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Best ice gel packs for neck and shoulder for pain relief - Buying Guide: 2024

Nowadays, many people suffer from neck and shoulder pain due to various causes, such as trauma, dislocation, tendonitis, etc. They can also cause inflammation and pain in the cervical spine.

To relieve shoulder and neck pain, we can use cold therapy with hot and cold gel packs to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation in this area of the body.

What is the best ice gel packs for neck and shoulder pain?

ICEWRAPS - Reusable gel ice pack for neck and shoulders with fabric cover
  • Material: Flexible
  • Uses: Neck and Shoulders
  • Type of adjustment: None
  • Cover: Yes
  • No. of units: 1
  • Maximum flexibility
  • 45 minutes of cold
  • No material specified
Designed for the most demanding people, the ICEWRAPS ice pack is the ideal product to stimulate oxygen circulation in the neck and shoulder. Thanks to the effects of cold therapy you will relieve chronic pain and improve the symptoms of pulled muscles. The cervical pillow, filled with clay, provides 45 minutes of freezing temperature to relax muscles and reduce the effects of cervical pain.

Its structure lined inside with soft and pleasant fabric does not slip during use and provides a general feeling of well-being. Professionals and athletes choose this cold brace because of its size and weight, as it does not slip out of place during therapeutic sessions. Please note that it does not have an adjustment strap and in some cases the design may be light and not provide enough support to the neck.

AlierGo - Flexible ice pad for neck pain
  • Material: Nylon
  • Uses: Neck and Shoulders
  • Type of adjustment: None
  • Cover: No
  • No. of units: 1
  • Seamless
  • Heat/cold therapy
  • Durable materials
  • Microwave safe
  • One size fits all
  • Delicate wash
Choose a shoulder wrap that allows you to perform all movements in a natural and healthy way, while generating therapeutic benefits of cold therapy and thermotherapy. Because of this, we recommend the use of the Comfytemp flexible wrap intended for women and men who practice sports or need to recover quickly from cervicalgia and other neck injuries.

You can use it for tendinitis and headaches, as it stimulates blood circulation and brings wellness to the user. With heat therapy you will get a better dilation of the capillaries, so you only need to place it in the microwave for the recommended time to obtain the desired temperature. Keep in mind that if you overheat the pad you could melt the cover and cause skin lesions.

Arctic Flex - Reusable Hot-Cold Gel Therapy Pad
  • Material: Resistant
  • Uses: Neck and Shoulders
  • Type of adjustment: None
  • Cover: No
  • No. of units: 1
  • Seamless
  • Heat/Cold Therapy
  • 30 minutes of cold
  • Microwaveable
  • One size fits all
  • No material specified
With the Arctic Flex ice pack you can apply cold therapy to the shoulder and neck and reduce inflammation and muscle stiffness. To do this you should use the refrigerator and freeze for at least two hours the medical gel and then place it on the cervical area. In this way you will achieve the therapeutic effects that will help you to relax the muscles and soothe the pain.

You can also use the microwave for one minute to get the necessary heat and stimulate blood circulation. The quality of the materials improves the comfort when you are using it, but you should keep in mind that for people allergic to plastic fabrics it is not recommended because the fabric is not breathable and accumulates sweat. Its flexible design adapts easily to women and men and, thanks to its weight, you can use it as long as you need.

REVIX - Reusable gel ice pack for neck and shoulders
  • Material: Nylon
  • Uses: Collar and Shoulders
  • Type of adjustment: Tape with button
  • Cover: No
  • No. of units: 1
  • Various colors
  • Hot/cold therapy
  • One size large
Do not leave your health in the hands of products that will do you no good and will waste time recovering from neck injuries. We recommend the REVIX cold pack, with which you can achieve the necessary temperature by placing it in the refrigerator for a few hours. It is ideal for rotator cuff and cervicalgia symptoms, since its structure covers a wide area of the neck and upper back.

It has a soft plush interior that helps maintain comfort during use and thanks to its snap closure it does not slip out of place. The ergonomic design is designed for women and men and does not deform during use, which helps to achieve the necessary pressure in sensitive areas. It is important to consider that in some users the gel is insufficient and does not rest comfortably to generate the desired cold.

