My Dr. also did not recommend them however I insisted and of course he did order one for me. However he also didn't recommend PT because he said that I could do what I needed at home. I also insisted and he wrote an order for PT. There was nothing more valuable than going for PT to the outpatient facility and they used the exact machine I got for 15 minutes every time I had PT before I left as well as stimulation with it. I highly recommend both. I had my ice machine only for about 4-5 weeks as it was rented but I was thankful for having it for that time. It also used a pump to squeeze my leg to prevent blood clots as well.