What is Continuous Passive Motion And Will CPM Help Injury Recovery?

Can Continuous Passive Motion Speed Up Injury Recovery?

Continuous passive motion machines are a first phase rehab device used after an injury or surgery typically to the knee. Used for other soft tissue and joint injuries including back, shoulder, elbow and hips.

Using continuous motion for back pain is also common. The benefit of a CPM machine is that it is used to move a joint without the patient having to exert effort. This can also be a downside to rehabilitation with these devices as well.

Since the device is passive, meaning no work from the patient, many doctors do not approve of their use as the patient does not play an active role in recovery.

If you are actively bending your own joint the muscles around the injured area are also being worked thus further strengthening the area. With a passive motion device that extra strength gain is not achieved.

The key benefit of continuous passive motion after surgery or an injury is to relieve stiffness in the joint. A stiff joint can cause pain and poor mobility. After an ACL reconstruction, knee replacement or frozen shoulder surgery stiffness in the joint can be a major problem.

Should You Use a Continuous Passive Motion Device?

While there is some debate and difference of opinion among doctors as to the effectiveness of a CPM tool, there are some instances where it is recommended.

For patients who lack the mobility or strength of active rehabilitation a CPM machine may be the only option.

For post-surgical rehab active physical therapy is the clear first choice, but if your only option to a successful recovery is a CPM machine it is an effective tool. Often used as a first step in recovery continuous passive motion can get you moving well enough to begin a more active role in recovery.

Clinical Trials May Support the Use of CPM Devices

In a study published in the American Journal of Therapeutics involving patients with subacute low back pain (LBP) a continuous passive motion device was shown to help.

A CPM device similar to the readily available Kyrobak was used on the lumbar spine to treat low back pain in three patients. After 12 sessions of lumbar continuous passive motion for 30 minutes 2-3 times per week over a 4-5 week period significant improvements were shown.

This leads us to believe a CPM machine can be an effective tool in the injury recovery process. As with any injury rehabilitation many different tools must be used to achieve the desired path to full health.