Rester's Choice - Hot and cold gel pack for shoulders and neck
  • Material: Resistant
  • Uses: Neck and Shoulders
  • Type of adjustment: None
  • Cover: No
  • No. of units: 1
  • Variety of sizes
  • Hot/Cold Therapy
  • Various models
  • Microwave safe
  • Does not include cover
  • No material specified
If you're looking for quick and easy pain relief you'll need the help of this pair of medical gel cooling pads. The Rester's Choice heat wrap is intended to be applied directly to the neck and shoulders transmitting cold or heat for blood stimulation and elimination of toxins in the fibers.

Due to these characteristics, it is possible to treat rotator cuff symptoms, shoulder injuries and neck pain. But that's not all, thanks to its ergonomic design that does not deform during use, you can achieve muscle relaxation in less time and decompress nerves that affect the cervical area. It does not have straps or any other type of adjustment, so it is convenient that you take into account the consideration when buying this hot and cold support.

LotFancy - Shoulder and Neck Ice pack with Cold Therapy
  • Material: Resistant
  • Uses: Neck and Shoulders
  • Type of adjustment: Velcro strap
  • Cover: Yes
  • No. of units: 1
  • Heat/cold therapy
  • Microwaveable
  • No material specified
Correct your cervical postures when you're working or resting at home with a LotFancy neck wrap. The padding material can be used in both heat and cold therapy to make the contoured thermal blanket maintain the necessary temperature to achieve pain-relieving and relaxing effects. You can use it for bursitis, neck tendonitis and pulled muscles, as the thermotherapy will achieve a better dilation of the blood vessels.

It has soft fabric inside and an adjustable strap that will help you control the temperature and generate compression in areas that need more attention. The size, in some cases, can be large, if you are looking for a tighter anterior neck pressure. Recovery time will be shortened beyond belief when you use this ice pack on a daily basis.

NatraCure - Reusable gel pad for cold therapy
  • Material: Nylon
  • Uses: Neck and Shoulders
  • Type of adjustment: None
  • Cover: No
  • No. of units: 1
  • Seamless
  • Various sizes
  • Freezer safe
  • Durable materials
  • Bulky design
  • Cold therapy only
The flexibility and durability of the gel-filled FlexiKold cold pad are features that stand out from other thermal products on the market. You can apply cold therapy by simply resting the cryotherapy blanket on your neck and shoulder, just chill it in the refrigerator for at least two hours. After a few minutes of session you will begin to feel all the benefits offered by cold therapy, and inflammation and pain will begin to decrease gradually.

The design with soft seams for the skin generates the necessary support to transmit and control the temperature in sensitive areas. For better compression, you will only need to pull on both ends with your hands until you feel a greater sense of comfort. Please note that this method may be uncomfortable if you are not seated and do not remain still during the therapy session.

TrekProof - Neck, shoulder and back ice pad
  • Material: Resistant
  • Uses: Neck, Shoulders and Back
  • Type of adjustment: Velcro strap
  • Cover: No
  • No. of units: 1
  • Various models
  • Optimal fit
  • Cold therapy only
Compression and cold therapy are combined in the TrekProof neck ice pack. Its design helps to maintain the original position of the pad thanks to its closure system with adjustable straps. This benefit aids user comfort and helps achieve better therapeutic results as wear time is extended.

To relieve neck pain or shoulder tendinitis, you only need to apply cryotherapy three or four times a day. You will get a faster recovery from cervicalgia and neck pulls. But you should consider that this cold garment is not recommended to be used during gym or work activity, as it does not have enough support to avoid injury to the sensitive tissues of the neck.

Video: Types of Hot/Cold Packs

Types of hot & cold packs you should know about

What are cold gel packs for neck and shoulder pain?

