Decompression

The primary aim of decompression — the surgical treatment for shoulder impingement — is to make more space available for the tendons of the rotator cuff. By increasing the size of the subacromial arch, the humeral head is allowed to move freely and pressure on the muscle is reduced to allow healing. Surgery can be performed with an arthroscope or with an open technique involving a larger incision.

Clinical solutions related to this procedure:

SurgiStim4® (electrotherapy), CoolCare™ (cold therapy), PRO+™ Shoulder Abduction Pillow with sling (upper extremity brace), Centura (continuous passive motion), Home exercise kit

Labral Repair

Surgical repair of tears in the glenoid labrum — such as Bankart lesions (the most common cause of recurrent shoulder dislocation) and superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions — are performed either through an open procedure or arthroscopically. A variety of new devices allows the passage of sutures and screws into the shoulder to fix torn tissue and achieve precise tension and tightening of the shoulder labrum and ligaments.

Clinical solutions related to this procedure:

SurgiStim4® (electrotherapy), CoolCare™ (cold therapy), PRO+™ Shoulder Abduction Pillow with sling (upper extremity brace), Centura (continuous passive motion), Home exercise kit

Manipulation Under Anesthesia

Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA) is a joint-mobilization technique in which a physician manipulates or forces the shoulder joint to move while a patient is sedated. This process causes the adhesions and /or scar tissue that have formed in the joint to break up. There is no actual surgery involved, meaning that incisions are not made when the manipulation is performed.

Clinical solutions related to this procedure:

SurgiStim4® (electrotherapy), CoolCare™ (cold therapy), Centura (continuous passive motion), Home exercise kit

Rotator Cuff Surgery

Rotator cuff repair refers to the surgical repair of a torn tendon in the shoulder. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that form a cuff over the shoulder, holding the arm in its ball-and-socket joint and helping the shoulder to rotate. If these tendons are torn from overuse or injury, rotator cuff repair surgery is used to reattach them. The procedure can be performed with a traditionally large (open) incision or with shoulder arthroscopy, which uses small button-hole-sized incisions.

Clinical solutions related to this procedure:

SurgiStim4® (electrotherapy), CoolCare™ (cold therapy), PRO+™ Shoulder Abduction Pillow with sling (upper extremity brace), Centura (continuous passive motion), Home exercise kit

Epicondylectomy

Epicondylectomy is a procedure intended to alleviate ulnar nerve compression syndrome at the elbow. Medial epicondylectomy allows some anterior displacement of the ulnar nerve without operating on the nerve itself and removes the epicondyle as an impinging structure. Lateral epicondylectomy releases the inflamed tendons from the attachment to bone, as well as removing a small piece of bone.

Clinical solutions related to this procedure:

SurgiStim4® (electrotherapy), CoolCare™ (cold therapy), VQ Functional Arm Brace, Home exercise kit

Lateral Release

Lateral epicondyle release is the most frequently performed procedure for lateral epicondylitis, an overuse condition commonly known as tennis elbow. The purpose of this surgery is to alleviate tension from the extensor tendon by opening it and removing scar tissue or bone spurs. It can be performed using open, arthroscopic or percutaneous (removal of tissue by needle) techniques. This surgery can also be performed on the knee for treatment of patellar femoral syndromes.

Clinical solutions related to this procedure:

SurgiStim4® (electrotherapy), CoolCare™ (cold therapy), VQ Functional Arm Brace, Home exercise kit

Ulnar Nerve Transposition

An ulnar nerve transposition is performed to relieve cubital tunnel syndrome, a nerve compression syndrome affecting the ulnar nerve — the same nerve that causes the tingling sensation of hitting your “funny bone.” In this procedure, the surgeon forms a completely new tunnel from the flexor muscles of the forearm, then transposes (moves) the ulnar nerve out of the cubital tunnel into the newly created one.

