Ankle Ice Machine Hire — CryoPush Cold Compression Therapy
RecoveryTec hires CryoPush ice compression machines (similar to a Game Ready) for ankle surgery and injury recovery across Christchurch, Selwyn, North Canterbury and nationwide. The CryoPush combines continuous cold water circulation with intermittent compression in a dedicated ankle wrap — delivering simultaneous cold and compression therapy to the joint without the hassle of ice packs, manual refilling or constant monitoring.
Cold compression is the most effective tool available for managing ankle swelling and pain in the critical first weeks after surgery or injury. Unlike ice packs that melt, lose temperature unevenly and provide no compression, CryoPush maintains a consistent therapeutic temperature for hours and actively pumps swelling away from the joint with every compression cycle. It's the same technology used in hospital and professional sports settings — available to hire and use at home in Christchurch and anywhere in New Zealand.
Whether you're recovering from ankle stabilisation surgery, an ORIF fracture repair, Achilles tendon reconstruction, ankle arthroscopy or a severe sprain, CryoPush gives you clinic-grade cold compression therapy at home from day one of your recovery.
How does the CryoPush ice compression machine work?
The CryoPush works by circulating cold water through a wrap fitted securely around your knee, 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 ankle wrap for focused treatment, or a full leg sleeve for more extensive coverage after surgery. It's simple to use at home with no clinical supervision required.
How long should I use an ice machine after Ankle surgery?
Most people use cold compression therapy for the first two to four weeks after ankle surgery, when swelling and inflammation are at their highest. During the first few days after surgery, using the CryoPush for 30–60 minutes per session, two to three times a day is a commonly recommended starting point for managing post-operative swelling.
As your recovery progresses, you can continue using it once or twice daily - particularly after physiotherapy exercises or any increased activity that causes the knee to swell. Using it before rehab sessions can also help reduce inhibition and improve muscle activation.
Because recovery timelines vary depending on the type of surgery, we always recommend following the specific advice of your surgeon or physiotherapist alongside your hire.
What Ankle Surgeries and Injuries Is CryoPush Used For?
H2: What Ankle Surgeries and Injuries Is CryoPush Used For?
Ankle stabilisation surgery (ATFL/CFL repair)
Ligament reconstruction surgery causes significant swelling and bruising around the ankle joint. Cold compression from day one reduces the inflammatory response, manages pain without heavy medication and allows earlier mobilisation — which is critical for long-term ankle function.
ORIF (open reduction internal fixation) for ankle fractures
Ankle fractures requiring surgical fixation typically involve significant soft tissue disruption alongside the bone repair. Cold compression helps manage swelling in the early post-operative weeks and reduces the stiffness that comes with prolonged immobilisation.
Achilles tendon repair
Post-operative swelling around the Achilles and heel is one of the main barriers to early rehab following tendon repair surgery. The CryoPush ankle wrap covers both the ankle joint and the lower Achilles region, providing consistent cold and compression to the most affected areas.
Ankle arthroscopy
Keyhole ankle 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 weight bearing.
Severe ankle sprains
High-grade ligament sprains produce swelling comparable to surgical cases. CryoPush is used by athletes and active people managing Grade 2–3 ankle sprains who need consistent, effective cold compression without the hassle of constant ice pack changes.
Achilles tendinopathy and chronic ankle conditions
Cold compression is effective for managing flare-ups of chronic Achilles tendinopathy and persistent ankle swelling following older injuries. CryoPush can be hired for shorter periods to manage acute flare-ups without committing to a full purchase.
What does it cost?
Hiring a CryoPush ice compression machine for ankle recovery 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 collect and drop off from our Lincoln or Belfast location for free. 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 if your recovery takes longer than expected.
Is cold compression better than using ice packs after ankle surgery?
Yes — significantly. Ice packs melt quickly, lose temperature unevenly and only cool the surface of the skin. The CryoPush circulates chilled water continuously through an insulated ankle wrap, maintaining a consistent therapeutic temperature across the entire joint without the risk of ice burn from direct contact. The simultaneous compression pumps swelling away from the ankle actively, rather than just slowing its accumulation. 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 most significant
Is the CryoPush safe to use immediately after ankle surgery?
