How to Use a Cold Therapy Pump After Knee or Shoulder Surgery

What Should Come With Your Cold Therapy Pump?

Parts vary by brand and model, but your equipment may include:

• A reservoir or cooler containing the pump
• A therapy pad for the prescribed body area
• An insulated hose or connecting tube
• A power supply or AC adapter
• Straps or a wrap for securing the pad
• Manufacturer instructions

Check the packaging before throwing anything away. If a part appears to be missing, the tubing doesn’t fit, or you didn’t receive instructions, contact the equipment supplier.

Don’t substitute a pad, hose, or power supply from another system unless the manufacturer confirms that it’s compatible.

How to Set Up a Cold Therapy Pump

These cold therapy machine instructions provide a general overview for an ice-and-water pump. Always use the directions supplied with your machine for the exact filling method, pad placement, and operation.

Step 1: Keep the Unit Unplugged While Filling It

Place the pump on a stable surface where it will not tip, create a tripping hazard, or expose the power supply to water.

Step 2: Add Water and Ice According to Your Machine’s Instructions

Open the reservoir and look for labeled water and ice fill lines. Add water and ice only to the levels shown for your machine.

Some units have separate fill lines, while others may use frozen bottles or another cooling method. Don’t rely on a general ice-to-water ratio if your machine provides model-specific directions.

Avoid overfilling the reservoir, and secure the lid before connecting the machine.

Step 3: Connect the Therapy Pad and Hose

Attach the pad connector to the pump hose as shown in the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the connection is secure, but don’t force together parts that don’t fit.

Step 4: Place the Required Barrier Between the Pad and Your Skin

Follow the barrier instructions for your machine. Many motorized cold therapy systems require a dry insulation layer between the pad and the skin to reduce the risk of a cold-related injury. A surgical dressing may not cover all the skin underneath the pad, so ask your surgical team whether an additional barrier is needed.

If the barrier becomes wet, stop treatment and replace it with a dry one before continuing.

Step 5: Position and Secure the Pad

Use the pad designed for your treatment area. A knee pad is shaped differently from a shoulder pad, and proper placement helps the equipment work as intended.

Secure the pad so it stays in place without feeling painfully tight. Don’t position it over an incision, surgical dressing, or brace in a way that differs from your surgical team’s instructions.

Make sure you can inspect the skin underneath the pad as directed.

Step 6: Plug In the Unit and Check the Flow

Connect the power supply and turn on the machine according to its instructions.

Check that:

• The connectors are secure
• The tubing isn’t bent or kinked
• Straps and dressings aren’t compressing the tubing or pad
• Chilled water is circulating through the pad

If the pad doesn’t begin cooling, unplug the machine and review the troubleshooting guide that came with it.

How Long Should You Use a Cold Therapy Pump?

Use your cold therapy pump for the length of time, frequency, and total treatment period prescribed by your healthcare provider. There is no single schedule that applies to every procedure, patient, or machine.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends limiting ordinary ice application to no more than 20 minutes at a time. However, that’s general ice guidance and shouldn’t replace the instructions provided for a motorized cold therapy system.

Cold Therapy Pump Safety: Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t Skip the Required Skin Barrier

Direct contact between a cold therapy pad and the skin can cause a cold-related injury. Use the barrier required for your machine and keep it dry.

Don’t Tighten the Pad Excessively

The pad should be secure, not painfully tight. If the pad is too tight, it may be uncomfortable or interfere with water flow through the system.

Don’t Sleep With the Pump Running Unless Directed

Sleeping can make it harder to notice burning, moisture, increased pain, or changes in skin color. Use the machine while sleeping only if your provider has directed you to do so and explained how the skin should be monitored.

Don’t Ignore Skin Changes

Stop treatment and contact your healthcare provider if you notice increased pain, burning, itching, blisters, unusual redness, discoloration, welts, increased swelling, or another concerning reaction.

Tell your healthcare provider before beginning treatment if you have poor circulation, reduced feeling in the treatment area, or a history of reactions to cold. These conditions may make cold treatment less appropriate or require additional precautions.

Troubleshooting Common Cold Therapy Pump Problems

If water is not flowing or the pad is not getting cold:

1. Confirm that the outlet works and the power connector is inserted correctly.
2. Check the ice and water levels for your machine.
3. Make sure the hose and pad connectors are fully engaged.
4. Straighten any bends or kinks in the tubing.
5. Check whether straps, bandages, or braces are compressing the pad or hose.
6. Review the troubleshooting guide supplied with the machine.
7. Contact the equipment supplier if the problem continues.

