The Best Ice Therapy Machines are going to provide you relief from pain and aches. These machines help you get rid of those bulky Ice Packs as applying ice packs on swelling can be a tedious task at times. Many people suffer from constant paid after accident or surgery. No matter what your age is, all age group has an equal probability of facing this issue. If someone faces an injury in an accident, it takes sweet time to recover.
During the recovery, one may face several challenges in their body and constant pain. You cannot take pills and use bandages on your injuries all the time! Drugs might save you some time, and bandages make you look cool, but they are not ideal for fighting this issue.
If you are looking for an effective treatment for your swellings and injuries, then our list of ✅Top 7 Best Ice Therapy Machines will come to your rescue! While various options are available in the market, we scrapped down the best ones to not get overwhelmed during your purchase.
So, without further discussion, let us get started with our list already!
What is an Ice Therapy Machines?
An ice treatment machine is a device that uses an icy liquid to assist relieves pain and edema in the body. Ice treatment machines aid with this by using ice water and freezing chemicals, which aid wounds and discomfort speed up the healing process.
Ice therapy machines are just an advancement of them. If you have already used ice packs, you may be familiar with the process. These machines are either motorized or non-motorized devices that are made to provide Ice therapy and soothe your pains and aches and reduce swelling.
At the same time, ice packs need to be stored in a refrigerator constantly before using them. Ice therapy machines do not require refrigerators to do the same. These machines have more Ice in them, and the results are much quicker. Such type of machines helps in healing injuries quicker by using a freezing agent and ice water. Also, Ice therapy machines are even recommended by many doctors and physical trainers in order to deal with injuries or even after recovering from surgery.
While you plan to buy a cold Laser therapy device, you should consider a few critical factors mind which depends on your requirements and needs. Like duration for which you want to machine to be used, whether the machine is manual or automatic, durability, the life of the machine etc. Now let’s have a look at our Top 7+ Best Ice Therapy Machines for Shoulder, which have been selected very carefully, following the above factors.
7 Best Ice Therapy Machines for Shoulder
#1. Ossur Cold Rush
This pick from Ossur comes with a large shoulder pad, making it the most efficient choice for people going through shoulder pain. A motor in this helps deliver constant cold water to the pad, for instance, soothing relief. When the machine is a full tank, it can run for about 6-8 hours for calming results.
It has a dimension of 16.2 x 12.2 x 10 inches and weighs just 4.6 lbs. This machine features a durable motor and offers the highest ice-to-water ratio in the industry. Also, this machine produces less heat transfer from the motor to the water combined, ensuring prolonged Ice therapy for up to 6 hours. This Ice Therapy machine gives consistent cooling along with excellent compressions even to high elevations.
With this machine, you get a large shoulder pad and also a locking lid to help prevent spills. This machine has insulated walls that improve cooling, along with three elasticized straps. Plus the motor in this machine has a durable motor with four power settings.
#2 DonJoy Cold Therapy Shoulder Wrap
DonJoy Cold Therapy Shoulder Wrap
$63.99
This one is also a shoulder wrap with a shape that fits accurately to the shoulder size. The entire mat is filled with water and freezing compounds to deliver instant soothing and pain relief to your body. Once charged, this can run for 2 hours, and you do not need to fill the matt with water or Ice. The shape of this machine makes it ideal for rehabilitation as it offers a controlled delivery of Ice therapy.
The extra cold temperature of DonJoy Cold Therapy shoulder wrap is accurate and consistent, and unlike its competitors, it has a patented dual pump recirculation system. Also, the makers of this system have developed it after 20 years of research and have also gathered a good amount of customer feedback in favor of the product. Also, it is made up of durable material, which is built to last longer, and its design is simple, which makes it easy to use at home.
#3 Cryotherapy Arctic Ice
This is another Ice Therapy equipment that is of hospital grade, which ensures that you get the best out of it when you need it. The machine gives localized support to the body and targets directly to the affected area. It gives continuous Ice Therapy for up to 5 hours, and you can move it freely, unlike the ice packs, which restrict movements.
This one has a universal cooling pad that can be used on any part of the body. With the apparent features, you also get a security feature with this one. The top lid can be locked to prevent the machine from the unnecessary spill. It comes with a Leak-free 52-inch hose and a Universal joint wrap which you can use for a variety of treatment areas.
