10 Best Rated Ice Therapy Machines to Optimize Recovery – In-Depth Reviews

T he pain usually signals that there is something wrong with your body. If you have just undergone surgical intervention, it is the natural response to the skin and muscles being cut, and you will be dealing with it for a while until things get back to normal. One way of reducing the discomfort is to take painkillers, but increasingly more surgeons recommend their patients to combine the drugs with the action of an ice therapy machine, which can reduce the number of pills required.

Is Cold Therapy Good for You?

Cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, has gained more popularity in the past years, as it started to be used by athletes to reduce the soreness in their muscles after intense training sessions or competitions. The benefits of ice were also known from a good time in the medical world where ice was used to reduce swelling and make the pain easier to bear. The process is quite simple and, as it is explained by the American Physiology Society, it has to do with the body’s defense response when it thinks that it is at risk of hypothermia. In this situation, the blood flow to muscles changes, more blood being sent to the deep muscles while the blood circulation to the extremities that have been exposed to cold decreases. This means that the body lowers its immune response to the areas that are treated, and the result is tissues experiencing less inflammation.

This type of therapy can be extremely beneficial in the following situations:

• If you have a swollen joint or muscle
• If you had knee or shoulder surgery and are recovering from it
• If you are suffering from chronic pain, including Osteoarthritis

However, experts say that it is not for everyone. People who have low or no skin sensitivity should avoid it particularly, as they may not be able to tell if a too low temperature is used that is damaging their skin. By applying the same principle, patients who are unconscious after surgery or are feeling confused should also be accepted from the treatment. It is also not recommended for diabetics and children under 12.

Top Rated 10 Ice Therapy Machines Comparison

Photo	Product	Time Span between Ice Refills	Adjustable Temperature	Timer	Accessories	Warranty	Price
Best for Physical Therapy	1. Ossur Kit Cold Rush	Up to 6 hours			Knee pad	6 months	Amazon Price
Editor’s Choice / Best with Compression	2. Polar Products Active Ice 3.0	Up to 6-7 hours	Optional controller	Up to 990 minutes	Compression pad	6 months
Best for Shoulder	3. Vive Cold Therapy Machine	Up to 6 hours		5/10/15/20/25/30 minutes	Large therapy pad	1 year	Amazon Price
	4. DonJoy 11-1426 IceMan Classic	N/A		N/A		6 months	Amazon Price
Best for Elbow	5. Pain Management Technology Aqua Hot/Cold Therapy	Up to 5 hours			Universal pad	6 months
Best for the Money	6. LEONNS Cold Therapy Machine	Up to 4 hours			Universal pad, knee pad, elastic bands	1 year
Best for Knee	7. Aircast Cryo Blue-Large	Up to 8 hours			Knee cuff	N/A	Amazon Price
Best for Hip	8. NEHOO Cold Therapy Machine	Several hours		30 minutes	Universal pad	1 year	Amazon Price
	9. DeRoyal CoolJet T835NS	Several hours	N/A			90 days	Amazon Price
	10. Thermax Hot/Cold Therapy	Up to 5 hours			Universal pad	6 months	Amazon Price

Best Ice Therapy Machine for Physical Therapy:

1. Ossur Kit Cold Rush

Amazon Price  

This is a very popular model among customers for two important reasons: 1. it has a compact design but still manages to make the most of the space available inside the bucket – you can add up to 6 quarts of water and ice; 2. it is simple to use and comes with all the accessories that are needed for treating pain in the knee, shoulder, and other body areas.

Keeps the Cool In for Longer

Once you have added the ice and plugged in the machine, you will have approximately 6 hours until the temperature will have become too high compared to the maximum accepted. This means that you will be bothered less often throughout the day to refill the reservoir thanks to the following features that are more often found in a commercial model than in a residential one:

• Insulated bucket walls – the plastic in the walls is thicker and includes an insulation layer that traps the cold inside while at the same time preventing the warm air from outside from increasing the temperature.
• Insulated hose – the heat is kept away from the water even when it is circulating through the hose, due to the insulation layer that is found in it as well.
• Less heat transfer from the motor – the positioning of the motor is thought to minimize the heat production, as well as prevent the heat that is generated from heating the water in the reservoir.

