If you’ve ever dealt with a shoulder injury, you probably already know how much the right tools can influence your recovery journey. With proper immobilization, support, and compression, slings and shoulder braces can reduce pain and help your shoulder heal faster, getting you back to your best.
Another valuable tool is cold therapy, which plays a critical role in injury recovery and post-op rehabilitation. Cold therapy machines designed for at-home use have become a game-changer in how patients manage and recover from their injuries.
One of the best devices out there is the Breg Polar Care Cube, which you can find here at Ortho Bracing. In this guide, we’ll show you how to use Breg Polar Care Cube for shoulder injuries, and how this device can completely revolutionize your recovery journey.
Read on to learn why this is a must-have device for your comfort and recovery, and how to use Breg Polar Care Cube for shoulder rehabilitation.
Why Use Breg Polar Care Cube for Shoulder Rehab?
Before we explain how to use Breg Polar Care Cube for shoulder, let’s take a step back and look at cold therapy as a treatment. What is a cold therapy unit? Does ice therapy work for shoulder injuries? Are cold therapy machines worth it? Here’s what you need to know.
Benefits of Cold Therapy in Shoulder Rehab
Cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, involves applying ice or some other form of cold to a specific area of the body (in this case, the shoulder). It’s long been used as a tool for rehab and recovery, and now, with cold therapy machines for patients, you can use it from the comfort of your home.
So, is cold therapy good for you after a shoulder injury or orthopedic surgery? Yes, absolutely. The first benefit of cold therapy is its ability to relieve pain and discomfort. Cold therapy effectively numbs the affected area, providing immediate relief from pain and discomfort.
By dulling nerve endings and reducing inflammation, it offers a natural and non-invasive alternative to traditional pain management techniques. Patients don’t need to take strong pain medications after surgery or an injury, which come with side effects and can be potentially addictive.
Another benefit of cold therapy for shoulder rehab is its ability to reduce inflammation and swelling after surgery. Inflammation is a common hallmark of shoulder injuries, hindering mobility and impeding the healing process.
Cold therapy helps constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the injured area and mitigating swelling and inflammation. Cold therapy for inflammation not only alleviates discomfort but also promotes faster healing and enhances your range of motion.
By promoting vasoconstriction and reducing metabolic activity in the affected tissues, cold therapy creates an optimal environment for cellular repair and regeneration. This accelerates the healing process, allowing you to get back on your feet as soon as possible.
Why the Breg Polar Care Cube is One of the Best Choices Online
If you’re looking for the best cold therapy machine for shoulder rehab, the Breg Polar Care Cube is a standout choice. At Ortho Bracing, it’s our #1 choice for patients rehabbing their shoulder at home. The device is lightweight, portable, affordable, and so effective!
The Breg Polar Care Cube provides up to 8 hours of cold therapy with one refill, and has proven effectiveness when it comes to reducing pain and inflammation. The comfortable shoulder pad (available in two different sizes) sits firmly in place, providing extended pain relief.
Breg is the gold standard in cold therapy machines, and the Breg Polar Care Cube is no exception. This is a must-have for anyone rehabilitating their shoulder at home or recovering from shoulder surgery. It will make all the difference to your recovery!
How to Use Breg Polar Care Cube for Shoulder: Instructions for Rapid, Comfortable Recovery
So, let’s take a look at the Breg Polar Care Cube shoulder pad instructions. Learning how to use Breg Polar Care Cube for shoulder rehab is so important, so make sure you fully understand the steps before you get started.
Setting Up the Machine
The first Breg Polar Care Cube instructions for shoulder use is setting up the machine. First, remove the lid, then add cold water up to the fill line and ice up to the ice line. Replace the lid and keep the machine upright.
The machine should be placed on a level surface, within reach of a power outlet. It should be at approximately the same height as your injured shoulder, or slightly above. Once you’ve connected the pads (more on that next) you can turn the machine on.
Simply plug the power supply into the wall and the machine will turn on automatically. Once you’re done, you can unplug the power supply to stop the machine. Next, let’s take a look at the Breg Polar Care Cube shoulder pad instructions.
Proper Placement of the Shoulder Pad
The Breg Polar Care Cube shoulder pad instructions start with one very important rule - always use an insulation barrier that prevents the pad from touching your skin, like a dressing or elastic bandage.
Once the insulation barrier is in place, apply the shoulder pad with the blue side up. Place the pad over your injured shoulder, with the smaller flaps pointing down, around the upper arm. The hose will be coming out of the bottom of the pad.
Secure the pad with the elastic straps provided, wrapping the first strap around your torso, the second strap around your upper arm, and the third strap wrapping around the main portion of your torso.
Before connecting the pad to the unit, push down on the two metal tabs on the end of the hose. Once you hear each tab click, firmly push the unit and the pad together to connect them and listen for the clicks again. Then, you’re all hooked up and good to go!
Looking for other Breg Polar Care Cube instructions? The device is compatible with many different pads and accessories, and is a great choice whether you’re dealing with a shoulder, knee, back, hip, or ankle injury. Here’s how to use Breg Polar Care Cube for knee recovery.
