Cervical Continuous Passive Motion for the cervical spine

Many patients suffer from spinal trauma to the cervical spine. Conditions may be caused by whiplash, falls, surgery, or sudden loss of range of motion. These injuries are very serious and hard to treat. In 300 B.C., Aristotle made the statement “Movement is Life.” With continuous passive motion, the movement necessary to speed up the healing process is continued without patient effort immediately following the injury. The longer a patient goes without moving the injured area the more scar tissue forms in the soft tissues. This causes loss of range of motion, stiffness, and pain. By placing a CPM unit in the patient’s home, they have the convenience of using the device at their discretion. We find patients will use the unit more often due to the convenience and privacy of the equipment being in their home. It is recommended to use the unit 3-4 times per day for 15 minutes each session.

In some cases, a patient will have a false sense of well being due to medication, thus setting the stage for a more serious injury. If you are experiencing no pain, you may exert yourself beyond your comfortable range of motion. Although movement is very necessary, it should be done in a controlled manner through the initial stages of the healing process. This is why continuous passive motion is so important; there is no over-extension of the soft tissue, muscles or ligaments.

Progress reports, pain charts and technician comments are provided to the physicians’ office as well as to the insurance company if requested. CPM devices are approved for use by most insurance carriers.

Application


In the chronic cervical pain patient, motion is applied and periodically increased within the limits of the patient's tolerance. By increasing the range of motion and decreasing pain in the cervical spine patients are able to heal more quickly. The gentle motion will loosen scar tissue and force the tissues to heal in a normal striated fashion.

For the post surgical patient, cervical motion is applied as soon as possible after the completion of the surgical procedure. Motion is continued intermittently in the home, under the supervision of an AMD Rehab Technician, until the formation of a linear and organized scar with good nerve root mobility is accomplished, as assessed by the ordering physician.

Clinical Advantages


By providing gentle, repetitive, incremental range of motion increases, to the affected area, soft tissue adhesions and scar tissues are minimized and pain decreased. Active motion is often painful thus, sometimes avoided by the patient. Passive motion allows the patient to receive the desired amount of movement with minimal, or no pain. The need for medication is often reduced and the patient can return to their normal activities of daily living.

Indications


  • Acute/Chronic and post surgical conditions
  • Chronic deconditioned cervical vertebra that have lost normal range of motion
  • Cervical laminectomies and discectomies
  • Fusions have been treated successfully based on the stability of the fixation as judged by the prescribing physician

Specifications:


  • Range of Motion: Flexion 0 to 30 degrees Extension 0 to 30 degrees
  • Height: 30 inches
  • Length: 30 inches
  • Width: 24 inches
  • Weight: 125 pounds
  • Rate of Motion: 0 to 12 cycles per minute
  • Electrical: 3/4 HP 90 volts DC Operates on 120-volt current