Adapts to Patients’ Needs

The sensitivity level can differ from one individual to another, and this is why it is important to have a machine that offers adjustment options and has an operation mode that can fit most patients:

• Adjustable water flow – it has a built-in knob that allows you to select how fast the water should flow through the hose and into the pad. Three options are available.
• Timer – the unit automatically shuts off after 30 minutes to prevent freeze bites in case the patient falls asleep.
• Brushless motor – last but not least, this model has a very silent motor that is connected to a submersible pump. The maximum noise output is 30 decibels, which is similar to whispering.

Performance Results – What Do Experts Say?

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Editor’s Choice / Best Ice Therapy Machine with Compression:

2. Polar Products Active Ice 3.0

You should consider purchasing this ice therapy machine for the knee as it will be your helping hand to get rid of the post-operation pain. This model has been recently upgraded, so its features are considerably improved. Just like the Ossur Kit Cold Rush, it has a quiet operation of only 30dB, which is no louder than a whisper. It also comes with a large 9-quart bucket that allows it to function optimally for up to 6 hours until a new batch of ice needs to be added.

It helps you to get rid of swelling and pain. The built-in safety timer lets you set it to run continuously for up to 990 minutes in 10-minute increments. Compared to the previous cryotherapy product this brand released, the Polar Products Active Ice Therapy System 2.0 that you can analyze in the direct comparison provided by the matrix following this review, it’s a much more bidding product feature-wise. After all, the 2.0 version was limited to 30 minutes tops for the timer setting. Once the timer ran out, the machine stopped, and you had to press the start button once more to expand the timer by another 30 minutes.

The quick connect/disconnect couplings let you detach the pad whenever needed during therapy to move to a different location more easily or apply the pad to a different area. The included pad is perfect for wrapping around the knees and joints, providing proper compression to ensure rapid inflammation decrease and proper treatment of your injury. Additionally, the company offers backing for 6 months. If leaks occur or there is any other issue with the product, customer service workers will rapidly respond to your request and have the malfunctioning part replaced or the product fixed.

Best Polar Products Ice Therapy Machines Compared

	Polar Products Active Ice 3.0	Polar Products Active Ice Therapy System 2.0
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Price		Amazon Price
Time Between Refills	Up to 6-7 hours	Up to 6 hours
Timer	Up to 990 minutes	Up to 30 minutes
Adjustable Temperature	With optional controller	With optional controller
Adjustable Water Flow
Does It Include Accessories?
User-Friendly Design

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Best Ice Therapy Machine for Shoulder:

3. Vive Cold Therapy Machine

Amazon Price  

This machine comes with a universal therapy pad, which means that you can use it for your ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, and arm. If you’ve experienced an injury or surgery, the machine will help with swelling, pain, and inflammation. It is also useful for joint pain due to arthritis. The durable base can hold up to 6 liters of ice water. It has an innovative operation as it features 5 rates of continuous flow with a cycle time of half an hour. The timer can be adjusted for shorter periods, but, unfortunately, 30 minutes is the maximum range the unit can operate before shutting down on its own.

The bright LED display will let you know what setting is selected. When filling up the machine, you will find the marked guides on the base extremely useful and the fact that the bucket is transparent makes measuring easier. As the pad has reinforced seems, you will not have to worry about leaks. Moreover, as the 5-foot connector tube is insulated, the water will stay cold for longer, so you will only need to do a refill after about 6 hours.

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4. DonJoy 11-1426 IceMan Classic

Amazon Price  

The DonJoy company was the first to invent knee braces, and now it made a new step toward offering relief for patients who went through knee surgery. The IceMan Classic is a large machine that can function for many hours, directing cold water toward the area that is recovering. It is robust and comes with a firm handle that allows transporting it with ease. Note, however, that you must have a medical license to purchase this machine, so you may need to ask your physician to make this acquisition for you.