This machine also has a high and low setting by which you can adjust the machine as per your required treatment. Also, the auto shut-off feature helps you to take control of your treatment and helps in avoiding the risk of any sort of additional injury. Plus you also get a 90-day warranty with this product.
#4 ARS Aqua Relief System Hot or Cold Water Therapy Device
ARS Aqua Relief System Hot or Cold Water Therapy Device
As the name suggests, this one can be used as both hot and cold water therapy. The hot treatment helps relieve the pain, and the cold therapy pad helps in decreasing the body swelling due to any injury.
This machine can help in getting added compression on the injured area and is ideal for chronic conditions including diabetic neuropathy and even arthritis. The machine has an automatic timer that shuts off after running for an hour. It gives Ice Therapy for about 5 hours and uniform cooling around the affected area, which can help reduce swelling and pain. You can consider it as a piece of hospital-grade equipment that gives you the best Ice therapy treatment. With this machine you get a universal wrap and a velcro strap for use with a variety of areas and also a 52-inch hose that is attached to the pad.
You can quickly move it around on your ankles, hips, shoulders, legs, and wrists as the machine comes with power and heater switches. You can adjust the temperature dial to shift between hot and cold therapy.
#5 Polar Products Active Ice Therapy System 2.0
Polar Products Active Ice Therapy System 2.0
This product comes with an active ice system that helps you eliminate all the possible pain you might have. You can pour water and ice into the section by opening the lid and letting the machine do its work! This machine is specially designed for post-surgery cryotherapy when patients require relief from acute pain. This Ice Therapy system also has high flow, quick disconnect couplings and dry, which gives you a high degree of movement. Also, it is highly efficient and quiet and provides steady and effective cooling.
You can easily use this machine over pain in your shoulders, back, knees, calves and more. Plus, with these machines, you get a U-shaped bladder and a 9-quart cooler with a secure carrying handle system. Once switched on, the machine will run automatically for 30 minutes. The auto shut-off feature prevents over-cooling.
#6 Breg Polar Care Wave
Breg Polar Care Wave
Brea is the second-largest orthopedic brace provider in the US, and its mission is to elevate and simplify patient care; this piece is no different. This equipment gives you Ice therapy and compression via anatomic wraps. It comes with a motorized machine which is compact and quiet and also ideal for home use. The portable shape of the device makes it convenient for traveling and other home use. Even you can use the Breg Polar Care wave at the hospital, during athletic training or even during travel. This machine is designed to treat acute and post-surgical injuries and reduce pain and swelling, making it an ideal Ice therapy machine. This machine looks like a high-end product but is highly affordable. You can purchase the machine on its own, or you can buy the specific pads you need with it.
#7 Vive Cold Therapy Machine
This machine is designed to give Ice Therapy relief for post-surgical swelling and also joint pain and inflammation, and also for post-workout recovery. Also, this is a lower-level laser therapy device reservoir that can hold up to 6 liters of ice water. The machine has five continuous flow rates with a cycle of 30 minutes or less, giving its users a personalized experience. It also has a bright LED display. The machine is quiet, compact, portable, and has an integrated carrying handle.
Also, the transparent base makes it easy to fill with guide marks for both ice and water. With the machine, you get a foam insulated connector tubing, and three adjustable, secure straps and these pads are primarily flexible.
Vive Cold Therapy machine is specifically designed to give immediate relief from pain, soreness and discomfort. You also get a universal therapy pad that effectively targets the knees, shoulders, arms and hips. Well, the best part is that you also get a 1-year unconditional guarantee.
The proper way to use Cold Therapy Machine
Ice therapy machines are pretty straightforward to use. You have to remove the upper lid and fill it with cold water or Ice to use it. This water or Ice will be later converted into a freezing gel. This gel will travel through the tank to the cod pad. The pad will continue to be cold until you have set the temperature or the water/ice is evaporated. The pad offers a soothing flow to the problematic areas and is more effective in shoulder and muscle pain.
Benefits associated with Cold Therapy Machines | What are the Benefits of Ice Therapy Machines?
