Introduction To CPM Machines And Their Evolution In Modern Rehabilitation
Posted by Milu Balan on
Joint injuries and surgeries are challenging procedures for recovery and rehabilitation. They cause significant pain and reduce mobility, especially those involving the knee, elbow, or shoulder. Several methods of rehabilitation exist, from traditional to modern.
Conventional techniques, including exercises and therapy, can be stressful and time-consuming. With evolving medicine, modern solutions, such as CPM machines, offer relief and quick healing by addressing the above challenges.
CPM is vital to physical therapy and rehabilitation, helping patients relieve pain and recover from joint injuries and surgeries.
This blog will detail the CPM machine's uses, benefits, and more.
What Is A CPM Machine?
CPM machine is an abbreviation for continuous passive motion machine, useful in physical therapy and rehabilitation. The device helps move the joint passively through a pre-set range of motions. The pre-set motions give gentle and controlled movement to the affected joint without strenuous routines or therapies.
To elaborate further, what is a CPM machine? These devices are vital in knee replacement surgery and for surgeries related to the elbows, hips, or shoulders.
How Does It Work?
Knowing how they work is essential to understand what a CPM machine is. Simply put, CPM machines provide gentle and controlled movement to the affected joint to help speed up healing and recovery.
These machines work with modern mechanisms that power continuous movement, an adjustable frame to hold the affected joint in place, and a control unit system that allows users to set the system's parameters for constant motion.
Uses Of CPM Machines
The primary use of the CPM machine is to aid in the recovery process of joint-related issues. Below are some of the well-known CPM uses:
CPM Uses For Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
The most common CPM uses are for post-surgical rehabilitation of joint-related issues such as knee, elbow, shoulder, and hip surgeries. CPM for knees helps reduce pain and swelling, prevent scar tissue formation, and promote the healing process. Some common knee surgeries using CPM machines are total knee replacement, cartilage surgery, and more.
The CPM for elbow helps with fracture repair and elbow arthroscopy for the treatment of tennis elbow, wherein it helps prevent stiffness, maintain elbow function, and promote continuous motions. CPM machines are also helpful for hip replacement and frozen shoulders.
CPM Uses For Treatment Of Joint Injuries
One of the common causes of joint pain is injuries. You can sum up injuries due to excessive usage, accidents and more. That's why pain management in treating joint injuries is essential.
The second in our list of varying uses of CPM machines is treating joint injuries. Here, the machine looks after dislocation, fractures, and ligament injuries. The CPM machine is vital for pain relief, early mobility, and inflammation reduction.
CPM Uses In Geriatric Care
CPM also extends to geriatric care, which is simply medical care for elderly patients. Geriatricians assist in pain management, preserve joint mobility, and enhance the general quality of life in older patients with age-related joint deterioration, such as osteoarthritis.
CPM Uses In Sport Medicine
CPM's use in sports medicine is the least known use of this continuous motion machine. Beyond knee replacement, these machines also help in athlete rehabilitation from strenuous injuries. The machine promotes faster healing, and helps reduce swelling and inflammation caused during the activity. Regular CPM therapy aids in faster return to training for their sport activities.
Advantages of CPM Machines
Key advantages of CPM machines outside of pain relief in modern medicine include:
Promotes Blood Circulation
The first advantage of CPM machines is that they are extremely helpful in maintaining a steady blood flow, thus reducing the risk of blood clots and enhancing the delivery of oxygen to affect joint muscles and tissue repair. The second advantage is that they help with faster healing of joints post-procedures by providing a steady blood flow.
Maintains Flexibility
Another notable advantage of CPM machines is that they ensure your affected joint remains flexible throughout your recovery. Regular use brings the advantage of CPM machines that prevent the muscles from tightening and movement restriction.
Accelerated Recovery
The CPM machine has several advantages in accelerated recovery: a shortened hospital stay and a faster return to daily activities. Research shows that patients regularly using CPM machines experience quick healing, thus reducing costs.
Technological Advancements For Enhancement In CPM Benefits
Recently, CPM machine benefits have extended to technological advancements that provide a user-friendly and effective field of CPM therapy.
Modern devices feature CPM-enhancing benefits such as integrated sensors and smart data tracking, which provide real-time feedback, personalised therapy adjustments, and more. Other modern CPM machine benefits that can enhance your CPM therapy include touch-screen control, remote access, and portable options.
The technological advancement in the CPM machine benefits the healing process, enhances comfort and care, and makes it accessible for healthcare professionals and patients around the globe. This leads to better patient outcomes while minimising pain and inflammation.
FAQs
How does a CPM machine work?
A CPM machine benefits in recovery by providing continuous motion to the affected joints. These machines consist of motorised mechanisms, adjustable frames to hold the affected limb.
How has the use of CPM machines evolved over time?
CPM machines were first introduced in the 1970s by Dr. Robert Salter. They evolved from a simple mechanical machine for knee rehabilitation to an advanced, up-to-date technological device customisable for a variety of joints beyond knees, such as elbows, shoulders, and hips.
How do patients typically respond to CPM therapy?
Studies show that one advantage of CPM is that patients immediately start on CPM therapy after many experience positive outcomes. However, therapy results can vary from person to person depending on the type of injury, the joint involved, and the patient's condition.
How does a CPM machine benefit elderly patients in geriatric care?
There are several advantages of CPM machines for elderly patients in geriatric care, especially when dealing with post-surgical procedures or rehabilitation, chronic conditions, and mobility issues. Some CPM machine benefits are improving the range of motion, promoting faster joint healing, and reducing stiffness and swelling.