Alternatively, you could opt for the DonJoy 11-1633 Iceman Clear3 that you can find more info about in the following comparison matrix. You don’t need a license to acquire it, and reports highlight it as being an improved version of the IceMan Classic. However, since we didn’t get a chance to test this product yet, we only mention it and the specs provided by the manufacturing company. What we know for sure is that the water flow cannot be adjusted with the Clear3 version, which is a step down from the Classic model we already reviewed.

The two-position locking lid will ensure that you won’t have to deal with spillage. This model has a small control center placed on the inlet that lets you monitor the temperature and adjust the water flow so the water that flows through the pad is as cold as you can bear. Compared to the better-ranked Polar Products Active Ice 3.0, it doesn’t come with a pad, but the company has many models available, so you can select the one that fits best with the type of surgery you went through. The warranty offered for this product is the standard 6-month.

Best DonJoy Ice Therapy Machines Compared

	DonJoy 11-1426 IceMan Classic	DonJoy 11-1633 Iceman Clear3
Picture
Price	Amazon Price
Time Between Refills	N/A	Up to 5-6 hours
Timer	N/A
Adjustable Temperature
Adjustable Water Flow
Does It Include Accessories?
User-Friendly Design

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Best Ice Therapy Machine for Elbow:

5. Pain Management Technology Aqua Hot/Cold Therapy

For almost the same money you would spend on the top-rated Ossur Kit Cold Rush, you can have this Pain Management Technology machine instead that might not score as high in testing when it comes to cold therapy relief, but manages to combine two functions in a single unit. It can be used for hot or cold therapy, a perk that only the Theramax Hot/Cold Therapy provides but in a much less efficient manner. The durability of this Pain Management entry is superior to the aforementioned product, and it doesn’t produce as much noise as the Theramax either.

The company has also produced the Cryotherapy Arctic Ice Cold machine we previously reviewed. The period between refills with this previous version was higher, 8 hours to be specific, but with the appearance of this hot & cold therapy machine, we decided to test it too and found it to be more practical than its predecessor. The upgrade was much needed since it expands the product’s usability. If, however, you prefer a more simplistic product and you’re convinced that you wouldn’t benefit from heat therapy at any point, you can check out the stats of the Ice Cold model compared to the Aqua Hot/Cold in the matrix below. The warranty is the same with both products and so are the settings for the timer, so both models are mainly alike.

A universal pad is included with the package, so you can adjust the Velcro strap to make sure it fits perfectly around the shoulder, knee, or elbow to treat swelling and injuries. What we concluded after tests is that the pad doesn’t properly cover board shoulders, so you might want to consider acquiring a larger pad if your body conformation is wider at the top. Because of its ample use, aside from pain relief for arthritis and joint pain, among other chronic conditions, it also reduces neuropathy pain. Backing is provided against manufacturing for 6 months, the standard warranty provided by the company for heat and ice therapy machines.

Best Pain Management Technology Ice Therapy Machines Compared

	Pain Management Technology Aqua Hot/Cold Therapy	Cryotherapy Arctic Ice Cold
Picture
Price		Amazon Price
Time Between Refills	Up to 5 hours	Up to 8 hours
Timer	Up to 60 minutes	Up to 60 minutes
Adjustable Temperature
Adjustable Water Flow
Type of Therapy Provided	Hot/Cold	Cold Only
Does It Include Accessories?
User-Friendly Design

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Best Ice Therapy Machine for the Money:

6. LEONNS Cold Therapy Machine

A value deal in the truest sense of the word, this LEONNS ice therapy machine is a must-have if your budget is tight but you don’t want to compromise. Although it costs a little over $150, it comes with a universal pad and a specialty knee pad included, so there are no extra purchases to make later down the road. What also wows is that it’s fairly feature-rich even compared to costlier products. As opposed to the Vive Cold Therapy Machine, it features adjustable water flow. In fact, there are 5 settings that you can pick from. Sure, the water pressure isn’t as high as it is with the Vive even on the highest setting this machine provides, but considering the price and the fact that you have choices when it comes to setting up its operation, this minor flaw is easy to overlook.

It integrates a 30-minute timer that lets you limit the amount of time you spend doing cryotherapy to avoid any side effects. If, however, you want to expand this time, you have to press the start button again when the set time passes and the machine automatically turns off. The long insulated tubing ensures that water temperature is preserved as well as possible. Speaking of temperature, it is adjustable via user-friendly digital controls. Moreover, it sends off an alert when the temperature fluctuates so that you fix the issue by adding more ice.

