Ice Therapy Machines

He's a really good surgeon and everyone who has had him recommends him highly. He has no bedside manner but I was more concerned with his expertise. He did order it for me and actually wrote orders for 3 months which I did do so he really has been good. He's an older Dr. and thinks most can do things at home and many prefer it (not sure who though lol)

Well as long as you're happy with him Cindy, that's all that matters.

It's my experience that TKR surgeons see disappointing results because their patients simply don't do the work required. They seem to believe that surgery is magic and they should be out dancing in a month. Reality is very different.

Now cynicism shouldn't be part of a Dr's practice, but after years of hearing mostly unfounded complaints, I can see where he would tire of it and save the therapists' time for more serious patients. My surgeon made it clear that while great surgical technique is critical, the majority of the work lies with the patient.

And that's why I always choose younger surgeons - mid 30s to mid 40s. They are up on the new developments in the field, and they want patients to succeed and haven't had time to become disillusioned.

Good point that the machines do not get as cold as good ol' ice packs. I used the machine after pt sessions but would not pay 3 or 4 grand for one of these.

I've had both knees replaced and tomorrow a total shoulder replacement. I loved the ice machine for knees. Gradually transitioned to soft ice packs. My post op instructions for tomorrow are to use rhe ice machine for 20 minutes on, 40 minutes off at least 6 times a day. To be truthful I use the ice more than that. The main thing is whatever the source of cold, always protect your skin with toweling.

@roxxxy2626
The doctor ordered our ice machine and we paid $175 and it is more than worth it,

Has anyone here used a Game Ready ice machine? My surgeon recommended one for my total knee replacement post-op and i rented one for 2 months. Hip to ankle sleeve; 20 minutes on and 1 hour off, i had next to no problems achieving extension. For the first few days after the surgery i also had a nerve block catheter and that also helped with pain control, which allowed me to initially extend my leg to fit the straight sleeve.

My insurance covered it and it was wonderful. I would fill it in the morning and it would stay cold and ice all day. I gradually switched to a soft pack but for the first month it was invaluable

My ice therapy machine is the original CryoCuff, circa 1994? It has been used by me for over a half dozen surgeries, and by others dozens of times. When I got it, the insurance company balked and the knee surgeon insisted - it cost $125. It lacks the pump in the machines now - it was a simple gravity feed - open the valve and lift the bucket to fill the cuff, then close the valve. When it was time to change the water, open the valve and let gravity drain the water, swirl the bucket to get the water ice cold again, and repeat. It held the ice all day so I could go back to work right after ACL/MCL replacement (back then I was young and foolish - now I would take my allotted time off!), traveled with me on business trips, and allowed my husband to sleep through the night after my hips surgeries - no running to the freezer for new ice packs. I even used it as a hand wrap after one of my wrist surgeries!
I am a fan - and if it ever fails, no doubt a newer version will replace it, but it is so simple that I doubt it will.
Sue

30 on, 30 off…..thanks!

I feel like it doesn’t work as well as ice, but on the other hand, ice packs get warm in a half hour…..not the ice therapy machine. I was just worried that I’d do it too long and cause harm. I think I’m not doing it long enough or maybe not often enough. It does feel very good after therapy. Mine was around $200.