FAQ | Troubleshooting

Continuous Passive Motion Device

FAQ and Troubleshooting

 

FAQ

 

Will using the CPM equipment cause me to have pain? 

After a surgery everyone had some pain when that body part is moved, however after using the equipment for a few minutes, your muscles relax and the movement is soothing to the muscles and tissues surrounding the affected joint. You will find using the machines will calm your muscle spasms as well as help to push fluids from the swollen tissues, which will help to relieve your pain. However when using the machine if you are experiencing sharp or severe pain always call your Rehabilitation/Sales Coordinator, or your Doctor. 

 

How often do I need to use the CPM equipment, and for how long? 

Most patients have the CPM equipment prescribed by their doctor for a 12 week period initially, the patient’s progress is monitored and if needed additional weeks are added.

 

Most patients need to use the CPM equipment for 4-6 hours throughout their day.

 

It is best if the time is broken down into increments of 30 – 45 minutes at a time, resting between sessions.  Some patients find it necessary to slowly build up to 45 minutes, what ever is in your comfort level is the correct way for you, as long as you strive for 4-6 hours each day. 

 

How do I know if I am increasing my “SPAN” quickly enough? 

Everyone should increase their “SPAN” after 19mm. by 1 increment of 3mm per day as tolerated, which is determined by how it feels to the patient. At no time should you experience pain when using the CPM unit. If you DO have pain decreases your span back down to the old “SPAN “you were using.

i.e.: from 19mm increase to 22mm if you are having pain decreases back to 19mm.

 

Some patients find they can increase their “SPAN” every day and others it may take 2or more days to increase. You must attempt to increase every day, but do not hurt yourself by increasing too quickly, especially if you are having pain. If you have questions about your “SPAN always feel free to contact your rehabilitation/Sales Representative. 

 

How do I keep the bite plates clean? 

Most of the time just keeping a paper towel handy to wipe them off before putting them into your Baggie will be fine.  However, if you want to rinse them off in the sink under running water MAKE SURE the machine is not plugged into the wall, before carefully rinsing them under warm water being careful that water does not flow down into the cable area.  You can also wet a paper towel with mouthwash and clean them as well. 
 

What should I do if the machine doesn’t seem to be working correctly? 

You can go to the Troubleshooting guide online or the paper instruction manual that you received during your initial set-up, but sometimes this is time consuming and confusing.

 

Usually it is easier just to call your Rehabilitation/Sales representative and they will troubleshoot the machine with you to determine the problem. If the unit cannot be fixed, either a replacement CPM unit will be shipped, or a Rehabilitation/Sales Representative will meet with you within 24 hours of the call whenever possible. 

 

What is the maximum “SPAN” I am looking to reach? 

This is a tough question!  Because most people have no idea what there “intra incisal” opening was before they realized they had a problem. (your intra-incisal opening is between the bottom of your upper front teeth, to the top of your lower front teeth).

 

Your bone and body structure determine how large of an opening you may have. Most average people with no TMJD open from about 35mm to a maximum of about 55-60mm.

 

Now consider your TMJD, how long you have had your problem for, and the severity. These factors all play a large part in how big your post operative opening will be.

 

Most patients find a comfort level span somewhere between 25mm and 45 mm. 

 

 

FAQ | Troubleshooting

 

Troubleshooting

Patient is having Muscle Spasms

      • Apply ice or heat as comfortable
      • Have patient take a day off
      • Reschedule Therapacer treatment to follow pain meds after ½ hour
      • See doctor for physical therapy prescription for trigger point and massage

       

    Pacer CPM device problems:

    • Machine starts, the motor is running, but the screen is stuck and never gets to the main screen
      • The cable is too short, increase the startpoint
    • TRAVEL PROBLEM in display
      • Ask patient to run the machine for 5 minutes with out splints in mouth
        • If no TRAVEL PROBLEM then the patient is spasming or guarding - SEE Patient Spasming
        • If TRAVEL PROBLEM appears in display, machine has mechanical problem. 
          • Check bend in Cable and replace if bent.
          • Replace. (See Mech Problems)
    • OVERTRAVEL PROBLEM in display
      • Make sure knob on side is set to ZERO and run machine
      • If problem continues, device has mechanical problem. Replace. (see Mech Problems)
    • Start point is set at 170 and will not change
      • Programming chip failure.  Replace. 
    • Screen displays strange characters will not function
      • EPROM chip failure.  Replace.
    • RESET CLOCK
      • Press the On, Rate and Span Keys, then press the RESET button
    • Machine will not turn on
      • Unplug and re-plug power-supply back in. 
      • Try a new power supply. 
      • Replace.  (See Mech Problems)
    • Motor running with loud clicking but cable does not move
      • Motor is disengaged from the slide
        • Replace, or
        • Have patient unscrew and open up machine.  Pull on optical bracket.  Run, and re-run until gears re-engage.
    • Mechanical Problems
      • Replace Programming chip if start point is 170
      • Replace memory chip if strange character display
      • Check all cables are plugged securely in-unit
      • Check that screw on slide is in and ball-bearings have not fallen out
      • Check board is tight
      • Check optical bar is straight
      • Check gears are engaging

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      FAQ | Troubleshooting