Last updated on January 2nd, 2023 at 08:08 am
As an athlete, recovery is just as important as the training itself. A good post-workout recovery routine is crucial for optimal performance and preventing injury. When cold is combined with compression it can be a powerful recovery tool.
Cold Compression Therapy Machines combine ice therapy and mechanical compression to reduce inflammation, stimulate tissue regeneration, and speed the healing process. To help you recover faster and perform at your peak, we’ve put together this list of the best cold compression therapy machines.
What Makes a Great Cold Compression Therapy Machine?
There are quite a few Cold Compression Therapy (CCT) Machines available, but not all offer the same features. The best quality and effective CCT Machines share a few important elements:
- Ease of Use: Organized displays and simple setup will keep you using your machine and eliminate frustration.
- Modular Wrap Attachments: Some machines offer wraps with limited surface contact. Most athletes will also benefit from the ability to purchase wraps designed for other body areas in the future.
- Adjustable Compression: Targeted compression zones or the ability to customize your treatment will grant greater comfort and better results.
Our Favorite Cold Compression Therapy Machines of 2022 Are...
By analyzing many brands of cold compression therapy, we’ve compared user experiences, wrap options and levels of compression. After reviewing our findings, we think these few machines deserve mention.
Best overall: Game Ready Ice Machine
Most budget friendly: Squid Go Portable
Best for multi-athlete physical therapists: Game Ready Med4 Elite
Any of these systems would be a great addition to your post-workout routine. However, there is some variability in cost and details that may help decide which is right for you. We encourage you to read further to find why these machines caught our attention.
Comparison Table of the Best Cold Compression Therapy Machines
While much was researched to bring this list, we’ve created the table below to help visualize them side by side. You can find more information, pictures and videos by following their links below.
For athletes looking to boost their performance and reduce down time, CCT machines are a crucial training component. We have found the following machines to be the most comprehensive and best value for your investment.
1. Game Ready Ice Machine
Our favorite for at-home Cold Compression is the Game Ready GRPro2.1 Therapy Unit (or Game Ready Ice Machine).
For its ease of use, high-end features and all-in-one design, athletes rave about Game Ready GRPro2.1.
By combining circulating cold therapy with intermittent compression it gently reduces swelling and increases blood flow for faster healing. The Game Ready GRPro2.1 is the best on the market for cold therapy coupled with pneumatic (mechanical) compression.
Temperature and Compression Control
The Game Ready’s premium digital interface combines lots of custom settings into a user-friendly experience for each individual treatment.
With 3 compression settings, finding the right treatment is easy. Choose between High, Medium or Low while circulating ice water. The machine can even be used without compression when only icing is necessary.
While the unit is full of ice, you’re also able to control its temperature from 35°F-50°F depending on comfort. Overall, efficient therapy can be achieved by its ability to maintain a constant cold temperature.
Impressive Selection of Wraps for Multiple Ailments
Some machines only care for one ailment or include an awkward, poorly fitting universal pad.
Conversely, Game Ready wraps are anatomically designed to hug specific body parts for better surface contact.
By engineering adjustable wraps, Game Ready grants athletes more effective treatment with faster results and deeper cooling.
Wrap options include knee, ankle, back, elbow, hip/groin, hand/wrist, spine/CT and half leg/boot.
Additionally, this machine can be used by two athletes or on two different injuries simultaneously.
High Quality Machine With a Trusted Name
Reliable and backed by science, Game Ready is trusted by physical therapists, elite athletes, professional sports teams and orthopedic surgeons.
The Game Ready GRPro2.1 is even prescribed by surgeons and physicians for post-surgery recovery and rehab. Additionally, patients see a impressive reduction in pain-reliever reliance while using this machine for rehabilitation.
Altogether, by becoming a staple in physician and physical therapist offices, this machine is truly the best overall ice machine for athletes.
Game Ready Ice Machine Pros and Cons
Game Ready Ice Machine PROS
- Premium Interface
- Temperature control
- Snug Wraps
- Compression control
- Treats up to 2 athletes or 2 injuries
Game Ready Ice Machine CONS
- Wraps purchased separately
Who is The Game Ready Ice Machine Perfect For?
The Game Ready Ice Machine is a perfect solution for elite athletes or those heavily training for their personal best. For more information, specs and videos view more about this amazing machine here: Game Ready GRPro2.1 Therapy Unit
2. Squid Go Portable
Our best budget cold compression machine is the Squid Go Portable Cold & Compression Recovery System.
The Squid Pro is a great option for athletes seeking compression and cold therapy at an affordable price.
Squid has designed this machine to deliver rapid and deep pain relief through intermittent sequential compression.
By embracing a simple design, Squid has created a mess-free and affordable therapy unit.
4 Compression Modes
With the Squid Go, compression is key. We’ve found that many less-expensive units circulate cold, but do not offer mechanical compression. Without this crucial element, lesser models are just ice packs. Compression aids your recovery by improving circulation and increasing tissue oxygenation for rapid healing.
If you’re looking for a plug-n-play design, this system truly will impress. The Squid Go is a lightweight, easy-to-use handset that offers 4 compression settings and a treatment timer.
