An icing machine is a cold therapy machine that is used to treat pain, swelling or inflammation in the knee and other body parts such as- shoulder, ankle, and elbow. In most cases, people having surgery in the knee experience pain and this pain can be treated by taking ice or cold therapy. So, this machine comes with two-mode motorized or non-motorized that is designed to provide cold therapy on the injured area to relieve pain. So, it is also called cold therapy machine that constantly circulates cold water in the injured area through an ice reservoir.
Ice therapy from a machine is recommended by physicians for the sportsman who has injuries and wants to recover from surgery or needs a fast therapeutic process for instant recovery. It beats swelling and pain on an instant basis. So, we are going to discuss the icing machine for the knee in detail and you stay here to read this article for complete guidelines on icing machines for the knee with other body parts.
5 Top Icing Machines For Knee
How Does Knee Icing Machine Work?
People who are under post-operation in terms of knee surgery may need to take ice therapy to heal the pain and swelling. So, an icing machine can be one of the needs for you in case you have surgery in the knee and suffer from pain. It works to put cold and soothing sensation to the knee and push swelling and pain out from the injured areas.
This machine has consistent cooling and excellent compression that forms ice and chilled water. A tube comes from the ice machine and it is set inside your ice pack and circulates chilled or ice water from the machine to the injured or painful knee. In this way, pain is relieved and you feel better.
Are Knee Icing Machines Safe?
When knee icing machine is used, it prevents the pain, swelling, and inflammation which are most common among the people having knee surgery. Knee surgery is really one of the most crucial surgeries that leads you to take so many medicines. Cold therapy can be one of the effective ways to reduce taking medicines for pain. According to orthopedics and physicians, the Knee icing machine is much safe in case it is taken in the proper way. But excess use may cause skin sensitiveness.
5 Best Icing Machines For Knee
Best icing machines for knee depend on its functionality, water capacity, durability and so on. From these points of view, we have researched a lot to find out the best icing machines for the knee. So, you may read these icing machines to get your deals.
1. Polar Products Active Ice 3.0 Knee & Joint Cold Therapy System
This icing machine made by the renowned US Company Polar. When you have a surgical condition in the knees, there may be pain, swelling, or inflammation. It is worth getting high efficiency, steady and effective cooling therapy from these icing machines for the knee.
This machine treats effectively with the most intense pain and inflammation as well. It is also important to note that the therapy with this machine can be used for the whole night and it has no disturbing issue to the user. The handled timer is another good feature that can be set in 30 minutes which indicates that the machine is much safer.
Luckily, this machine has a capacity of 8.5 liters of water that enables up to 48 to 72 hours use according to your needs. The machine is also designed with an electronic digital timer with an on/off switch that makes sure to set treatment duration as per doctor’s recommendation.
Additionally, the system of this machine provides the largest cooling reservoir available as 9 quart and optional 15 quarts. So this can be a good deal to consider the larger reservoir to make sure you can use this machine for a longer time.
- Easy to set up, built-in 30-minute timers, 8.5-liter capacity
- Larger unit, Pump may sputter for putting too much ice
2. Cryotherapy Arctic Ice Therapy machine for Knee, Elbow, Shoulder, Swelling, Sprains and Post Surgery Care
Cryotherapy Arctic ice therapy machine is designed with a motorized pump that circulates cooling water in the pad which is surrounded in the injured part. For any type of injuries in the knee with pain and inflammation, this machine can be used on the elbow, knee shoulder, back to get relief on pain, swelling, sprains, inflammation. The machine can circulate cold water up to 7 to 8 hours which is really a good deal to go for a longer time.
There is 52” hose to pad and you may also choose the specific area according to your comfort and satisfaction. This ice machine comes with a universal wrap measuring 11” X11” with Velcro strap that can be used in the area such as elbow, shoulder, hip wrist, and knee. Surely this machine also provides relief to diabetic pain, joint pain and neuropathy.
- User-friendly, affordable, comes with a warranty
- Has a risk of frostbite
3. Aircast Cryo Cuff Cold Therapy Knee Solution
Aircastcryo cuff knee cold therapy machine is really a wonderful machine for its lightest feature. This machine is used to provide a cold and focal compression system with no motorized and gravity-fed system. The technology of this machine is worth feeling satisfaction because you can get maximum cryotherapy from this machine. This machine can be used for no tissue damage as it provides chilled water into cryo/cuff.
It is important to note that you can get this machine at an affordable price. This is also designed with a portable feature. Additionally, it has a capacity of 6-8 hours for its larger water and ice reservoir. At last, this cryotherapy machine is a really best deal to treat hemarthrosis, swelling, inflammation and post-operative recovery.
- User-friendly; reduces the risk of tissue damage, can be used for both leg
- Non-motorized unit, for the only knee
4. Ossur Cold Rush Therapy Machine
Ossur cold Rush therapy machine is another excellent cryotherapy machine. It comes with a motorized cold therapy system that is also compact and whispers quietly. It provides continuous support for up to 6 hours which is considered as long-time use. But you need to make sure the risk of a long time uses according to your skin condition. This machine is designed with good motor power and has 4 power settings.
