Gear Review: Dr. Cool

During the end of my 2015 hike I started to have knee pain and really start to feel run down. After pushing to the finish and making it home, I did the necessary and put aside my favorite activity, running, and focused and recovering from my adventure. After trying and failing over and over to ease my way back into my usual hikes and runs without too much pain I consulted a doctor. After visits to two doctors, two physical therapists and two podiatrists I finally found out (1.5 YEARS LATER!) what the real cause to the problems were, a stress fracture.

Ice has become my savior for the pain and inflammation so when asked to review a unique wrap, I was elated.

The Dr. Cool Ice Wrap

Basic Specs

  • Chemical-free cooling material keeps the wrap cold.
  • 4″ wide x 50″ long. (comes in small, medium and large sizes)
  • Designed to be used on knee, elbow or ankle.
  • Made with an anchor hole to help with easy wrap on ankle and wrist.
  • Hook and loop fastener to keep wrap secure.
  • Machine washable.
(specs from the Dr. Cool webpage)

Note: This isn’t the best or recommended way to use this wrap, although it did work and I like to laugh at how silly this looks.

Pros

  • Did not have to worry about it bursting open with gel.
  • Velcro was very strong and held tight for compression.
  • Is more comfortable than using ice and plastic bag.
  • Material was stretchy so it fit around curves and easily pulled tight.
  • Easy to use. Works similar to a classic ACE bandage.

Cons

  • It was tricky to get the wrap just moist enough the first time. Mine was too wet the first time and froze solid. I would recommend wringing it out before freezing.
  • The wrap did not always sit flush against the skin after being wrapped around because of the thick material overlapping.
  • It only stays cold enough for one use (about 15 – 20 min) before needing to be refrozen.

Alternatives

  •  With some effort, pliable gel ice packs can be molded around affected area and can be compressed against area with a flexible bandage wrap.

Overall

Dr. Cool’s wrap is an awesome product that makes taking care of yourself so much easier. The wrap that is easy to use, durable and affordable. A+ in my book.

 

Disclosure: the following product was donated for the purpose of review.

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