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If you had a recent surgery or knee injury, then don’t let the pain keep you down. The Ice therapy machine for knee are a perfect solution for not only knee pain or swelling but also for other body parts. But these cold therapy machines have specifications that make them suitable for a certain body part.
In this article, we have reviewed the Best Ice Therapy Machines for the knee. Read on to learn more about them.
Before getting started, Let's have a quick look at the top best ice therapy machines for knee pain.
What is an Ice Therapy Machine?
The Ice therapy machine is also called cold therapy machines that use icy cold water to develop a cooling system to sooth joint pains or soreness. They are the latest version of ice packs and is designed to provide instant relief from any kind of discomfort including and helps with;
Managing the body pain
Increasing the recovery rate after surgery or injury
Reducing the inflammation
Reduce the demand of opioid
Enhance the PT engagement of the patients
The cold therapy machines come with a therapy pad that can be wrapped around the knees, ankle, shoulder, hip, and arm. The machine works quietly and never disturbs you while resting. They also have an integrated handle to carry the ice therapy machine along with you easily.
Is Cold/Ice Therapy Machine Better than Ice Packs?
Cold therapy is a kind of post-surgery or injury treatment to reduce the swelling or pain in a part of the body. This treatment method is often utilized in multiple ways including ice packs, frozen peas bags, and ice therapy machines to regulate the temperature of the affected area.
Generally, people get confused about buying an ice therapy machine or an ice pack. However, they may seem working the same but there is a lot of difference between the efficiency and comfort provided by both of these.
Compared to ice packs, cold therapy machines are better in terms of performance and efficiency. The ice therapy machine for the knee fully covers the knee joint offering more coverage and compression for a safe therapy.
The cold therapy machines are isolated systems that keep the water colder longer than ice pack bags and work for longer hours, so you won’t need to take extra rounds unlike for ice bags to refreeze them.
With other methods, you can’t customize or monitor the device but with an ice therapy machine, you can monitor it to function automatically. These machines also come in a manual form for those who are not a big fan of tech.
How Does Ice Therapy Machine Work
The ice therapy machine works by making the nerve receptors end numb, this provides instant relief to the injured area. It also stops further damage to tissues by hiding the cellular metabolism or prevents fluid build-up.
This happens due to the lower temperature, metabolic rate slows down with the decreasing body temperature and they require less oxygen supply. Therefore, the blood vessels contract which reduces the blood flow to the affected site.
The cooling mechanism of this cold therapy machine prevents muscle spasms and reduces the swelling effectively. That’s how it fastens the recovery time of patients and lets them get back to their normal life soon.
Why to Buy an Ice Therapy Machine for Knee
It works for all body parts: The ice therapy machines are made into very versatile gadgets that provide relief to any body part including thighs, neck, calves, knees, shoulders, and ankles. It not only helps with easing temporary pain but also gives a soothing effect to long-term discomfort with increasing age.
Better than other ice therapies: The ice machine for knees works far better than other cold therapies. The machine remains colder to provide deeper relief in certain parts of the body and therefore, eliminates the pain and soreness in muscles and joints. After using an ice machine for the knee you will never look back for ice bags or any other alternative.
Give Instant Relief: Now, you won’t need to take painkillers that might have side effects or just kill the pain temporarily. The ice machine for knees reduces swelling, soreness, and pain much quicker than any other way with no side effects by transmitting the icy cold sensation through your muscles which freezes the nerves that send the message to your brain. These ice machines are also much efficient in doing the cold therapy job in very little time.
You should also take the best muscles recovery supplements
The Best Ice Therapy Machine For Knee
Aqua-Relief Model ARS-2000D Hot and Cold Therapy System
Therapy Type: Hot and Cold | Run Time: 5 hours | Pump Life: 1700 hours | Velcro Strap: Yes | Continuous Use: No | Weight: 5.7 lbs | Dimensions: 13.5” x 11.3” x 9.65”
If you are diabetic and have frequent pain in multiple parts of your body then Aqua Relief Cryotherapy and Hot Water therapy system is an ideal choice to provide quick relief to your body.
