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9 Best Cold Therapy Machines for Injury, Post-Surgery & Knee Pain Relief
- Dawn Chambers, PT, DPT
- Jun 16, 2022
- 11 min read
Updated: Apr 30
9 Best Cold Therapy Machines for Injury, Post-Surgery & Knee Pain Relief
Whether you're healing from an injury, surgery, or a difficult workout, cold therapy machines can help speed your recovery and get you back on your feet faster. Plus, these machines offer a wide variety of benefits, from boosting the immune system to reducing inflammation—all of which can help expedite the healing process. There are a lot of options on the market and sifting through them all can be confusing. What features matter most in a cold therapy device? Use the following guide to choose the best cold therapy machines for your needs.
Many people also search for these as cold therapy units, ice therapy machines, or even compression therapy systems depending on their specific recovery needs.
What Is a Cold Therapy Machine (Also Called an Ice Therapy Unit)?
Cold therapy machines are devices that deliver cold therapy via a wrap or pad to certain areas of your body to relieve aches, pain, and minimize swelling. The machines can be either motorized or non-motorized. They’re also referred to as cryotherapy machines or ice therapy machines.
You've likely used an ice pack to treat a sore or swollen area. Doctors and fitness trainers often recommend cold therapy via ice packs. The problem with ice packs is that they melt quickly, which means you need to have multiple on hand and keep them in rotation to really get the full effects. At best, ice packs can only offer temporary pain relief. Cold therapy machines are an answer to this issue. They deliver consistent cold therapy to the area for optimal healing—no running back and forth to the freezer.
Studies have also proven the effectiveness and usefulness of using a cryotherapy ice machine. Researchers found that patients recovering from knee surgery experienced equal results when using ice packs and ice therapy machines with physical therapy. However, those using cold therapy devices reported feeling more satisfied with the cold therapy and used cold therapy more consistently than those relying on ice packs. Using a cold therapy unit in addition to other treatments, like physical therapy, cold wraps, and compression therapy can provide a more complete therapy system and even better results.
How Does a Cold Therapy Machine Work?
Cold therapy machines work in conjunction with a pad or wrap that you can apply to the affected part of your body. The wrap circulates cold water via a hose that is connected to the main device which houses an ice reservoir. Many of these systems are designed to work with a universal pad for added convenience.
In your body, the cold temperatures reduce nerve activity by slowing blood flow to the area. This decreases inflammation and swelling. Unlike an ice pack, a cold therapy machine can deliver ice therapy to your entire injury, as the cold wrap can go all the way around your arm, leg, or other affected area. These machines work by cycling ice water through the pad or wrap to provide consistent temperatures close to what an ice pack provides, but continuously. They can be used in physical therapy, at home and anytime you need additional relief. The cold water is continuously cooled, so it maintains effectiveness throughout treatment.
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What Are the Benefits of Using Ice Therapy Machines?
Cold therapy machines can speed up your recovery or offer effective pain management if you suffer from a more chronic condition. They do this via a variety of benefits, including:
Reduces swelling
Decreases inflammation
Targeted relief
Relieves pain by numbing the nerves
There’s evidence that ice therapy can help treat headaches and migraines when applied to the neck. [*] Cold temperatures also cause physiological hormonal responses, releasing mood-boosting chemicals like adrenaline and endorphins. As such, evidence suggests that cold therapy can help positively affect mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. [*]
When considering post-surgery recovery, such as after a shoulder procedure, integrating specialized accessories into your healing process is crucial. For instance, using a shoulder surgery pillow can enhance your comfort during rest and sleep, providing optimal support for the affected area. This, combined with the benefits of cold therapy, creates a comprehensive approach to post-operative care.
There are a few key benefits when comparing ice therapy machines to cold packs. As we've discussed, cold packs melt quickly, so you have to refreeze them and have multiple on hand if you want to keep a consistent temperature on a certain body part. Meanwhile, ice therapy machines can last for up to 12 hours, delivering consistent cold. The therapeutic cold temperatures last long and penetrate deeper than with an ice pack. Plus, targeted cold therapy can cover your entire body.
Those key benefits make cold therapy a perfect complement to physical therapy and other pain management techniques. In fact, many physical therapists recommend getting an ice machine in addition to compression therapy systems to help control patients' pain, especially for recovery after a knee, shoulder, or ankle injury or surgery. Cold therapy can be an important part of a holistic strategy to manage chronic pain naturally, alongside other wellness approaches that support long-term recovery.
Doctors and physical therapists alike recognize the powerful benefits of ice machine therapy systems.
Best Ice Therapy Machines Picks
The Coldest Knee Ice Pack Wrap combines user-friendly design with cutting-edge technology. Crafted for both left and right knees, it ensures a snug fit for hands-free therapy. Featuring Coldest Webbing Technology, it provides a superior cold transfer to the knee, delivering extended relief to muscles, joints, and tendons.
