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The devil may find work for idle hands, but keeping your hands too busy isn’t exactly a virtue either.
Because they’re perpetually in motion and are composed of many moving parts—tendons, several muscles, ligaments, 27 bones, and thousands of nerve endings—the hands and wrists are vulnerable to injury and damage.
Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and sprains and strains are some of the most common conditions affecting the hands and wrists. When you develop any of these conditions, something as mundane as signing your name or lifting a coffee cup can become painful and difficult.
Fortunately, for most hand and wrist injuries, relieving pain and speeding up recovery can be as simple as giving your achy hands or wrists a rest and using a cold therapy wrap.
Cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, is one of the least expensive yet effective methods for pain relief. It is best used for acute pain since it constricts the blood vessels which reduces blood flow to the injured area, thus reducing inflammation and numbing sharp pain.
And when it comes to treating hand and wrist pain, you deserve more than just a pack of frozen peas! There’s already a variety of cold therapy hand and wrist wraps available today, which do not only provide soothing cold to the affected area but active compression as well. This means you get to tick off two items in the R.I.C.E method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) for injuries: Ice and Compression.
Using both compression and cold therapy, as opposed to just one, promotes faster healing so you can get back to your life quickly. Take note, though, that the recommended time for wearing wrist ice wraps is from 15 to 20 minutes only. Applying cold therapy for longer than 20 minutes can cause ice burn or nerve damage.
| BRAND | PROS | CONS | BUY FROM AMAZON |
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ActiveWrap
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- Comfortable and snug fit - Made with high-quality materials - Stays cold for a long period of time - Can be used for both hot and cold therapy - Gel packs can be removed - Can still be used even without the gel pack - Allows compression without impeding mobility |
- Relatively high price point |
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ProIce
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- Covers a large area - Delivers an even temperature - Stays cold for a long period of time - Easy to wear and adjust |
- Relatively high price point - Bulky |
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Inerzen
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- Stays cold for a long time - Easy to use - Thick material |
- Awkward fit - Thumb part gets a bit loose - Temperature isn’t distributed evenly - Cloth that separates the gel pack from the skin is thin |
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Polar Ice
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- Large coverage - Fabric wrap is soft - Easy to wear and adjust |
- Doesn’t stay cold for a long period of time - Color combination is too loud - Impedes mobility |
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Adalid Gear
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- Thick neoprene material - Easy to wear and use - Relatively cheaper |
- Wrap is too short - Uncomfortable in the thumb area - Gel pack freezes - Fabric that separates the gel pack from the skin is thin - Looks very generic - Doesn’t stay cold for a long time |
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Therapaq
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- Thick neoprene material - Easy to wear and use - Relatively cheaper |
- Wrap is too short - Uncomfortable in the thumb area - Gel pack freezes - Fabric that separates the gel pack from the skin is thin - Looks very generic - Doesn’t stay cold for a long time |
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World Bio
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- Easy to wear and use |
- Bulky - Doesn’t fit well - Looks too generic - Gel pack is thin and freezes |
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For this review, we looked at a wide range of cold therapy hand and wrist wraps and tested each of them out, so you don’t have to. We picked hand and wrist wraps from different brands and from various price ranges to determine which cold therapy product proved to be more effective.
We did various tests and challenges to check for comfort, compression, and wearability. We also popped the gel packs into the freezer twice to test their coolness.
For the first test, we froze the gel packs based on their minimum freezing time, which was 1 to 2 hours. We wanted to find out if the recommended freezing time was enough for the packs to provide cold relief. For the second test, we popped the ice packs in the freezer for 24 hours. We noted each wrap’s cold duration, comfort, durability as well as condensation for both tests.
In evaluating the best cold therapy wrist wraps, here are the factors we considered:
Your hands and wrists are some of the most overworked parts of the body. So it’s essential that you use cold therapy wraps that are made of high-quality materials. The fabric wrap must offer the right amount of strength and breathability, and the gel or ice inserts must also be secure.
You want a wrist wrap that you can use again and again and will hold up for everyday use.
There shouldn’t be too much thought that goes into the use of a cold therapy hand and wrist wrap. It should be easy to wear, ergonomic, and designed to ensure that the cold temperature gets distributed evenly around the wrap.