Yes — CryoPush is commonly used from day one post-operatively and is recommended by orthopaedic surgeons and physiotherapists across New Zealand. The compression settings are fully adjustable, making it suitable even when dressings or sutures are present — you can run the cold therapy without compression in the very early post-operative period if needed, then gradually introduce compression as your surgeon clears you to do so. 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 with you before you book.
Can I hire a CryoPush if I'm not in Christchurch?
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.
FAQs
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Yes — persistent swelling after ankle injury or surgery is extremely common and can remain problematic for months, particularly after fractures and high-grade sprains. CryoPush stimulates fluid movement through the compression cycle, reduces joint stiffness associated with chronic swelling, and provides effective pain relief during flare-ups. Many people hire CryoPush specifically for this purpose — not immediately post-surgery, but weeks or months later when swelling is still limiting function and activity. It's equally effective at any stage of recovery.
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Yes — the CryoPush ankle wrap covers both the ankle joint and the lower Achilles region, making it effective for Achilles tendon repair recovery, Achilles tendinopathy flare-ups and post-exercise inflammation. The cold reduces localised inflammation and pain, while the compression helps manage the thickening and fluid build-up around the tendon that occurs with chronic tendinopathy. For post-repair patients, cold compression is a standard part of the early rehabilitation protocol and can be used from day one under surgeon guidance.
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Yes — and many people find that a session before physiotherapy or rehab exercises improves their mobility and reduces pain during the session. Cold compression reduces joint stiffness and temporarily lowers pain signals, making movement easier and more comfortable. Using CryoPush after exercise is equally valuable — applying it immediately after rehab reduces the inflammatory response and speeds up recovery between sessions. Most physiotherapists recommend using it both before and after exercise during the early stages of ankle recovery.
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No — CryoPush has fully adjustable compression settings that you control throughout the session. Most people start on a low setting in the first few days post-surgery when the ankle is most sensitive, then gradually increase as swelling reduces and comfort improves. The wrap is designed to fit securely without pressure points, and the intermittent compression cycle — which inflates and deflates rhythmically — is generally described as comfortable and even relaxing once you're used to it. If at any point the compression feels too firm, simply dial it back.
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A standard supermarket bag of ice per day is sufficient for most people. The machine circulates cold water through an insulated reservoir, which maintains a consistent therapeutic temperature for the duration of each session. Topping up with frozen water bottles between sessions extends the cold significantly and reduces daily ice costs. The reservoir is straightforward to fill and empty, and we provide instructions for getting the most out of each ice load when the unit is delivered.
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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.
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Yes — CryoPush works extremely well alongside other recovery tools and is frequently hired as part of a combined recovery setup. The most common combinations we see at RecoveryTec are:
CryoPush and Compex EMS Cold compression and electrical muscle stimulation target different aspects of recovery and work well together. CryoPush manages swelling and pain, while Compex prevents muscle atrophy and maintains neuromuscular activation in the calf and lower leg during the period when loading is restricted. Used together, they address the two biggest barriers to ankle recovery simultaneously — swelling and muscle wasting.
CryoPush and Normatec compression boots Some patients use CryoPush for targeted cold compression on the ankle joint and Normatec boots for full-leg compression to manage swelling higher up the leg and improve overall circulation. This combination is particularly useful for patients who are non-weight bearing for extended periods and dealing with swelling throughout the lower limb, not just at the ankle.
CryoPush and BFR cuffs Blood flow restriction cuffs are increasingly used alongside cold compression during ankle recovery. BFR allows calf and lower leg strengthening at very light loads while the joint is still healing, and CryoPush manages the localised inflammation that can follow early rehab exercise. The combination supports both swelling management and muscle maintenance in the same recovery window.
If you're interested in hiring a combination of equipment, get in touch and we'll put together a package quote.