The Cryotherapy system is thousands of times better than lying on your bed or sitting on a couch consuming multiple tablets and gets constipation. It works amazingly great for sprained knee, ankle, and elbows.
Interesting Features
Secure Heating System: The heating function of this therapy machine is very secure. It gets heat-up within 10 minutes and keeps the temperature safe for your skin, making it an ideal ice therapy machine for your entire family. Not only, it helps with pain relief but it also enhances overall health. The hot water circulation increases the blood flow and reduces the soreness and stiffness in your muscles.
Easy to operate: This ice therapy machine comes ready to use right out of the box. Just fill the ice cubes and water up to the water level line and turn it on, Then it will be all set to function for 5 hours straight.
Auto Shut-off: It gets shut down automatically after done therapy, which won’t require you to get up and turn it off.
Pros
It keeps the water temperature comfortable to use
Convenient design with a carrying handle
Offer both the cold and hot therapy to relax the body
Automatic turning off feature
Cons
Universal pad might get short for the ones with full knee replacement surgery
Some people didn’t like the design
The velcro is not big enough to cover larger swollen areas
Aircast Cryo Cuff Cold Therapy Knee Solution
Therapy Type: Cold or Cryotherapy | Run Time: 1 hours | Pump Life: 1700 hours | Velcro Strap: Yes | Continuous Use: No | Weight: 2.95 lbs | Dimensions: 4” x 4” x 1”
A perfect Ice Therapy Machine for the knee - Aircast Cryo Cuff Cold Therapy Knee Solution which works perfectly fine for full knee replacement or any other sort of knee surgery. It comes with a cryo cuff which could fit in both the left or right leg and provide more coverage than ice packs or other ice therapy machines for knees.
Many People loved it for its effective results. It heals the injury too fast and reduces the swelling to let you move your knee conveniently. The universal band keeps the back of the knees from getting frozen and gives nice compression to the muscles and bone.
It significantly decreases the chances of further cell or tissue damage as the cold water is pumped directly into the cryo cuff.
Interesting Features
Comfortable design: Unlike other models with frustrating pads, Its design is very comfortable. The cuff comfortably covers the entire knee area and when the icy cold water gets pumped into the cuff. You can detach it from the rest of the machine to walk around to sleep easily on your bed.
Control: Its design allows the users to control the cold treatment and apply it to where they need instant relief from pain or swelling, giving it an edge over frozen bags of peas or ice bottles which can slip from their places and are not comfortable at all.
Adjustable Straps: The straps are also very easy to adjust to your requirements to tighten as much as you want.
Easy to use: This machine is super easy to assemble and use. The hoses fit perfectly and do not leak and circulate the cold enough water through the cuff.
Pros
Anatomically made knee cuff to prevent cellular damage
Small and compact design
Universal pad which fits accurately to both legs
Extra-sized cuff to cover more affected area after knee surgeries
Cons
The valves start leaking on disconnection
It can’t keep the water cold for longer hours
Cold Therapy MachineGen 2 by Polar Vortex
Therapy Type: Cold Therapy | Run Time: 6 hours | Capacity: 11 quart | Velcro Strap: Yes | Continuous Use: Yes | Weight: 7.05 lbs | Dimensions: 12.6” x 12.3” x 12.2”
Another super effective ice therapy machine for knees and cuffs, Cold Therapy MachineGen 2 by Polar Vortex. It has much more capacity to hold the ice cubes and water for longer therapy sessions.
It comes with a strong pump to circulate the water through extra-long insulated pipes that keep the water temperature ice cold during the entire 6-hour long cold treatment.
The universal pad is also big enough to cover other large parts including hips, thighs, elbow, knees, and much more. The machine has labeled guidelines for the filling of ice cubes.
