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Should I talk to my doctor about using Game Ready?

We always recommend consulting with your physician before starting any new injury treatment regimen. The information contained in this website is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.


What is the Game Ready System?

RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) has long been used to treat acute and chronic injury and assist in orthopedic surgery rehabilitation.  Game Ready offers adjustable cold therapy and intermittent compression in one easy-to-use system, making it easy for you to apply the two most difficult-to-manage aspects of the RICE regimen.

The Game Ready System consists of a portable control unit with adjustable pressure, temperature, and timer settings, and NASA technology-based fabric Wraps anatomically designed to fit and treat each major body part. An AC adapter is provided, and optional accessories including a Dual Connector Hose, a Carry Bag, and a Wrap Bag  are also available.


Why can’t I just use a bag of ice?

Game Ready’s adjustable cold therapy allows you to adjust the temperature, aiding your comfort —without the mess of ice packs.


Who should use Game Ready?

Game Ready is for use in the treatment of acute injuries by athletes and active people, patients recovering from orthopedic surgeries, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and orthopedic surgeons.


What types of injuries can Game Ready be used for?

Game Ready provides a comfortable way to treat a wide variety of acute musculoskeletal injuries. It also can be used to help in rehabilitation following orthopedic surgery.


Is the Game Ready System easy to use?

The Game Ready System is easy to use. Follow these simple steps:


Are there any contraindications to Game Ready usage?

Compression Therapy (vasopneumatic compression) using Game Ready® or any compression therapy device should not be used in patients:

  • Who are in the acute stages of inflammatory phlebitis in the affected region
  • Who have any history or risk factors for deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus (including prolonged bed rest) in the affected region (to be treated with this therapy)
  • Who have significant arteriosclerosis or other vascular ischemic disease in the affected region
  • Who have a condition in which increased venous or lymphatic return is not desired in the affected extremity (eg, carcinoma)
  • Who have decompensated hypertonia in the affected region

Cryotherapy using Game Ready or any cryotherapy device should not be used in patients:

  • Who have significant vascular impairment in the affected region (eg, from prior frostbite, diabetes, arteriosclerosis or ischemia)
  • Who have acute paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria or cryoglobulinemia


Where did the idea for Game Ready come from?

Game Ready’s design is based on NASA spacesuit technology that allows for pressure and temperature control within a flexible garment.


Where can I go to learn more about the pathophysiology behind the safety, effectiveness, and applicability of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)?

The following resources can provide you with more information (note that these publications are referenced throughout this website):

  1. Knight KL. Cryotherapy in sport injury management. 1995. Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL.
  2. Wilkerson GB. Treatment of the inversion ankle sprain through synchronous application of focal compression and cold. Athletic Training, JNATA. 1991;26:220-236.
  3. Cameron MH. Physical agents in rehabilitation from research to practice. 1999. W.B. Saunders Company, Philadelphia, PA.
  4. Sabiston KB et al. The effects of intermittent compression and cold on reducing edema in postacute ankle sprains. Journal of Athletic Training. 1992;27(2):140.
  5. Grant KE. Seven steps to optimal healing. 2002.


What pressure settings are available?

The Game Ready System is adjustable to four different pressure settings:

  • No pressure
  • Low pressure:          5 to 15 mm Hg (5 min. cycles)
  • Medium pressure:    5 to 50 mm Hg (3 min. cycles)
  • High pressure:         5 to 75 mm Hg (3 min. cycles)


What temperature settings are available?

Game Ready can deliver therapy at temperatures ranging from 35°F to 50°F, depending on the amount of ice used.


How does Game Ready differ from other products?

Game Ready offers the simultaneous delivery of both intermittent compression and adjustable cold therapy in one easy-to-use unit.

Game Ready is different from traditional cold therapy methods (eg, ice packs) because it features:

  • Form-fitting, flexible fabric Wraps that completely surround the affected area for circumferential cold therapy.
  • Patented technology that continuously cycles fluid throughout every part of the Wrap.
  • Adjustable temperature, helping to promote greater comfort.
  • Ease of use—without the mess of ice packs.


What about care and storage?

The Game Ready Control Unit can be cleaned with a mild disinfectant (warm water with mild detergent, Lysol, 70% isopropyl alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide). Store in the carrying case or in a protected place. To prevent mold or mildew growth, be sure to remove water and ice before storing.

The removable outer Wrap sleeves can be washed by hand or machine, and replaced if necessary. The exteriors of the air and water chamber can be cleaned with a soft cloth and one of the above disinfectants. To clean air and water chamber interiors, connect to Control Unit, fill control unit one-third full with standard hydrogen peroxide, and run the system for five
minutes. When not in use, coil the Connector Hose and fold or roll the Wrap(s). To prevent mold or mildew growth, do not store in enclosed plastic containers.


What is the Game Ready warranty?

All Game Ready products are warranted against manufacturer’s defects for one (1) full year from the date of purchase, with the exception of the protective outer sleeves for Game Ready Wraps, which carry a 7-day manufacturer’s warranty.

This limited warranty does not cover damages de to external causes, including accident, usage not in accordance with product instructions, misuse, neglect, alteration, or repair.

See the warranty that came with your Game Ready product(s) for full coverage, limitations, and exclusions. You must have properly completed and returned the warranty registration card to Game Ready, Inc. within thirty (30) days from the date of purchase to qualify for warranty service.

To obtain warranty service, please call us toll-free at 1.888.GameReady (1.888.426.3732).


Who can I contact for more information?

We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the Game Ready System. Simply call 1.888.GameReady (1.888.426.3732) or e-mail us at info@gameready.com.


How do I buy Game Ready?

To order the Game Ready System or any individual items or accessories—or to learn how you can rent a system to help in your rehabilitation, simply call us toll-free at 1.888.GameReady (1.888.426.3732) and ask for customer service, or contact us via email.

Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a licensed healthcare practitioner.


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