Introducing IceOtherm

How IceOtherm was created:
Canadian Engineer and successful inventor of medical devices, John Saringer, began to study the effects of heat and cold for the temporary treatment of pain, in the early 1990's. He observed that there were many devices available on the market designed to provide some kind of sensory stimulation that will distract a person from their pain, or will interrupt the pain pattern. Noting that both heat and cold treatment products have been proven to be very effective sensory stimulators, he observed that "contrast therapy", or the sequential application of heat and cold, proved to be more effective than heat or cold alone. John Saringer's contribution to this field of investigation was the enhanced pain relief control that came from the "concurrent" application of heat and cold.


After developing over twenty prototypes John Saringer arrived at the optimum combination of heat (around the perimeter of the head of the device) and cold (on a small ceramic tile located at the centre of the head of the device). On May 13, 1997 John was awarded U.S. Patent # 5,628,769, Method And Devices For Producing Somatosensory Stimulation Using Temperature.

The innovation behind the IceOtherm

The IceOtherm is a class II medical device designed to engage the body’s natural healing abilities using both hot and cold stimuli. The interlaced hot and cold stimuli, induces a paradoxical burning sensation known as the Thermal Grill Illusion. The Thermal Grill Illusion has been known to scientists for over a century, and was developed and first studied extensively by Thunberg in 1896. In scientific research applications, the thermal grill is used to create harmless sensations of pain.

John Saringer, professional engineer developed the easy to use, easy to maintain, precision engineered IceOtherm. The IceOtherm is a hand held device which harnesses the Thermal Grill anomaly. By applying both mild heat and cooling to the areas of chronic pain, an intense stimulation is created (a paradoxical burning sensation), blocking and confusing the pain messages going to the brain. A ceramic core cools the center of the treatment surface to 25 degrees C cooler than the outside collar while the outer collar heats up to 42 to 48 degrees Celsius. The unit takes approximately 5 minutes before the collar warms up to reach peak therapeutic levels.

About the Product:
  • IceOtherm is completely portable and is powered by two AA batteries (included).
  • A convenient nylon carry case is provided so your IceOtherm can go with you wherever you wish, and is protected from damage when not in use.
  • A simple user guide is also included to ensure you get the greated possible benefit from every application.


IceOtherm is offered through a limited but growing number of Clinics in Canada and the USA. Please Contact us for purchases in EU, Asia, Australia and online orders.