The Ossur Cold Rush Therapy Machine is one of the most portable and compact options, making it one of the best cold therapy machines. It weighs in at just 4.6 pounds and measures 16.2 by 12.2 by 10 inches. It also has one of the highest ice-to-water ratios, so it will last up to six hours despite being so small. Even if you're at a higher elevation, this cold therapy machine offers consistent cooling and compression.
Product Features
Four power settings
Three elasticized straps
Nine different pad options for different body parts
Quiet thanks to the brushless motor
Locking lid to avoid spills
Pros
Quiet, lightweight, compact, and easily transportable.
Cons
Tends to develop condensation in and around the tube.
The Arctic Ice is one of the best cold therapy machines in terms of value. It’s affordable and provides hospital-grade cold therapy. It includes both a high and low setting, as well as a helpful auto shut-off feature to ensure you don’t risk any additional injuries. Plus, it comes with a 90-day warranty.
This machine helps protect the patient's skin with an insulation barrier that maintains a cold temperature to help numb irritated nerve endings without letting things get so cold that it causes damage.
This therapy system is suitable for addressing a wide range of pain, thanks to the universal pad. Like other cryotherapy machines ice water is evenly distributed throughout the pad or wrap, improving performance over an ice pack.
Product Features
Foam-insulated 52-inch hose
15-minute timed increments or continuous treatment
Universal wrap can treat most areas
Auto shut-off setting
Velcro strap
Compact size at 11.5 by 13.5 by 9.5 inches
Pros
Use one pad to treat multiple areas, set it and forget it with auto shut-off.
Compact design
Cons
Only five hours of cold therapy at a time.
The Polar Products Cold Therapy System is one of the best cold therapy machines for knee recovery, thanks to its large reservoir and hands-free remote controller. That means no bending over to adjust the settings on your cold therapy machines. You can simply attach it to your body and relax, modifying the settings via the controller from where you're most comfortable. This is especially important if you have an injury or are recovering from surgery - the less you move and agitate the area, the better.
Product Features
30-minute increments or continuous therapy
On/off switch
Knee pad with velcro belts
15-quart cooling reservoir for up to 10 hours of cooling
6-month warranty
Wheels and a handle for easy transport
Pros
No need to unplug the system from the wall, thanks to the on/off switch. The long-lasting large reservoir in this ice machine can fit 12 frozen water bottles.
Cons
Resembles a vintage cooler, which you might find visually unappealing. Heavier than most, weighing in at 10 pounds.
The Vive Cold Therapy Machine is one of the most visually appealing, with a smart design and great overall performance. You can easily see the ice and cold water guide, so it's easy to fill up. It also has a large digital display and simple controls. All of these features make for a straightforward experience that anyone can manage and enjoy.
Product Features
Universal cold therapy pad for arms, shoulders, knees, ankles, and hips
Five rates of continuous flow cycles
Quiet motor
Handle for easy transport
5-foot foam-insulated tube
1-year guarantee
Pros
Offers a highly personalized experience with five different cycle times of 30 minutes or less. The digital display is easy to read and the cold therapy machine itself is quiet and compact.
Cons
The cold therapy machine weighs 9.85 pounds which is heavier than most.
Unlike other cold therapy machines and ice therapy units, the Aircast is a gravity-fed system. That means there's no motor, so there's also no sound. It sends cold water to a cryo-cuff via a tube using gravity. There are two options - a cuff for the foot and ankle, or a wrap for the knee, so it's best for these types of injuries.
Product Features
Foot or knee cuff
Soundless gravity-fed system
Up to 8 hours of cryotherapy
Universal fit can be worn on the left or right leg/foot
Anatomically designed to prevent the possibility of tissue damage
Pros
Small, compact cooler weighing in at just 2.20 pounds with a handle for portability. Provides therapy for up to eight hours. Best for sports injuries.
Cons
Only works for knee, ankle, or foot injuries.
6) LEONNS Cold Therapy Unit
The LEONNS Cold Therapy Unit is one of the easiest to use, with a built-in timer that lets you personalize each ice therapy session for knee, shoulder, ankle, or lumbar recovery. It includes five different flow rate settings so you can customize each cryotherapy session to your exact needs. It also has a clear basin so you can easily fill it to capacity, as well as digital controls. Plus, it monitors the temperature and alerts you when the temperature isn't optimal.
Product Features
Universal therapy pad for shoulder, knee, ankle, or lumbar care
3 adjustable securing straps
5-foot insulation tube
Quiet motor
One year warranty
Pros
The universal pad fits most areas of concern with a snug fit for consistent therapy delivery. The settings are easy to use and understand.
Cons
No continuous cycle. If you want a session longer than 30 minutes, you have to press the start button again. The cold therapy machine is on the heavier end at 10.4 pounds.
