Physical Therapy

Continuous Passive Motion (CPM ) machines

CPM is a postoperative treatment method that is designed to aid recovery after knee surgery. In most patients after extensive joint surgery, attempts at joint motion cause pain and as a result, the patient fails to move the joint. This allows the tissue around the joint to become stiff and for scar tissue to form resulting in a joint which has limited range of motion and often may take months of physical therapy to recovery the motion. 

Passive range of motion means that the joint is moved without the patient’s muscles being used. Applied postoperatively, this device may be used on an inpatient and outpatient basis. By using a motorized device to very gradually move the joint, it is possible to significantly accelerate recovery time by decreasing soft tissue stiffness, increasing range of motion, promoting healing of joint surfaces and soft tissue, and preventing the development of motion-limiting scars.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS)

It is designed to relive post-operative, acute, and chronic pain. It is used for pain caused by peripheral nerves and not central. TENS units are prescription-only devices. Pain is the body’s warning system. It is a way of letting and individual know that something is wrong. TENS is a safe non-invasive drug-free method of pain management. It relieves pain by sending small electrical impulses through electrodes placed on the skin to underlying never fibers.
 
TENS is believed to work by two different mechanisms. First, electrical stimulation of the nerve fibers can black a pain signal from being carried to the brain. If the signal is blocked, pain is not perceived. Secondly, the body has its own mechanism for suppressing pain. It does this by releasing natural chemicals called endorphins in the brain which act as analgesics. TENS may active this mechanism. By effectively managing pain without drugs, TENS allows many people with chronic pain conditions to resume daily activity.