If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best shoulder ice wrap for rotator cuff Injuries is, then I’d recommend the NatraCure Hot/Cold & Compression Shoulder Support as the best one.
Whether you lift things for your job or for strength training, it can be really easy to injure the rotator cuff, which is located in the shoulder.
Thankfully, there are special icing wraps for shoulder injuries that can help to ease the pain and increase the healing speed.
Here is a simple buying guide you can use to find the best shoulder ice wrap for you as well as five of the best that are in stores now.
Here are the top shoulder ice wraps we’ll be reviewing:
- Thermopeutic Shoulder Compression Ice Cold Gel Wrap
- NatraCure Hot/Cold & Compression Shoulder Support
- Pro Ice Adult Shoulder and Elbow Real Ice Pack Wrap
- ActiveWrap Shoulder Ice Therapy Wrap
- O2 Cold Therapy Shoulder Brace with Ice Pack and Air Compression Wrap
Shoulder Ice Wrap Buying Guide
How to Choose the Best Shoulder Ice Wrap
The Size
Finding the exact size of a shoulder ice wrap can be a little difficult since many don’t list the exact dimensions.
For the ones that don’t, they will usually list their size as small, medium, and/or large.
If a wrap lists the exact dimensions, then it would be best to have someone measure your shoulder and/or chest with a tape measure to make sure that the wrap will fit you.
How Long it Stays Cold/Warm
It is actually very common for most shoulder wrap gel packs to be able to be warmed up in a microwave as well as be chilled or frozen in a freezer.
Make sure you check the details on the box, or in the product description if you are buying one online, to see if the gel pack can be heated if you are looking for a dual temperature pack.
To avoid over icing/heating the shoulder, many people only use the wraps at one to two-hour intervals.
So, the best of the shoulder ice wrap for you would stay warm or cold for at least an hour after putting the wrap on.
Some ice wraps don’t say how long they stay warm/cold since this can be affected by the temperatures it is exposed to and other similar factors.
For this, you could look at product reviews to get a good idea of how reliable the gel pack is.
Extra Features
One of the most popular features that many wraps are implementing is air compression.
This is when the wrap, after being put on by the wearer, is pumped full of air to also compress the shoulder.
This can help with restricting any movements that can cause pain and help the rotator cuff to heal faster.
Another extra feature that is a little less popular is an elbow attachment that is either removable or nonremovable from the shoulder wrap piece.
This can be especially helpful if you have also injured your elbow as well as your rotator cuff.
It is important to note that wraps with these attachments are usually a little more expensive than just a shoulder wrap, and you will need to measure your arm to ensure that it will fit.
However, the elbow attachments usually come with extra gel packs that you can also apply to your elbow.
What Are The Benefits of Shoulder Ice Wraps?
As previously stated, they help to keep the arm compressed and reduce movement to prevent pain and possible re-injury as well as icing the area to reduce the swelling and/or warming the area to relax the muscles.
Another benefit that most wraps have is that they are medical-grade and FDA approved, making them last for quite a while and be especially useful to those who either get re-injured easily or have chronic issues with the rotator cuff.
Things to Look For That Differentiate Them
The most popular thing to look for is how many gel packs it comes with and can hold.
Some only come with and hold a single gel pack while others can come with and/or hold as many as three or four.
Another thing that you may want to look at is the torso wrap that goes around the back and chest; this holds the shoulder wrap in place.
Some wraps just have a simple adjustable strap while others come with extra padding for comfort and support.
This is up to you and your preferences because some people are sensitive to certain materials or the size of the bands.
What is the Best Way to Use a Shoulder Ice Wrap?
Make sure the gel packs are hot or cold enough depending on your preference.
Then, put them in the pouch(es) before carefully putting the wrap on. If you are having difficulty, you may want to ask someone for help.
Make sure the bands and straps are tight enough to ensure the wrap will not move or fall but loose enough to not restrict your blood flow or cause pain.
If you have a wrap that uses compressed air, wait until the wrap is on before slowly pumping it full of air to the point where you can feel a decent amount of compression; enough to prevent you from easily raising your injured arm too high.
Precautions For Using Them
If using a shoulder ice wrap, regardless if the gel pack is cold or warm, is uncomfortable or even painful, you should consult with your doctor about your pain/injury, using the wrap, and possibly ask them to show you how you should use it.
Top 5 Shoulder Ice Wraps Reviewed
Looking for the best shoulder ice wrap for your particular needs can be challenging when you take into consideration the endless options you have.
To simplify your search, we’ve identified just five of the highest quality wraps for you to take a closer look at.
Thermopeutic Shoulder Compression Ice Cold Gel Wrap
A popular choice, the Thermopeutic Shoulder Compression Ice Cold Gel Wrap can help treat and recover from rotator cuff injuries as well as arthritis, bursitis, osteoarthritis, tendinitis, and more.