Ideally, cold therapy should be applied for periods of up to 20 minutes and then off for 30 minutes to restore normal blood flow. This can also be repeated throughout the day—up to 8 or 10 times in a 24-hour period. You want a cold pack that stays cold long after you’ve taken it out of the freezer.
As mentioned, cold therapy wraps hit two birds with one stone. So it’s essential to consider not just how long the product stays cold, but also how well it provides compression to the affected area without impeding mobility.
You can’t put a price tag on your health. But an effective cold therapy wrap shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg either. Hence, we included cold therapy wraps from various price ranges and discussed the pros and cons of each.
Based on our review and testing and after considering the factors above, here are the best cold therapy wraps for carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist and hand sprains and strains, arthritis, fractures, or post-surgery applications.
First on the list is ActiveWrap Wrist Hand Heat/Ice Compression Therapy Wrap.
At first glance, we can say that the ActiveWrap hand and wrist wrap definitely stands out from the pack. Developed by sports medicine professionals and physical therapists, ActiveWrap features a premium quality, low profile compression support wrap, two reusable ice packs that can be frozen and heated in the microwave, and two removable nylon pouch covers where you can place the ice packs. It only comes in one size and can be worn on either your left or right hand.
What we love about this wrap is that it looks and feels premium. Its all-black design makes the wrap look contemporary and understated--you’ll feel confident wearing it even when you’re running errands!
Another thing we love about it is that its fabric wrap is comfortable to wear and can easily be fitted by yourself. The fabric wrap is thick and soft, and the straps that secure it in place are stretchable. One strap goes between the thumb and index finger area, and another can be wound around the wrist. The straps are fully adjustable, which lets you customize the compression and the ice or heat placement.
To determine if the gel pack truly has a leak-proof design, we tried squeezing the packs and observed if they would puncture or burst when subjected to a lot of stress. Fortunately, they passed with flying colors, showing no signs of tearing.
For the first test, we placed the packs in the freezer for 1 hour, as per the instructions. We wore it for 15 minutes on one hand, and later transferred it to the left hand. We were impressed that it retained a good temperature. It also stayed cool for over 30 minutes during the first test.
For our overnight test, we found that the packs had lots of condensation, but did not freeze solid. The gel packs remained soft and pliant as ever. However, you have to make sure to wipe the packs after taking them out from the freezer, since they have a tendency to sweat through the nylon pouch.
We liked that the packs were cold enough to provide cool relief to achy hands and wrists but weren’t too cold to cause a burning sensation in the area. ActiveWrap gel packs retained its cold temperature for more than an hour in our overnight freeze test.
For the overall quality and value you get with the ActiveWrap Wrist Hand Heat/Ice Compression Therapy Wrap, we can say that it is definitely our #1 overall pick. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to ease hand and wrist pain because it ticked off all the right boxes: it’s well-made, it’s soft, comfortable, and adjustable, and provides long-lasting cooling to the hands and wrists. While it may not be the cheapest option on this list at $28.95, you’ll certainly get your money’s worth given its outstanding quality and performance!
Coming in at second place is Pro Ice PI300 Cold Therapy Ice Wrap.
If you’re looking for a cold therapy wrap that offers large coverage and provides direct cold relief to your hands and wrists, Pro Ice PI300 is your best bet. Made of durable and insulated Veltex material, Pro Ice PI300 extends from the base of the thumb to the midpoint of the lower arm, ensuring complete and maximum coverage to the affected area.
Instead of gel packs, Pro Ice comes with three removable ice inserts that contain a water-based non-toxic solution. They are then placed in a mesh sleeve inside of the wrap. This design allows the cold to really penetrate through the affected area.
Keeping the cold therapy wrap in place are two elastic straps. Because the wrap is made of Veltex material, the self-fasteners can be easily be attached to virtually anywhere on the wrap. We like that they are highly adjustable so you can customize compression.
Compared to ActiveWrap, PI300 is relatively large. We thought we’d have a hard time putting it on, but it was surprisingly very easy to wear. Just insert the thumb into the opening provided, cover the wrist with the wrap’s panels, and attach the compression straps to keep the wrap in place.