This versatile ice therapy machine offers both hot and cold treatment, making it ideal for post-surgery recovery, joint pain, or chronic inflammation. There’s a simple temperature dial to switch between cold and hot therapy, as well as a power switch and heater switch. It also comes with a convenient automatic shut-off feature after one hour.
Product Features
Universal wrap with velcro strap
52-inch hose
Timed increments or continuous treatment
30-day money-back guarantee
5 hours of use
Pros
Offers both cold and hot therapy via a universal wrap that can serve a variety of issues. Elastic bands provide additional compression.
Cons
Some users report issues with cooling and leaking. Five hours of cold therapy is less than other machines offer.
The NEHOO cold therapy unit is ideal for active recovery, offering three flow rate options and adjustable timing for personalized cold therapy sessions. It allows you to set it for increments of 30 minutes to two hours, as well as a continuous flow setting. With a brushless DC motor, it's super quiet. It also has an easy-to-use control panel that displays the time and temperature so you can monitor your cold therapy at a glance.
Product Features
7.55 pound unit with handle for portability
3 flow rate settings
Incremental or continuous use options
Universal pad and elastic straps
57-inch hose
Pros
Quiet, relatively light, and has a convenient control panel.
Cons
The 7-quart container is smaller than some of the others, which means less overall cool time.
The ICYTHRP cold therapy machine is a top-rated option for post-knee surgery recovery, offering a universal compression pad and customizable session settings for targeted pain relief. Designed with a programmable timer, it lets you set specific treatment durations without needing to monitor the system manually. The portable design features a lightweight cooler with an easy-to-carry strap and a universal compression pad that fits the knee, shoulder, hip, or ankle for targeted cold therapy.
Product Features
Programmable digital timer
Universal compression pad (knee, shoulder, hip, ankle)
Portable, lightweight, insulated cooler
Adjustable strap for secure, customizable fit
Designed for easy at-home or on-the-go recovery
Pros
Customizable treatment times with a programmable timer; compact and travel-friendly design for flexible recovery.
Cons
Requires periodic refilling of ice to maintain a cold temperature over long sessions.
Cold Therapy Machine vs. Ice Therapy Machine: What’s the Difference?
Whether you call it a cold therapy machine, an ice therapy unit, or a cold compression system, all of these terms describe the same category of recovery devices. These machines circulate cold water through a pad or wrap to reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling — especially after surgery or injury. Some include added compression for faster healing.
Looking for Another Cold Therapy Technique? Cold Water Immersion Has The Same Amazing Benefits
Elevate your wellness journey with the Ice Barrel Bathtub – a game-changer in cold therapy. Offering year-round benefits for a healthier lifestyle, this freestanding cold tub is not just for athletes; it's your go-to solution for recovery, stress relief, and immune system support.
With a spacious 105-gallon capacity, ergonomic design, and easy maintenance, the Ice Barrel outshines inflatable or foldable alternatives. Plus, it's sustainably made from high-quality recycled materials. Don't miss out – make the smart choice today for a premium cold therapy experience.
🌸 Dr. Dawn’s Corner: Cold Therapy for Faster Healing
Current Favorite Tool❄️ The Coldest Ice Packs – A cost-effective alternative to cold therapy machines, these ice packs stay colder longer and provide targeted relief for pain, swelling, and post-surgery recovery. They’re reusable, flexible, and easy to use—perfect for consistent cold therapy without the bulk of a machine.
Wellness Reminder💡 "Consistency is key—using cold therapy regularly can help speed recovery and reduce inflammation. Listen to your body and stay committed to the healing process!"
Wellness Hack❄️ Use cold packs effectively: Apply for 15-20 minutes, then remove for at least 40 minutes before reapplying. Studies show that repeated short-duration icing is more effective for reducing swelling and pain than prolonged exposure. Always place a thin cloth between your skin and the ice pack to prevent frostbite.
Additional Help for Your Recovery
Managing injury recovery often means addressing pain from multiple sources. If you experience lower back or pelvic pain, especially at night, these simple sleeping tips for SI joint pain can help you rest more comfortably.
Add an Ice Therapy Machine to Your Home Today
Most people can benefit from an ice therapy machine. Whether you're an avid runner or weight lifter, chances are you deal with joint pain, sore muscles, and more.
Likewise, you might suffer from chronic pain or joint pain from an injury. If you're recovering from surgery, your doctor will likely recommend an ice therapy system, as well. They're great for post-surgery swelling.
Regardless of your reasoning, a cold therapy unit can decrease pain, reduce swelling, and reduce inflammation. They're also a great natural, medication-free option for pain management and post-surgery recovery.
Most importantly, the best ice therapy machine is one that you use consistently. Be sure to choose one that you can easily use, like those listed above, so that you don't hesitate to reach for it next time you're looking to reduce pain.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site, including text, graphics, images, and other material, is provided solely for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your specific condition.
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