The two most important pieces of equipment in the first weeks after ACL reconstruction are a cold compression or compression therapy device — to manage swelling and pain — and an electrical muscle stimulator (EMS) to prevent quad atrophy and maintain neuromuscular activation. The RecoveryTec ACL package combines both. Your surgeon or physiotherapist may have specific recommendations based on your graft type and individual protocol — we're happy to talk through options before you book.

The CryoPush or Normatec can typically be used from day one post-surgery — cold compression in particular is most effective in the first 72 hours when swelling is at its peak. The Compex can usually begin within the first few days, starting with passive recovery and pain management programmes before progressing to active muscle stimulation as swelling allows. Your physiotherapist will guide the exact protocol for your situation. Many patients arrange delivery for the day they return home from hospital.

Many surgeons and physiotherapists recommend using an ice machine after knee surgery to help manage pain, swelling, and inflammation during the early stages of recovery.

Procedures such as ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, knee arthroscopy, and knee replacement surgery commonly cause swelling around the knee joint. Excess swelling can make it difficult to bend the knee, activate the quadriceps muscles, and begin early rehabilitation exercises.

A cold compression ice machine, such as the CryoPush system, combines consistent cold therapy with intermittent compression. This helps move fluid away from the joint, reduce inflammation, and improve comfort after surgery.

Compared to traditional ice packs, a cold compression machine provides more consistent cooling and gentle compression around the entire knee, which can make it easier to manage swelling during the first few weeks after surgery.

Many patients choose to hire an ice machine for knee surgery recovery, allowing them to use cold compression therapy regularly at home while they focus on their physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

RecoveryTec offers CryoPush ice machine hire in Christchurch, making it easy for patients to access professional cold compression therapy during knee surgery recovery.

Most ACL patients hire the package for 4–8 weeks, covering the early post-surgical period through to the point where they're mobile enough for regular physiotherapy and gym-based rehab. Some patients keep the Compex longer — into months 3–6 of recovery — for progressive strength work. The hire is week-by-week with no lock-in, so you can return the equipment whenever you're ready or extend for as long as you need.

Booking is simple. Head to our contact form, fill in your details and let us know which equipment you need and when you need it. We'll get back to you as soon as possible to confirm availability and arrange a delivery time that works for you.

We do our best to accommodate last-minute requests — so even if your surgery is coming up soon or has already happened, it's always worth getting in touch.

Once confirmed, we'll deliver the machine to your home and walk you through exactly how to use it so you feel confident from day one. Full instructions are included with all equipment and we're always available by phone if you have any questions during your hire.

There's no bond or deposit required. Hire is weekly and can be extended as many times as you need — just let us know.

For most ACL patients, the CryoPush is the better choice in the first 2–3 weeks because cold compression specifically targets the knee joint and is more effective for acute post-surgical swelling than compression alone. The Normatec becomes more relevant from week 3–4 onwards, particularly for patients managing full-leg swelling, lymphatic drainage, or who are also doing endurance training. If you're unsure, get in touch and we'll help you choose based on your surgery type and what your physio has recommended.

Yes — some ACL patients hire both, particularly those going through the later stages of rehab who want cold compression for post-session recovery and Normatec for overnight circulation and swelling management. If you'd like to add both devices to your package just get in touch and we'll put together a combined quote.

The CryoPush and Game Ready operate on the same principle — both combine cold water circulation with intermittent pneumatic compression to deliver simultaneous cold and compression therapy to the joint. The CryoPush is manufactured to the same clinical standard and produces equivalent therapeutic outcomes. Game Ready machines are used in hospital and professional sports settings; the CryoPush gives you the same therapy at home for a fraction of the cost of purchasing one outright.

Yes — there is strong clinical evidence supporting EMS for preventing quadriceps atrophy following ACL reconstruction. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that patients using EMS post-ACL surgery retained significantly more quadriceps strength than those using standard rehab alone. The mechanism is well understood: swelling and pain after knee surgery cause arthrogenic muscle inhibition — the nervous system suppresses voluntary quad activation as a protective response. EMS bypasses this inhibition by directly stimulating the motor neurons, keeping the muscle active regardless of the inhibition signal.

No — all three devices are designed for safe home use without clinical supervision. The CryoPush and Normatec are straightforward to set up and use independently. The Compex comes with clearly labelled pre-set programmes appropriate for post-surgical recovery — you don't need to configure settings yourself. We provide quick-start instructions for every device, and you can call or message us any time during your hire if you have questions about setup or protocols. That said, we always recommend working alongside a physiotherapist for your overall ACL rehab programme — the equipment supports your rehab, it doesn't replace it.

The ACL Recovery Package is $200 for the first week and $150 for each additional week, with no bond or deposit required. Delivery and pickup across Christchurch and Selwyn is $40, or free collection and drop-off from our Lincoln or Belfast location. For those outside of Christchurch, we ship nationwide — get in touch and we'll confirm courier costs before you book. The package can be extended at any time with no lock-in period.