Blogs
What is a CPM Machine?
TRUEed studies suggest that continuous passive motion (CPM) can improve range of motion (ROM) in those patients undergoing surgical release of arthrofibrosis of the knee or manipulation of the knee under anesthesia. In these settings, CPM provides for early post-operative motion and is considered a substitute for active physical therapy (PT). Once the patient is participating in active PT, CPM is no longer medically necessary. These observations may be extended to other joints, such as the elbow where arthrofibrosis is a common complication of trauma. Of all the applications of CPM, the scientific evidence is perhaps strongest for its use in promoting cartilage growth. In addition, clinical studies suggest that CPM can enhance cartilage healing during the non weight-bearing period following surgery for intra-articular cartilage fractures, chondroplasties of focal cartilage defects and surgical treatment of osteochondritis dissecans. Once the patient is weight-bearing, CPM is no longer necessary. Imagine sitting in a car or on an airplane for several hours. When you stand up, often times your knees are a little cranky and stiff. The same thing happens after you have had a joint repaired. Your body reacts by swelling the area around the joint in order to protect it. The swelling limits the range of motion in the affected joint and makes it more difficult for the patient to move. When you use a CPM machine either during the day or at night while you sleep, the continuous motion helps to keep the joint flexible and helps to increase the patient’s range of motion. Ultimately, patients recover more quickly and are able to resume their daily activities. If you’d like more information on CPM therapy, this short video does a great job of showing a CPM in use. Or, give one of our friendly representatives a call at 713-669-0518 or 800-649-0314. If you would like to rent a CPM machine, click here or call us.
Read moreAfter Knee Surgery…
As we get older our bodies just don’t have the resiliency that they used to when we were younger. Even the most active people can develop conditions with their bones and joints that are out of their control. If you and your doctor have tried many treatments that just are not working to heal your stiff, painful knee, then knee replacement surgery may be the best solution for you. There are many reasons why people have knee replacement surgery and can be something that doesn’t have to keep you down and inactive. Having a new knee replacement can be something that can get you back out there and more mobile then you have been in a long time, especially if you have suffered from not being able to perform the simplest of activities. After having the surgery, you need to make sure that you are equipped with a CPM to exercise your knee and walking aids that will help you walk around while you are rehabilitating your knee. The MedEquip Shop has the physical therapy supplies you will need while you are in the recovery process and allow yourself to heal fully. After having knee replacement surgery, you will more than likely be standing and moving the joint the day after your procedure. In the beginning you will be walking with the assistance of parallel bars which will then be transitioned into a mobile walking device such as a walker, crutches, or a walking cane until you are able to support the entire weight of your body on that joint. The MedEquip Shop offers many of these professional and high quality walking aids that will get you back to being the active you. Call us today and speak to one of our professional team members and they will help you find the right walking aid for you.
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