Photo & Video reviews should be up at assocmed.wordpress.com soon (they aren't yet)..

All of the following testimonials were received from Jan 2010 to Jan 2012 from patients of CT, RI, NY-based orthopedic surgeons.  Patients underwent a variety of procedures on the shoulder, knee, hip, elbow, and ankles.  In all 200+ testimonials received during this time, patients indicated that the quality of service met or exceeded expectations, that the VascuTherm assisted in recovery, that their overall experience was positive, and that they would recommend the service to others.  The below highlight the overall response that the VascuTherm is effective at pain and edema/swelling management, anecdotally more so than ice and similar approaches.  We look forward to an opportunity to formally study improvements in opiate reduction and post-op outcomes in an academic setting.  All of the below patients granted release of their information and comments and recommended the device to others.

Also, patients and physicians can read patient letters and responses to survey questions in the linked PDF on the right. Or, HERE (right click to save). We update this file regularly as we get new responses. We work with a few thousand patients each year. A little over 90% of patients respond favorably. Success rates with younger patients and athletes is near 100%. Older patients and those recovering from total joints are closer to 80% 'high satisfaction.' Overall, our staff, products, and services are rated highly by most people!

If you wish to send up feedback or submit a survey, please do so! Our survey form is HERE (right click to save) or you can email support@assocmed.com with your comments

Patient Comments

The use of this device significantly reduced my need for pain medication.  I only took 3 pills (had surgery Thursday took pills Thursday night and Friday morning only).  I had little to no swelling for a major meniscus tear.  I am having right knee surgery next and will ask for this device again.  I am 53 years old and 10 days later I am walking normally (but not yet running).  –Louis F, Gales Ferry, CT
Added note: Louis did use it on his 2nd knee surgery and had a fast recovery therein as well.

I was very fortunate to be able to use this new medical equipment during the recovery period of my recent ACL surgery.  I’m certain the aid of this machine helped to minimize my post-op discomfort and alleviated adverse effects from this surgery.  In Feb 2010, I suffered a bad ski accident that left me with a complicated elbow dislocation and a torn ACL.  Due to the severity of the elbow dislocation it was first priority for surgical repair.  I wish no that I had the advantage of using this equipment after my elbow surgery as well.  In comparison, the recovery from my knee surgery has gone much more quickly and easily.  After knee surgery, my pain level was low to moderate, requiring no narcotic pain relieve and post-surgical swelling was minimal.  On the contrary, after elbow surgery discomfort in the surgical area was long lasting, pitted edema was a problem, and rehabilitation was a slow process because of these two issues.  I would highly recommend the VascuTherm system to others who may be facing surgery.  I found it simple and convenient to use.  It was also much more comfortable than the alternative method of ice therapy.  I’m currently two weeks post-op and feel much more pleased with the outcome of this particular surgery.  Thank you to Associated Medical for the use of this equipment and thank you for your incredible level of customer service!  -Pauling H., CT.

After surgery the use of this machine was a valuable part in my recovery.  The constant cold on my shoulder helped with swelling and pain.  The compression capability of this machine also aided in my recovery.  Both constant cold and compression features kept the swelling and pain at a minimum or for the most part undetectable.  I would recommend this therapy along with medication and/or other doctor recommended therapies.  -Teresa J., Waterford, CT.

We had a great experience with the VascuTherm machine and Associated Medical.  Marcus is very friendly, caring and professional.  He was knowledgeable about the machine and gave us thorough, easily understood instructions.  The machine was wonderful, and easy to use.  I felt relief whenever I was on it. I feel it greatly reduced my pain and swelling.  I look forward to using it again when my other knee is operated on.  The only drawback to the machine is that it is heavy to carry.  I suggest fitting it with wheels or something similar so it can be rolled around.  –Steven B., CT.

The experience I had with this machine met my expectations. I believed it helped my knee with the swelling.  The compression was great.  It felt like a massage.  My experience was great and I would recommend it to others.  Thank you for the opportunity of letting me experience this machine.  –Brittany N., Hamden, CT.

