What is a continuous passive movement machine?

Continuous passive movement machine is a device designed for fine bending and extension of the joint such as knee. This device is used after the operation as a tool of physical therapy to prevent stiff joint. The limb is attached to a continuous passive movement machine and passes through a safe range of movement at a controlled speed.

Robert B. Salter is attributed to the development of the idea of ​​a continuous passive musculoskeletal machine, starting in 1970. Maintaining the joint in motion, hoping to give the patient more use of a limb with a fewer complaints. With the help of engineer John Saringer, he was able to develop a prototype in 1978. As the name suggests, the use of a continuous passive movement does not require the patient to actively bend the muscles and move the limb. The machine performs all the work, often saves the patient from experience of great pain.

Frequent or constant movement of the joint after surgery helps the patient faster to heal and maintain a greater range of movement. The limbs that remain stationary are susceptible to stiffness. As the joint heats, it forms the tissue of the scar and without sufficient movement the tissue of the scar can adhere to the neighboring tissue, which limits the range of joint movement.

One of the advantages of a continuous passive movement machine is portability. The machine can be used in the hospital, but can also be set in the patient's house after discharge. Machines are available for rent and can apply to health insurance plans.

The efficiency of a continuous passive movement machine compared to professional physical therapy has been widely discussed. Several studies have been conducted and the results appear to be similar. Some studies suggest that patients using the machining of the first few weeks could have an advantage butWithin two months, the results are almost identical. Both options provide results much better than healing without a form of physical therapy at all.

The primary differences between the use of a continuous passive movement machine and the effort of a professional physiotherapist are price and availability. Machine rental costs are significantly lower than fees for typical therapists. These machines remain in the household, while the limb is healing, unlike visiting physical therapy equipment, allowing the patient more access to therapy.