The basin is clear, so you can see for yourself at what level the water is at any given wanted thanks to the fill lines. Lastly, we mention that the company backs it against defects for 1 year. So, when it comes to backing, this budget-friendly cryotherapy machine even exceeds better-ranked products like the Ossur Kit Cold Rush or the Polar Products Active Ice 3.0.

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Best Ice Therapy Machine for Knee:

7. Aircast Cryo Blue-Large

Amazon Price  

This product can provide a cold and focused compression to your problem areas. The machine is non-motorized and gravity-fed, which means that you will need to position it on a table or a chair so it sits at a higher level. This way, the water fill flow from the bucket directly into the cuff without needing to use electricity. While it isn’t as convenient as a model that uses a pump, like, for instance, the Ossur Kit Cold Rush on our top, the advantage with this type of arrangement is that you can keep using it even when the power is off.

What stands out about this product is the fact that it provides superior cryotherapy, so it minimizes the risk of tissue damage. You should use this machine for swelling, pain, post-operative recovery, and sports-related injuries. The cuff easily adapts to any of your feet, so there is no need to improvise. Unfortunately, you will not be able to adjust the temperature or set a timer, so you will need to keep a closer eye on its functioning. In general, a full bucket will last you for up to 8 hours.

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Best Ice Therapy Machine for Hip:

8. NEHOO Cold Therapy Machine

Amazon Price  

This model from NEHOO has a compact design that integrates a 7-quart double insulated bucket, a robust handle, and a long hose that connects to an already included universal pad. The bucket can hold a lot of ice, which means that the system can work for several hours before you will need to add some more. The pad that comes in the package can be easily wrapped around a leg or an arm, and you get elastic bandages to get it secured. You can also use it as it is by placing it on your back.

It is an electrical model with a brushless motor that engages a silent pump to send the icy water through the hose and into the pad. The advantage of this design is that you don’t always need to search for a higher spot to place the bucket, seeing how it isn’t dependent on gravity. You just need to pour water into the bucket until it reaches the lowest mark, then add ice or some bottles with iced water. Close the lid and lift the handle to secure it, plug the unit in and turn it on.

You will be able to adjust the flow rate – 3 levels are available. In addition, you can easily keep an eye on the temperature, as it is displayed on the lid with the help of a chart and a set of LEDs. The values can go from 39 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit. The unit is equipped with a timer, as well, which will turn it off after 30 minutes of continuous functioning. This feature is extremely convenient, especially when you are recovering after surgery and the last thing you need is to stay alert, counting the minutes until you need to take a break from the therapy. For this model, the warranty offered is 1 year, being more consistent than the one that is included even with more expensive models like the Ossur Kit Cold Rush or Polar Products Active Ice 3.0.

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9. DeRoyal CoolJet T835NS

Amazon Price  

Just like the DonJoy 11-1426 IceMan Classic on our top, the DeRoyal CoolJet T835NS was designed for commercial use, and professionals can acquire it for their facilities to provide a form of relief for their patients and reduce the use of painkillers. It comes with a patented automatic temperature control system that regulates the flow to ensure that the water that goes through the blanket preserves the optimal temperature for the therapy. A LED system lets you know if the machine is operating properly or if you need to do some adjustments:

• Solid green – shows that the unit is functioning efficiently
• Blinking green – the water temperature is still optimal, but soon you will need to add more ice
• Amber – the temperature of the water is higher than 65 degrees Fahrenheit, so you need to add water
• Blinking red – there is a problem with the functioning of the unit. You should check that the hose allows the water to flow and the bucket is placed at the same height level as the zone that needs treatment.

It uses a pump to push the water, so it doesn’t depend on gravity. However, the motor has limited power, so you should try not to place the machine too low from the treatment area and force it to push the water for a distance that is too long. A full bucket of ice can give you a few good hours of treatment. Unfortunately, this model has a very short warranty of only 90 days.