I recently underwent rotator cuff surgery.  I had been warned of the pain to follow surgery and rehab.  The pain factor was troubling to me as I have severe reactions to many medications.  After surgery I was connected to ice therapy (via the VascuTherm) in the hospital for two days.  The VascuTherm machine was delivered to my home and set up for me to use.  I would use it for six days and nights slowly weaning off medicine.  I highly recommend anyone undergoing surgery to check into VascuTherm therapy for home use.  My healing was speeded up and my discomfort was shortened to days instead of weeks.  The healing process has begun.  –Joanne A., Westerly, RI

Representative was very professional, courteous, and knowledgeable.  The VascuTherm system exceeded expectations, was easy to use, and provided significant comfort.  –Robert Q., Salem, CT.

I am an active person; so I didn’t wear it as much as I should have.  When I did use it, it helped.  When I used the compression setting, it helped tremendously!  -Lynn C., CT
Thank you for making my recovery after surgery so much easier and comfortable.  –James M., East Lyme, CT

The VascuTherm system was very helpful during my recovery from knee surgery.  It was great to not have to be bothered with ice cubes and constantly refilling the ice bags.  The Velcro straps worked great in helping the injured area covered.  It was almost impossible to keep the ice bag in the exact spot needed without it falling off. The only improvement to this machine would be to move the on/off switch tot eh front.  Marcus Simpson was very kind and efficient in explaining the system.  It was remarkable how he would follow up to see if I had any questions or any problem with the equipment.  I have already recommended this product to others who would benefit from it.  Lorre B. – Groton, CT

Although the fan is noisy, I would not have been able to sleep without it.  On day 2, after returning home, I began using the compression feature.  I quickly found additional comfort from this.  –Ronald B., CT

The machine was amazing!  It was extremely nice not to have to continuously fill with fresh ice to try to keep a low temperature.  Not having to get up in the middle of the night to refill as great.  I strongly believe that the constant temperature helped and aided my recovery.  Additionally, Marcus was great with customer service and always available or questions or concerns if there were any.  Thank you very much for lending me your machine.  -Eric S., Groton, CT. 

Service and follow up was exceptional.  -Bernard M., CT

I liked coming home and putting the VascuTherm on my knee.  I liked the compression but I really liked the coldness of it on my knee.  The cold made my whole leg feel better.  I also liked that I did not have to take my pain medicine anymore because the machine made my knee feel better.  My medicine made me sleepy it tasted really bad.  I like the VascuTherm machine!!  -Gage T., CT.
Added note: Gage was one of our youngest patients with a major knee surgery.

The machine used for my Leg helped a lot. There was less pain and it was pretty comfortable. There was no problem with the machine whatsoever, but there might be times when the patient cannot feel the machine working.  It’s working; your leg is probably numb from the temperature. The compression section was relaxing.  It was more like it massaged my leg.  With re-filling the machine was very easy and not back to back, i re-filled it once when i was using it. It’s very easy to control.  The patient will be able to get it right away.  I do recommend this machine to other patients because it contributed a lot to my surgery and to lower my pain level.  –Tanei W., New Haven, CT

Marcus your help was appreciated and very proactive that exceeded my expectations and overall improved recovery.  This product was also very user friendly.  My 16 yr old child could operate with ease.  No mess that ice brings.  I highly recommend the VascuTherm to everyone who may be in need and have actively promoted it since we have used it.  Thank you!  The sales rep and staff were great.  -Michelle S., Ledyard, CT.

Following arthroscopic surgery on my knee, I used a typical ice pack during recovery.  Six months later I had the same procedure on the other knee and used the cold compression device during my recovery.  Following my first surgery I had significant swelling of the leg and foot.  After the second surgery, while using cold compression, I experienced NO (emphasis added) swelling and less pain.  I would highly recommend using this device.  (The only thing I would suggest is that a patient continue to use this device until after a week or two of physical therapy.  The machine really helped while going through those first few PT sessions).  Thanks again for your assistance.  -Cathy O., East Lyme, CT.

Great machine.  It helped me recover much faster.  The machine could use wheel s and a handle to make it portable. Thanks.  -Scot P., East Lyme, CT.

