Author: DR BEN COWIN, DC, ATC, ICSC, CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Cryotherapy has become a go-to for sore muscles, sports injuries, and even bouncing back after surgery. Whether you grab a bag of ice from the freezer or use cold-therapy machines, the goal is the same: calm down inflammation, ease pain, and help your body heal. But here’s the thing, it’s not just about how cold you get. The way you cool makes a big difference. So, is a high-tech machine really worth it compared to a plain old bag of ice?
Ice Packs: Cheap and Easy
Ice packs are the old-school method. They’re cheap, easy to grab from the freezer, and they do help with swelling and pain.
But there are some downsides:
- They warm up quickly, so the cooling effect doesn’t last long (Warren & McCarty, 2004).
- Cooling is often uneven — the skin gets cold, but deeper tissues may not (Chesterton et al., 2002).
- If left on too long, ice can damage the skin or nerves (Sunitha, 2010).
- They can be messy (dripping water, soggy bandages) and uncomfortable (Smith et al., 2002).
Great for a quick fix, but not ideal for long-term recovery.
Cryotherapy Machines: High-Tech Cooling
Cryotherapy machines pump chilled water (and sometimes air compression) through wraps that go around the injured area.
Here’s why they can be better:
- They keep a steady cold temperature for much longer (Warren & McCarty, 2004).
- The cooling goes deeper into the muscles and joints (Chesterton et al., 2002).
- Many also add compression, which helps reduce swelling more effectively (Kazan & Görgülü, 2017).
- They’re usually safer for skin, since wraps are insulated (Herrera et al., 2025).
- People often find them more comfortable, and you can sometimes move around while using them (Liu et al., 2023).
It delivers a consistent therapeutic cold dose for more reliable recovery results. That’s why doctors often recommend machines after surgery or in high-performance sports recovery.
Which Should You Use?
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Ice packs = quick, cheap, simple relief.
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Cryotherapy machines = more consistent cooling, deeper effect, better comfort.
If you’re recovering from major surgery or pushing your body to its limits, a machine might be worth it. For everyday minor aches and sprains? Ice still works.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Ice packs still work for everyday bumps and bruises. But for serious recovery, cryotherapy machines like the NICE 1 provide better, safer, and longer-lasting results!
References
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Chesterton, L. S., Foster, N. E., & Ross, L. (2002). Skin temperature response to cryotherapy. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. PDF
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Herrera, M. A. B., Vives, J. M. M., et al. (2025). Clinical evolution and safety of a cryotherapy-based spray for joint and muscle pain. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Full text
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Kazan, E. E., & Görgülü, R. S. (2017). The effects of three different cold therapy methods after arthroscopic knee surgery. Dokuz Eylül University Nursing Journal. PDF
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Liu, M. M., Tian, M., Luo, C., Wang, S., & Shao, L. (2023). Continuous cryotherapy vs. traditional cryotherapy after total knee arthroplasty: A meta-analysis. Frontiers in Surgery. Full text
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Smith, J., Stevens, J., Taylor, M., & Tibbey, J. (2002). Compression bandaging and cold therapy in postoperative total knee replacement surgery. Orthopaedic Nursing. Link
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Sunitha, J. (2010). Cryotherapy – A review. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. PDF
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Warren, T. A., & McCarty, E. C. (2004). Intra-articular knee temperature changes: ice vs cryotherapy device. American Journal of Sports Medicine. PDF