  • Muscle fatigue: In a clinical sense, muscle fibre fatigue is the difficulty of muscle fibres contracting and contracting due to overexertion for several hours a day. The muscles remain tense and mobility becomes almost impossible. For this reason, the cold packs we would like to introduce have an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, allowing the fibres to relax and recover from the physical effort. It is an indispensable tool for all professional athletes.
  • Whiplash: The medical term is hyperextension of the cervical spine. It is a neck injury caused by rapid and explosive movements, such as those that occur in a traffic accident or a rugby tackle. It is a mild whiplash injury where the ligaments are overstretched and cause tension that requires immobilisation. The gel pack is used to relieve the severe localised pain and to combat the inflammation on the sides of the cervical spine caused by the whiplash.
  • Herniated disc: This is a displacement or, in the worst case, deformation of the discs that lie between the vertebrae of the spine. Both the lower back and cervical spine are susceptible to these injuries due to wear and tear on the discs, which run along the base of the skull and extend to the hip. When the disc causes inflammation, the cold pack provides relief and controls further expansion of the excess fluid in the skin.
  • Haematoma: This is the rupture of blood vessels under the first layer of skin, causing localised pain and swelling. The cold applied with the gel pack ensures that the pain subsides and the inflammation does not spread. It can take several weeks for the vessels to regenerate, while the bruising on the skin disappears within a few days. Cold should be used with caution as the skin is already sensitive due to internal bleeding.
  • Dislocation: When the upper arm bone is dislocated from the joint, it causes severe pain, deformity of the shoulder, stiffness and swelling. These are symptoms that can be perfectly controlled with the cold gel pack, as it relieves pain and the pain receptors in the body perceive less discomfort from this injury. As the bag does not have a strap for better support, it is recommended to apply pressure to the shoulder with the hand.
  • Tendonitis: If you enjoy sports, you should already know that tendonitis is a risk factor in any sport. Therefore, it is a good idea to have a cold gel bag like the one in this model to help control severe symptoms of tendon irritation in the shoulder and neck. The worst that can happen is a torn tendon, but the cold also relieves the pain and prevents the inflammation from spreading further into the neck or shoulder.
  • Rotator cuff tear: This is an injury to the muscle group that provides the most mobility in the shoulder. It involves four muscles whose fibres tear during excessive physical activity, whether at home, at work or during sports. The muscle that suffers the most is the supraspinatus, so much of the cold therapy should focus on this particular muscle. The cold gel pack should be placed in the hands to relieve pain and inflammation while the medication is administered, or you can use a bandage to secure the pack to the shoulder.
  • Bursitis: Bursae are sacs filled with joint fluid that become inflamed when the shoulder is put under extra strain by sudden movements, heavy lifting or a direct, violent blow. These bursae act like a cushion that prevents friction between the structures of the complex shoulder joint during movement. The bursa relieves pain and reduces the likelihood that swelling will be a problem in the short term, further limiting arm mobility.
  • Muscle tears: Muscle tears are tears of the small fibres that make up muscles throughout the body, including the muscles in the shoulder and neck. In the case of a partial or total tear, it is important to apply the cold gel pack immediately as the pain is localised and unbearable for the affected person. In addition, the cold prevents any complications in the affected muscle due to the positive effects of blood thinning on this type of injury. If the tear is complete, surgery is required to repair the damage.