The cooling effect of the unit definitely reduced my pain.  I was able to stop taking Oxycodone four days after my surgery.  I had no swelling in my shoulder after surgery.  I don’t doubt that my recovery has been accelerated.  Thank you very much.  -John F., Westerly, RI.

My experience with the VascuTherm cold compression device was a wonderful one.  It helped me towards a speedy recovery without my needing to take much pain meds.  I’ve already given it great reviews among my family and friends.  You guys have a  great device.  Keep up the good work. - John W. H.,.  New London, CT.

Marcus is an excellent representative for your company.  The compression mode of your machine would be more effective if the shoulder cuff is more securely attached to the shoulder/chest.  Already discussed with Marcus, thank you!  -Francis H., Ledyard, CT.
Added Note: Francis, yes, we are instructing patients to fit the shoulder much more tightly and are working on redesigns that hold it more firmly in place.

It is great but need to put the power switch on top of the unit and hose ports on the side!  Your service is a 10.  -John Paul G., Waterford, CT.
Added Note: John, thanks for the diagram and engineering notes.  We are working on these for the next redesign.

The rep was very helpful and knowledgeable about the equipment.  As far as the machine goes, I don’t think that I would have made it without it.  It was fabulous.  I did not have to be on pain pills during the day and I only took 1 pill at night (and it was Vicadin).  I didn’t need a strong narcotic (Percocet) to depend on.  This machine was and is truly a definite need in the healing process of shoulder surgery.  I wore it for 2 weeks after surgery.  If you have further questions please feel free to call me personally.  I have used the chest cooler (PolarCare) also so I had a good comparison. - Theresa S., Groton, CT.

The VascuTherm was an excellent tool in my recovery from knee surgery.  The intensity and duration of my pain was reduced when I used the VascuTherm regularly.  By controlling temperature at 49F, I was able to use it for longer periods than ice packs or heat would have allowed.  The staff of Associated Medical was great!  When my 2 weeks of use expired, I was able to negotiate for an additional week until I no longer needed the device.  Thank you.  -Martin H., Ledyard, CT.

The gentleman who came to show how the device worked was very kind and complete in his presentation.  The device itself was amazing!! Compression helped so much to relieve the swelling which in turn I used less pain meds.  That was a plus.  It wasn’t really noisy as I thought it might be.  The forty dollars was kind of a bummer to pay but it was understandable.  It was worth it in the quick recovery from my second surgery as opposed to my first.  Thank you for all you do.  –Anonymous

The machine was heavy, needs to be redesigned. To fit the shoulders of various sizes.  Marcus Simpson was very patient and understanding.  He did his best to get the shoulder cover to fit and be comfortable.  Marcus was very patient when explaining how the medical equipment worked.  Angela L., Old Lyme, CT.
Added Note: In response – Angela endorsed the service but had some hesitation on the machine.  As a very petite and somewhat more senior in years person, we were challenged to find the right fit on the wrap.  Ultimately, we hope that the device did help Angela and her feedback regarding fit was incorporated for future shoulder patients.

I was very pleased with the performance of the equipment and how it sped my recovery from my surgery.  You provided prompt and satisfactory service from beginning to end.  Thank you.  -David C., East Lyme, CT.

My overall experience with Associated Medical and the equipment was a very positive one.  My recovery time was cut short significantly and my pain level kept to a minimum.  Thank you!  -Joy G., CT.

This device is wonderful!  It greatly aided in my recovery by easing the extreme pain.  I used it consistently for the four weeks and missed it last night.  My only suggestion would be to invent a more portable unit.  –Barbara P., Waterford CT. 

I had doubt about the device when it was first offered to me but after my surgery it was as effective as the medication I was taking.  The device also allowed me to take less medication which resulted in and at time eliminated the side effects associated with the medication.  The cold compress temperature regulated capabilities of the VascuTherm enable me to simply press a button to change temperature or compression  without getting up to change an ice pack or cleaning up melted ice.  The device greatly aided my recovery and I will recommend the use of the device to anyone who has orthopedic surgery.  –Andrew, CT.

Marcus was great.  He was very attentive to my needs as well as concerned for proper efficiency for the device as he came after the initial in-service and showed me how to use the compression therapy.  The compression was a huge part in pain control for the shoulder.  There were several nights when I got up to use the cooling and compression for pain relief over meds.  Personally, I hate being cold and did not sleep with it after the first 2 days but was woken up by severe pain and this system was great (at relieving the pain).  Thank you.  –Christina L., New London, CT.