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10. Thermax Hot/Cold Therapy

Amazon Price  

If you want a soothing alternative to ice packs, this machine is excellent for your needs. It will encourage the body to repair itself, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation. The pump will circulate the water through the 56” tubing and into the bladder to provide an ice-cold feel to the affected area. This will provide long-lasting relief. The easy-to-use push-button lid will tightly seal on top to prevent spills. Additionally, the rigid handle will ensure easy transportation, so you can take it wherever you go.

The pad measures 11” (L) x 12.5” (W), so you can use it for different areas of the body such as the back, elbow, knee, and ankle. A full tank of water will provide 5 hours of cold therapy. Just like the Pain Management Technology Aqua Hot/Cold Therapy, this machine will offer hot or cold therapy. Thus, if you are on a budget, this is an excellent pick to consider.

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Are Ice Therapy Machines Safe?

When used correctly, cryotherapy machines pose no threat and make a significant difference in relieving pain, inflammation, and swelling. On paper, these machines are mostly harmless since they are very easy to use. What they do is circulate cold water through a tube into a wrap that you place on the body part you want to treat. What you must do to fend off any potential side effects is:

• Use a cloth or bandage as a barrier between the wrap and your skin. What is important is that the wrap doesn’t directly touch your skin. Otherwise, frostbite becomes an imminent risk.
• Routinely check to see if the skin under the wrap is dry. If there is sweat or water on it, the cold wrap will cause a small ice formation that will hurt your skin.
• Adjust the wrap so that it doesn’t fit too tightly. Your skin should be relaxed, not constricted by the pad.
• Make sure that you don’t exceed 20 minutes of cold therapy at a time for a single body area. When 20 minutes pass, turn off the machine and take a 20-minute break minimum before you reapply the wrap on that specific area.
• If you have any of these reactions, interrupt cold therapy use and contact your healthcare provider for guidance: increased swelling, increased pain, changes in the skin’s color or appearance, numbness, or blisters.

Take note that there are categories of people who are advised against using ice therapy altogether or only resort to it if they have talked to their physicians and have been given the clear to succumb to cold treatment. People who shouldn’t use cryotherapy unless given clearance by a specialist are the individuals who suffer from the following conditions:

• Circulatory disorders (sickle cell anemia, Buerger’s disease, Raynaud’s disease, and more);
• Diabetes;
• History of frostbite or any sort of cold injury;
• Conditions that affect the skin’s sensation (sciatica, stroke, peripheral neuropathy, and more);
• Individuals who take medication that negatively affects peripheral vascular circulation.

Ice reduces pain by reducing blood flow to the area where it is applied. Doing so, it reduces the swelling and inflammation that stands at the root of the pain you feel. Generally, it is recommended for easing pain and inflammation around joints and tendons. If used as recommended, it can be a useful tool to feel better and get over injury- or surgery-related pain much easier. But there is a fine line between pain alleviation and the potential for frostbite and worsening your existing conditions.

Luckily, making sure that there are no side effects is as easy as not using cold therapy for longer than advised, wrapping the pad without strangulating the area, and watching out for a few signs that your body might not welcome the therapy, signs that we previously listed. Other than this, ice therapy machines are very safe, devices that you can use at home without professional supervision.

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Ice Vs. Heat Therapy

Pain can totally mess up your life, especially if it is chronic pain we are talking about. While painkillers can work for a while, they aren’t a viable long-term solution, so many people turn towards alternative therapies that can give them the relief they need. Some use ice therapy while others are hooked on the benefits warmth offers. There are, in fact, some differences between these treatment methods, so let’s take a brief look at them and learn when you should be using one instead of the other.

Ice Therapy

– If you’ve recently had an operation, you should know that this treatment is the most suitable for you. It will lessen inflammation in the affected area and reduce bleeding, making the first days after surgery more bearable. Here are other situations in which cold therapy is suitable:

• Muscle spasm – it reduces nerve activity in the area where it is applied and lowers blood flow as well, so it can ameliorate the pain related to muscle spasms.
• Gout flare-ups – when the sudden pain associated with gout appears, the best way to treat it is with ice, as it can help reduce the inflammation in the joints and also numb the pain.
• Acute pain – there is one reason you see every character in a movie who was punched going to the freezer and applying a bag of frozen peas or a steak on their eye, which is about to get swollen: ice prevents inflammation and reduces bruising. It also helps numb pain, which makes it easier to bear.