Clinical solutions related to this procedure:

Stryker PainPump^®, CoolCare™ (cold therapy), VQ Functional Arm Brace, Home exercise kit

Arthroscopy

Arthroscopic surgery of the wrist is used to repair cartilage, treat fractures, repair ligament tears, smooth bone surfaces and remove inflamed tissue. Wrist conditions that can benefit from arthroscopic surgery include fractures of the distal radius (most common), removal of bony arthritic spurs, realignment of fractures and removal of fluid-filled cysts.

Clinical solutions related to this procedure:

SurgiStim4® (electrotherapy), CoolCare™ (cold therapy),  Home exercise kit

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Surgery is usually the treatment of choice for classic carpal tunnel syndrome — swelling in the carpal tunnel typically caused by overuse. Carpal tunnel release involves cutting the carpal tunnel ligament longitudinally to relieve pressure on the nerve passing through it. The procedure can be performed either with traditional open surgery or endoscopically (using a small inserted telescope).

Clinical solutions related to this procedure:

SurgiStim4® (electrotherapy), CoolCare™ (cold therapy), 8091 (continuous passive motion for hand/wrist), PRO+ Wrist Splint (wrist brace), Home exercise kit

Dequervain’s Release

DeQuervain’s release is a surgical procedure designed to relieve DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis, a condition where the tendons that straighten the thumb become swollen and inflamed and their smooth gliding action is hampered. The goal of surgery is to give the tendons more space by releasing the tight sheath of the tunnel, thereby eliminating the friction that worsens the inflammation.

Clinical solutions related to this procedure:

SurgiStim4® (electrotherapy), CoolCare™ (cold therapy), 8091 (continuous passive motion for hand/wrist), ComfortFORM™ Wrist with Abducted Thumb, Home exercise kit

Tenolysis

Tenolysis (also called tendolysis) involves freeing a tendon from surrounding adhesions that may have formed as a normal inflammatory response to traumatic disruption of the hand or attempts at surgical treatment. Once these adhesions develop, tendon gliding within this confined space is affected and active digital motion is diminished. The goal of tenolysis is to restore smooth gliding movement and increase the capacity for digital motion.

Clinical solutions related to this procedure:

SurgiStim4® (electrotherapy), CoolCare™ (cold therapy), 8091 (continuous passive motion for hand/wrist), Home exercise kit

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is performed to repair a tear in a stabilizing ligament of the knee connecting the thighbone to the shinbone. Once torn, the ACL unravels like braided rope and does not heal on its own. Fortunately, reconstruction surgery helps many patients recover full function. Reconstruction procedures may also be performed on the PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) and the MCL (medial collateral ligament) of the knee.

Clinical solutions related to this procedure:

SurgiStim4®(electrotherapy), Spectra (continuous passive motion), Catalyst-Elite™ (ligament brace), CoolCare™ (cold therapy), TROM (postsurgical knee brace), Home exercise kit

Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a procedure in which a camera or arthroscope is inserted into the knee joint through small incisions, enabling the surgeon to view, diagnose and treat the knee. Knee arthroscopy (also called a “scope”) may be used to investigate problems, treat conditions such as arthritis and inflammation, take small samples of tissue or repair damage to tissues and cartilage.

Clinical solutions related to this procedure:

SurgiStim4® (electrotherapy), Spectra (continuous passive motion), CoolCare™ (cold therapy), TROM™ (postsurgical knee brace), Home exercise kit

Manipulation Under Anesthesia

Manipulation Under Anesthesia (MUA) is a joint-mobilization technique in which a physician manipulates or forces the knee joint to move while a patient is sedated under anesthesia. This process causes the adhesions and/or scar tissue that have formed in the joint to break up. There is no actual surgery involved, meaning that incisions are not made when the manipulation is performed.

Clinical solutions related to this procedure:

SurgiStim4® (electrotherapy), Spectra (continuous passive motion), CoolCare™ (cold therapy), Home exercise kit

TKA

TKA (total knee arthroplasty), also known as total knee replacement, is a surgical procedure in which the diseased knee joint is replaced with artificial material. These metal and plastic implants realign the bones so that weight passing through the knee is normally distributed. TKA is considered for patients whose knee joints have been damaged by progressive arthritis, trauma or other rare destructive diseases of the joint. The most common reason for knee replacement in the United States is severe osteoarthritis of the knee.