Pro Ice claims that their product can maintain a consistent temperature at 27 degrees for up to one hour, and we’re happy to say that their product delivered. For the first test, PI300 stayed cold for more than 30 minutes, and up to 3 hours for the overnight freeze test.
Because the ice inserts can become fully frozen when popped into the freezer for more than 4 hours, we suggest wearing the wrap over your clothing or a towel to protect your skin from getting too cold. This will not lessen the effectiveness of the product, though.
While PI300 does provide excellent cold therapy and compression, we found it to be a bit bulky. Our testers also found that the wrap may be better worn when the ice has slightly melted since the inserts can feel a tad rigid and uncomfortable when completely frozen.
Overall, we think Pro Ice PI300 Cold Therapy Ice Wrap is a superb product, with a solid feel and look. Its large coverage, long cold duration, and excellent compression make it one of the best options for treating hand and wrist pain and other types of injury.
Snagging the third spot is Inerzen Wrist Support Hot and Cold Gel Therapy Wrap.
Inerzen cold therapy wrap features a very straightforward design. Made from durable and breathable neoprene material, the therapy wrap fits either the left or right wrist and is easy to adjust. The gel pack, meanwhile, is made from Nylon lining and is filled with non-toxic, non-caustic, eco-friendly gel. Like ActiveWrap, Inerzen’s gel pack can be cooled and heated in the microwave.
Wearing the wrap is easy. Simply place the thumb through the hole, wrap the hand in either direction, and secure the adjustable strap to your liking. But while it’s fairly easy to use, we’re not very fond of its design as it is a bit awkward to wear and the thumb part can also get a bit loose.
On the opposite side of the wrap, you’ll find a slip-in pocket for the gel pack. Although we appreciate this feature, it leaves only a very thin layer of fabric between the gel pack and your skin. This can be a pro or con depending on your preference.
So did Inerzen provide adequate cold therapy? Our hands and wrists surely felt it!
The gel pack stayed cold for 30 minutes for the first test, and lasted for an hour and 20 minutes for the second test.
We also found that the gel pack was a bit frozen and flexible after the overnight test. So we had to press the gel pack to let it cool down and distribute the temperature evenly. It also had lots of condensation, so make sure to wipe the pack off before returning it to the wrap to keep it from seeping through the fabric.
All in all, the Inerzen Wrist Support Hot and Cold Gel Therapy Wrap is a decent product for hand and wrist pain relief. It’s simple and easy to use, and its cold temperature lasts for a long time. However, it doesn’t have the best fit or the most comfortable design.
Like what we previously mentioned in our knee wrap review, Polar Ice cold therapy wraps aren’t the most discreet wraps out there because of its neon-lime and royal blue color combination. So if you prefer to keep it low-key, then this isn’t your best option.
Polar Ice has a similar design to the Pro Ice PI300 Cold Therapy wrap. It’s long and flat, and is divided into three sections. Each section features a slot, where you can place the encapsulated ice packs filled with purified water, along with self-fasteners at the top to secure the inserts and keep them from migrating during use. You can then adjust the compression and tightness with its hook and loop closure straps.
We like the wrap’s fleece material because it’s soft and feels comfortable. The material also wicks moisture away and insulates skin to protect from frostbite.
You can wear the Polar Ice wrist wrap easily without assistance. Simply slip your thumb through the opening, wrap the rest around your wrist, and adjust the elastic straps. We love that it provides good coverage and excellent compression, but this also means that you will have to trade mobility for it since it can be tough to do everyday activities with the wrap on.
Polar Ice promises to deliver long-lasting cold therapy; unfortunately, it didn’t quite meet our standards during our two freeze tests.
In the first run, we noticed that the ice inserts didn’t cool evenly. Some packs had a cold enough temperature, while other panes froze solid. We had to tighten the straps a bit to actually feel the temperature, which lasted for only 20 minutes. So if you’re planning to apply cold therapy for a second or third time, you will have to pop the packs back into the freezer.
