Contact Us
The MRL team is working hard in the Lab, but if you have any questions, please contact us here.
Frequently Asked
How does cold compression therapy reduce pain ?
Cold and compression therapy reduce pain through several key physiological effects.
Cold therapy (cryotherapy) lowers tissue temperature, which slows nerve conduction and reduces pain signals. It also causes vasoconstriction, limiting blood flow to the area and helping reduce swelling and inflammation (Knight et al., 2020; de Leeuw et al., 2021).
Compression therapy complements this by decreasing edema and improving venous return, which reduces pressure on surrounding tissues and pain receptors (McGowan et al., 2021).
When used together, cold and compression enhance pain relief and support faster recovery after injury or surgery, making them an effective combined treatment approach.
Sources:
-
-
Knight, M. J., et al. (2020). Cryotherapy for pain relief after surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research.
-
de Leeuw, R. J. B. B., et al. (2021). The effects of cryotherapy on pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review. Clinical Rehabilitation.
-
McGowan, B. A. M. B., et al. (2021). The effects of compression therapy on post-operative pain and swelling: A systematic review. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice.
-
Is a cold compression therapy unit better than an ice pack?
Cold and compression therapy machines offer several advantages over traditional ice packs, particularly in delivering consistent temperature and controlled pressure.
Cold therapy reduces pain and swelling by causing vasoconstriction and lowering metabolic activity in the affected tissue (Kelley et al., 2020). When combined with pneumatic compression, it can further enhance recovery by promoting lymphatic drainage and reducing edema (Hunt et al., 2016).
Unlike ice packs, which can vary in temperature and require frequent replacement, these machines maintain a precise, consistent temperature over time, leading to more effective and sustained pain relief (Parker et al., 2021).
Overall, cold and compression systems provide a more controlled, efficient, and clinically reliable approach to managing post-surgical and injury-related symptoms.
Sources:
-
Kelley, G. A., et al. (2020). Cold Therapy in Sports Medicine: A Systematic Review. Journal of Sports Medicine.
-
Hunt, J., et al. (2016). Effect of Cryotherapy on Swelling and Pain Following ACL Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development.
-
Parker, A., et al. (2021). The Effect of Cold Compression Therapy on Recovery Following Exercise: A Systematic Review. Sports Medicine.
How do I rent a unit?
Please use our website to submit your order, fill out the contact us form, or call us directly with any questions.
Email: modernrecoverylab@gmail.com
Phone: 647-502-7444
Do cold and compression machines improve recovery?
Cold and compression therapy machines have been shown to improve recovery after surgery, injury, and intense physical activity.
Cold therapy helps reduce tissue temperature and metabolic activity, thereby decreasing inflammation, pain, and post-exercise muscle soreness (Bleakley et al., 2012). When combined with compression, these effects are enhanced—helping to reduce swelling and improve circulation.
In post-surgical settings, this combination has been shown to reduce pain and swelling, enabling earlier mobilization and more effective rehabilitation (Hoffman et al., 2018).
Overall, cold and compression therapy support faster recovery by reducing inflammation, managing pain, and promoting tissue healing.
Sources:
-
Bleakley, C. M., et al. (2012). The use of ice in the treatment of acute soft-tissue injury: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Sports Rehabilitation.
-
Hoffman, M. D., et al. (2018). Cryotherapy with compression for postoperative recovery. American Journal of Sports Medicine.
Is it worth using a cold and compression therapy machine?
Post-surgery use
Cold and compression therapy machines have been shown to significantly improve post-surgical recovery. Continuous cold therapy can reduce pain, swelling, and the need for pain medication compared to standard care. In some cases, patients experienced up to a 30% reduction in pain and noticeable decreases in swelling within the first 48 hours (Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research).
Injury use cases
These systems are also effective in managing acute injuries. Cold and compression therapy can reduce muscle soreness, swelling, and recovery time when applied shortly after injury. Studies have shown up to a 25% reduction in soreness and improved recovery outcomes (American Journal of Sports Medicine).
Sources:
-
The Effect of Continuous Cold Therapy on Postoperative Pain and Swelling After Total Knee Arthroplasty. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research.
-
The Effects of Cold Water Immersion on Recovery from Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage. American Journal of Sports Medicine.