Clinical Alternatives related to those needing a TKA:

BioniCare® Knee System, OActive™

Clinical solutions related to this procedure:

Spectra  (continuous passive motion), CoolCare™ (cold therapy), Home exercise kit

Achilles Tendon Repair

Achilles tendon repair refers to the surgical repair of a torn or ruptured Achilles tendon, the tendon that joins the bottom of the calf muscle to the heel at the back of the ankle. Surgical reattachment is the most common procedure for active patients and can be achieved through open or percutaneous (removal of tissue by needle) methods.

Clinical solutions related to this procedure:

SurgiStim4® (electrotherapy), CoolCare™ (cold therapy),PRO+™ Pneumatic Walkers, Home exercise kit

Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy of the foot and ankle is a relatively new procedure facilitated by improved technology that allows the smallest regions of damage to be visualized, diagnosed and repaired. Arthroscopy can now be utilized to remove scar tissue, remove loose or overgrown bone, remove and repair damaged cartilage, repair and tighten torn ligaments and correct such soft tissue disorders as instability, impingement and synovitis.

Clinical solutions related to this procedure:

SurgiStim4® (electrotherapy), CoolCare™ (cold therapy), PRO+™ Pneumatic Walkers, Home exercise kit

Fusion

Joint fusion (also known as arthrodesis) is a frequently applied technique when joint replacement is not a viable option. In this procedure, the joint cartilage is removed and the ends of the bones are fused together in the most functional alignment with screw fixation and possibly bone grafting. There is some loss of motion, but the foot and ankle remain functional and generally pain-free. The ultimate goal of joint fusion is pain relief and regained stability and strength.

Clinical solutions related to this procedure:

SurgiStim4® (electrotherapy), Physio-Stim® (bone growth stimulation), CoolCare™ (cold therapy), PRO+™ Pneumatic Walkers, Home exercise kit

Rotator Cuff Tear

Rotator cuff tears involve one or more of the four muscles of the rotator cuff. These muscles, along with their corresponding tendons, connect the upper arm bone with the shoulder blade. The structure of the rotator cuff helps provide the shoulder with the greatest range of motion of any joint in the body. Rotator cuff injury is also known as pitcher’s shoulder, swimmer’s shoulder and tennis shoulder, largely because it occurs most frequently in athletes practicing sports that require the arm to be moved over the head repeatedly. It is most common in people over the age of 40, but can also occur in younger patients following acute trauma, repetitive overhead work or sports activity. Symptoms include pain, weakness, stiffness, a popping sensation in the shoulder and inability to sleep on the affected shoulder.

Clinical solutions related to this diagnoses:

OrthoStim4® (electrotherapy), CoolCare™ (cold therapy), Home exercise kit

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Shoulder impingement syndrome is caused by compression of the tendons of the rotator cuff between a part of the shoulder blade and the head of the humerus. Because this compression is caused by any repetitive action that irritates the shoulder bursae or tendons, athletes such as baseball pitchers and tennis players are susceptible to this condition. The same is true of computer users with poor posture or anyone who performs activities involving reaching over the head. Poor alignment of the shoulder joint, as well as bone spurs in the area, can also cause shoulder impingement. Symptoms can include pain of the shoulder area, sharp pain when lifting the arm to the side or in front of the body and pain and generalized soreness after repeated movement or prolonged activity.

Clinical solutions related to this diagnoses:

OrthoStim4® (electrotherapy), CoolCare™ (cold therapy),  Home exercise kit

Tendonitis / Bursitis

Tendonitis and bursitis both involve inflammation of the soft tissue around the muscles and bones of the shoulder. They are typically temporary conditions, but may become recurrent or chronic problems in young and old patients alike. Unlike arthritis, for which they are occasionally mistaken, tendonitis and bursitis do not cause deformity; however, they can cause significant pain and restrict motion. Tendonitis is the inflammation or irritation of tendons, the thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone and transmit the power generated by a muscle contraction to move the bone. Bursitis is inflammation or irritation of bursae, the small sacs located between moving structures such as bones, muscles, skin and tendons, that act as cushions to allow smooth gliding between these structures. The most common causes of tendonitis and bursitis are injury or overuse. Both conditions may also be associated with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, thyroid disease and diabetes.

