Ice

Using ice for 15-20 minutes several times a day the first week after surgery and as needed in the following weeks can be very helpful. Cold therapy can reduce swelling and inflammation, enhance movement of the joint, but above all decrease pain.

Prevent frost bite injury. Never fall asleep with ice on your treated area. Be aware that re-frozen ice tends to take the form of block. Placing a refrozen block in one spot could cause unexpected frost bite on your skin. Make sure any ice put directly on your skin is broken into pieces.

Making ice packs: If you do not have an ice maker in your house, it may be helpful to buy a bag of ice from your grocery store to use for making ice packs.

You may be sent home with a DonJoy Ice machine (or something of the sort) after shoulder or knee surgery. You can use this around the clock for the first three days and at your discretion thereafter. Many people recommend freezing about six mini 8 oz water bottles to swap and put in the iceman cooler instead of using free ice cubes to cool the water.