Cryotherapy Works. It reduces pain, swelling and speeds recovery. Athletes do not like being sidelined. So many sports med surgeons and physical therapists recommend these so athletes can get back to their sport without losing their competitive edge. It is most typically prescribed for use by a surgeon following knee ligament sprains and ACL injuries and arthroscopic surgeries.

How it works. Compression combined with cold.

The CryoCuff is a three part system. Place the cuff over the injured area so it is, covered with pressurized ice water. The cooler holds enough water and ice for 6-8 full hours of cryotherapy. Body heat warms the cuff within 15-30 minutes after initial application.

At this point, the warm water is drained and rechilled by lowering the connected cooler to the floor for a couple of minutes. The cooler is then raised and cold water flows back into the cuff. The interval between cycles can be extended to an hour or so after initial cooling. Owners of the system can add to and purchase additional cuffs to be used and interchanged with the rest of the system.

Basically, elevating the cooler forces cold water into the cuff. Compression is proportional to elevation.

Make sure you get all the parts

Make sure you order the right size. Get the CryoCuff Icing System

While you are shopping for these icing systems, keep in mind that the cuff or compression dressing system is sometimes separate from the cooler and tube assembly. For the whole shooting match, get the Aircast Cryo Cuff Compression Dressing System. This has the whole package. The good thing is that you can buy parts to replace so you do not have to make the whole investment over again.

A prescription from a doctor is often considered for reimbursement by your insurance provider.

Medicare covers the cost as well as many insurance providers if you get a prescription from your doctor. And even if it does not, when you realize the pain relief it provides, you wouldn't care if it is a million dollars.

Studies prove that regular icing reduces the need for pain medication

Pain medication can have all kinds of side effects and it's best to get off of it as soon as possible. Not to mention the fact that a lot of them are expensive, even with insurance.

These come in sizes including a pediatric cryo cuff, so you need to be sure you get your size.

Pediatric Knee
Small Knee
Medium Knee
Large Knee