Ice packs are an important part of treating your shoulder after a sports injury or surgery. They help alleviate the symptoms of chronic aches and pains.

After checking out more than 45 shoulder ice packs, we found 15 that stood out. Each of these ice packs feature comfort, convenience, and, most importantly, therapy.

Let’s check them out!

Top Shoulder Ice Packs for Your Shoulder

Applying ice to your injured shoulder can relieve inflammation. It helps reduce swelling and quell aches and pains.

Another great benefit of cold shoulder wraps is that they help stabilize your shoulder. This speeds up recovery time.

1.NatraCure Hot/Cold and Compression Shoulder Support

NatraCure designed this shoulder wrap to conform with the curves of your shoulder for a perfect fit. You’re guaranteed a perfect fit because it comes in 5 different sizes (S, M, L, XL, XXL, and XXXL). It provides two therapy techniques in one. It has an attachable air compression system. You can choose a suitable level of compression for your shoulder to reduce swelling and boost blood flow.

This shoulder wrap comes with one removable gel pack. It can be washed in the machine with cold water and a mild detergent. It can also be heated in the microwave. Just place it in the fridge or freezer 20 minutes before using it, and you’re all set.

Pros

• Has a soft strap to customize your best fit
• Uses medical-grade technology so no prescription is needed
• Can be used on both shoulders

Cons

• Can’t apply gel pack directly to the skin
• May cause chafing under the opposite arm
• Can be difficult to put on by yourself

2.übertherm Shoulder Cold Wrap

übertherm designs its products with versatility, comfort, and function. This shoulder wrap is made with premium-grade neoprene. It comes with an easy-to-use Velcro hook and loop design.

Its medical-grade fabric allows for flexibility and comfort. We like that this shoulder wrap shapes itself to the curve of your shoulder while providing easy mobility. It’s also machine wash safe.

This non-toxic latex-free wrap comes in 2 sizes (S/M, L/XL) for a perfect fit. It has a mesh pocket to safely carry the gel pack without fear of leaks.

The high-performance gel remains malleable even when chilled in the fridge or freezer thanks to its patent-pending cold compression technology.

Pros

• Patent-pending cold compression technology
• Active Medical Plush fabric is safe on the skin
• Provides easy mobility

Cons

• It’s side-specific

3.Koo-Care Flexible Gel Ice Shoulder Wrap

This ice pack comes with a 2-lb gel pack inside a soft fabric wrap. It’s made from non-toxic sturdy nylon, which keeps the gel cold for a long time. Yet the gel doesn’t clump up and become stiff even at its coldest.

There’s also an extension band which, along with the elastic strap, makes it suitable for all body types. It can reach from 29.5 inches to over 43.3 inches.

It comes with a gel pack which is 11×14 inches. To use it, place the gel pack flat in the fridge or freezer for at least 2 hours before use. It’s both microwave and washing machine safe.

Pros

• Versatile and could be used on other body parts
• Easy-to-wear design
• 1-year warranty

Cons

• If not placed correctly in the freezer, the gel can clump up

4. BravoBrand Gel Ice Pack

BravoBrand is a company that aims at providing its consumers with easy, hassle-free ways to alleviate pain.

This shoulder wrap is made with durable material to stabilize your shoulder and keep the gel pack in place. There’s a sturdy elastic hook and loop strap that easily close for a perfect fit.

The non-toxic gel pack can be placed in either the fridge or freezer. Plus, it’s microwave safe.

Pros

• One side is soft fabric, the other is leak-proof mesh
• Allows for easy mobility
• 30-day warranty

Cons

• Can only be hand-washed
• Gel packs aren’t as thick as other models

5. PhysioNatural Large Flexible Gel Ice Wrap

PhysioNatural added more gel to this 11×11-inch medical-grade ice gel pack for soothing aches and pains, and boosting recovery time. The gel stays colder for longer, helping ease inflammation and swelling.

This ice wrap comes with 3 straps. You can adjust them to your preferred size for a perfect fit. It’s easy to take care of and maintain.

The PhysioNatural gel wrap is functional and durable, so you can get the most out of your treatment and recovery. Plus, it can be washed in the machine with cold water and a mild detergent.

Pros

• Neoprene wrap provides added comfort and support
• Can be used on all body parts and joints
• 1-year warranty

Cons

• Some users have complained of leaks from the gel pack

6. O2 Cold Therapy Shoulder Brace

The O2 shoulder ice wrap relieves pain by using an attachable pump and air tube to adjust air compression. By working alongside ice therapy, compression can help reduce pain and soreness.

