[REVIEW] ThermaZone Machine: Hot & Cold Therapy for Pain Management

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) chronic pain has been linked to mobility restrictions, dependence on opioids, depression, anxiety, and reduced quality of life. If any of this sounds like you, then keep reading. 

ThermaZone is a pain management device that provides alternating heat and cold therapy for either chronic or acute pain. The device is opioid-free, weighs about 3.5 pounds, and offers programmable thermal therapy with just 2 ounces of water! Created by an internationally recognized teacher and innovator in migraine and facial plastic surgery, ThermaZone has been used in multiple departments to help patients with pain. 

ThermaZone Hot and Cold Therapy System View Product

Benefits of Hot and Cold Therapy Systems

ThermaZone’s diverse pads (from head pads to ankle pads) allow patients with multiple pain points to integrate their care under one device.

• HEAT increases the flow of blood and nutrients to the treated area. It soothes discomfort and aids in the repair of damaged tissue. Applying heat allows the area to heal faster. Heat therapy is usually used for tight muscles, stiff joints, arthritis discomfort, pinched nerves, and overall relaxing your body. 
• COLD decreases blood flow, which reduces swelling, inflammation, bruising, and spasms. It also can numb the treated area. Cold therapy is often used for sprains, strains, torn muscles, fresh injuries, and workout recovery.

6 Reasons Why We Love ThermaZone

#1 Non-Opioid Pain Management

Opioids can negatively affect your health (including your brain!), even if used for a short period of time. If you are considering opiates for pain management, give ThermaZone a try before you resort to pharmaceuticals. And if you are currently taking opiates, and you are searching for alternatives for pain management, ThermaZone could be your answer. About 88% of users decreased their use of opioids after using ThermaZone. ThermaZone is a great drug-free option, and it can provide immediate pain relief.

#2 Ice-Less Thanks to ThermoElectric Technology

Unlike other products in the market, ThermaZone does not need ice to deliver cold therapy. All you need is 2 ounces of distilled water for continuous thermal therapy (either hot or cold). This allows for easy self-patient care where patients (or caretakers) do not have to rely on bags of ice for continuous cold therapy. ThermaZone’s iceless technology has programmable and consistent thermal therapy and can run for up to 500 continuous hours. 

#3 Motion Advantage Pads

Developed by orthopedic specialists from the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, the various ThermaZone pads allow for multiple areas of care with ONE device. Plus, unlike other “bladder-designed” pads in the market, ThermaZone pads have a precise fluid movement with unique channels that allow consistent and wide coverage of the area. ThermaZone is used with a diverse range of pads, including head pads, shoulder pads, back/hip pads, knee pads, ankle pads, and a universal pad. For clinical use, there are single-patient disposable pads that are sold in bulk quantities.

#4 Broad Temperature Range & Consistent Temperature

ThermaZone has 20 temperature ranges (10 on the COOL setting, and 10 on the HEAT setting) all in one device! Since the product is iceless, there’s no need to change or add more ice to maintain the same cold temperatures. Unlike ice buckets in the market, ThermaZone can be programmed to operate at any desired temperature ranging from 38-degrees Fahrenheit to 125-degrees Fahrenheit. According to the 2021 Patient Survey, 99% of ThermaZone patients are highly satisfied with ThermaZone’s broad and consistent temperature range!

#5 Programmable Therapy

ThermaZone provides 5 preset timer modes allowing for easy, programmed therapy (such as 30 minutes of thermal followed by a 30-minute pause) or the unit can run continuously if desired. Multiple preset modes provide a customizable thermal therapy that fits patients’ needs. 

#6 Smaller by Design

ThermaZone only weighs 3.5 lbs with a comparable size to a loaf of bread! Unlike other thermal therapy devices that range from 15-30 lbs (with ice!), ThermaZone’s small and compact design allows it to be a portable device. Patients have used ThermaZone in their vehicles, thanks to the auto cord!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which injuries does ThermaZone work best for?

Over 25,000 patients have used ThermaZone for chronic and acute pain. Our diverse line of pads can be used with our ThermaZone device, allowing for multiple pain coverage with just one device! Pads include three head pads, shoulder pads, back/hip pads, knee pads, ankle pads, and a universal pad to cover almost any area of the body.

When should ThermaZone be avoided?

ThermaZone is not to be used for areas with open wounds. Please check our Full Instruction Manual for more details. 

How can Therma Zone help veterans?

ThermaZone has been a proud vendor of the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) since 2015. We have served over 22,000 veteran patients within 14 departments of over 140 Veteran Affairs Medical Centers in the U.S. Some departments include orthopedic, neurology, primary care, whole health, and Women’s Health. 

Is heat or cold better for a headache?

ThermaZone head pads come in three types:

• Front & Side Head Pads
• Occipital Head Pads
• Eye Pads

Each pad was developed by a world-renowned migraine specialist and was created to cover specific migraine pain points. Temperatures vary per patient’s needs and as prescribed by their clinician.

Can lower back problems benefit from heat and cold therapy?

Thousands of patients have used the ThermaZone back pad to manage their chronic back pain and/or for post-back surgery. According to our 2021 Patient Survey, 98% of patients who used ThermaZone for chronic and/or acute patients were satisfied with the relief provided. 

Final Thoughts

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 136 people die every day from an opioid overdose. With the continuous rise of this epidemic, ThermaZone is a great drug-free option. ThermaZone is the most portable, iceless, non-opioid heating and cooling therapy device on the market!

While working as a Trauma ER nurse, I sustained a work injury that ultimately lead to extensive surgical repair on my dominant shoulder. This additionally led to many months of healing complications and physical therapy. During this time, I actually used a ThermaZone machine. That machine was a lifesaver and so was my “go-to” option for pain management - over opioid pain medications and the standard IceMan that was provided to me by my surgeon. Not only did it cool my injury around more efficiently than the IceMan but the device offered multiple features that were more convenient and easier to maintain while healing after surgery.

I only had to fill it with distilled water once on the initial setup and didn’t have to worry about refilling it with ice or water like with the IceMan. Additionally, I was able to turn it on and it was pre-programmed to run for 20 minutes and then turn off to prevent skin injury. This was extremely helpful when I wanted to use it at night to help me fall asleep when orthopedic pain is traditionally the worse.

I also had a period where I had incision infections that had to be opened and drained, and I was able to continue to wear this device safely. I did not have to worry about it impairing my healing, on the contrary, it helped speed my recovery time. 

When I started daily physical therapy sessions, I was able to come home and put myself on the ThermaZone machine, allowing me to perform better at each session and reducing my recovery time. I can’t say enough good things about this device!

If you are interested in more product reviews and buying guides, browse Rehabmart’s free, educational platform Caregiver University. 

Thanks for reading!