No-Mess Cleanup
Instead of an ice water reservoir, this unit employs specially designed ice packs. Compression is then generated over top for a highly portable design.
In this case, no loading of ice or water needed and cleanup is as easy as tossing your wrap in the freezer.
Six Optional Wraps
Unlike pricier systems that may be limited to one body part, Squid offers more. For this unit you’re able to purchase additional wraps for other areas of ailment.
Whether it’s your ankle or your shoulder that needs treatment, this system has you covered. Squid offers 6 different wraps contoured to the area of pain.
With this in mind, many models in this price range offer a ‘pad’ design that can be wrapped around the area. While this may be helpful, the most benefit will be gained from a contoured fit with optimal surface contact.
Additionally, one wrap of your choice is included with the Squid Go Portable System.
Squid has engineered wraps for shoulder, back, elbow, ankle, leg/knee and wrist.
Pros and Cons of the Squid Go Portable System
Squid Go Portable PROS
- One wrap included
- Multiple wrap options available
- Easy Cleanup
Squid Go Portable CONS
- No temperature control
- No full-leg wrap
Who Will Love This Cold Compression Machine?
The Squid Go is the perfect budget option for most athletes or those looking for an easy recovery system after training. We love this model for its simplicity, affordability and convenience. View more information, specs and videos here: Squid Go Portable Cold & Compression Recovery System
3. Game Ready Med4 Elite
For professionals and therapists, the Game Ready Med4 Elite can not be matched.
With high-end features, countless treatment options and patented body wraps the Game Ready Med4 Elite lives up to its name.
While being compact, this machine delivers easy and mess-free therapy in a professional setting.
Game Ready is a trusted name by physical therapists, professional sports teams, surgeons, and elite athletes. For in-office use, this all-in-one unit also provides up to two athletes simultaneous and customized rehabilitation.
Iceless Cold and Controllable Heat Therapy
Conveniently, the Med4 Elite holds two independent tanks for hot and cold water. As a result, rehab can start at the push of a button without loading ice. Furthermore, appointment setup and cleanup is as mess-free as possible for both you and your patient.
The Med4 Elite generates cooled water to your set temperature as low as 38°F for cryotherapy.
Additionally, a separate tank heats water up to 113°F for thermotherapy or to be used with Rapid Contrast Therapy as detailed below.
Temperatures are easily set and completely controllable for each patient. In addition, all therapies are compatible with their existing ATX circumferential wraps.
Rapid Contrast Therapy (RCT)
Rapid Contrast Therapy (or RCT) uses the theory of alternating between cold and heat to treat ailments through blood restriction and dilation. In short, RCT reduces inflammation and then increases circulation and lymphatic support to stimulate natural healing.
With less than a minute changeover, the Med4 Elite efficiently provides alternating cold and heat therapies without mess.
Unprecidented Therapy Options and Touchscreen Controls
The Game Ready Med4 Elite offers unprecedented therapy options. Moreover, all of these critical tools are easily accessed through a large self-explanatory touchscreen display.
Without effort, therapy can be toggled between 2 patients for custom care tailored to each individual.
Because of this, multiple patients can receive cold with compression or without for acute injury or post-surgery rehab.
Unlike many other cold and compression machines, Game Ready has added heat to this all-in-one unit. Among other things, heat therapy is perfect for reducing joint stiffness and increasing range of motion.
Impressive Array of Circumferential Wraps
As mentioned previously, the Med4 Elite is compatible with all Game Ready ATX wraps, including:
- Knee
- Ankle
- Back
- Elbow
- Hip/groin
- Hand/wrist
- Spine/CT
- Half leg/boot
Game Ready wraps are engineered for specific body parts. With unparalleled comfort and increased surface contact, treatment is more effective. As a result, deeper and faster healing is accomplished.
Game Ready Med4 Elite Pros and Cons
Game Ready Med4 Elite PROS
- Up to 2 patients
- Unprecedented treatment options
- No ice loading
- Professional-level quality
- Easy to use
Game Ready Med4 CONS
- Professional price
Who Would This Unit be Perfect For?
The Game Ready Med4 Elite is the best choice for professionals aiding the recovery and physical therapy for a variety of patients. View more information, videos and their incredible array of therapy options here: Game Ready Med4 Elite Multi Modality Contrast & Compression Therapy Unit
Before Picking Your Cold Compression Therapy Unit
- Easy to use machines make treatment simple and ensure continued compliance to therapy sessions
- Specialized wraps will offer better surface area and more effective treatment
- Adjustable compression will give you more control over your therapy
With just these three key features in mind, choosing a cold compression therapy machine should be very simple.
Select Cold Compression Units for Excellence
Aside from installing an industrial ice tank or receiving professional treatments, personal therapy options have been relatively limited. However, recent innovations have brought high quality therapy into the home. Not only that, they’re now a mess free and portable solution for rapid healing, taking your recovery and training to the next level.
Whether you choose a low-cost or premium model, the introduction of compression therapy into your icing regimen is a game changer.
Image Credit: Peter Mooney | (source) | Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0) — reduced file size
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