It’s not bulky or loose, so you can wear it over your clothes. Its unique patented gel pack design allows for comfort and support. The gel liner can be removed and placed flat in the fridge or freezer.

The shoulder wrap is made with breathable material and comes with adjustable straps. It’s sturdy enough to support your shoulder joint and keep the ice pack in place for optimal recovery. It’s also drip-free and machine wash safe.

Pros

• Made from breathable material
• Patented gel pack design
• Velcro is strong and durable

Cons

• Can be hard to adjust and put on
• Compression system can be faulty at times

7.TherX Shoulder Brace

The TherX shoulder brace can be used as a sling for supporting your shoulder with the help of adjustable straps. Also, it has a pocket so you can insert the gel pack to alleviate pain and swelling.

The gel pack is 10×14 inches and can be chilled in the freezer or fridge.

The fabric material of the sling is breathable for maximum pain relief and shoulder support. You can machine-wash the shoulder brace with cold water and air dry it.

Pros

• Easy to use and adjust
• Fabric is soft on the skin yet durable to keep wrap stable

Cons

• Velcro isn’t as durable as other brands

8. Arctic Flex Rotator Cuff Ice Pack

This shoulder brace offers support and comfort to help ease your pain and reduce any swelling. It comes with 2 adjustable straps that reach up to 57 inches.

It has a mesh pocket on the inside where you can place the unique Arctic Flex gel pack. The gel pack measures 9 x 9.5 inches.

The brace itself is made from a blend of neoprene and latex-free material. Its inner lining comes in a non-slip soft fabric to prevent chafing and slipping. Plus, it can be washed in the machine with cold water and a mild detergent.

One of the best features of this shoulder wrap is its compression fastener tabs. They adjust the level of compression that best suits your level of comfort and relief.

Pros

• Can easily be used on other body parts
• Can be worn under regular-sized clothes or over tank tops
• 1-year warranty

Cons

• Gel pack isn’t as durable as other models
• Fabric isn’t breathable

9. ComfiLife Ice Pack

This shoulder wrap is made from soft neoprene fabric that’s soft on your skin. It’s durable and sturdy, yet doesn’t cause any irritation or chafing. You can use it as a brace or as an ice wrap as well with the aid of the gel pack.

The 11×14 inch gel pack provides comfort from pain and aches. It can be placed flat either in the fridge or freezer.

There’s also a fastener tab on the exterior of the shoulder wrap. This allows you to control the level of compression for optimal pain relief and a quick recovery. As for the extender strap, it can reach up to 43.3 inches.

Pros

• Can be used on other body parts
• Soft and pliable so it can be used directly on the skin
• The gel pack’s large size makes it versatile
• 1-year warranty

Cons

• Must only be hand washed

10.Thermopeutic Shoulder Compression Ice Cold Gel Wrap

The Therapeutic shoulder wrap conforms to your body. Its neoprene straps provide comfort and support for your shoulder.

The gel pack stays cold for longer than most other brands. It consists of 13 waffle-like compartments, which boost recovery time. It also reduces swelling and minimizes the pain.

The outer covering has a smooth finish. You can place it directly on your skin without fear of leaks or skin irritations of any kind.

Pros

• Features a long-lasting cold formula to keep gel pack ice cold for longer
• Special tailoring makes for a perfect fit for your shoulder
• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Can be a bit tedious to attach gel pack to shoulder wrap
• Heats unevenly in some microwaves

11. UNISHARE Shoulder Ice Pack

This shoulder wrap helps treat soft tissue injuries by combining compression therapy with cryotherapy. It’s made from a soft, fleece material that doesn’t cause irritations or chafing on your skin.

The fleece wrap contains an easy-to-use system of hooks and loops. This helps keep the wrap in place while providing stability for your shoulder.

The gel pack freezes evenly and remains flexible to reduce pain and inflammation. It should be placed in the fridge or freezer two hours prior to use.

Pros

• Easy-to-use double buckle design for secure attachment
• Separate gel packs offer more coverage of the injured area
• Gel pack is FDA-approved

Cons

• Can only be hand-washed

12.McDavid 207 Compression Shoulder Wrap

This McDavid shoulder brace can be easily adjusted. It supports your shoulder without causing skin irritation. The Velcro closures on the strap stabilize the shoulder wrap and provide targeted pain relief. The wrap can be washed in the machine.

It comes with 2 5×10-inch gel packs that are placed in pockets directly over your AC joint in your shoulder.

This wrap also has a compression system and 100% latex-free neoprene straps to support the soft tissue in your joints.

