Your Recovery Knee Brace or Recovery Flex Pack comes with two Dual Thermo™ Packs. The same pack can be used cold or hot. Here's how to prepare each one safely, how long to use it, and how to look after your packs.
Tip: with two packs, you can keep one in the freezer while you use the other.
Before you start
- Always check the temperature of the pack before use.
- The pack can go directly on your skin if it feels comfortable. If you're sensitive to heat or cold, put a thin towel or cloth between the pack and your skin.
- Check your skin every 5 minutes. Remove the pack straight away if your skin becomes red, numb or discoloured.
- Don't use the pack on open or broken skin.
- Talk to your doctor before use if you have a circulatory or sensory condition, diabetes or reduced skin sensation.
Cold therapy
- Lay the pack flat in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. For the coldest pack, freeze it for 2 hours or more.
- Check the temperature, then slide it into the Knee Brace pocket or attach it to the Flex Pack wrap.
- Use it while sitting or resting, for about 15–20 minutes.
- Check your skin every 5 minutes.
- Wipe the pack dry and put it back in the freezer, ready for next time.
Heat therapy
- Take the pack out of the brace or wrap. Never microwave it inside them.
- Microwave it in 20-second bursts, checking the temperature after each one.
- Stop once it feels warm. From room temperature, about 60–70 seconds in total is usually enough, but microwaves vary. Don't overheat it.
- Test it against the inside of your wrist. It should feel warm and comfortable, never hot.
- Fit it to your brace or wrap and use it for about 15–20 minutes, checking your skin every 5 minutes.
Never microwave the pack inside the brace or wrap. After heating, let the pack cool to room temperature before you put it back in the freezer.
Hot or cold: which one?
It's your call, and many people use both at different times. A common rule of thumb is cold after activity or a knock, and heat for areas that feel tight or stiff. If you're not sure which suits your situation, ask your doctor or physiotherapist.
Looking after your packs
- Wipe clean and dry after each use.
- Store flat in a cool, dry place, away from sharp objects like keys and scissors.
- You can keep packs in the freezer between cold sessions, but don't leave them frozen for more than 72 hours at a stretch. Let them come back to room temperature in between.
- Don't use a pack that is punctured, damaged or leaking. Throw away any pack that leaks or bulges.
- If gel gets on your skin or in your eyes, wash it off with plenty of water. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
- Keep out of reach of children. For external use only.
Your CompressiveX Travel Case
The CompressiveX Travel Case keeps your brace or wrap and both packs together on the go. It's waterproof, with an insulating coating. Wipe it clean with a damp cloth. Don't submerge it or machine wash it, and keep it out of direct sun, which can crack the coating.