Heat Therapy

– This is most commonly used when you do not experience acute pain caused by a fresh injury, but when you are dealing with chronic pain. The heat warms the underlying muscles, which makes the pain levels gradually go down. However, it does not have a long-term effect. The muscles will start tensing up after a few hours.

• Chronic back pain – if you use heat packs on the affected area, you will notice that after a while, the pain will ease. This is because the heat will improve blood supply, and the body will release chemicals that will ease the muscle spasms on your back.
• Osteoarthritis – the heat allows the joints to expand further. It acts as a natural lubricant for the joints. Thus, it improves arthritic joint pain. If you keep the heat at a comfortable level for up to 10 minutes, you will notice straight away that you can move much easier.
• Muscle cramping – if you are a woman, you may already know how efficient it is to use a heating pad when you are experiencing period cramps. This is because the heat will allow the muscles to relax. The therapy can be applied to any area of the body that is experiencing cramps.

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Ice Therapy Machine Buying Guide

Consistent cooling is recommended to reduce pain, treat circulatory issues, and assist with post-surgical recovery. Due to the wide application of cold therapy, options for ice therapy machines have become quite abundant, with more and more healthcare brands manufacturing these products. For newbies, it can be overwhelming to pick since there are multiple options for all budgets. If you find yourself in the situation where you need a cryotherapy machine for at-home use but you’re not sure what it should integrate, here is a quick buying guide to help you make the right choice:

• Capacity: It refers to the capacity of the machine to hold the water cold. If you have acute pain, make sure that it can keep the appropriate water temperature for several hours to follow through with the treatment as needed to ameliorate your condition ASAP.

  Best option: Aircast Cryo Blue Large (refill isn’t required for approximately 8 hours)

• Timer & automatic shut-off: For safety in use, it’s best to opt for an ice therapy machine that features a timer. This way, even if you fall asleep with the wrap on, there’s no risk of frostbite because the unit will turn off automatically after the set amount of time passes. Remember that it’s not advised to apply cold therapy on a single area for more than 20 minutes at a time, so the timer function can make a big difference in making sure that you don’t exceed this recommended threshold.

  Best option: Polar Products Active Ice 3.0 (990-minute timer)

• Temperature regulation: With top-tier cryotherapy machines you have the possibility to pick the temperature of the water. This helps prevent frostbite. Moreover, products that allow temperature customization also alert when the water temperature rises so that you know and put more ice inside to regulate it.

  Best option: Ossur Kit Cold Rush (3 settings)

• Hot/cold therapy function: Why be limited to single use when you can acquire a 2-in-1 machine? There are a few products that allow you to pick between hot and cold therapy. And you get this perk from a single apparatus, you don’t have to separately buy anything to benefit from heat therapy.

  Best option: Pain Management Technology Aqua Hot/Cold Therapy

• Included pads: The more the merrier since this will ensure that you can benefit from ice therapy on multiple affected areas of the body. Ideally, opt for a product that includes a universal pad – these tend to cover a larger area. We also recommend reusable fabric pads since these save money in the long run. Just wash them when you are done and you can reuse them.

  Best option: LEONNS Cold Therapy Machine (universal pad and specialty knee pad)

• Tube length and material: The cold water travels from the reservoir to the pad through the tube, so it’s important for the material to be insulating. This way, water temperature is not affected by the tubing material. You should also make sure that the tube is long enough to allow free movement when you undergo cryotherapy.

  Best option: Vive Cold Therapy Machine (5-foot long, insulated tube)

• Design – weight and size: This aspect matters for the portability of the machine. It has to be small and weigh as little as possible to make your job easy when you have to move around and carry it. If you suffer from a condition that causes you pain, the last thing you want is to carry around heavy machinery when you want to move from the couch to the bed.

