Knee Replacement Recovery with the Breg Polar Care Cube: How Wrap-On Pads Reduce Swelling
Explore how the Breg Polar Care Cube and its wrap‑on pads can make knee replacement recovery more comfortable by reducing swelling and pain through controlled cold therapy.
Knee Replacement Recovery with the Breg Polar Care Cube: How Wrap-On Pads Reduce Swelling Overview
A total knee replacement replaces worn cartilage with metal and plastic, but the procedure creates postoperative inflammation that can limit motion. Cryotherapy, or cold therapy, works by narrowing blood vessels to slow circulation and reduce swelling. The Breg Polar Care Cube is a portable cold therapy machine that circulates ice water through a knee‑shaped pad. Unlike ice packs that warm rapidly, the Cube delivers consistent cooling for six to eight hours and features a quiet pump and high flow rate for even temperature.
Each wrap‑on pad has an ergonomic shape and elastic straps that gently compress tissue while holding the pad in place. Pads come sealed for hygiene and must be used over a sterile dressing to protect skin.
Benefits & Risks
Applying cold therapy after knee replacement can offer several advantages:
- Controls swelling and pain: Studies and clinical experience show that cooling reduces fluid accumulation and postoperative pain, allowing many patients to rely less on narcotic medication.
- Facilitates movement: By lowering nerve conduction, cold therapy reduces discomfort, making it easier to perform early exercises.
- Convenience: The Cube’s long duration means fewer ice changes and less interruption of daily activities.
However, cold therapy has limitations. Prolonged icing can dramatically reduce skin blood flow, particularly when ice is placed directly over an incision. Evidence suggests that icing provides temporary pain relief but does not speed tissue healing. To avoid skin damage, always use a barrier, limit each session to 15–20 minutes and check your skin regularly.
How to Use
The following steps summarise the process of using the Breg Polar Care Cube with a knee pad:
- Check compatibility: Verify that your pad’s part number matches your Cube and knee size before opening the sealed package.
- Prepare the pad: Attach a sterile dressing to the pad to protect the skin, then position it over your knee and secure the elastic straps.
- Fill and connect: Add ice and water to the cooler, attach the hose until you hear a click and ensure the cooler sits level with the treated area.
- Start therapy: Plug the Cube in and turn it on. Many clinicians recommend using cold therapy for 15–20 minutes followed by an equal rest period before repeating.
Supply Physical Therapy offers a video tutorial that demonstrates these steps. Using freeze bags can reduce the mess and make refills easier.
How Long / How Often
During the first one to two weeks after surgery, apply cold for about 15–20 minutes at a time, three to five times per day, ensuring that there is a similar break between sessions. As healing progresses, you can reduce the frequency and use the Cube after physical therapy or strenuous activity to control new swelling.
The Polar Care Cube can run continuously for several hours, but sleeping with an active pad is discouraged because reduced sensation increases the risk of frostbite. Always follow your surgeon’s instructions and check your skin frequently.
Who Should / Shouldn’t Use
Cold therapy machines like the Polar Care Cube benefit individuals recovering from knee replacement, arthroscopic procedures or sports injuries. They can also help manage chronic knee pain. Contraindications include diabetes, Raynaud’s disease, cold hypersensitivity, open wounds without proper dressing and reduced sensation. A prescription is required for the Cube, and you should consult your healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Product Options & Compatibility
Breg offers several knee pads to pair with the Polar Care Cube. All pads feature elastic straps for static compression and require a sterile barrier. The table below summarises key options:
| Pad Size | Dimensions | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | 10.25 × 11.25 in | Standard adult knees |
| Large | 11.5 × 12 in | Swollen or larger knees |
| XL | 12.25 × 19 in | Very large legs or thighs |
You can purchase the complete system from our product page, or order extra pads from the replacement pads section. For additional connectors and dressings, explore the accessories collection.
Comparisons
Cold therapy comes in several forms. Here’s how the Polar Care Cube stacks up against other popular options:
| Device | Cooling Duration | Compression | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breg Polar Care Cube | 6–8 hours | Static straps | Compact, quiet and prescription‑only |
| DonJoy Iceman Clear3 | 6–7 hours | None | Adjustable temperature; requires refills |
| Aircast Cryo/Cuff | ≈30 minutes | Gravity compression | Simple cuff design |
| Omni Ice Pulse | 4–6 hours | Pulsed compression | Combines cold and intermittent compression |
The Cube offers a balance of long cooling and ease of use. Gravity‑driven systems like the Aircast Cryo/Cuff may be more portable but require more frequent ice changes. Systems with active compression can provide additional swelling control but tend to be more expensive.
FAQs
What does the Breg Polar Care Cube do?
The Cube circulates ice water through a knee‑shaped pad to deliver consistent cooling. This constricts blood vessels and numbs nerves, reducing postoperative swelling and pain.
How long should I use cold therapy after surgery?
During the first two weeks, apply cold for about 15–20 minutes per session, three to five times a day. Afterward, use the Cube as needed to manage new swelling.
Do I need to use a barrier under the pad?
Yes. A sterile dressing or cloth prevents frostbite and protects the incision.
Who should avoid cold therapy?
People with circulatory problems, diabetes, Raynaud’s disease or cold hypersensitivity should not use the Cube.
Do I need a prescription?
Yes. You must obtain a prescription and use the Cube under medical supervision.
Sources
- Cochrane review on cryotherapy after knee replacement.
- OrthoVirginia: The importance of icing after joint replacement.
- Hospital for Special Surgery: Post‑operative knee tips.
- OHSU: Total joint surgery information.
- Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic: Cryotherapy benefits and risks.
- Dr. Nicholas Frisch: Cryotherapy for pain and swelling.
- Breg: Polar Care Cube product information.