Any type of ice therapy machine should be noiseless as the injured person may need to sleep for this long time use. Luckily this machine has a low sound as it is designed with a brushless motor which is 30 decibels which is good for the patient for sleeping purposes. There is also an easy option to know the ratio between ice and water for consistent cold therapy. So, this one is really going to be a great treatment machine to prevent pain.
- Compact and lightweight with 4 lbs, whisper-quiet, has three elasticized straps
- Condensation around the tubing
5. Vive Cold Therapy Machine
Vive cold therapy machine is a good ice therapy machine for its simple design that gives cool and soothing relief in the knee, elbow and other inflamed limb parts. This machine is equipped with a transparent reservoir with onboard control and portable design to make sure you can use this machine so easily. Additionally, the machine provides the best placement for the knee and elbow.
The capacity of the water reservoir is 6 liters which is a good deal to go for longer use. You can get this therapy machine with a wall electricity or battery feature. So for the need for ice therapy, one can feel satisfied with the treatment process of this machine.
- Simple and powerful, affordable, 6-liter water capacity
- Not quite as rugged, Unpleasant hugging cuff
Consideration Before Buying an Ice Machine For Knees
There are a number of key issues to consider when you are going to buy an icing machine. These are technology, auto time on/off, easy to use, noise, cost and so on. So, you need to know these issues very carefully to make the machine more effective for your purposes.
Technology
Technology is the most important part to choose ice therapy machines. It is important to know which technology has been used in the ice therapy machine. The technology feature mainly comes with motorized technology or gravity fed technology. Motorized technology work with motor and power to provide compression and release chilled water. On the other hand, gravity-fed technology works with gravitational pull.
Construction
The construction of the ice machine provides the expected feature. For example, a double-walled ice machine for the purpose of knee therapy makes sure ice water keeps for a long time. This means water remains cold for a longer time when you are choosing a double-walled ice machine. Additionally, harder plastic ice machines made with harder plastic may also ensure cold water for a longer time. The insulated wall is another key component that minimizes heat loss.
Size and Weight
Small in size with the optimum results is really a good choice for all. When you are getting the heavy size of the ice machine, it is a little bit difficult to handle and keep in the smaller space. Additionally, the machine should be lightweight so that you can move it easily.
Wrap Attachment
Wrap attachment is really one of the big issues to consider. Wraps are designed with a pad that is used in the injured area. When you are not using this pad perfectly, you are not getting any treatment effectively. Additionally, it often does not work with a joint in case you don’t get joint wrap attachment. So you should make sure good wrap attachment when you are in the process of buying this machine.
Running time of the Ice Therapy Machine
The ice therapy machines come with different running time setting. Especially the motorized ice therapy machine has multiple run time settings. It means you can set time for how long you can continue. After finishing the run time, the machine will automatically shut off. This is effective when you want to use it in the night and sleep after switching on.
Noise
When people have surgery in the knee and use ice therapy machine, they need to sleep much more. In the event of using this machine, it is important to go for noiseless as noise hampers your smooth sleeping. Most commonly the ice machine is designed with a quiet pump that makes little noise.
Auto Shut off/Timer
When you are sleeping but the machine works continuously, it may be a problem of the skin for tough cold and damage of the machine for a longer time. It is important to make sure you can buy a machine that has auto shut off/timer. You just set the number of hours and go sleeping with no worry. After finishing the set time, the ice machine is off mode.
Cost
Ice machines are not normally expensive but the cost of the ice machines depends on the material and technology used in the machine. Additionally, there are different ice machines with a different budget range. You may also find different ice machines with different features at an affordable price. But the best decision is that you go where you can afford and feed your needs as well.
Ease of usage and directions
An ice therapy machine is a type of machine which is indifferent settings with accessories. In case there is a difficulty setting process, surely you are not getting the optimum benefit of the machine. So it is important to note that the machine should be easy to set up, run and direct according to your needs. Additionally, it should be durable and portable enough to add satisfaction to this process. Luckily the ice machine comes with ease of usage and direction so that you can use it easily and perfectly.
Use for other parts of the body
When you are going to buy an ice machine, it is important to make sure that the machine can serve you for multiple purposes. For example, the ice machine may be designed only for the knee. But for the injury of the elbow, arms, you might not use the machine in those parts of the body. You try to buy a machine that can work for other parts of the body.
Warranty
The warranty on the ice machine is much sustainable and workable for a long time. Surely the good brand offers a warranty feature of the ice machine which may be enough period. With this warranty feature, you can return in case you get any problem with the machine. Additionally, you should read the warranty feature carefully because different parts of the machine cover different warranty periods and features.
Most Frequently Asked Question About Ice Therapy Machine
When you are going to buy an icing machine, there is also a lot of question that comes from the minds of the consumers. We have a number of answers to the most frequently asked question here below. You may know more about this machine from these answers.
How does cold help injuries?
When Knee has swelling and inflammation, it is common to suffer from pain. This pain is not only in the knee but maybe around joint or tendon. This pain may be relieved with cold therapy which is also known as cryotherapy. Cryotherapy or cold therapy is so important who already have faced surgery but need a natural way to treat pain. Part of this fact, cold works by reducing blood flow to a specific or injured area which ultimately relieves pain.