  Best option: DeRoyal CoolJet T835NS (measures 14.5” by 10.5” by 10”; weighs 5 pounds)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion

Ice therapy can be used against inflammation, pain, swelling, and other ailments. Using an ice therapy machine will help you eliminate these issues, assuage pain, and promote blood circulation. This is why we have picked the best products on the market to help you determine which one suits your needs the best. Nevertheless, some options deserve a second mention, so let’s take a closer look:

Best Ice Therapy Machine for Physical Therapy: Ossur Kit Cold Rush

Even if this device was designed for home use, it operates similarly to a commercial product, being able to sustain a continuous cold water supply for up to 6 hours. The bucket has thick walls that increase ice melting time and a sturdy locking lid that guarantees there will be no spills. The motor is strong but quiet, so it will allow you to rest after your surgery. Best of all, you can adjust the water flow, thus deciding how cold it should feel on your skin.

Editor’s Choice / Best Ice Therapy Machine with Compression: Polar Products Active Ice 3.0

If you want to enjoy peak performance, we recommend this option. It’s a recently upgraded model that comes with high-end features to help you eliminate pain after surgical procedures. The temperature is adjustable, so you can set it according to your needs. Although you need to acquire a controller separately to customize the temperature setting. More to be mentioned, it has a timer feature for added convenience, and it goes up to 990 minutes (more than any other product provides). In the package, you’ll also get a quality compression pad that is suitable for knees, ankles, shoulders, and calves, wrapping tightly to ensure you benefit in the best manner possible from the provided cryotherapy.

Best Ice Therapy Machine for Shoulder: Vive Cold Therapy Machine

Dealing with shoulder pain is not pleasant at all, so, if you’re in this situation, we suggest considering this machine. It ensures fast relief, diminishing pain, and leads to complete recovery in just a short time. It holds up to 6 liters of ice, so we’re also speaking of sufficient capacity. The set includes a universal pad that can effortlessly be adjusted to a hurting shoulder.

Best Ice Therapy Machine for Knee: Aircast Cryo Blue-Large

Specially designed for knee ailments, it will help you get rid of pain, excluding the chance of tissue harm. What’s great about it is that it emits ice-cold water straight to your knee via the cuff for fast relief. The cuff suits both right and left feet, so you can wear it according to your needs. Plus, the water disperses without interruption, so there is no need to refill.

Best Ice Therapy Machine for Hip: NEHOO Cold Therapy Machine

The NEHOO Cold Therapy Machine has a strong motor and a 7 quarts capacity, being adept to deliver relief for several hours. The pack includes a universal pad that can be wrapped around a knee, a shoulder, or applied on a hip that went through a surgical procedure. It integrates a LED control panel, which allows keeping an eye on the water temperature and adjusting it by selecting a different flow level.

Best Ice Therapy Machine for Elbow: Pain Management Technology Aqua Hot/Cold Therapy

The included universal pad of the Aqua Hot/Cold Therapy device makes it perfect for pain relief in any area needed, but where it excels most due to how easily it wraps is the elbow. The wrap measures 11 inches by 11 inches, and it features a Velcro strap that lets you adjust it to the size of the area where you will apply it. What makes it stand out even more for pain management is that it provides either cool or hot therapy. That’s right, it’s a much more complex machine as opposed to the other entries we reviewed today. When used for cryotherapy, expect it to circulate the cold water for approximately 5 hours without interruption, whereas in the heat therapy mode, it takes less than 10 minutes for it to reach the perfect temperature so that you may begin your healing session.

Best Ice Therapy Machine for the Money: LEONNS Cold Therapy Machine

What makes this LEONNS cryotherapy machine the best money can buy at the moment stands in the price-to-quality ratio. You can have it for a little over $150, so it’s not a hefty acquisition that will set you back financially in a considerable manner. Furthermore, it doesn’t stray from top-tier machines when it comes to the features it integrates, nor the accessories it includes. There are 5 different flow rate settings that you can pick from, and although it doesn’t allow you to set the temperature you prefer, it monitors this stat to make sure it’s regulated. When it comes to accessories, aside from a universal pad that works for multiple areas and a specialized knee pad, the package also contains elastic bands long enough to wrap around the chest, thighs, or stomach to amplify the usability of the cold therapy machine.