FAQ - Game Ready
THE INNOVATIVE GAMEREADY® CONCEPT
Game Ready® is the leader in active compression combined with cold therapy for the treatment of injuries and post-operative recovery. The company was founded in 1997, using NASA technology to simultaneously deliver active pneumatic compression with adjustable cryotherapy, homogeneous at every point on the contact surface, and anatomically adapted to the different zones of the human body.
No, because advances in technology (MED4 Elite) now make it possible to combine contrast therapy (hot and cold) with gradual, intermittent pneumatic compression.
Game Ready GRPro 2.1 combines active compression with therapeutic cold, thanks to patented ACCEL® (Active Compression and Cold Exchange Loop) technology.
Specifically, the device increases and releases pressure to provide intermittent, gradual pneumatic compression; while rapidly circulating chilled water via separate, patented envelopment chambers.bouton modifier pour changer ce texte.
Game Ready wraps feature a patented ATX® (Active Temperature Exchange) dual-action design that allows chilled water and air to circulate simultaneously. Each enclosure features a dual-chamber internal heat exchanger and a removable, replaceable outer cover.
Cryotherapy is an ancient therapy that involves the local application of cold through methods such as ice packs, gel packs, ice baths and now, treatment devices such as Game Ready.
The control unit lets you adjust time, pressure and temperature to provide a personalized treatment based on your doctor's recommendations and your progress in the healing process.
Game Ready is revolutionary in that it simultaneously offers active intermittent compression and cold therapy in a single, easy-to-use device. In addition, thermal imaging demonstrates that Game Ready's patented active compression technology improves cold therapy delivery, enabling Game Ready to deliver faster, deeper and longer-lasting cold than other cryotherapy products. What's more, the unique design of the envelopes ensures that the cold is spread evenly over a large surface area.
WHY USE GAMEREADY COLD?
After injury, surgery or excessive physical stress, the body's natural inflammatory response increases blood flow, edema formation and the movement of white blood cells to the site of soft tissue injury. Cold therapy will help reduce edema, resulting in reduced swelling and, consequently, improved range of motion during the recovery period.
The use of cold therapy for pain management is attractive, as it enables many patients to significantly reduce, or even eliminate, the need for medication after surgery or injury.
Combined with active compression, cold therapy helps increase blood flow to the injury site by mimicking the body's natural pumping action. The supply of freshly oxygenated blood and nutrients helps accelerate the recovery of damaged tissue.
When treating an injury, applying cold therapy after physiotherapy sessions can help eliminate downtime while sore tissues recover from intense physical activity. Physical exercise during therapy sessions can cause a temporary increase in pain and swelling, which can be counteracted by Game Ready cold therapy.
GAME READY FAST CONTRAST THERAPY
Thermotherapy is the application of heat to promote the dilation of blood vessels and increase circulation in damaged tissue. The increased circulation supports the lymphatic system, reduces pain, stimulates natural healing and contributes to the elimination of toxins and cellular waste by increasing the flow of oxygen and nutrients.
Applying heat also helps to relax muscles and reduce the resistance that can lead to painful muscle contractures in response to injury or trauma. By relieving stiffness, heat helps to improve joint mobility. It can help improve range of motion and flexibility, especially when combined with appropriate stretching exercises.
Rapid contrast therapy is a treatment method that rapidly alternates the application of heat and cold to an area. It is generally performed by successive immersion in hot and cold water baths, alternating hot and cold compresses, or with the aid of a medical device. Game Ready's Med4 Elite uses "rapid contrast therapy", rapidly alternating the temperature applied to an area of the body.
The alternation of hot and cold produces an analgesic effect through various mechanisms. Heat relaxes muscles and reduces painful muscle contractures. Cold slows nerve cell conduction and temporarily anesthetizes damaged tissue, reducing the sensation of pain.
The application of localized heat increases blood flow and lymphatic drainage in the treated area. Cold therapy does the opposite, restricting the circulation of blood and other fluids in the injured area, thus preventing further swelling.
By rapidly alternating the two, you can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of localized heat without causing additional oedema. Contrast therapy is also used by athletes to reduce muscle pain after sporting activity.
COMPRESSION AND FAST CONTRAST THERAPY GAME READY
Active compression therapy involves applying intermittent pressure to the area around a wound or surgical site. Static compression helps prevent edema build-up and reduce swelling, but active compression also mimics natural "squeeze and release" muscle contractions, helping to pump out edema while stimulating oxygenated blood flow to the injury site.
When combined with cold therapy, active compression improves the delivery of therapeutic cold by increasing the surface area in contact with the skin. Cold also penetrates more deeply with active compression than with static compression, enabling the benefits of therapeutic cold to reach more damaged tissue and last longer.
The application of cold reduces tissue temperature in the injured area, which in turn reduces the production of metabolites, thereby reducing pain.
Rapid contrast therapy alternately opens and narrows blood vessels, increasing blood flow to an injured area without causing additional swelling.
Intermittent (dynamic) compression therapy applies uniform pressure around the injured area, increasing lymph flow, reducing oedema and improving tissue healing.
There is an abundance of literature and numerous clinical studies demonstrating the benefits of the Game Ready tool on a wide range of pathologies. You can find some of these studies on our dedicated website www.gameready.fr in the "resources" category.
GAMEREADY IN PRACTICE
Game Ready can be used by many patients or athletes recovering from surgery or injury, on the recommendation of a licensed healthcare professional. It is also frequently used in physiotherapy practices, where the combination of dynamic compression and the application of diffuse, constant cold is highly appreciated. Or in recovery rooms, during the first few hours following surgery.
However, there are certain conditions in which cold and compression therapy, as delivered by the GRPro 2.1 plus thermotherapy, and rapid contrast therapy, as delivered by the Med4 Elite, are not indicated. See product instructions for contraindications, precautions and warnings.