Advantages and benefits of hot & cold gel packs for neck and shoulder pain

  • Pain relief: Cold on the body has a similar effect to muscle relaxants and relieves mild to moderate pain from muscle, ligament and tendon injuries. Almost all neck and shoulder injuries can be treated with this cold gel pack at the time of the incident. Just be careful how long you apply it to the skin to avoid complications from first-degree burns.
  • Reduce inflammation: Inflammation is part of the body's natural process to recover from tissue damage. The cells produce fluid that causes swelling in the shoulder and neck where the injury persists. The cold helps to drain the excess fluid from the affected area and makes the process less painful. The gel pack helps to ensure that the inflammatory process is quick and without major complications for the tissue.
  • Accelerates healing: When cold and heat are combined through contrast therapies, it is possible and very effective to treat chronic injuries by stimulating the cells and circulatory problems by exercising the vessels, veins and arteries, to increase blood flow in the body. These types of combined therapies need to be supervised by a physiotherapist, but in the case of cold, you can use the gel pack that we have available for you.
  • Injury prevention: After overexertion or intense exercise, applying the cold pack to the shoulder will help prevent injury from muscle atrophy and joint fatigue. However, keep in mind that this is not a measure to be used systematically, but only when you know that shoulder and neck injuries will occur again, for example due to weakening in these areas or a change in work pace.
  • Improve your sports performance: Ideal for professional athletes, this bag is a practical, portable and easy-to-use aid for shoulder and neck pain. Remember, if you avoid injuries, you can compete longer and thus advance your career. That's why we want you to know about this product that will help you develop professionally.
  • Reduce migraines and headaches: discomfort in the neck area leads to constant headaches. In addition, headaches can be the result of an injury that has not fully healed, such as a herniated disc that affects the integrity of the nerves. In the head and neck area, the gel pack will work its magic by relieving the symptoms that cause the body to react with a headache. You should always be mindful of how long you use this product to avoid the effects of freezing on soft tissue.
  • Muscle contractures: This is a relatively common condition that causes you discomfort as you have to rest for several days before the contracture goes away. As this injury is accompanied by pain, the bag relieves this symptom and prevents you from having to stay away from work for several days. If the contracture persists, the application of heat has a stronger soothing effect on the affected muscle.
  • Circulatory regulation: The key to the benefits of cold is its ability to constrict blood vessels to eliminate most of the uncomfortable symptoms that accompany an injury. In addition, cold combined with heat also has a positive effect on chronic conditions such as varicose veins and ulcers where blood flow is disrupted, leading to leg pain and swelling.

How to use reusable cold gel packs for neck pain

Heat therapy

Low temperatures are recommended as a first aid measure for minor injuries and tissue damage such as muscles, tendons and ligaments. Cold is probably the best ally in fighting inflammation. This is why ice is used in the famous PRICE therapy, which has been used since the late 1970s.

Cold therapy

Simply place the bag in the freezer for two hours before use. When you take the bag out of the freezer, wait a few minutes for it to recover and then place it on the area where the pain is occurring. Just make sure that the skin is not numb. The pouch is reusable and the application and rest cycle can be done three times a day for a maximum of 15 minutes each time.

F.A.Q: Frequently asked questions

Are there any contraindications to using the reusable gel packs for neck and shoulder?

In the interest of your safety, we have compiled a number of recommendations and contraindications for the use of the cold gel pack in the treatment of neck and shoulder injuries. Remember that there will be no damage or reaction to the skin provided the pack application time is adhered to and special attention is given to the treatment of bruising if the skin is more sensitive than usual.

  • Do not apply to an open or infected wound.
  • Do not use in patients with vascular disease unless under medical supervision.
  • Use only under medical supervision if you have a circulatory or nervous disease.
  • Do not apply to sensitive or irritated skin.

What are the risks of using cold gel compresses for neck pain?

As we have already said, the only risk depends on how you use the product and how carefully you use it. Remember that there must be no extreme heat or cold for the pack to have a real and positive effect.

  • Can they burn your skin? Only if the person exceeds the time of application of the sachet on the affected part of the body. That is why we have specified that it should only be used for a maximum of 15 minutes when cold and 20 minutes when warm. After that, there should always be a break for the skin. When using steam baths, be careful not to burn your hands when handling the gel.
  • Can they be toxic? No. So far there is no evidence that the nylon used in the garment causes a reaction in the dermis. You just need to make sure that the pouch is not leaking so that the gel does not fall on your skin and cause burns when you use the heat. There is no evidence of an allergic reaction to the gel. Make sure that you do not use any lotions or topical medications before using the sachet.

How do I know if a cold gel pack is right for me?

Whenever you have pain, lead an active life or exercise, this cold gel pack is ideal for you. You can use it anywhere on your body except your neck and shoulders. We have compiled a series of recommendations and possible applications for you, which will give you further guidance on how to use the product in your particular case. If you are still in doubt, it is advisable to seek advice from a professional.

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