Top Picks for Athletic use, Best Value, and Best Budget
Cold therapy machines come in many different shapes, sizes, and functions, but one thing is always true:cold therapy is amazing.
Whether you or your patients use cold therapy for prevention so you can continue to live an active lifestyle or post-operative recovery, the benefits are endless.
Already convinced and ready to shop or compare? Check out our selection of high-qualityCold Therapy Systems or shopReplacement Pads & Accessories.
But how do you know which cold therapy machine is right for your needs? We're going to break down the top-of-the-line options so you can choose the best cold therapy machine for you or your clinic. Let's get started to help you find the right ice machine for shoulder rehab.
First things first -what is a cold therapy unit?
An ice machine for shoulder surgery and/or injury rehab is a specialized device designed to provide targeted cold therapy to the shoulder region.
Unlike traditional ice packs or cold compresses, these machines circulate chilled water continuously, ensuring that the shoulder receives consistent and prolonged cold treatment.
But - why would you consider investing in a shoulder ice machine? What’s the point?The short answer is that this device can speed up your healing journey while making you more comfortable along the way. Let’s dive deeper into how these work below.
Now, let's talk about why those rehabbing a shoulder injury or preparing for surgery should invest in apolar ice machine. From ice-cold showers to polar bear clubs, cold water has gotten a lot of buzz in the healthcare world lately, and for good reason.
Here are a few proven health benefits to cold therapy:
It makes sense that cold therapy is used in hospitals and physical therapy clinics so much since they are amazing at reducing pain and swelling. Athletes who regularly push their body benefit from routine cold therapy sessions, as well as anyone recovering from surgery or physical trauma.
So why use a cold therapy machine instead of just filling up an ice bath? The benefits of cold therapy machines make them a much better choice.
First of all, cold therapy machines offer controlled and located therapy with special pads. Some options are motorized or battery-powered for ease of use, and they provide hours of consistent therapy. The convenience makes them ideal for hospital or clinic treatments.
However, since they are also easy to transport, patients can do cold therapy at home too and speed up their recovery. Some of the pads use compression for even more effectiveness.
The best way to find an ice machine for shoulder rehab is totake our simple quiz which guides you torwards a specific unit tailored to your needs. However, we’ll talk about a few key considerations below to help you feel clear and confident in choosing the right unit.
A user-friendly design can make all the difference. Look for machines with clear instructions, easy-to-use controls, and uncomplicated setup procedures.
Additionally, maintenance should be straightforward. The reservoir should be easy to clean, and the shoulder pad should be either washable or replaceable to ensure hygiene.
Every person's pain and recovery journey is unique. Hence, having a shoulder ice machine that allows for customization - like adjustable cold intensity or variable flow rates - can be beneficial. This adjustability ensures that you receive therapy tailored to your specific needs.
Real user experiences provide invaluable insights. While researching machines, pay attention to reviews and testimonials. They can shed light on the actual performance, durability, and efficiency of the machine.
At Ortho Bracing, we proudly showcase reviews to give prospective buyers a clear picture of what they can expect. This helps you feel more confident choosing the right ice machine for shoulder surgery or injury rehab.
While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, it's essential to consider the machine's value. A slightly higher upfront cost can lead to better performance, durability, and overall satisfaction in the long run.
Also, a good warranty indicates the manufacturer's trust in the product's quality. At Ortho Bracing, we stand by the quality of our products, ensuring that you receive value for every penny spent.
Find the perfect cold therapy machine for you with our easy quiz.
Now let's look at the best cold therapy machine options so you can choose the right one for you and your patients.
This shoulder ice machine provides cold therapy and compression through anatomic wraps. It's a motorized machine that comes in a compact and quiet unit, so it's ideal for home use as well as facility use.
It's designed to treat acute or post-surgical injuries to reduce swelling and pain, making it the best medical ice machine. Breg is the second-largest orthopedic brace provider in the US. Their mission is to elevate and simplify patient care, which they've done with this system.
Users can easily take the Breg Polar Care Wave with them from home to physical therapy, the hospital, athletic training, or even during travel.
