What is a CPM Machine?

Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) is a treatment generally used after orthopedic surgery and has been practiced for over 30 years. A Continuous Passive Motion machine (CPM) gently moves a surgically repaired joint (knee, shoulder, elbow, etc.) in order to help keep the joint flexible and internally lubricated. CPM machines have been proven to:

• reduce swelling
• reduce pain
• maintain and increase Range of Motion (ROM)
• inhibit the formation of scar tissue

A patient’s joint, while placed in a CPM machine, moves in a slow and rhythmic pattern. This gentle passive movement does not engage the patient’s muscles around the repaired site. It does help to increase circulation and work to remove swelling from the repaired joint. The increase in circulation delivers fresh blood and nutrients to the affected area. The reduction in swelling as a result of the movement helps reduce pain which often means a patient will be less dependent on pain medication and be more comfortable overall.

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 explaining the benefits and the uses. Or, give one of our friendly representatives a call at 877-301-4276.

If you would like to rent a CPM machine, click here.