If you've been told to use a cold compression machine after your knee surgery, you've probably come across two names: Game Ready and CryoPush. Both do the same job. Both are used in private clinics and hospital settings. But if you're looking at hiring one for your recovery at home, the price difference between them is significant — and worth understanding before you book.
This post breaks down what cold compression actually does, how the two machines compare, and what you should be looking for when choosing the best ice machine for knee surgery in NZ.</p>
Why cold compression matters after knee surgery
Before comparing machines, it helps to understand why this equipment matters in the first place.
After ACL reconstruction, total knee replacement, or any other knee surgery, swelling in the joint peaks within the first 48 to 72 hours. That swelling isn't just painful — it actively interferes with your recovery. Excess fluid around the knee triggers a reflex called arthrogenic muscle inhibition, which suppresses your ability to voluntarily activate your quadriceps. If you can't fire your quad, you can't do the early rehabilitation exercises that set the pace for everything that follows.
Managing swelling early is one of the most important things you can do in the first week post-surgery. And the evidence consistently shows that combined cold and compression — applied together, not separately — is significantly more effective than ice packs alone. Ice packs lose temperature within 10 to 15 minutes, apply no active compression, and require constant attention. A cold compression machine circulates ice-cold water continuously through an anatomical wrap, maintaining consistent cold and compression throughout each session.
This is the technology behind both Game Ready and the CryoPush. Learn more about hiring a CryoPush for knee surgery recovery.
Game Ready vs CryoPush: how do they compare?
Game Ready is an American-made cold compression system that has been used in professional sports and orthopaedic clinics for over two decades. It is well-regarded, well-researched, and widely recognised in rehabilitation settings.
The CryoPush is a comparable cold compression system that uses the same core technology — continuous cold water circulation through an anatomical wrap with active compression — and is designed specifically for post-surgical home hire. It comes with attachable wraps for the knee, shoulder, hip, and ankle, making it adaptable across different surgeries and body parts.
In terms of what they deliver clinically — consistent cold and compression to the target joint — both machines perform the same function. The research supporting cold compression as a post-surgical intervention applies to the technology itself, not to any single brand. What they differ on is primarily cost, availability, and the hire model.
The real difference: cost
This is where the two machines diverge significantly, and it's the most important factor for most people hiring equipment for a home recovery.
Game Ready hire in New Zealand typically runs between $250 and $400 per week depending on the provider, with most people needing at least two to three weeks of use in the early post-operative period. That puts the total cost for a standard recovery period at $500 to $1,200 or more.
CryoPush hire through RecoveryTec starts at $120 for the first week and $80 per additional week. For a typical two to three week hire covering the acute recovery phase, that's $200 to $280 — a fraction of the cost for the same clinical outcome.
For families already navigating time off work, ACC surcharges, and the other costs that come with a surgical recovery, that difference is not trivial. View the full RecoveryTec equipment range and hire pricing.
What does the research actually support?
The evidence base for cold compression after knee surgery is built around the technology — continuous cold combined with active compression — not any specific device. A systematic review published in the Journal of Knee Surgery found that cold compression therapy significantly reduced pain and opioid use in the first 72 hours following total knee replacement compared to standard icing. Similar findings exist across ACL reconstruction and other knee procedures.
What this means practically is that any machine delivering consistent cold water through an anatomical wrap with active compression meets the clinical standard. Brand recognition matters in a hospital procurement context. It matters far less when you are hiring a device for home use over two to four weeks.
If you're recovering from an ACL reconstruction specifically, see our guide on what equipment you need after ACL surgery, which covers cold compression alongside EMS and compression boots.
How long will you need it?
Week one and two — the acute phase. This is when you will use it most. Three to four sessions per day, 20 to 30 minutes each, particularly after exercises and before sleep. This is the period where consistent cold and compression makes the biggest difference to swelling and pain.
Week three and four — the transition phase. Swelling reduces but can still flare after physiotherapy sessions and increased activity. Many people continue using the machine after physio appointments through this period.
Beyond week four — most people no longer need continuous cold compression, though some continue using it on an as-needed basis during more active phases of rehabilitation.
Your physiotherapist will advise on the specific schedule that fits your protocol.
What to look for when hiring a cold compression machine in NZ
When comparing options for knee surgery recovery, these are the questions worth asking:
Does it deliver active compression as well as cold? Cold alone is significantly less effective. The machine should circulate cold water continuously and apply compression through the wrap simultaneously.
Is the wrap anatomical for the knee? A generic wrap that doesn't conform to the joint won't deliver consistent cold and compression to the right areas.
Is delivery and collection included? Adding courier costs to a hire that's already expensive adds up quickly. RecoveryTec offers free delivery and collection within Christchurch and Lincoln, with nationwide courier delivery available.
What support is included? Setup and troubleshooting support during the hire period matters, particularly for people who haven't used this equipment before.
Is it available before your surgery date? Arriving home from hospital with no machine already set up adds unnecessary stress. RecoveryTec can deliver before your surgery date so it's ready when you get home.
If you're also looking at combining cold compression with EMS for quad activation, our ACL Recovery Package bundles the CryoPush and Compex together at a combined hire rate.
The bottom line
For knee surgery recovery in NZ, the best cold compression machine is the one that delivers consistent cold and compression to your knee — reliably, affordably, and from day one at home. The CryoPush does this at a price point that makes it accessible for most people, without compromising on the clinical outcome.
If your surgeon or physiotherapist has recommended cold compression as part of your discharge plan, there is no clinical reason to pay three to four times more for a machine that delivers the same technology.
Hire a CryoPush for knee surgery recovery— free delivery in Christchurch and Lincoln, nationwide courier available.
Considering Compex EMS alongside cold compression? Hire a Compex EMS muscle stimulator to maintain quad activation from day three post-op.
Need compression boots for later in your recovery? Hire Normatec compression boots for the transition back to activity.
Frequently asked questions
Is Game Ready better than other cold compression machines?
Game Ready is a well-established brand with a strong track record in clinical settings. However, the evidence base for cold compression therapy supports the technology — continuous cold water circulation combined with active compression — not any specific brand. For home hire, the clinical outcome is comparable across machines that use the same technology.
Can I just use ice packs after knee surgery?
Ice packs are better than nothing, but they lose temperature within 10 to 15 minutes and provide no active compression. The research consistently shows that combined cold and compression produces better outcomes — lower pain scores, reduced analgesic use, faster reduction in swelling — compared to ice packs alone. For the first two weeks after knee surgery, a cold compression machine is the more effective option.
How do I set up a cold compression machine at home?
The CryoPush is straightforward to set up. You fill the reservoir with ice and water, attach the knee wrap, and run the machine for your session. RecoveryTec walks you through the setup at delivery, and support is available throughout your hire period if you have questions.