The Medical Fraternity and professionals, along with the sports and rehabilitation ones of them, agree that Ice therapy in combination with compression therapy is among the best treatments for injury, inflammation and any pain related to your muscular system. Ice Therapy does help to mitigate the pain because of its numbing effect and does not have any sort of side effects of over-the-counter medication. Plus, it also helps our tissues repair themselves faster by reducing the swelling and inflammation and increasing nutrients like oxygen in the injured area.
Let us have a look at the few benefits!
They are and will be a better option than Ice Packs. One might confuse between ice pads and cold therapy machines. But let us tell you, these machines work entirely differently than the regular ice packs.
First of all, you do not need to place in the freezers. Whenever you want to use them, you only need a socket and some water.
Here are a few proven benefits of Ice Therapy Machines:
- It reduces swelling
- It soothes sore muscles
- It reduces swelling
- It reduces pain
- It speeds up metabolism
- It improves sleep quality
- It improves the immune system
The other benefits include stimulated blood flow and also stimulated movement of the lymphatic fluid, which then provides the injured tissues with both nutrients and oxygen. Other than this, ice therapy machines are much colder than the ice packs and relieve the pain by targeting the inner muscles. Unlike ice packs, these machines point to the deeper areas of the problems. Once you start using them, there is no turning back.
How does Ice Therapy Machines work?
The Ice therapy machines help to relieve pain temporally by reducing nerve activity. Plus, it also reduces the blood flow to the affected area, which reduces inflammation and swelling. These machines circulate cold water continuously to the affected area with the help of an ice reservoir. So as your injury starts warming up, the continuous cold supply of water supplants it.
With an Ice pack, you don’t get coverage on the entire area, but Ice therapy machines have overcome this problem as it wraps around and gives you Ice therapy to your entire joint and covers a greater surface area.
One needs to remember that this therapy may provide you relief, but it can never become a perfect solution. If you have been prescribed Ice Therapy, then using the Ice therapy machines is a good solution. Following are a few of the critical reasons which should back your decision regarding the usage of Ice therapy machines instead of ice packs.
Why should I buy Cold Therapy Machine?
Whether the pain is in your head or shoulder, there are no body parts that cannot take advantage of these ice therapy machines. The ice therapy machines may be specially built for knees and shoulder, but that does not mean you cannot use them on other parts of your body.
Other than the apparent regions, cold therapy machines can be used on ankles, calves, thighs, and even your neck! This product is convenient and targets the root cause of the problem. This is not like a painkiller or a bandage that will only work on specific body parts. This is a handy machine that people of different ages can use. They reduce pain quickly.
The results are not temporary as ice packs. As ice therapy machines target the body’s deeper areas, they send cold sensations to get relief. On the other hand, the cold sensations go deep in the nerves, resulting in better outcomes. These machines work in a way that will help you get relieved faster than the other products, and the swelling will get reduced in no time.
Points to consider when purchasing Ice Therapy Machines
Ice therapy is not a cheap investment as ice packs are a great chance that you might purchase a machine only once in your life. There so there are a few things that you need to consider while buying one of them.
👉 Motorized and Non-Motorized
This is a very critical factor before you buy Ice Therapy machines. The motorized ones come with the motor and hence the name. These machines offer their own benefits, like sending a more robust and consistent flow of ice therapy to the injured area. But the downside of Motorized Ice therapy machines would be that they can be noisy, although there are a few of them which come with ‘whisper quiet’ features.
The non-motorized Ice Therapy machines are quiet and often light which makes them a portable option to choose from and also travel handy. Also, there are no plugs so that you can use them anywhere. These are usually pretty basic, so you would not see the fancy timers, settings or led screens on them.
👉 The Tube Length
This is one of the most critical factors that you need to consider before your purchase. Only the length of the tube will decide whether the flow of the cold sensations to the pad is adequate or not. So for best results, watch out for the tubes that are bigger in length.
👉 The Machine Size
Basically, A cold therapy system can weigh anywhere from 2-8 pounds and they are different in sizes. The machine size should be portable enough to travel and store easily. The smaller the machine is, the more costly that will be. Also the heavier ones are generally motorized and this would not be an issue if you tend to move around a lot while using it and also if the cord length is not long enough of the machine to make you stay at one place while you move.