Pros

• Strategically placed pockets target pain areas for optimal recovery
• Hook and loop closures ensure best fit
• 30-day warranty

Cons

• Can be difficult to wear by yourself

13. Revival Cross Ice Shoulder Pack

This versatile 3-in-1 shoulder wrap is great for providing instant pain relief. It can be used as a sling, a brace, and an ice pack with the help of adjustable straps. It’s designed for ideal stability and comfort. Plus, it can be washed in the washing machine.

The straps are adjustable to provide a comfortable fit and easy mobility. Their material is soft on the skin to avoid slipping, sliding, or causing irritation to the skin. They’re best recommended for chest sizes ranging from 30 – 40 inches and arm sizes from 9 – 14.5 inches.

It comes with a gel pack and a mesh bag. The ice pack is made of neoprene fabric which is breathable, yet durable enough to offer support while decreasing the amount of swelling and inflammation.

The Revival Cross ice pack is washing machine safe.

Pros

• Arm buckle makes it easy to put on by yourself
• Soft fabric prevents chafing while holding the wrap in place
• 45-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Gel pack can become rigid when frozen
• Some users complained of smelling chemical odors when wearing the shoulder brace

14. Ice It! Rotator Cuff Ice Pack

Ice It! designed their ice shoulder wrap to curve around your shoulder for targeted relief from aches and pains. They did it with the help of the Comfort-flex design and adjustable straps.

The wrap is made from latex-free vinyl which keeps the ice pack cold for long periods. Yet it prevents moisture from reaching your skin or clothes. This vinyl is covered with the soft Plush Stay-Put fabric. It’s soft on your skin, yet sturdy to keep the shoulder wrap from sliding. The wrap can be safely washed in the machine with cold water.

The cover contains two pockets, one in the front and one in the back. Each pocket holds one 6×11-inch ice pack to boost therapy and speed up recovery time.

Pros

• Comfort-flex design
• Plush Stay-Put fabric
• Sturdy Velcro straps

Cons

• May be difficult to put on by yourself

15. Corflex Cryo Pneumatic Ice Shoulder Wrap

This Corflex shoulder wrap is designed to combine cryotherapy with pneumatic compression therapy. It comes with an attachable pump for reaching your preferred compression level.

The wrap is made from plush foam laminate for support and comfort. Its straps are adjustable and offer easy control with its durable Velcro. It’s machine wash safe.

The gel pack has a tricot lining, which is very fine and smooth for optimal comfort. The actual gel is non-toxic and it doesn’t clump up when chilled in the freezer or fridge. It stays malleable and conforms to your body. It can also be heated in the microwave.

Pros

• V-shaped pocket offers cold therapy on 3 areas, the front, top, and back of your shoulder
• Gel pack stays flexible even when frozen
• Soft, comfortable material

Cons

• Can be a little difficult to wear without help

FAQ

Which Shoulder Ice Pack Should I Choose?

It can be hard to find the best shoulder ice wrap for you. Here are a few choices to help you pinpoint exactly what you need.

• Everyday Pains and Aches

Look for an ice wrap that has a low-compression system, such as ActiveWrap and O2 ice wraps

• Athletes

If you’re an athlete and want to boost your recovery time, choose one with a high compression system for deep therapy, such as McDavid 207 and Arctic Flex shoulder wraps.

• Post-surgery Recovery

If you’re recovering from surgery or a serious injury, your best choice would be those with high-compression systems because they offer the most intense therapy, such as Thermopeutic and Pro Ice ice compression wraps.

How long should I ice my shoulder?

It’s recommended you ice your shoulder right after an injury to diminish swelling by reducing blood flow to the injured area.

You should ice the injured area no more than 15 – 20 minutes every 3-4 hours. When you’re not using it, store it in the freezer in case of an emergency.

What happens if I leave the ice pack on for too long?

Too much cold therapy can lead to decreased oxygen levels in the body. This can slow down the healing process. Also, remember to always put something between your skin and gel pack for protection against tissue damage and frostbite.

Summary

Our shoulders connect the arms, neck, and back. They’re the most mobile joints in our bodies because of their wide range of motion.

The slightest injury to your shoulder can result in a range of problems. This is why it’s best to invest in a high-end ice shoulder ice pack to treat and manage shoulder pains.

Our top choice for the best shoulder ice pack available on the market today is McDavid 207 Compression Shoulder Wrap. It could be used on either shoulder and fits easily with its unique hook and loop fasteners. Made from latex-free neoprene, this wrap prevents moisture from seeping into your clothes.

The McDavid wrap has strategically placed pockets to help stabilize your shoulder. They allow the ice pack to target injured areas.