuff easily adjusts to each of your feet, so no need to improvise. Unfortunately, you can't adjust the temperature or set a timer, so you'll have to keep an eye on how it works. Generally, a full bucket will do up to8 hours.

Best hip ice therapy machine:

8. NEHOO cold therapy device

Amazon price

NEHOO cold therapy device

This NEHOO model has a compact design that integrates a7 gallon double insulated bucket, a sturdy handle and a long hose that connects to an included universal cushion. The bucket can hold a large amount of ice, meaning the system can run for several hours before you need to add more. The pad included in the package can be easily wrapped around a leg or an arm and you getBungee Tiesto secure it. You can also use it as is by laying it on its back.

It is an electric model withbrushless motorThis includes a silent pump to direct the cold water through the hose to the pad. The advantage of this construction is that it is not always necessary to find a higher point to place the tray, sincedoes not depend on gravity. You just need to pour water into the bucket until it reaches the bottom mark, and then add ice or a few bottles of ice water. Close the lid and lift the handle to secure, plug in and power on the device.

You will be able toset the flow rate - 3 levels available. In addition, you can easily monitor the temperature as it is displayed using a graph and a series of LEDs on the lid. values ​​can gofrom 39 to 59 horrific Fahrenheit. The device is also equipped with a timer that turns it off after 30 minutes of continuous use. This feature is extremely handy, especially when you're recovering from surgery and the last thing you need to do is be on your toes and counting down the minutes until you need to take a break from therapy. The warranty offered applies to this model1 again, more consistent than what's included in even more expensive models like thisKit-Ossur cold feverÖPolar Active Ice 3.0 products.

9. DeRoyal CoolJet T835NS

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DeRoyal CoolJet T835NS

Just like himDonJoy 11-1426 Classic IcemanOn our top was the DeRoyal CoolJet T835NSdesigned for commercial use, and doctors can purchase it at their facility to provide relief to their patients and reduce the use of pain medication. It comes with onepatented automatic temperature control systemwhich regulates the flow so that the water flowing through the blanket maintains the ideal temperature for therapy. A LED system shows you if the machine is working properly or if you need to make some adjustments:

• solid green– shows that the device is working efficiently
• flashing green– The water temperature is still good, but soon you will need to add more ice
• Bernstein– Water temperature is over 65 degrees Fahrenheit so you need to add water
• rot shiny– There is a problem with the operation of the device. Check that the hose is draining water and that the bucket is level with the area to be treated.

It uses a pump to push the water so it doesn't depend on gravity. However, the motor has limited power, so try not to position the machine too far under the treatment area and force it to push the water too far.A bucket full of ice can get you a good few hours of treatment.. Unfortunately, this model has a very short warranty of only 90 days.

10. Thermax hot/cold therapy

Amazon price

Thermax hot/cold therapy

If you are looking for a relaxing alternative to ice packs, this machine is ideal for your needs. This will stimulate the body to repair itself, relieving pain and reducing inflammation. The pump circulates the water through the 56 inch hose and into the bladder to provide a cool feeling to the affected area. This will provide long lasting relief. HeEasy-to-use button coverIt seals tight at the top to prevent spills. also therigid gripIt ensures easy portability so you can take it anywhere.

ÖPad Mede 11" (L) x 12,5" (B), so you can use it on different body areas like back, elbows, knees and ankles. A full water tank is enough for 5 hours of cold therapy. Just like himAqua Hot/Cold Therapy pain control technology, this machine offers hot or cold therapy. So if you are on a budget this is a great option to consider.

Are ice therapy machines safe?

Cryotherapy devices do not pose a hazard when used correctlyand make a significant difference in relieving pain, inflammation, and swelling. On paper, these machines are practically harmless because they are so easy to use. What they do is circulate cold water through a wrapped hose that you place on the part of the body you want to treat.What you should do to avoid possible side effects is:

• Use a cloth or bandage as a barrier between the bandage and your skin.. It is important that the pack does not touch your skin directly. Otherwise there is a risk of frostbite.
• Check regularly whether the skin under the pack is dry. If there is sweat or water, the cold bandage will form some ice that will injure the skin.
• Adjust the wrap so that it is not too tight.. Your skin should be relaxed, not stretched by the tampon.
• Be careful not to exceed 20 minutes of cold therapy on any one area of ​​the body at a time.. When 20 minutes have passed, turn off the device and take a break of at least 20 minutes before reapplying the bandage to that specific area.
• If you experience any of these reactions, stop using the cold therapy and contact your doctor for advice:increased swelling, increased pain, changes in skin color or appearance, numbness or blistering.

