Best At-Home Tools for Orthopedic Injury Recovery

Recovering from an orthopedic injury or surgery is a team effort — and your home is part of the clinic. With the right tools you can control pain, reduce swelling, protect injured tissue, and safely progress your mobility. Supply Physical Therapy offers best-in-class orthopedic products at affordable prices and fast, reliable shipping. Based in Charlotte, NC, our team has nearly 30 years of orthopedic experience and can help you choose the right devices for home recovery. Learn more at Supply Physical Therapy or talk to a cold therapy consultant at 844-505-8144.

1. Cold therapy systems — first line for swelling and pain

Cold therapy (cryotherapy) is essential in the early post-injury and post-operative period to control inflammation and pain. Consider a continuous or pulse cold-compression system for hands-free, consistent cooling:

• DonJoy Iceman Clear3 — durable and user-friendly for surgical recovery and athletic injuries.
• Breg Polar Care Kodiak — a powerful option with multiple pad sizes for knee, shoulder, and hip.
• Omni Ice Pulse Compression — combines cold and compression for enhanced swelling control.
• Cryodynamics Arc (iceless) — ideal when ice logistics are a concern, providing compression without a cooler.

For guidance on features and techniques, see our post on what to look for in cryo therapy machines and Cold Therapy 101.

2. Bracing and support — protect while you heal

Braces stabilize joints, offload stressed tissue, and let you stay active without compromising healing. Popular, clinician-recommended options include:

• DonJoy Playmaker II — great for knee support during rehab and return to activity.
• Aircast A60 ankle support — prevents re-injury while allowing mobility.
• Exos Form II back braces — offered in models like the 626 and 631 to support lumbar and thoracolumbar injuries.

If you’re recovering from spine surgery or chronic back pain, explore our back and spine bracing collection and read more about lumbar support in our blog on the benefits of Aspen bracing.

3. Traction and cervical tools — for neck and nerve-related issues

Cervical traction can relieve nerve compression and reduce neck pain when used per clinician instructions. Popular at-home devices include the Aspen ComforTrac and the Saunders cervical traction device. Our blog covers safe home use: how traction devices help.

4. Compression, sleeves, and wearable support

Compression reduces edema and supports circulation during rehab. Options to consider:

• Incrediwear recovery sleeves for knees, ankles, and elbows.
• Graduated compression socks (15–40 mmHg) for swelling control after lower extremity procedures.
• Cold-compression pads such as the Breg Polar Care Wave pads or wrap-on pads for localized cooling.

5. Accessories and essentials — small items that make a big difference

Don’t overlook the accessories that keep therapy consistent and effective:

• Replacement and wrap-on pads for cold systems — browse pads and replacements.
• Velcro straps and connectors to secure wraps — DonJoy Velcro straps.
• Simple ice packs and gel bags for short sessions — ice bags kit.
• Range-of-motion tools like the Rangemaster shoulder pulley for rotator cuff recovery.
• Orthotic inserts — Thrive carbon fiber inserts — to support foot biomechanics during rehab.

Safety tips and how to choose the right tool

• Always follow your surgeon or physical therapist’s instructions for timing and duration of cold, compression, and exercises.
• Aim for consistent, disciplined therapy — our blog explains why consistency matters.
• When selecting devices, consider fit, ease of use, and compatibility with your clinician’s plan. See our guide on features to look for in cryo machines.
• If you have numb skin, vascular issues, or sensory loss, consult your provider before applying cold or compression.

Supply Physical Therapy is ready to help you find the right at-home recovery tools. We stock high-quality name-brand cold therapy systems, braces, pads, and accessories with same & next day shipping. Questions? Talk to a cold therapy consultant at 844-505-8144 or visit supplypt.com to explore products and collections tailored to your recovery.

For deeper reading on integrating cold therapy into rehab and post-surgical tips, check out our articles on post-surgical recovery and how to alternate hot and cold therapy.