What temperature should I set for icing injuries?
Temperature setting is so important when someone is going to take this treatment for an icing machine. The temperature setting comes with a different range. The recommended temperature setting should be 1.7 to 3.5 degrees Celsius and the highest level is 9 degrees. The exact temperature will also depend on the healing response of the injured part of the body. Note that you should take break times to prevent frostbite for the injured person.
How long do you usually use cold therapy?
Ice therapy is a wonderful treatment for inflammation and swelling. Additionally, the patient may suffer from pain in the knee and elbow. This ice therapy is also a wonderful solution. There are different options to take cold therapy.
5 to 15 minutes is considered as standard cold therapy which reduces the light pain in those areas. The duration of this treatment may also be 1 to 2 hours on the basis of healing the pain. After all, cold therapy totally depends on the pain recovery on people’s physiological condition.
What are the benefits of cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is getting much more popularity in treating different pain in the different parts of the human body. Cryotherapy is also known as a method of localized freezing temperature to deaden an irritated nerve and ice therapy machines that are used to prevent pain in the knee in the case of injury.
Surely it is a natural way by using a technological device such as an ice therapy machine. When sportsmen or any other people have any surgical condition in the knee, they may suffer from pain, swelling, and inflammation. Though there are a lot of recommended medicines to heal the pain but using this ice therapy machine surely lets you avoid medicines and relieve pain, swelling and inflammation as well.
This cryotherapy mostly comes with long term benefits of the pain in the knee. Additionally, there are more benefits such as
- Reduction of swelling in your knee and other parts of the body
- Speeding up the healing process in the knee in the event of any injury.
- Recover joint functions in the knee and other parts of the body.
- Numbing the nerve endings and prevention of pain
Is the machine’s brand important?
It is a common question from the consumers. The importance of the brand is not at all required in case the machine can serve best. There are user feedbacks through which you can know how the machine works.
Is it messier than ice packs?
Though it is common to think that the ice pack comes with lower prices compared to the ice machines, but it has long-lasting and healing pain feature. For this people are rushing to the icing machines to get the long term health benefit. Most of us may think that this process is a little bit full of hassle or messier.
But Cold therapy generally comes with easy features. The water easily goes into a reservoir before this circulates with the help of the machine. The simple task that you need to follow is that you should empty the reservoir after finishing your session.
Do ice therapy machines run loud?
The ice therapy machine is designed with a special quiet pump to make sure the injured people can have asleep without any noise. When the injured people are taking this therapy, they can sleep as it is a noiseless machine.
Why use cold therapy after surgery?
For a longer time, cold therapy after surgery has been using as part of the treatment for surgical wounds, especially in knee surgery. This cold therapy mainly works to reduce inflammation and swelling and makes sure more oxygen flow to cells. Additionally, it also slows down the metabolism of a cell so that less oxygen is required. In this way, there is no pain in the knee even if after injury.
Should you sleep with your cold therapy machine running?
For longer time use, the injured area may be so cold. Surely you have time setting how long you want to go on. Additionally, the ice therapy machine is designed with auto shut off. In case you fall into a deep sleep, you don’t need to shut off the machine. You just set the number of hours and the machine is going to shut off automatically.
Should I wear a light piece of clothing for a buffer?
It may be good and comfortable when you wear a light piece of clothing for a buffer. You wear a light shirt and pants and cover them between your skin and the pad.
Do all ice therapy machines have cuff attachments?
Ice therapy machines are not available with cuff attachments. These types of machines only come with a pad to cover the injured area.
Can you get battery-powered ice therapy machines?
The ice therapy machine is now getting advanced day by day. Part of this fact, this machine comes in both designs which are plug-in models and battery-powered models. Battery-powered models may be helpful for exact timing and relentless work. On the other hand, the plug-in model may stop working in case any electricity shut down.
Do you add ice to the water?
Surely you can add ice to the water reservoir. This ice works to cool the water to circulate cooling to the injured area. This cooling is the treatment process of the ice therapy machine.
Should you use heat or ice therapy for chronic pain?
There are different conditions of pain in the human body. When your pain is chronic, alternate heat and cold are recommended to use. On the other hand, light pain or pain caused by any surgery in the knee and swelling, ice therapy is an important treatment.
How often do you clean your ice therapy machine?
Cleaning the reservoir is another important issue indeed. But it is a better suggestion to dump out the water in the reservoir after one-time use. Additionally, you should rinse it out and ensure dry to protect mold and mildew.
What is active compression?
The injured areas may require active compression which works slowly and routinely to ensure compression. It keeps the swelling away from the injured part and toward the lymphatic system at the time when your body is going to dispose of it.
Final Verdict
Icing machine can be one of the natural remedies to beat the pain, inflammation, and swelling. These machines can be affordable but you can get long term health benefits to chronic pain also. For the people having knee surgery can depend on this machine totally to make sure effective treatment of the pain. So, choosing a machine for therapy is preferable instead of medicines for a better and healthier life.