Please note that there isGroups of people for whom the use of ice therapy is not recommendedresort to it entirely or only after they have spoken to their doctor and been given the go-ahead for cold treatment.People who should not use cryotherapy unless approved by a specialist are those suffering from the following conditions:

• circulatory disorders (sickle cell anemia, Buerger's disease, Raynaud's disease and more);
• Diabetes;
• history of frostbite or any type of cold injury;
• Conditions that affect how skin feels (sciatica, stroke, peripheral neuropathy, and more)
• Individuals taking medications that impair peripheral vascular circulation.

Ice relieves pain by reducing blood flow to the area it is applied to. Make that,reduces swelling and inflammation that is the cause of your pain. It is generally recommended to relieve pain and inflammation in the joints and tendons. When used as recommended, it can be a helpful tool to make you feel better andOvercome pain related to injury or surgery much easier. But there's a fine line between pain relief and the possibility of frostbite and worsening existing conditions.

Luckily, it's so easy to make sure there are no side effects by not using the cold therapy for longer than recommended, wrapping the bandage without strangling the area, and looking for signs that your body isn't accepting the therapy - signs we are have listed above. More than that,Ice therapy machines are very safe devices that you can use at home without professional supervision..

Ice vs Heat Therapy

Pain can completely disrupt your life, especially when we talk about chronic pain.While painkillers can work for a while, they are not a viable long-term solution.many people are turning to alternative therapies that can provide the relief they need. Some use ice therapy while others depend on the benefits of heat. In fact, there are some differences between these treatments, so let's take a quick look at them and learn when to use one over the other.

Eistherapie

– If you have recently had surgery, you should know that this treatment is most suitable for you.It reduces inflammation in the affected area and reduces bleeding, making the first few days after surgery more bearable.Here are other situations when cold therapy is appropriate:

• Muscle cramp– reduces nerve activity in the area where it is applied and also decreases blood flow, which can relieve pain associated with muscle spasms.
• gout buds- When the sudden pain associated with gout occurs, the best way to treat it is with ice as it can help reduce inflammation in the joints and also numb the pain.
• acute pain- There's a reason every character in a movie who's been hit goes in the freezer and dabs a bag of frozen peas or steak on their eye that's about to swell: ice prevents inflammation and reduces bruising. It also helps numb pain, making it easier to endure.

heat therapy

- That isIt is most commonly used when you are not in acute pain from a recent injury, but when you are dealing with chronic pain. The heat warms the underlying muscles, gradually reducing the level of pain. However, it has no long-term effect. The muscles begin to tighten after a few hours.

• chronic back pain– If you apply warm compresses to the affected area, you will find that the pain subsides after a while. This is because the heat improves blood supply and the body releases chemicals that relieve back muscle spasms.
• arthrosis– The joints expand even more due to the heat. Acts as a natural joint lubricant. Thus, it improves pain in arthritic joints. If you keep the heat at a comfortable level for even 10 minutes, you will immediately find that you can move much more easily.
• muscle cramps– If you are a woman, you already know how effective it is to use a heating pad for menstrual cramps. Because the heat allows the muscles to relax. The therapy can be applied to any part of the body that is spasmodic.

Ice Therapy Equipment Buyer's Guide

Constant cooling is recommended to reduce pain, treat circulatory problems and aid in postoperative recovery.. Due to the wide application of ice therapy, the options for ice therapy equipment have become quite numerous, and more and more healthcare brands are manufacturing these products. For beginners, choosing can be difficult as there are multiple options to suit all budgets. If you are in the situation that you need a cryotherapy machine for home use but not sure what to integrate,Here is a quick buying guide to help you make the right choice.:

• Capability:It refers to the machine's ability to keep the water cold. If you have acute pain, make sure you can maintain the right water temperature for several hours to continue treatment as needed and improve your condition as quickly as possible.

  Better choice: Aircast Cryo Big Blue(no need to charge for about 8 hours)

• Timer and auto shut off:For safety reasons, it is best to opt for an ice therapy machine with a timer. So there is no risk of frostbite even when falling asleep with a blindfold, as the device switches off automatically after the set time. Keep in mind that it's not recommended to apply cold therapy to a single area for more than 20 minutes at a time, so the timer feature can make a world of difference to ensure you don't exceed the recommended limit.

  Better choice: Polar Active Ice 3.0 products(990-Minute-Hour)

• Temperature control:With the latest generation of cryotherapy devices, you have the option of choosing the temperature of the water. This helps prevent frostbite. In addition, products that allow you to adjust the temperature will also notify you when the water temperature rises, so you know and put more ice in it to regulate it.

  Better choice: Kit-Ossur cold fever(3 configurations)

• Heat/cold therapy function:Why limit yourself to a single use when you can get a 2-in-1 machine? There are some products where you can choose between heat and cold therapy. And you get this benefit from just one device, you don't need to buy anything separately to benefit from heat therapy.