For the overnight freeze test, Polar Ice fared better. Although the gel packs froze solid and had lots of condensation, you won’t feel a stinging sensation from the ice thanks to its comfy foam backing. However, it didn’t hold its temperature for long, only lasting up to 40 minutes.
Because of its performance, the Polar Ice Compression Wrap didn’t quite impress us.
On the upside, the wrap provides a large coverage, offers a stable and snug fit, and is easy to wear and adjust. But it doesn’t stay cold for a long time and can be a bit rigid, affecting your mobility. So if you’re looking for a cold therapy wrap that covers a large area and offers long-lasting cold relief, we think you’d be better off with the Pro Ice PI300.
If you’re wondering why TheraPAQ and Adalid Gear hand and wrist wraps are tied for the fifth place, it’s because they are practically two peas in a pod!
Upon unboxing the products, we were surprised to see that the wraps looked eerily alike. Both feature the same black, stretchable neoprene fabric wrap and gel ice pack contained in a blue, leak-proof flexible nylon. Their gel packs are also freezer- and microwave-safe.
Perhaps the only noticeable differences are the logos stamped on the wraps as well as the price! TheraPAQ is priced at $23.80 while Adalid Gear only costs $14.99.
The only thing we like about these wraps is their minimalist design, which is similar to Inerzen cold therapy wrap. You can easily wear the wrap by placing your thumb through the hole, winding it around the wrist, and securing the self-fastener to adjust compression and tightness.
You can wear them even outside the house and can continue with your chores as they do not impede mobility, though they can feel clunky over time.
Compared to Inerzen, however, TheraPAQ and Adalid Gear wraps are a tad too short at 18 inches. They also have a very small pull tab, which may make them unsuitable for people with large hand size.
Design and appearance aren’t the only characteristics the TheraPAQ and Adalid Gear wraps share. They also have the same dismal performance.
Their packaging says storing the gel packs in the freezer for at least two hours would be enough for the inserts to provide cold relief. Unfortunately, this wasn’t quite enough based on our testing.
The gel packs from both brands only offered cold relief for 20 minutes during the first test. The cold temperature wasn’t evenly distributed so we had to press the packs to activate them.
For the second test, the gel packs stayed cold for nearly an hour. They didn’t freeze but weren’t soft and pliant either. They also had lots of condensation, so if you don’t wipe them off, they can melt and wet the fabric.
All in all, TheraPAQ and Adalid Gear wraps have more cons than pros.
The wraps are too short, the gel packs don’t stay cold for long, and they can feel a bit clunky when worn over time. Nevertheless, if we were to choose between the two, we’d go for Adalid Gear. You get the same performance at a cheaper price!
Last on our list is World Bio Wrist Ice Gel Pack.
Like TheraPAQ and Adalid Gear cold therapy wraps, World Bio is made of soft neoprene material and comes with an ice pack coated in durable nylon material. But compared to the latter, the therapy wrap from this brand is longer and feels a bit awkward to wear. The gel pack also feels thinner.
Other than the fact that the wrap is easy to wear and use, no other feature makes this wrap unique or stand out.
World Bio had an okay performance in both of our tests. The cold temperature lasted for approximately 20 minutes during the first run, and nearly an hour on the second test. The gel pack also froze slightly and took a while to regain an even temperature.
World Bio cold therapy wrap is certainly the least performing wrap on our list. It’s got an awkward fit and the gel pack doesn’t stay cold for long. At only $11.98, this wrap is also the cheapest on our list, so it’s safe to say that you’ll truly get what you pay for.
Based on our review and testing, and after weighing in on all the factors we mentioned above, we can say that ActiveWrap is our best pick! It’s made of high-quality materials, it’s durable and comfortable, and provides excellent compression and cold relief for a very long time.
Earning the second spot is ProIce, with its ease of use, large coverage, and long cold duration.
Inerzen, which features a sleek and straightforward design, may not have the best fit, but delivered effective cold therapy nonetheless, thus landing on the third place.
The runners-up on this list--Polar Ice, TheraPAQ, Adalid Gear, and World Bio--mostly did a decent job but didn’t impress us as much as our top three picks.
We hope this review helped you make an informed decision!
Which hand and wrist wrap is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
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