For being such a high-end product, this system is extremely affordable. It's 10x less pricey than a comparable system, so you're getting a great value along with versatility.
You can purchase the cooler on its own, or purchase the specific pads you need with it. They offerpads for the hips, knees, shoulder, ankles, and a universal pad. (The Wave is the latest generation of cold therapy which offers cold therapy with compression. The Wave unit is about 90% less than the comparable GameReady which makes this the best in-class cold therapy unit for the value.
This ice machine for shoulder surgery is another great option that uses circumferential wraps that administer active cold and intermittent compression therapy. It is hands down the best cold therapy machine on the market.
So why #2 you ask? Price. This unit is pricing coming in close to $4,000. But if you are a collegiate athlete, a serious weekend warrior, or only want the very best, this product is amazing and will not disappoint:it is professional grade.
It's comfortable, convenient, and easy to use. It's also adjustable for maximum compression. Post-surgery, patients can take this machine with them to shorten their hospital stay and continue their healing process at home.
The Game Ready Cold and Compression Therapy Unit uses the RICE method, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation, which takes recovery to the next level.
Patients will love taking their prevention or post-surgery recovery into their own hands with this machine, and the compression therapy approach will speed up their journey.
Keep in mind, while this is a fantastic option, it is considerably more expensive than the other options. Learn more in ourGame Ready Ice Machine Review (and Some Cheaper Alternatives) guide.
This Breg system is designed for the following:
It uses ice and water to provide four to six hours of cold therapy. From home to the clinic or hospital, it's easy to use and maneuver thanks to its simple and compact design.
The Polar Cube uses WrapOn Polar pads that perfectly fit to the joint and attach with an elastic band, so you don't need any extra adhesives. However, you do need to make sure that there is an insulation barrier between the pad and the patient's skin.
Just like the otherBreg products, the Cube has pads for each area of the body. However, what makes this system stand out is the extended pad sizes. There are extra-large options for the knee, shoulder, and multi-use pads.
We have a guide onhow to use the Breg Polar Care Cube along with tips onhow to clean Breg Polar Care Cubes andhow to Drain Breg Polar Care Cubes. But let’s look at another world-class shoulder ice machine below.
As the only battery-operated shoulder ice machine on the market, this is Breg's most versatile, convenient, and compact cold therapy product. Each Kodiak battery pack (sold separately) includes replaceable AA batteries that power 10 to 14 hours of motorized cold therapy from anywhere.
Your patients will love how easy it is to get their therapy done without disrupting their lives. It works at home, in the hospital and clinic, and even on the sidelines of their child's soccer game.
The Polar Care Kodiak system uses ice, water, and Breg's unique Intelli-Flo pads for optimized cold therapy.
For more information about the impressive cryotherapy machines from Breg, read on in ourIs Breg Cold Therapy Right for You guide.
This is another world-class choice for anyone seeking an ice machine for shoulder surgery or injury rehab.
Designed meticulously for both patients and clinicians, this system epitomizes therapeutic excellence. Imagine benefiting from up to 13 hours of consistent, soothing cold relief, thanks to its unmatched 11-quart capacity.
But it's not just about duration - it's about quality. With high flow rates for even temperature distribution and whisper-quiet pump technology, your recovery journey is both effective and peaceful.
Whether you're an athlete recovering from an intense workout, someone managing chronic pain, or merely seeking post-surgery relief, the Breg Polar Care Glacier is your trusted companion. Its versatile design caters to various body parts, ensuring optimal fit and relief.
What truly sets the Polar Care Glacier apart is its commitment to holistic healing. It not only accelerates physical recovery but also reduces dependency on pain medications.
Trust in the Breg Polar Care Glacier for a healing experience that's efficient, tranquil, and transformative. Choose the best for your wellness journey with Ortho Bracing. Let’s talk about other incredible choice for anyone looking for a shoulder ice machine, though…
This system is ideal for rehabilitation because it offers controlled delivery of cold therapy. Unlike competitors' simpler systems, the extra cold temperature stays consistent and accurate with the DonJoy shoulder ice machine thanks to the patented dual pump recirculation system.
