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Ice Therapy Machines
Hello, group! I’m new here. I bought an ice therapy machine to use after my TKR only to find out my doctor doesn’t approve of them. He won’t give me any guidance on how long on and how long off to use it, how often, etc. All I can find online is follow your doctor’s recommendations. Anybody use one and if so, how did you use it? Can’t find any negatives about it. Had 3 therapists tell me they’re great. But they work for the hospital/doctor, so….
Thanks!
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I used an ice machine after my shoulder surgery. It gave better relief than pain meds did. My surgeon had one attached and running before I left the OR.
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1 ReactionSame to me and I used it hours and hours with each shoulder replacement, great help.
Those continuous flow ice machines are so helpful. My hospital provided one to take home after surgery. My TKR healed quickly and well.
Hi All, I'm looking for the best rated ice machine for my husband's full knee replacement surgery in 2 weeks. Can anyone speak to the best brand/functions/ease. Thank you so much
I cannot imagine recovering from a TKR without an ice machine. I did not rent the one with the compression option. The hospital sent me home with a continuous flow machine. The one I have has a butterfly patterned surface that is fastened around your knee/leg with fabric and velcro. The cooler compartment kept the ice frozen for a few hours. I found that if you turn off the motor when you are not using it the ice stays frozen longer. My first two weeks were pretty regimented with medications, healthy meals, exercises, napping and icing. Between the comfort the ice provided and the soft hum of the motor, I was able to divert my attention away from the pain. I used the ice machine for weeks 3-6 when my knee was swelling, it felt overused or I needed an excuse to sit.
Good luck to you and your husband.
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2 ReactionsMy ortho surgeon sold it to me.
... "I cannot imagine recovering from a TKR without an ice machine. " ...
I recovered from both my TKR's with only flexible ice packs sent home from the hospital and never felt the need for an ice machine which I did sometimes use at the end of official PT sessions. I liked taking my simple ice pack to bed, to recliner, to sofa without dragging extra stuff around, plus getting up to fetch and carry it to re-freeze gave me another reason to get up and move around. Some active movement every hour and using the knee frequently are the key to quick recovery, and while an ice machine is convenient, you can achieve the same results with ice packs if money is an issue.
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1 ReactionI used my ice machine ( given by my hospital) after my 2 shoulder replacements, was great.
For my knee replacement I just used ice packs, same effect!
My hospital gave me the Donjoy Iceman Classic, though I probably paid for part of it. There's a well you put some water in and then four frozen water bottles (with some water taken out so they don't split in the freezer) are added to keep the circulating water icy cold for a few hours. I found 4 bottles was way too cold so later in recovery, I only added two new ones that were frozen solid.
I'm at 10 weeks out from TKR and still use it after walks. I sometimes lie on the pad that has circulating cold water for back pain too (another problem of mine.)
Holding and moving ice packs is very annoying, though my favorites for that are Relaxus brand. They come in all sizes and last forever.