Cold therapy systems can seem complex until you learn why and how they work.
In reality, their design is sophisticated but their approach to healing is simple. In fact, most cold therapy units are compact, comfortable and very easy to use.
Whether you’re an athlete or postoperative patient, one of the best cold therapy systems will minimize discomfort and provide effortless healing on the road and at home.
Quick Takeaways
- Cold therapy systems are designed to reduce aches, pains and swelling by using freezing agents and ice water
- Ice is effective at reducing pain and swelling because the cold constricts blood vessels and decreases circulation to the injured area
- Cold therapy machines accelerate healing from injuries or surgical sites and provide comfort during the process
Not only do cold therapy systems accelerate the healing process, but they also prevent injury and reduce inflammation. Prioritize the features of cold therapy units according to personal needs to determine which machine is best for you!
What is Cold Therapy?
Cold therapy, also known as ice therapy or cryotherapy, refers to the application of ice to an injured area to reduce aches, pains and swelling and accelerate the healing process.
Cryotherapy is recommended by many healthcare professionals to help patients recover from accidental and postoperative injuries, most often in the form of cold therapy machines.
Cold therapy systems are either motorized or non-motorized devices specifically designed to provide the benefits of ice therapy by using freezing agents and ice water.
The Benefits
Cold therapy machines are built to maintain a consistent temperature to ensure the injury site receives proper deep-tissue penetration. This feature cannot be replicated by your average leaky ice-pack or bag of frozen peas.
Ice therapy units provide full coverage cold through wraps that conform to the contours of the body, providing uniform contact and encouraging quick recovery.
In addition to those mentioned above, there are many other benefits associated with cold therapy machines. Benefits include but are not limited to:
- Speeding up metabolism
- Improves sleep quality
- Heightens focus
- Soothes sore muscles
- Strengthens immune system
Overall, the use of a cold therapy machine will promote faster healing from injuries or surgical sites and provide comfort during the process.
What to Look For
The best ice therapy unit for you will depend on your personal needs. When shopping for a cold therapy machine, there are several important factors to keep in mind, such as:
- Portability
- Size
- Pad/wrap options
- Battery power
- Temperature control
- Duration of therapy
- High end technology
Narrowing down these qualities and determining your priorities will guide you to the best machine.
Below, we’ve included our experts’ favorite cold therapy machines to help accelerate your healing journey.
6 Effective Cold Therapy Systems
A speedy road to recovery is right at your fingertips with these 6 effective cold therapy machines.
1) Breg Polar Care Wave
The Breg Polar Care Wave Cold Therapy System is a motorized machine that provides benefits of both cryotherapy and compression. Quiet and compact, this unit is ideal for home, physical therapy, the hospital, athletic training and travel.
The Breg Polar Care Wave is equipped with pads for the hips, knees, shoulders and ankles, making it a universal choice for natural healing.
Specifically designed to treat post-surgical sites to reduce pain and inflammation, this cold therapy system elevates the meaning of patient care and comfort.
2) Game Ready Ice Machine & Wraps
The Game Ready Ice Machine is one of the best on the market. This system is equipped with circumferential wraps that administer active cold and intermittent compression therapy to users.
Comfortable, convenient and easy to use, this cold therapy machine has adjustable cold and compression to provide the perfect healing process.
Post-surgery patient or collegiate athlete, patients will love the high end technology and comfortable cold-compression therapy this machine provides. Why is it our number two pick? Price. At nearly, $4,000 for a standard unit with wrap, these machines are expensive. Are they worth it though? Yes, if you have the extra money, these machines will impress you.
3) Breg Polar Care Cube
With the Breg Polar Care Cube, you’ll receive up to 6 hours of uninterrupted cold therapy. Perfect for travel, this cold therapy unit is compact and easy to use with its simple design.
This system stands out among others because of its extended wrap sizes. The Breg Polar Care Cube is ready to reduce anyone’s inflammation and pain with its extra-large options for knee, shoulder and multi-use pads.
4) Breg Polar Care Kodiak Cooler
This cold therapy machine outshines others as the only battery-operated unit on the market. The Breg Polar Care Kodiak Cooler is versatile, convenient and compact with up to 14 hours of motorized cold therapy.
This unit delivers ice water through circulation pads specifically designed to gently hug different parts of the body and maximize the healing process.
With hassle-free temperature regulation in-home or on the road, patients are provided with ultimate comfort and consistent cold as their bodies heal.
DonJoy IceMan Classic Cold Therapy System
The DonJoy IceMan Classic Cold Therapy System is sure to provide comfort and speed up recovery by reducing inflammation and pain.
This unit is perfect for rehabilitation because it delivers controlled cold therapy to patients. The IceMan Classic keeps its cold temperature consistent and accurate with its dual pump recirculation system.
Made with durable materials made to last, this unit can be used on the road or in the comfort of your home.
6) DonJoy IceMan Cold Therapy System
Similar to DonJoy’s IceMan Classic, this unit also provides consistent cold with its patented dual pump recirculation system.
This IceMan Cold Therapy System is one of the most compact you can find, making it one of the best for travel and storage.
Another benefit of this unit is its clear cooler. This way, you’ll know exactly when it’s time to refill with ice and cold water.
Heal at the Hand of Cold Therapy
Regardless of which cold therapy system you decide on, the healing benefits of cold therapy are sure to provide comfort and care on your road to recovery.
At Orthobracing, you’ll find all the tools you need to be comfortable as you get back to your best self. Visit orthobracing.com to learn more about our complete line of cold therapy products!
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