👉 Auto-shutoff
This is the most critical feature to look out for! Your machine should have an automatic shut-off system, so you do not have to worry about switching it off. If the device is not automatic and kept on for a long time, you may face some issues with the functioning in the long run.
👉 Timer Settings
Few of the devices have to be timed in a period of 15 or 30-minute increments, whereas few allow you to use them for hours. You should utilize ice therapy for a specified time depending on your condition, and it is an essential feature to be considered before you buy Ice therapy machines.
👉 Customizable Pads
Few of the healing pads are designed to be used only on some specific areas like the knee and cannot be used on some other body parts. So if you want a product that can be used in various areas, you should ensure to read the product description once before you purchase it.
Are there any sort of other Cold Therapy Units?
Well apart from the above ones, there are a few of the conventional ones which we usually see more often. Let’s have a look at a few of them.
Ice Massage: This is done with the help of an ice cup which is placed on the swelling area and then gently moved over it. Such movement over the injured or swelling area would mobilize the soft tissues just like a regular massage, and the ice would help with the pain.
Coolants: These are also pretty common nowadays and come in the form of ointments or sprays and are either rubbed or sprayed on the swelling or injured part to relieve pain. After being sprayed, you get a cooling sensation.
Ice Pack: These are usually reusable packets that contain gel or something similar. Before use, the pack has to be frozen for a specific time and then placed directly on the swelling or painful area.
Ice Therapy Vs. Heat Therapy | Difference Between Cold And Hot Therapy
As described earlier, Cold therapy helps in the reduction of inflammation by decreasing the blood flow to the affected area. It can help in the treatment of swollen or inflamed muscles or joints. Also, this therapy is most effective if it is done within 48 hours of the injury. It just acts like local anesthesia, which helps in numbing the sore tissues. It is also helpful for recent injuries, strains and osteoarthritis and helps reduce migraines.
Whereas thermotherapy or heat therapy is generally used to alleviate chronic pain. It does help in increasing blood flow and also keeps the muscles relaxed. It also helps tightened muscles relax and helps the sore.
Heat therapy is also more effective than Ice therapy when we talk about chronic muscle pain and sore joints that are caused by arthritis. It is also helpful in alleviating sprains, pains or spasms which are related to neck and back injuries. Nowadays, Ice therapy machines are increasingly popular among doctors, trainers and other professionals because of the multitude of benefits they offer. Also, it is a method that is tested and helps in reducing pain and swelling.
Are Ice Therapy Machines Safe? | Tips to Avoid any Potential Side Effects
Well, mostly, if you use Ice Therapy Machines correctly, they are safe and pose no threat and relieve pain, swelling and inflammation. These machines are also easy to use and primarily harmless on paper. What these machines do is actually circulate the cold water through a tube into a wrap that you place on the swelling area which you want to treat.
Though to avoid any kind of potential side effects, you can follow the following tips:
- Always make sure that you do not exceed 20 minutes of cold therapy at a time for a single body area. After 20 minutes, you should turn off the machine and take a break of another 20 minutes before you reapply the wrap on the swelling area.
- If you notice or feel like any sort of reaction, you should interrupt the cold therapy and consult a health care provider for guidance if you see increased pay, increased swelling or changes in the skin color or appearance.
- Always use a cloth or bandage as a barrier between the wrap and your skin. The important thing is that the wrap does not come in contact directly with your skin. Else, you can see frostbite, which then becomes an imminent risk.
- Adjust the wrap, so it does not fit too tightly. Your skin should be relaxed and not constricted by the pad.
- Do check regularly to see that the skin under the wrap is not dry. If there is no sweat or water under it, then the cold wrap can cause a small ice formation which can hurt your skin.
Who should not use Ice Therapy Machines? | Key considerations to take note
Well, many people don’t know that there is a category of people who should refrain from using Ice Therapy Machines. Yes, you read it right! These categories of people are told to only resort to this therapy as directed by their health physician.
People who are barred from using Cryotherapy unless given clearance by their specialist is the people who suffer from the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- Any History of frostbite or any sort of cold injury.
- Conditions like Stroke, Sciatica, peripheral Neurotherapy or any such which affect the skin condition.