  Better choice: Aqua Hot/Cold Therapy pain control technology

• including pillow:The more the merrier, as it ensures that you can benefit from ice therapy on multiple affected areas of the body. Ideally, opt for a product that includes a universal pad, as these tend to cover a larger area. We also recommend reusable cloth pads as this will save you money in the long run. Just wash them when you're done and you can reuse them.

  Better choice: LEONNS cold therapy device(Universal pad and special knee pad)

• Tube length and material:Cold water flows through the hose from the reservoir to the pad, so it's important that the material is insulating. This way the water temperature is not affected by the pipe material. You should also make sure that the tubing is long enough to allow free movement during cryotherapy.

  Better choice: Vive cold therapy device(5 foot long insulated pipe)

• Version - weight and size:This aspect is important for the portability of the machine. It must be small and weigh as little as possible so that you can move and transport it more easily. When you have a condition that causes you pain, the last thing you want is lugging around heavy machinery to get off the couch and into bed.

  Better choice: DeRoyal CoolJet T835NS(measures 14.5" x 10.5" x 10" and weighs 5 pounds)

frequently asked questions

Conclusion

Ice therapy can be used to treat inflammation, pain, swelling, and other ailments.. Using an ice therapy machine will help you eliminate these issues, reduce pain, and increase blood flow. That's why we've selected the best products on the market to help you decide which one best suits your needs. Nevertheless,A few options deserve a second mention, so let's take a closer look:

The best ice therapy device for physical therapy: Kit-Ossur cold fever

Although this device is designed for home use, it works much like a commercial product and canMaintain a continuous supply of cold water for up to 6 hours. The bucket has thick walls that increase ice melting time and a heavy-duty locking lid ensures nothing spills.The engine is strong but quiet., so that you can rest after the operation. Best of all, you can regulate the flow of water and decide how fresh your skin feels.

Editor's Choice / Best Compression Ice Therapy Machine: Polar Active Ice 3.0 products

If you want to enjoy maximum performance, we recommend this option. It is a recently updated model with cutting-edge features that will help you get rid of post-surgical pain.The temperature is adjustable, so you can configure it according to your needs. However, you need to purchase a controller separately to adjust the temperature settings. more to mentionhas a practical timer function and lasts up to 990 minutes(more than any other product offering). You will also receive one in the packageQuality compression pads suitable for knees, ankles, shoulders and calves, and wrap it up well to ensure it gets the best benefit from the cryotherapy provided.

Best Shoulder Ice Therapy Machine: Vive cold therapy device

Dealing with shoulder pain is not a pleasant thing. So if you find yourself in such a situation, we recommend you to consider this machine. It provides quick relief through pain relief and leads to full recovery in a short period of time. It has a capacity of up to 6 liters of ice cream, so we are also talking about a large capacity. The set includes a universal pad that can be easily adjusted to fit a sore shoulder.

The Best Ice Therapy Machine for the Knee: Aircast Cryo Blue-Large

Specially developed for knee diseases., will help you get rid of pain without the possibility of tissue damage. The good thing is thatDelivers ice-cold water through the cuff directly to the knee for quick relief. The cuff adapts to both right and left foot, so you can use it according to your needs. In addition, the water flows without interruption, so that refilling is not necessary.

Best hip ice therapy machine: NEHOO cold therapy device

The NEHOO cold therapy device has a powerful motor and a capacity of 7 liters, which can provide relief for several hours. The packageIncludes a universal pad that can be wrapped around a knee, shoulder or attached to a hip that has undergone surgery. It integrates an LED control panel that allows you to monitor the water temperature and adjust it by selecting a different flow rate.

Best Elbow Ice Therapy Machine: Aqua Hot/Cold Therapy pain control technology

The Aqua Hot/Cold Therapy device's included universal cushion makes it perfect for relieving pain in any area that's needed, but where it's needed mosthow easily it wraps around the elbow. The wrap measures 11" x 11" and has a Velcro strap that allows you to adjust it to the size of the area you are applying it to. What makes it even more outstanding in pain management is thatProvides cold or heat therapy. That's right, it's a much more complex machine than the other entries we've seen today. With cryotherapy, expect cold water to circulate continuously for about 5 hours, while with heat therapy mode, it takes less than 10 minutes to reach the ideal temperature for you to begin your healing session.

Best Ice Therapy Machine for the Money: LEONNS cold therapy device

What makes this LEONNS cryotherapy machine the best you can buy right now is value for money.You can have it for just over $150Therefore, it is not a heavy purchase that will significantly harm you financially. In addition, it does not distance itself from the top machines in terms of the integrated features and the included accessories. There are 5 different flow settings to choose from and while you can't set your preferred temperature, it monitors this stat to ensure it is regulated. When it comes to accessories, besides auniversal pillowthis works for several areas and aspecial knee orthosis, the package also includesElastic bandslong enough to wrap around the chest, thighs or abdomen to extend the usability of the cold therapy device.