Game Ready's adjustable envelopes can be applied to a wide range of zones, such as :
- CT upper back and spine
- Lower back
- Shoulder
- Elbow (bent or straight)
- Hand and wrist
- Hip and groin
- Knee (articulated or straight)
- Lower leg
- Whole leg
- Ankle and foot
The wraps are fully adjustable and can be used for a wide variety of patient shapes and sizes. Some splints are also available in a range of sizes to ensure the best possible fit.
For treatment during sleep, the system offers a continuous alternation of treatment and "rest" cycles. Specific programs are available in your appliance menu. These programs should be used in consultation with your doctor or surgeon.
No, the Game Ready device allows treatment without compression, only with cold in the case of pathologies where compression is an absolute or relative contraindication (refer to the instructions for use and your referring physician).
Compression is gradual and intermittent, so as not to damage the treated area. What's more, it can be set to three levels of compression to best adjust to the patient's pathology, anatomy and morphology.
What's more, the device performs a self-test on start-up, and may display an error message if you have switched on your device with a connected splint that has already been inflated. It is essential to disconnect the splint after each use to allow it to deflate. You can flatten it to force the accumulated air out.
Yes, it's Game Ready's strength to maintain an even cold over the surface of the envelope in contact with the patient, and a constant cold over the duration of the treatment thanks to water flow regulation.
Oui, Game Ready permet de régler la température de surface de l’enveloppe en contact avec la zone à traiter. La température de refroidissement de l’eau en circulation sera réglable de 1°C à 10°C si le compartiment dans l’unité central contient suffisamment de glace (un niveau indique la quantité de glace idéale pour obtenir un froid maximal).
Game Ready can be used safely if you follow the recommendations of a licensed healthcare professional. Because temperature and pressure are adjustable, Game Ready may be safer than other solutions.
Be sure to follow the treatment recommendations of your licensed health care practitioner regarding duration and frequency of use.
You can use Game Ready every day, or even several times a day, depending on your healthcare practitioner's instructions, who will analyze your needs in relation to your pathology.
From the outset, Game Ready has been designed for ambulatory use. Thanks to its ergonomic, isothermal carrying bag and optional external battery, it can be easily moved around a clinic, or used to accompany players in a club or on the bus. An opening in the carrying bag allows you to carry out your treatments while keeping the Game Ready safely inside, protected from shocks.
USE AND CARE INSTRUCTIONS GAME READY
We don't recommend using crushed ice or a cold compress, but rather ice cubes large enough to provide long-lasting cooling of the circulating water.
To speed up cooling in the first few minutes, you can add chilled water to the ice cubes at start-up.
Ice and water levels are indicated in the tank by two pictograms. Remember to fill the tank with ice before adding water to the maximum level indicated.
Votre appareil fonctionne par défaut sur le secteur grâce à un adaptateur (boitier externe) qui est livré avec. Néanmoins vous pouvez ajouter (accessoire optionnel) une batterie externe qui permet d’utiliser votre appareil en ambulatoire pendant plusieurs jours.
The exterior of the appliance and the inside surface of the ice cube tray can be cleaned with a soft cloth and a cleaning product such as antiseptic wipes, mild detergent or 70° isopropyl alcohol.
Yes, first the tank filter must be inspected, cleaned and/or replaced as required. If too much residue builds up on the surface of the filter, the water will not be drawn in properly and an error message will appear.
Next, the various seals distributed between the main unit, the connector and the enclosures must be regularly inspected and lubricated to maintain a proper seal between the circuit elements. If the connection to the device or enclosures is abnormally hard, it should be quickly lubricated with the silicone bottle supplied, to prevent water leaks and potentially breakage of the central unit end caps that ensure the connection. If leaks persist despite lubrication, replace the seals.
Une fois l’enveloppe (l’attelle) interne retirée de la housse externe, vous pouvez laver cette dernière à la main à l’eau froide avec un savon doux ou antibactérien. Le séchage doit se faire en suspension ; l’utilisation d’un sèche-linge est interdite.
Pour des raisons d’hygiène vous pouvez utiliser votre attelle Game Ready à travers un vêtement fin qui ne bloquera pas la diffusion du froid sur le membre. Vous pouvez aussi utiliser des gaines d’hygiène telles que celles utilisées avec le matériel de pressothérapie.
If the leak is in the connections between the device, the cord and the accessories, there are two possible causes. First, lubricate all the seals with the silicone supplied, in moderation. If you run out of silicone, you can refit the WINBACK STORE. If the leak persists, you'll need to replace the seals that ensure the water circuit is watertight. Visit the Game Ready accessories page to see the different seals (3 models are listed).
The external cover, which keeps the heat exchanger in contact with the patient, wears out with repeated cleaning, and the Velcro that holds it in place no longer fulfills its role. The cover needs to be renewed, while maintaining the internal heat exchanger. You'll find our replacement covers in the WINBACK STORE.
GAMEREADY EQUIPMENT RENTAL
You can rent a Game Ready device on the advice and/or prescription of your therapist, referring physician or surgeon. He or she will first ascertain the benefits of compressive cryotherapy in relation to your pathology. He or she will suggest the most suitable program and check for any contraindications in your case. You'll find our dedicated rental offers in the "RENTAL" category of the WINBACK STORE, or on our dedicated Game Ready rental site.
When used at home on a doctor's prescription, rental of this device is not covered by health insurance. However, some private insurers will cover part of the cost. You should check with your private insurance company beforehand to find out whether coverage exists and how much it may cost.
For further information, please contact our rental department at :
France : +33 (0)4 83 66 16 66
Belgique : + 32 (0)4 98 97 58 59
United Kingdom :
Switzerland :