- People who take medication that negatively affect peripheral vascular circulation.
- Circulatory disorders like sickle cell anemia, Raynaud’s disease and more.
Ice is known to reduce pain by reducing blood flow to that particular area where it is applied. It reduces the swelling and inflammation that stands at the root of the pain you feel. Usually, it is recommended to ease pain and inflammation around joints and tendons. If you use it as per the recommended manner, it is a handy tool that can even help you get over an injury or surgery-related pain in a quick time. But you should remember that there is a very thin line between pain and alleviation, and the potential for frostbite can worsen your existing condition.
So to make sure that there are no side effects and to use these Ice Therapy machines properly, it is advised to wrap a paid without strangulating the area and also watch out for a few signs that your body may not welcome the therapy signs and especially the signs previously listed. Other than these signs, The Ice Therapy Machines are very safe, and you can easily use them without any professional supervision.
FAQ related to Ice Therapy Machines
How long should I use Ice Therapy for?
You can ice up to 3-4 times per day for up to 72 hours after the accident, or until the pain, swelling, and throbbing have gone away.
How do you use an Ice machine for shoulder surgery?
Icing is critical for the first 7-14 days following surgery. While the post-operative dressing is in place, the icing/cooling machine should be used as often as possible. After removing the dressing (usually after 48-72 hours), ice is applied for 20-minute intervals 3-4 times per day or as much as permitted.
Can Icing help reduce infection?
As seen in our 7+ Ice Therapy Machines that these machines can help in treating pain and swelling, but they cannot cure any sort of infection. If you seem to be infected by infection, we recommend you to consult a doctor before it worsens, as they can prescribe antibiotics that would effectively curb the infections.
How do Ice Therapy machines work?
Cold therapy machines operate by cycling water through an ice reservoir. The reservoir is linked to a wrap that provides compression, which may aid in swelling reduction. A cold therapy unit combines the benefits of therapeutic cold and targeted pressure to aid in healing.
How long should you Ice after shoulder replacement surgery?
Ice your shoulder for at least 8 hours per day. If you are unable to use the iceman, we recommend using ice in a small plastic bag. As needed, ice your shoulder for 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours.
How often should you do Cold Therapy?
If you have suffered an injury, cold therapy can help you attenuate the inflammation and treat the conditions. You can resort to it multiple times a day for shorter periods. Also, make sure that you maintain a 20-minute break between the therapy so that you don’t suffer from any sort of side effects.
How many days should you use Ice over an injury?
In general, you can use the ice over injury as it is produced. Though the doctors suggest, you use it the following day. Also, the doctor’s advised you to stop using it after 3 days as this period should be enough for the swelling to disappear.
Does Ice Therapy speed up recovery?
One thing about Ice Therapy is that most people don’t know that it alone would not help in speedy recovery. There are also factors that help with it. Combining it with a healthy diet and compression therapy will help eliminate the edema faster and give quick healing.
How cold does Ice Therapy needs to be?
Generally, the water that is being circulated through the tube and into the pad should be at a maximum temperature of 59 degrees Fahrenheit. When the ice becomes warmer than 65 degrees Fahrenheit, the ice needs to be replenished as the therapy would no longer be efficient.
Are the Ice Therapy machines more effective then Ice packs?
This question is quite prevalent, and we know why. An Ice Therapy machine is a more significant investment than a simple ice pack. So when you get an Ice Therapy unit which can cost anywhere between $200-$600, it is absolutely worth the investment with its variety of benefits.
What are the benefits of Ice Therapy?
Cryotherapy is another name for cold therapy. It works by decreasing blood flow to a specific area, significantly reducing inflammation and swelling that cause pain, particularly around a joint or a tendon. It can transitorily reduce nerve activity, thereby relieving pain.
Bottom Lines: Best Ice Therapy Machines
An Ice therapy machine is an excellent option for those who go through constant aches and swellings! Also, the best Ice Therapy machines are the most effective ways to remove swelling, inflammation and pain. They have indeed come out as an alternative to traditional ice packs and can heal injuries caused due to stress, fall, strain etc.
You can choose one of the machines from the list to get effective results. We hope that our Top 7 Best Ice Therapy Machines were helpful to you!
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