Interesting Features
Durability: The base of this ice machine is durable enough to support 11 quarts of ice and water without breaking off.
Foam-insulated Pipes: Generally, the circulation pipes of ice machines are made of plastic and when the water flows through them it starts getting warm and the machine requires a refill of ice to keep the therapy going on. Therefore, Polar Vortex has covered the pipes of this ice machine for knees with foam as it helps to isolate the system properly.
Increased Size: The cold therapy machine is made a bit larger with longer pipes to ease the patients to move and sit comfortably during the treatment.
Pros
Effective in reducing the swelling in knees and cuffs after surgery
Extended pipe lengths
More water and ice storage capacity
Keeps the water cool for reasonable treatment time
Cons
It gets heavy after filling up to carry or empty it
It vibrates loudly
Assistance needed to set it up
Cold Therapy Machine by Arctic 8
Therapy Type: Cold Therapy | Run Time: 5 hours | Capacity: 12 quarts | Velcro Strap: Yes | Continuous Use: Yes | Weight: 10.45 lbs | Dimensions: 17.32” x 15.91” x 13.54”
The largest ice therapy machine for knees on our list, Cold Therapy Machine by Arctic 8 is much bigger than the rest of the ice therapy machines to provide longer treatment sessions. It can hold up to 12 quarts of ice cubes to give relief from muscle soreness and cramps.
It has a much bigger capacity and longer pipes to let the patients sit comfortably on the couch or their beds. It won’t bound the affected person to sit very close to the machine, instead, they can change their side and be more relaxed without the concerns of water leakage.
Interesting Features
Foam Insulated Tubing: Although the pipes are longer, there are high chances of water getting warm on the way to reach the pad. So, to preserve the cold water temperature, the pipes are insulated with foam which also keeps the pipes secured and waterproof.
Adjustable Secure Straps: The machine comes with adjustable straps that secure the straps and prevent them from getting loose.
Pros
No leakage even on detaching
Largest ice therapy machine for the knee which can also be used for other body parts like elbow, cuffs, hips thighs, etc.
Secured and isolated ice therapy machine
Highly durable
Cons
A little loud for some people
No instruction manual included
Buying Guide for Best Ice Therapy Machine for Knee
You have seen the best available ice therapy machines but still, you need to be very careful while purchasing one for yourself or for your loved ones. These machines are used for the treatment of post injuries or surgeries and are very sensitive. Unfortunately, there are many cold therapy machine models that fail to meet the requirements of the users and are also made cheaply.
Therefore, to save you from such disappointments, we have the essential factors and features that you must look for while making a buying decision to get the best ice therapy machine for your knee.
Machine Size: The machine size matters a lot. Sometimes you will see larger machines with many impressive features but always keep in mind, the larger the machine, the more difficult it to carry. The ice therapy machines are filled with ice and water which increases the weight of the machine and makes it less easy to maneuver.
Do remember that you won’t be able to move actively and will be having a lot of pain after surgery, so make a wise decision for yourself.
If you are planning to lay around and won’t need to move much then you can consider buying a bigger machine but if you want something portable then go for small-sized ice therapy machines that are also not bulky. The small machines are also easy to empty and carry around.
Ice Therapy Machine Portability: Read the instructions carefully to find out whether the machine will be portable for you or not. For this, make sure that the assembling and disassembling of the ice therapy machine for the knee is simple and easy. So, you could easily put together the parts for use and after the treatment session, break it down to store conveniently.
Simple and Easy of Use: Generally, the ice therapy machines are pretty simple to use. All you need is to set it up and add the ice cubes and water up to the mark and turn it on. However, there are also some models that are quite complicated to understand their features. So, read thoroughly about them and prefer the ones that come ready to function right out of the box or the ones that have limited and simple features. So, you won’t need to put more effort into pain.