My experience with Associated Medical was great.  The VascuTherm cold compression device eased in my pain and kept my swelling down.  -Deborah G., Middletown, CT.
I loved the machine!  I helped me so much.  I would use it nonstop and when the day finally came to give it up, I didn’t want to let it go.  I wish I could have kept it.  It helped so much with my recovery time and it was easy to use.  It stayed the same temperature.  It wasn’t too cold or too warm.  I didn’t have to worry about putting it back in the freezer.  I loved it.  Thank you!  -Rachael L., Norwich, CT.

Very easy to use.  Need better coordination between medical staff and Associated Medical personnel.  Associated gave ‘general’ terms and medical staff did not have any instruction.  –Mark L., Groton, CT.
Added Note: Mark, this was corrected.  We have solid materials, better communication and instruction now.  Thank you!

The equipment was excellent in my recovery and managing my pain.  I would love to use it again in such an event.  The only change I would recommend would be to increase the size of the handle.  It was very awkward to carry from room to room.  Otherwise great machine.  Thank you.  –Jason J., CT.

The device was placed on my knee after my surgery and I continued using it for 5 days after I had no swelling.  I believe the constant temperature aided in my not having to use pain meds after 6 days.  I would recommend this product to anyone.  -Lori G., CT.

My experience with Associated Medical was excellent.  I received the highest level of service and care.  The equipment was much easier for me to use (as compared to the unit that the hospital provided) and definitely helped in my recovery.  Thank you very much!  -Jessica H., Groton, CT.
Added Note: Jessica had both the hospital provided PolarCare and the VascuTherm and was thus able to compare them.  She was one of the first cases provided at L&M Hospital.

Marcus was wonderful.  My insurance didn’t cover it, but they made sure I had it.  Thank you.  Most people don’t care about patients.  You did.  –Tracey R., Niantic, CT.

The VascuTherm cold compression device was extremely helpful to my recovery.  In the first 48 hours after my surgery, I experienced no pain.  The quick disconnect were very easy to use and made getting up a very easy chore.  The rep for the device was very helpful in answering my questions and very accommodating with the dropping off and picking up of the unit.  Overall, a very positive experience.  I would use again.  Thank you very much!  -Frederick K., CT.

Your representative was wonderful. He seemed to be sincerely concerned about my recovery.  I believe he really does care about his patients.  Thank you, Marcus.  The nurses all appreciated the ease of use.  They were amazed how simply they found in connecting and reconnecting the hoses.  It is very quiet when in use.  The shoulder part was so comfortable even fresh post-op.  I found your equipment hastened the healing process and absolutely relieved the discomfort!  -Barbara A., Groton, CT.

This device helped tremendously with my post-op pain management.  After the initial pain from surgery subsided (2 days), the VascuTherm unit really made its impact felt in terms of soothing the joint and allowing me to cut back on the pain medication.  Once I was able to cut back on the pain medication, my overall feeling of well-being increased.  No more dizziness or stomach issues from the medication.  Once I started PT I used the unit to soothe the joint a bit but was already at the point where I was only using it a few times a week.  - Dennis L., North Haven, CT.

The device reduced swelling and pain very effectively.  I only needed to take 5 pain pills as a result of using the system.  I strongly endorse and recommend this system.  - Diane E. B., Waterford, CT.

The group was fine to work with, a bit too much of a feeling of salesmen when we were already committed to the product.  The device itself was convenient.  I did find some moisture on my leg from the wrap.  When I did use old fashioned ice bags it appeared and felt colder than the machine.  It was difficult to unhook and plug in to move around on my own.  As I ice now, I can feel the coldness whereas before I never felt my knee get cold.  –Adam D., Hamden, CT
Added Note: In response to Adam, we learned some lessons from his observations and have since improved on wetness/dryness, tight connectors, and cooling temperature.  The machine is designed to only cool in the safe range of 43-50F.  Adam did endorse the product at the end, and his comments helped us improve our service and product.