The CryoPush works by circulating cold water through a wrap fitted securely around your shoulder, delivering consistent cold therapy combined with intermittent compression. You simply fill the reservoir with water and ice, attach the wrap, and the machine pumps the cold water through while applying gentle compression to the joint.

This combination of cold and compression is more effective than ice packs alone - cold therapy reduces blood flow to the area to limit swelling and inflammation, while the intermittent compression actively helps move fluid away from the joint and improves circulation. The result is more effective swelling management, better pain relief, and a more comfortable recovery.

The CryoPush is available with a targeted shoulder wrap for focused treatment. It's simple to use at home with no clinical supervision required.

Yes — cold compression is commonly recommended from day one post-operatively and is standard protocol following most shoulder procedures. The compression settings on the CryoPush are fully adjustable, making it suitable even when dressings or sutures are present — you can run cold therapy without compression in the very early post-operative period if needed, then gradually introduce compression as your surgeon clears you. Always follow your specific surgeon's post-operative protocol. If you have any concerns about using the device following your particular procedure, get in touch and we'll talk it through before you book.

otator cuff repair
Rotator cuff surgery is one of the most common shoulder procedures and typically involves significant post-operative swelling and pain in the first two to four weeks. Cold compression from day one reduces the inflammatory response, manages pain without heavy medication and supports earlier mobilisation — which is critical for long-term shoulder function and range of motion recovery.

Shoulder stabilisation surgery (Bankart repair / Latarjet)
Shoulder dislocation surgery produces significant soft tissue swelling and bruising around the joint. Cold compression helps manage swelling in the early post-operative weeks and reduces the stiffness that comes with the immobilisation period following stabilisation procedures.

Labrum repair (SLAP repair)
Labral surgery causes localised swelling deep within the shoulder joint. CryoPush delivers consistent cold and compression directly to the shoulder via a dedicated wrap, reaching the joint more effectively than surface ice packs which only cool the skin.

Shoulder arthroscopy
Keyhole shoulder procedures still produce meaningful swelling and discomfort in the days following surgery. Cold compression accelerates the resolution of post-arthroscopic swelling and reduces the pain that can inhibit early movement and physiotherapy.

Shoulder decompression (subacromial decompression)
Post-operative swelling from decompression surgery responds well to cold compression therapy. Managing swelling early in the recovery reduces impingement pain and allows faster progression through physiotherapy exercises.

Shoulder dislocation and significant sprains
Acute shoulder injuries producing significant swelling and soft tissue damage benefit from cold compression in the early management phase. CryoPush is used by athletes and active people managing shoulder injuries who need consistent, effective cold compression without constant ice pack changes.

Yes — cold compression is equally effective for managing acute shoulder injuries including rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocations, AC joint sprains, bicep tendon injuries and significant soft tissue damage. For acute injuries, starting cold compression within the first 24–48 hours produces the greatest benefit in terms of swelling limitation and pain management. CryoPush can be hired for shorter periods specifically for injury management — you don't need to have had surgery to benefit from cold compression therapy.

Yes — significantly. Ice packs melt within 20–30 minutes, lose temperature unevenly and only cool the surface of the skin. The CryoPush circulates chilled water continuously through an insulated shoulder wrap, maintaining a consistent therapeutic temperature across the entire joint for the duration of each session with no risk of ice burn from direct contact. The simultaneous compression actively pumps swelling away from the shoulder, which ice packs cannot do. The result is more effective pain control, faster reduction in swelling and a substantially more comfortable experience — particularly in the first 72 hours post-surgery when swelling is at its peak.

Yes — CryoPush pairs particularly well with a Compex EMS muscle stimulator for shoulder surgery recovery. While CryoPush manages swelling and pain, Compex helps maintain the shoulder stabilising muscles and deltoid during the period of immobilisation when active exercise is limited. Used together, they address both inflammation management and muscle maintenance simultaneously — the two biggest challenges in shoulder surgery recovery. If you're interested in hiring both devices, get in touch and we'll put together a combined package quote.

Cold compression should be avoided directly over open wounds, active infections or areas with compromised skin integrity. It should not be used by people with known cold hypersensitivity, Raynaud's disease or certain vascular conditions. Compression specifically should be avoided if you have a known or suspected deep vein thrombosis or active circulatory condition in the area. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are unsure whether cold compression is appropriate for your specific procedure, consult your surgeon or physiotherapist before use. We're also happy to talk through your situation before you book.

Cold compression therapy is often used during the early stages of recovery following shoulder surgery to help manage pain and swelling. How long you use the CryoPush will depend on the type of procedure, your stage of recovery and your surgeon's recommendations.

In the first few days after surgery, your surgeon may recommend short, repeated sessions to help manage post-operative discomfort and swelling. As your recovery progresses, you may find it useful to continue using cold compression after physiotherapy exercises or increased activity, provided this is consistent with your post-operative instructions.

Shoulder procedures such as rotator cuff repair and shoulder stabilisation have different recovery requirements. It is important to follow your surgeon's guidance on session duration, compression settings, skin protection and whether the shoulder wrap can be used over or near your surgical dressing.

Because recovery timelines vary, we recommend following the specific advice of your surgeon or physiotherapist when using a CryoPush alongside your hire.

Yes — the CryoPush and Game Ready operate on exactly 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. If your surgeon or physiotherapist has recommended a Game Ready machine for your recovery, the CryoPush delivers the same treatment.

Hiring a CryoPush ice compression machine from RecoveryTec is $120 for the first week and $80 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. Hire can be extended at any time with no lock-in period.

View full pricing here

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.

Yes — RecoveryTec ships nationwide across New Zealand. We regularly send CryoPush units to Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, Queenstown, Tauranga, Nelson and rural locations. The machine is straightforward to set up at home — instructions are included and we're available by phone or message if you need help getting started. Courier return options are available so you don't need to travel to drop it back. Get in touch to confirm courier costs and delivery timeframes for your location before booking.