The material for the shoulder is nice and firm, but it does poke up quite a bit when it is secured, which can look and feel a little awkward if you are wearing it under a shirt or coat.
However, the elastic band that goes around the chest and back is equally comfortable and firm.
The clip that attaches the two pieces does feel a little awkward sometimes but if it is extra tight.
The gel packs that come with this shoulder wrap are pretty durable and last a while, unlike the popular ice packs that most wraps come with.
They do take a while to get cold enough to use for longer than an hour, usually needing five or more hours in the freezer, but once it is properly frozen, it can stay cold for up to two or more hours.
The gel pack can also be heated in the microwave, too.
PROS
- Is durable and long-lasting
- Very comfortable and supportive
- Gel packs stay cold for up to an hour
CONS
- Too big for smaller men and women
- Gel pack takes a while to get cold or warm
NatraCure Hot/Cold & Compression Shoulder Support
A newer and unique design, the NatraCure Hot/Cold & Compression Shoulder Support is one of the most popular for its comfortability, being able to use ice or heat the affected area, and using compressed air.
The material of both the shoulder compressor and the wrap itself is soft enough to be used directly over skin without having to wear an undershirt while still being firm enough to help restrict movement, even more so when it is full of compressed air, making it possibly the best shoulder ice wrap for comfort and stability.
Like the last wrap, this one also comes with a gel pack that can be frozen or heated, which can be difficult to feel the temperature due to the fabric, but using a thicker gel pack can help.
The fabric also makes the wrap a little heavier than others, which can make it a little more difficult to put for people who are in excessive amounts of pain or have a lack of movement.
PROS
- One of the most comfortable
- Great for chronic injuries/rotator cuff pain
- Easy to put on and take off
- Air compression is simple to use
CONS
- Temperature is less effective through the wrap
- Is heavier than other wraps
Pro Ice Adult Shoulder and Elbow Real Ice Pack Wrap
One of the simplest designs, the Pro Ice Adult Shoulder and Elbow Real Ice Pack Wrap is a little less comfortable but is one of the easiest to put on.
The nylon-like material can feel rough on the skin, especially the wrap itself, but wearing an undershirt can solve this issue fairly easily.
One of the nicer features that this wrap has is an additional elbow wrap that is attached to the shoulder portion, which can be convenient for those who have tennis elbow.
The ice packs that are inserted are lower quality than others on and off of this list, but they do freeze quickly and stay colder longer than most.
The ice pack material is somewhat dainty and can be damaged and leak easily, however.
One feature that it has that many other wraps do not is that it can be thrown into the washing machine, but not a drier.
PROS
- Eases pain quickly
- Comfortable enough to sleep in
- Simple design
CONS
- Material is lower-quality
- Ice packs leak easily
ActiveWrap Shoulder Ice Therapy Wrap
Available in several sizes, the ActiveWrap Shoulder Ice Therapy Wrap is less popular than other wraps but is one of the most comfortable and effective out now.
It is one of the most form-fitting and has instructions for helping you find which size you would need.
It is also specially designed so that you can wear it for long periods of time or going to bed and/or use it while recovering from surgery and physical therapy.
Surprisingly, the ice packs which look like they are cheaper than some and are dainty are actually pretty durable and stay colder than many other wraps.
They are a little smaller, but they can work better than most larger ice packs, making it possibly the best shoulder ice wrap for long-term or ice therapy uses.
PROS
- Can be used for longer periods of time
- Temperature remains consistent for over an hour
- Works well with physical therapy
CONS
- Can be difficult to return/exchange online
- One of the most expensive wraps
O2 Cold Therapy Shoulder Brace with Ice Pack and Air Compression Wrap
Last but certainly not least, is another air compression wrap.
The O2 Cold Therapy Shoulder Brace with Ice Pack and Air Compression Wrap is one of the largest designs, covering around half of the chest and back between the shoulder and the wrap itself, this is one of the most heavy-duty and functional wraps out there.
It is best for larger and/or muscular people due to its size, mostly because of the wrap being so big and slightly awkward on smaller users.
Still, between the few gel pack that it comes with that can be heated or frozen and the air compression, it can be perhaps the best shoulder ice wrap for both pain, tension, and other related symptom relief.
PROS
- Higher quality ice pack
- Effective for injuries, post surgeries, and physical therapy use
- Stays cold for hours
CONS
- May need to consider getting extra packs
- Ice packs take several hours to completely freeze
And the Winner is…
When looking at the buying guide and comparing all of the wraps from the list, it is clear to see that the winner is the NatraCure Hot/Cold & Compression Shoulder Support.
Between its comfortability, durability, and the fact that it has air compression, it is not hard to see why this was the winner.
True, the packs that it comes with are a little lower quality, but they can be replaced easily.
It is also one of the only shoulder wraps that is inconspicuous enough to be worn underneath a shirt, making it ideal for some people who are self-conscious or are going to a formal function.