Don’t open or attempt to repair the pump unless the manufacturer’s instructions specifically authorize it.

Draining and Storing Your Equipment

Directions for draining, cleaning, and storage vary by machine. Follow the instructions supplied with your unit.

After treatment:

• Unplug the machine before disconnecting it.
• Place a towel beneath the connectors in case water drips.
• Disconnect the pad and hose using the method shown in the instructions.
• Drain the reservoir or pad if directed.
• Keep the pump, plug, and electrical components dry.
• Store the tubing without sharp bends or kinks.

Do not submerge the pump or power supply in water.

Cold Therapy After Different Types of Surgery

Your provider will select the pad and treatment plan based on the surgical area.

• Knee surgery: A knee pad may be prescribed after ACL reconstruction, meniscus surgery, arthroscopy, or knee replacement.
• Shoulder surgery: A shoulder pad may be used after rotator cuff repair, labral repair, or shoulder replacement.
• Ankle surgery: An ankle or multi-use pad may be selected after certain fracture, ligament, or Achilles procedures.
• Hip surgery: A hip or multi-use pad may be prescribed after arthroscopy or joint replacement.

These examples don’t determine how often or how long you should use the pump. Follow the treatment schedule provided for your procedure.

If your provider has already written a prescription, you can also send a DME referral.

Cold Therapy Pump vs. Ice Pack

Both options require precautions to limit direct exposure to intense cold. AAOS recommends using a towel, cloth, bag, or other barrier between ordinary ice and the skin.

Does Insurance Cover a Cold Therapy Pump?

Insurance coverage for a cold therapy pump depends on your plan or claim, your provider’s prescription, why the equipment is medically necessary, and the documentation submitted for review.

For a New York Workers’ Compensation claim, prescribed medical equipment may be covered when it is medically necessary for a work-related injury. Some equipment may also require approval before it can be provided.

Commercial insurance and New York No-Fault coverage vary by plan or claim. Having a prescription does not guarantee coverage, but it is the first step in determining whether the equipment may be covered.

If your healthcare provider has prescribed a cold therapy pump, you or someone helping with your claim can submit the prescription and the insurance or claim information you have. We’ll review the referral and explain what may still be needed.

Request a Cold Therapy Pump

For Treating Providers and Referral Partners

CityDME accepts prescribed DME referrals from treating providers, attorneys, and adjusters or case managers. Send the prescription and available claim information, and our team will review the referral and explain what else is needed.

Refer a Patient for DME

Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Therapy Pumps

How often should I use my cold therapy pump after surgery?

Use the pump only as often as your healthcare provider directs. The schedule depends on the procedure, machine, skin condition, and individual treatment plan.

Can I sleep with my cold therapy pump on?

Use the pump while sleeping only if your healthcare provider specifically directs nighttime treatment and explains how your skin should be monitored.

How much ice and water should I add?

Follow the fill lines and instructions for your machine. Different cold therapy pumps may require different amounts of ice and water or use another cooling method.

Why is my cold therapy pump not getting cold?

The machine may need more ice or water, the connectors may not be secure, or the tubing may be kinked or compressed. Review the troubleshooting instructions and contact the equipment supplier if the problem continues.

Do i need a prescription for a cold therapy pump?

Prescription requirements can vary by machine and by how the equipment is obtained. Insurance, New York No-Fault, or Workers’ Compensation fulfillment may require a prescription and supporting claim documentation.

How long do most people use cold therapy after surgery?

There is no single treatment period for every patient. Follow your surgeon’s instructions for how many days or weeks to use the pump, and report any concerning skin reaction.

Can my doctor or physical therapy clinic send the referral?

Yes. Patients, caregivers, treating providers, attorneys, and adjusters or case managers can submit a DME referral to CityDME. Include the prescription and available insurance or claim information so our team can review what is needed next.

Request a Cold Therapy Pump Through CityDME

If your surgeon has prescribed a cold therapy pump after knee, shoulder, or another orthopedic surgery, send us the prescription and the claim information you have. We coordinate prescribed postoperative recovery equipment across New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County through eligible commercial insurance, New York No-Fault, and Workers’ Compensation claims.

Patients, caregivers, treating providers, attorneys, and adjusters or case managers may submit the referral.

Request Postoperative Recovery Equipment

This article provides general educational information and does not replace the instructions from your surgeon, equipment supplier or device manufacturer.