Key Features to Look for in CPM Machines

One of the most important aspects of an efficient recovery after injury or surgery is to maintain mobility and range of motion. If mobility is not incorporated into the rehabilitation process, complications are likely to incur, delaying or even completely preventing healing outcomes.

Reduced range of motion, buildup of scar tissue, impaired movement, unwanted joint contractions, and lingering pain can all result from substandard rehabilitation with limited mobility, therefore, investing in early, consistent mobility training with the help of a CPM machine could make all the difference.

If you’re entering the world of CPM machines for the first time, it can be overwhelming to try to understand all of the different options available to you. From the CPM experts at medcom group, here are the key features to look for in your search for the best CPM Machine.

What is a CPM Machine?

A Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) machine is a motorized device that is harnessed to a patient’s joint and gently and repetitively moves it for a set number of degrees and movement speed as determined by a doctor or physical therapist. These machines passively move a joint that has been injured or recently undergone surgery - this means that without any input, exertion, or effort on behalf of the patient, joints can receive the benefits of continued mobility without having to use the force of their own muscles and ligaments to create the movement, such as during the act of walking.

Who Can Benefit From a CPM Machine?

CPM machines are most commonly used by postoperative patients entering the first stage of rehabilitation. Joint surgeries such as knee replacements, scar tissue excision, rotator cuff repair, joint manipulation, and capsular release usually lead to rehabilitation through the use of a CPM machine. CPM machines are most commonly applied to the knee, but there are versions for other joints such as the hip, ankle, hand, wrist, shoulder and elbow, depending on which part of the body underwent surgery.

Other examples of beneficial applications include patients rehabbing after the fracture of an extremity, post-burn stiffness, reconstructive surgeries, Achilles tendon repairs, and arthritis-related pain and stiffness. If stiffness and lack of mobility are a concern, then CPM machines might be the right solution for you.

CPM Machine Benefits

There are several benefits of using CPM machines, including:

• Reduced pain and stiffness
• Increased range of motion and functionality of joints
• Reduced buildup of scar tissue
• Faster recovery time
• Increased blood flow

Key Features to Look for in CPM Machines

There are numerous CPM machines available on the market, and even among individual machines designed for particular joints, there can be many options to choose from. Each machine, to a certain extent, works similarly to the rest, but there are also certain features that make the best ones stand out from others. Some of these key features to look out for include:

Easy Adjustability

CPM machines are supposed to function within a set of parameters, often prescribed by a doctor or healthcare provider and determined by the proportions of your body around the affected joint. The best CPM machines offer easy adjustability to the carriage or harness mechanism, accommodating all sizes and weights of patients, but they should also offer streamlined and easy-to-access methods of adjusting the device parameters like rotation angle, duration, and speed. Be sure to check if a CPM machine comes with a digital hand control device (preferably waterproof and easily connected to the machine).

Optimized Design

Evaluate your CPM machine options regarding whether they are designed conveniently and engineered to the highest standards. The best CPM machines will have a sleek, lightweight design that comes with easy carrying mechanisms like handles in order to take it with you wherever you may need it. Furthermore, you should look for machines that have internally contained transformers, load reverse features, and an anatomically correct alignment for optimal safety and functionality.

Premium Comfort

Effective rehabilitation procedures may have you using the CPM machine frequently and for long periods of time. You should, therefore, look for CPM machines that offer superior comfort, such as with comfortable, easy-to-apply patient pad kits.

Limb-Specific Design

You’ll also want to look out for a few specific nuances, depending on the type of CPM machine you require.

Knee

The best knee CPM machines will be fully compatible with the entire lower extremity, and it should be able to conduct movement from hyperextension (of about -10°) to full flexion (120°).

Shoulder

The best shoulder CPM machines should offer mobilization capabilities in multiple planes of shoulder motion, and they should come with an ergonomic design for the arm and chair mechanism.

Ankle

Ankle CPM machines should offer multi-directional movement including dorsiflexion/ plantarflexion and inversion/ eversion. It should also come in a stable design in order to provide the right support, keeping the lower leg locked in during the rehabilitation treatment.

Elbow

If selecting an elbow CPM machine, be sure to evaluate whether it allows for forearm pronation and supination along with elbow flexion and extension. Depending if you need the device for elbow and shoulder movement or just elbow movement alone, certain CPM machines will be designed to include both joints.

Hand and Wrist

The hand and wrist are very interconnected - the best CPM machines will therefore incorporate wrist, forearm, thumb, and finger movement. Be on the lookout for capabilities including wrist pronation/ supination, flexion/extension, ulnar deviation/ radial deviation, thumb opposition, composite fist, intrinsic plus movement, and intrinsic minus movement.

Source Your Ideal CPM Machine

At the medcom group, we understand the challenges of choosing the best CPM machine for your particular situation. That’s why we:

• Offer competitive pricing
• Understand the machines we supply
• Help you understand the equipment you receive from us. (e.g.: In-service training, webinars, tele-conferencing, etc.)
• Repair any machine that we supply at our in-house Bio-Medical department
• Stick around for the long haul. We work to foster lasting relationships with all of our customers.

What’s more - if you have any questions at all, including if you need help understanding the capabilities of any CPM machines or determining between multiple options, one of our Patient Representatives is happy to answer your questions at (877) 301-4276.

Ready to get started on your CPM machine journey? Contact the medcom group today!

The content provided in this blog post is intended solely for informational purposes and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or endorsement by the medcom group®, ltd. Although we strive to keep the information up-to-date and accurate, we cannot guarantee its current validity or applicability to every situations or individuals.

This blog post may discuss matters related to CPM machines, but it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. It's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider or a qualified medical professional before starting any new therapies, including CPM machines, or making any changes to your current healthcare regimen.

In no case shall the medcom group®, ltd. be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, or losses that might occur from the usage of this information. The reader should always perform their own due diligence before making any decisions related to their health. The medcom group®, ltd. disclaims any responsibility for any actions taken based on the contents of this blog post.

By using this blog post, you understand and agree that the use of this information is entirely at your own risk and it is your sole responsibility. Please consult with your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.