An "ice machine" looks like a small cooler about the size that would hold a sixpack of sodas or whatever
. It has a motor attached to it that circulates water through a hose into a pad that you would put over your shoulder. You fill the cooler part with ice and water, then turn it on. DonJoy makes one called "Iceman" and EBI Bracing systems makes one also. They can stay cold up to 7 hours. Downside is that insurance companies may not cover them. You can find them on ebay much cheaper than buying one from DonJoy. Our OS gives then out in recovery now as part of "recovery bundle" and the insurance has been covering them but they won't cover it if he gives it out in his office. They are nice to have, but some find them difficult to deal with because of the hoses, cords, etc. You will also need ice, lots of it. My icemaker can't keep up with the demands for the machine. We get to use my brother-in-laws restuarant, but if you don't have that you have to buy bags of ice.
