Ice Machine Question

Posted by amtsa @amtsa, 1 day ago

I rented an ice machine for my hip replacement surgery 2 years ago and I didn’t think it was very effective. I’m having knee replacement surgery in a month. Will the ice machine be more useful after my knee replacement surgery? Just wondering if it’s worth it? Thank you!

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I was grateful that my provider Kaiser Permanante provided an ice machine. Maybe Medicare covered the cost. I found it very helpful. I used it almost continously for 5 days and then off and on during the day and almost continously at night for 10 days. It provided relief from the pain. Instead of filling with ice about every 6 hours, I used frozen water bottle with labels removed. Always had 4 extra ones in the freezer. Praying for a successful surgery and full recovery. I took up pickleball about 6 Mos after surgery and now play three times a week

REPLY

IMO you want an ice machine that has the following three features: (1) cooling; (2) temperature control; and (3) periodic compression. About five years ago my surgeon replaced my left hip and as part of his fee included a two week rental of the NICE machine. It was all I needed and it was incredible. Almost exactly a year ago my surgeon replaced my right knee and this time he provided a two week rental of the Game Ready machine. Again, two weeks was adequate for me and it worked equally well in medical terms but not as well as the NICE machine in convenience terms.

The NICE machine is the Rolls Royce of ice machines. It doesn't require ice. Instead it acts like a refrigerator to cool the water inside the machine. But, no surprise, it is also the most expensive.

I am a fan of using an ice machine but it must be one that meets all three of the features I listed above.

REPLY

On day 17 post TKR (“Jiffy” method. ) Have found ice machine very helpful!!! There is a special knee attachment-probably different from the one for hip. It wraps around front and sides of joint. Good luck to you!!!

REPLY
Profile picture for steveinarizona @steveinarizona

IMO you want an ice machine that has the following three features: (1) cooling; (2) temperature control; and (3) periodic compression. About five years ago my surgeon replaced my left hip and as part of his fee included a two week rental of the NICE machine. It was all I needed and it was incredible. Almost exactly a year ago my surgeon replaced my right knee and this time he provided a two week rental of the Game Ready machine. Again, two weeks was adequate for me and it worked equally well in medical terms but not as well as the NICE machine in convenience terms.

The NICE machine is the Rolls Royce of ice machines. It doesn't require ice. Instead it acts like a refrigerator to cool the water inside the machine. But, no surprise, it is also the most expensive.

I am a fan of using an ice machine but it must be one that meets all three of the features I listed above.

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@steveinarizona
The one I bought $200 ish from A’zon is great once my poor husband has it all loaded and hooked up! Must admit the inconvenience has kept me from using it as much as I should/would have…. Good to know there’s a better option out there, just in case…..

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