1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Knee Problems

I’m having a TKR in 2 weeks, should I buy a cryo cuff for rehab

Posted , 13 users are following.

simon27733
simon27733

as above really, I’ve been reading threads about the operation and rehabilitation and it seems that quite a few have found a cryo cuff helpful in rehab. 4 weeks ago I had an arthroscopy on other knee and have iced it regularly with an ice pack and elastic cover, especially when I’d overdone excercise.

0 likes, 19 replies

19 Replies

Next
  • Irish_Al
    Irish_Al simon27733

    Posted

    I would Simon. I have found it invaluable for both TKR recoveries.

    I was given mine by the hospital. Also a long shoe horn is worth its weight on gold.

    I also bought a two wine bottle coolers which open, with velcro at one end. I join them together and wrap around my knee, a a 'quickie'.

    Best of luck and you'll get great advice and support on this forum.

    Take care,

    Alan

  • george29264
    george29264 simon27733

    Posted

    I had DTKR this 1/4/18. The iceing  machines/cryocuff didn’t get cold enough for my liking. I used a home remedy for ice packs. 1 part isphoryl alcohol and 3 parts tap water. Put in double gallon zip lock freezer bags (to prevent leakage) then freeze. I made 4 bags. Two for top of and 2 for beneath the knees. The consistency of ice is slushy, easy to mold to knees and 0° cold. Be sure not to place directly on skin as it will frostbite. Reusable, portable and inexpensive was good enough for me and I still use them when my knees are hot or sore. Good luck.

    • vickie15389
      vickie15389 george29264

      Posted

      I’ve done that as well and yes that works well too. Due to occasional leaking, I’ve found that freezer bags, still doubled work best. 
    • Delboy1735
      Delboy1735 george29264

      Posted

      ...and limit the relief to no more than 20 minutes to avoid frostbite.
    • Irish_Al
      Irish_Al george29264

      Posted

      I did similar George, No IPA. Worked well.

      I also found the wine bottle wraps to be good.

      I keep meaning to fill the cryocuff snd freeze it overnight. Then put it on when needed to make sure it is really cold. But keep forgetting........bloody aging process😉

  • vickie15389
    vickie15389 simon27733

    Posted

    Hi Simon, 

    I was also provided one by my hospital, so you might check with them before purchasing one. But yes!  They are so worth the money. It gives you relief that nothing else’s really provides. There are several brands. Mine is a Polar Pack. I know you can get them on Amazon. Some are smaller than others in terms of how much ice they hold. I believe the cryo cuff is a bit smaller.  I am now about 16 weeks out and still use mine. (I had a bit of a setback tho about 2 weeks ago tho). Good luck with your new knee!  In the end.... it’s worth it!

  • Delboy1735
    Delboy1735 simon27733

    Posted

    If by cryogenic you mean a refreezable ice pack then I’d say yes. Great when your knee is hot. Get a wide one though to cover your knee completely.
    • vickie15389
      vickie15389 Delboy1735

      Posted

      The cryucuf is a small cooler box that you fill with ice that has a wrap that is attached. Ice water is circulated thru the wrap on your knee. It lasts several hours at a time. Then you just empty the water, refill with ice and use again. Over and over. 
    • Irish_Al
      Irish_Al Delboy1735

      Posted

      A cryocuff is a refillable cylindric coolbox type attached by a tube to a knee wrap, closed by velcro. It can be used over and over with the same water & ice typically for an evening.

      Most senior rugby teams have them for injuries, I saw one on TV on a rugby player recently. Check them on Amazon they are c available for elbows etc.

  • Divemasterdave
    Divemasterdave simon27733

    Posted

    Cryo Cuff was a life saver for me!  Make sure you use it over thin clothes or a sleeve so it’s not in direct contact with skin. Worth every penny. 
  • Delboy1735
    Delboy1735 simon27733

    Posted

    Before my second op in December I excercised the knee in question using Gym (wide latex) bands, concentrating on getting my quads in good trim. I did this several times a day without putting any load on my knee. It proved very helpful. On the first morning post op I was able to swing my operated leg out of bed with no help and do the same getting back into bed. The nurse helping me get into and out of the bedside chair was astonished at the strength in my upper leg. Try it if you can.
  • simon27733
    simon27733

    Posted

    Thanks to all for the replies, I’m going to google exercising quads with gym bands now
  • kim87231
    kim87231 simon27733

    Posted

    I did some research on the internet & then bought a Lumark Compression kit on Amazon UK for just £35 & a spare ice pack for £10 so that I have one ready to ice at all times. It's a fraction of the price of the Cryo cuff and had over 150 positive reviews. I am finding it marvellous! It relieves pain & reduces swelling. Well worth the money.

    • simon27733
      simon27733 kim87231

      Posted

      I have looked at that and may we’ll get it. I have a follow up on Monday with surgeon about my arthroscopy and do paperwork for tkr. Will find out if they offer a cryo cuff. Thanks for info
Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.