Temperature Control: The main purpose of the ice therapy machines is to allow the patients to set and control the water temperature according to their requirements. It is also considered as the major advantage of these cold therapy machines over frozen pea bags and ice bags. Therefore, ensure that the machine must have a temperature control setting so you could increase or decrease the temperature of the water, which could also be safe for your muscles and skin.
Tubing Material, length and Insulation: The tubing or pipes plays a crucial role in maintaining the temperature of the water. These tubes are the only channel through which the water transports from the water reservoir to the pad. Also, the length of the pipes is an important consideration for you as it is linked with your treatment experience.
Machines with short pipes make the patients bound to sit too close and this can be very uncomfortable for them to sit and lay comfortably during the treatment session.
Many customers often complain about tube leakages so it is also important to check the material quality and the durability of the tubes so they won’t cut or break in the future. By doing this, you can buy the machine without worrying about water leakage while disconnecting or during functioning.
Lastly, you must see whether the tubes are insulated or not. Usually, the pipes of the ice treatment machines have pipes covered with foam that keeps the temperature maintained throughout the treatment cycle. The foaming prevents the cold air escape through the channel while transmitting and keeps the machine working effectively for providing pain relief.
Secure wrap attachment: Mostly, the cold therapy machines come with a wrap attachment that holds the pad firmly and securely against the joint or other affected parts. Check, if the machine has it or not. If it has a wrapping accessory then check its adhesiveness and size. It saves you additional cost for buying it separately.
Auto Shutoff Feature: As we know, the over access of anything can be bad. Although the ice therapy machines provide instant relief to swelling, soreness, stiffness, or pain but it stays turned on for a longer time then it can freeze the muscles and creates new kinds of aches, pain, or problems.
When having therapy from these ice machines, it is common to doze off due to the soothing impact or instant relaxation that machines provide. In this case, you should consider an ice machine that is equipped with an auto-shutdown feature. Otherwise, you would need to get up in pain and turn it off manually which is very inconvenient. It is a type of safety feature that manufacturers often install in their cold therapy system.
Reusable Therapy Pads: There are ice therapy machines, which come with a pad that gets wasted after a single use and such machines become costly in the long run as you would require to purchase the pads separately. Therefore, look for a machine that has reusable cloth pads. These machines can save you from additional expanse. The reusable fabric pads can be washed with a detergent and can be sterilized easily to prevent bacteria build-up.
After making up the mind for investing in a cold therapy machine, you must see what you will get in the package and the reusable pads are something that you would never regret for buying a machine with this.
Frequently Asked Question
How Much Does an Ice Therapy Machine Cost?
The price of an ice therapy machine depends on the product quality, size, additional features, and accessories that come with it. Generally, the machine cost ranges between $125 to $ 210. The manual ice therapy machines are cheaper than the ones that come with an auto-shutoff feature and temperature control which makes sense for an obvious reason.
How long should I keep the pad of the ice therapy machine on my affected body part?
You must keep the pad on for 20 to 25 minutes for pain relief and other positive impacts. If you will keep it longer than that, it will start making your condition worse.
Is it safe to sleep during ice therapy?
Yes, it is safe to sleep while having ice therapy but make sure that your cold therapy machine has automatic shutting down features that will prevent the extended cooling down of your muscles. The shutting off feature works on a timer, as 30 mins pass. It stops the machine automatically.
Can I get hypothermia or frostbite by using an ice therapy machine?
Yes, If your muscles are thin and you keep the machine on for more than half an hour. Then there are chances of getting hypothermia or frostbite. But you can prevent this risk by placing a barrier between your skin and the ice pad.
Conclusion
In this post, we have provided all the essential information that you must have about cold therapy along with the top best ice therapy machines for the knee. Although, these machines are an amazing invention to provide relief from pain after surgeries but the overuse of these machines can also be dangerous for you. Therefore, you must choose the machine carefully with safety features and with other important features that we have discussed in the buying guide.
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