The Iceman Classic3 system will speed up patient recovery by reducing swelling and pain. The forefoot pad is especially helpful after bunion surgery.
We know this system is awesome because it was developed after 20 years of research and gathering customer feedback. It's made with durable materials that are meant to last; however, it is still simple enough for patients to use at home. As with allDonjoy products, we feel confident recommending this as an ice machine for shoulder surgery or injury rehab.
Learnhow to use Donjoy Iceman in our blog. We have tips onhow long to use Donjoy Iceman,how to clean Donjoy Iceman, andhow to drain Donjoy Iceman machines. We need to introduce the latest shoulder ice machine by Donjoy, though…
ThisDonjoy ice machine also uses DonJoy's patented dual pump recirculation system, and the clear cooler makes it easy to know when it's time to refill the ice and cold water. It's also one of the most compact cold therapy machines you can get, which makes it even easier for transporting and storing.
The Iceman Clear3 is compatible with the complete line of DonJoy pads, so it's also extremely versatile and easy to use for any kind of injury. DonJoy's mission is to "get and keep people moving," so this system is perfectly designed for recovery and prevention.
The Aircast Cryo Cuff IC Cooler and Cryo Cuff easily connects to the Cryo Cuff motorized unit and Gravity Therapy Unit.
The cuffs are anatomically designed to wrap perfectly around your joints for complete coverage. It's specifically great for knee recovery and will help reduce pain, swelling, and minimizes hemarthrosis.
The Aircast Cryo Cuff uses measured compression for ultimate patient comfort, and the controlled cold eliminates the risk of tissue damage. The cooler is detachable, which means it's easy to carry around for uninterrupted cold therapy treatment.
You can get cuffs for the knee, thigh, shoulder, calf, elbow, back, hip, rib, and foot. It's great for adults and children since the cuffs come in regular and pediatric sizes.
Aircast has been a leader in ankle and sprain recovery products for over 30 years, and the patented technology and use of pneumatic compression can keep you moving while you heal from your injury. We’re proud to offer an array ofAircast products for this reason.
We have tips onhow to use Aircast Cryo Cuff in our blog. You can learn more about making the most of this ice machine for shoulder surgery there.
We've shown you seven great options for cold therapy machines, so how do you choose the best one for you and your patients? First, think about your needs.
Do you need a portable cold therapy machine? Need one with a bunch of pad options and sizes? Are you looking for something battery-powered that can go anywhere? Do you want high-end technology so you can track your patient's use?
Narrowing down what you need will guide you to the best machine. However, we also recommend keeping several options so you always have the right one for your patient's specific situation.
Compare and contrastDonjoy vs Breg in our blog to learn more about these two powerhouse shoulder ice machine brands. We even have specific comparisons between theBreg Polar Care Cube vs Kodiak machines.
And, remember - Ortho Bracing is just a click or call away ready to help you find the perfect ice machine for shoulder surgery or injury rehab. We’re passionate about helping you jumpstart your healing journey naturally to make pain and discomfort problems of the past.
With our shoulder ice machine lineup and our world-class customer support, we can put this injury in the rear view mirror fast and get you back to full form! So, what are you waiting for?
Find the perfect cold therapy machine for you with our easy and quick product finder quiz. Take it now and discover the best machine for your needs!
At Orthobracing, we have everything you need to outfit your clinic or hospital. You can filter our products by brand, body area, or ailment.
Whichever cold therapy machine you decide to go with, your patients will love experiencing the healing benefits of cold therapy. Not only can it prevent injury andreduce inflammation for athletes and those who live an active lifestyle, but it will also speed up recovery after a traumatic accident or surgery.
Learn more about the power of cold therapy in our blog with resources onhow cold therapy works,how long to use cold therapy after surgery,does insurance cover cold therapy, and more. You can also check out thebest shoulder brace andshoulder compression sleeves to support your healing journey.
Otherwise, give your patients the best with one of these top-tier cold therapy machines. Check out our complete line ofcold therapy products.