Treatment Duration and Frequency
As well as understanding the Breg Polar Care Cube shoulder pad instructions, it’s also important to understand how long to use Breg Polar Care Cube for your shoulder. The first thing you need to know is to keep your sessions short, as cold therapy is cold enough to damage your skin.
The exact duration of your sessions will be dictated by your healthcare provider - they can tell you how frequently to use your machine and how long to use ice machine after surgery. Make sure you let your skin return to normal temperature between sessions.
Machine Maintenance and Care
Breg Polar Care Cube shoulder pad instructions for care are pretty straightforward - just make sure the shoulder pad is completely drained before you remove it by elevating it and letting the remaining cold water run out of the tubing.
Then, empty the remaining ice water from the cooler and allow the cooler to dry out after use. You can wipe it with a clean cloth, but don’t need to wash it or use any type of detergent. For the pad, you can use a mild detergent if necessary, just make sure it’s thoroughly rinsed afterward.
To clean the pump and tubing, you can run warm water with a mild detergent through them every few weeks, or more frequently if you use the machine heavily. Learn more about how to clean Breg Polar Care Cube and how to drain Breg Polar Care Cube in these articles.
More Tips on Rehabbing Shoulder Injuries
So, now you understand the Breg Polar Care Cube shoulder pad instructions, but what else can you do to help your shoulder heal safely and effectively? Here are some other tips to help you throughout your rehab journey.
Shoulder Stabilization
Stabilizing your shoulder is important while it heals. You don’t want to completely restrict your movement, but you do want to protect your shoulder from further damage. What does a shoulder brace do? Exactly that!
Investing in a high-quality sling or the best shoulder brace can make a big difference to your recovery, and both will help your shoulder heal correctly. Reach out to our team if you need help choosing a brace, or talk to your healthcare provider for recommendations.
Physical Therapy Exercises
Physical therapy exercises are instrumental in restoring mobility, strength, and function to the injured shoulder. Work with a physical therapist to develop a tailored exercise program aligned with your specific condition and rehab goals.
Focus on a mix of range of motion exercises, stretching exercises, and strengthening exercises to address deficits and imbalances in your shoulder muscles. Maintain proper form and technique so that you don’t worsen your injury or develop compensatory movement patterns.
Rest and Movement Balance
Balancing rest and movement is essential for helping your shoulder heal while limiting stiffness and muscle atrophy. Give yourself enough time for rest and recovery between therapy sessions and physical activities to prevent overuse and fatigue. Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint!
Add gentle movement and mobility exercises to your daily routine to prevent stiffness and promote joint health. Listen to your body, adjust your activity level, and avoid movements that cause pain or discomfort.
Activity Modifications
Do your best to modify activities and behaviors that may exacerbate your shoulder pain or impede the healing process. Steer clear of activities involving repetitive overhead movements or heavy lifting, as these can strain the shoulder joint and surrounding structures.
You can also adapt your workstation to reduce stress on the shoulder by investing in ergonomic equipment and strategies. It may be frustrating to make changes and deviate from your normal routine, but it’s an important part of the healing process.
Get All the Equipment You Need to Get Back to Full Form Fast at Ortho Bracing!
We’ve discussed the Breg Polar Care Cube instructions for shoulder injuries, but at Ortho Bracing, we have so much more to offer! If you’re wondering where to buy cold therapy machines, we’re the #1 choice thanks to our next-day shipping and unbeatable prices!
We have a huge selection of other Breg products, including top-rated cold therapy machines like the Breg Polar Care Glacier, Breg Polar Care Kodiak, and Breg Polar Care Wave. We also have Breg Polar Care Cube accessories and Breg Polar Care accessories.
As well as our premium ice machines for shoulder surgery, we also have other orthopedic supplies to help rehab your shoulder, including the Donjoy Shoulder Sling, Donjoy Sully Shoulder Brace, and an amazing range of shoulder compression sleeves.
Whether you’re looking for the best shoulder brace for post-op recovery or a cold therapy machine to reduce pain and promote healing, you’ve come to the right place! Our expert team is available 24/7 to help you find exactly what you need.
Wrapping Up Our Guide on How to Use Breg Polar Care Cube for Shoulder
So, that’s how to use Breg Polar Care Cube for shoulder rehab. As long as you follow your healthcare provider’s directions when it comes to the length and frequency of your therapy sessions, you’ll soon see how valuable cold therapy can be for your recovery journey.
From reducing inflammation and swelling in the immediate days afterward to promoting healing in the longer term, to enabling a better range of motion and keeping your pain levels down, the benefits of cold therapy for shoulder injuries are endless.
Here at Ortho Bracing, you can find premium cold therapy machines for a fraction of the price that you’ll see elsewhere. We only stock equipment and devices we 100% believe in, and are always available to answer your questions and address any concerns you have.
Heal your shoulder faster, safer, and more effectively with the Breg Polar Care Cube - find yours at Ortho Bracing today!