Clinical solutions related to this diagnoses:

OrthoStim4® (electrotherapy), CoolCare™ (cold therapy),  Home exercise kit

Epicondylitis

Epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is inflammation of the epicondyle of the humerus and surrounding tissues. The tendons involved are responsible for anchoring the muscles that extend or lift the wrist and hand. Lack of flexibility and/or strength in these muscles puts added stress on the attachment to the epicondyle and causes inflammation. Tennis elbow is seen primarily in patients between the ages of 30-50, but can occur in any age group. Many affected individuals are involved in work or recreational activities that require repetitive and vigorous use of the forearm muscles. There is usually no specific traumatic injury that triggers symptoms.

Clinical solutions related to this diagnoses:

OrthoStim4® (electrotherapy), CoolCare™ (cold therapy),  Home exercise kit

Sprain / Strain

Sprains and strains are both minor injuries occurring at joints where ligaments connect bone to bone and tendons connect bone to muscles. A sprain is an injury to ligaments, the thick, tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones. Ligaments can be sprained by being stretched too far from their normal position under conditions such as excessive exercise, heavy lifting, repetitive motion or minor impacts. A strain is an injury to muscles or tendons. When muscles contract they pull on tendons, which in turn are connected to bone. A strain may result if the muscle is stretched too far, or if it is stretched while contracting. Strains most often occur when a joint is pulled, twisted or jerked suddenly. These soft-tissue injuries exhibit symptoms of redness, swelling, surface bruising, reduced mobility and a dull, throbbing ache or sharp, cramping pain.

Clinical solutions related to this diagnoses:

CoolCare™ (cold therapy), Home exercise kit

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a painful, progressive condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. Symptoms usually start gradually with pain, weakness or numbness in the hand and wrist and may then begin radiating up the arm. Patients may experience a tingling sensation and decreased grip strength. In some cases no direct cause of the syndrome can be identified; however, it is especially common in those performing assembly line work or certain repetitive tasks. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common and widely known of the entrapment neuropathies in which the body’s peripheral nerves are compressed or traumatized.

Clinical solutions related to this diagnoses:

OrthoStim4® (electrotherapy), Conductive garment electrodes (electrotherapy), CoolCare™ (cold therapy),Wrist Brace, Home exercise kit

Sprain / Strain

Sprains and strains are both minor injuries occurring at joints where ligaments connect bone to bone and tendons connect bone to muscles. A sprain is an injury to ligaments, the thick, tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones. Ligaments can be sprained by being stretched too far from their normal position under conditions such as excessive exercise, heavy lifting, repetitive motion or minor impacts. A strain is an injury to muscles or tendons. When muscles contract they pull on tendons, which in turn are connected to bone. A strain may result if the muscle is stretched too far or if it is stretched while contracting. Strains most often occur when a joint is pulled, twisted or jerked suddenly. These soft-tissue injuries exhibit symptoms of redness, swelling, surface bruising, reduced mobility and a dull, throbbing ache or sharp, cramping pain.

Clinical solutions related to this diagnoses:

CoolCare™ (cold therapy), Wrist Brace, Home exercise kit

Chondromalacia

Chondromalacia patellae involves the softening of the articular cartilage of the patella (kneecap) and is a common cause of anterior knee pain. Frequently referred to as runner’s knee, this condition often affects young, otherwise healthy athletes. Causes include misalignment of the kneecap, overuse, injury and arthritis of the knee. The main symptom is pain in the front of the knee that worsens when walking uphill or climbing stairs. Women are more commonly affected with chondromalacia, with the most accepted theory being that women experience increased lateral forces on the patella due to a wider hip structure. The condition is sometimes associated with mild or moderate swelling of the knee and some patients report a grinding feeling under the kneecap.

Clinical solutions related to this diagnoses:

Knee bracing (ligament brace), PRO+™ Rom Hinged Knee Supports, Home exercise kit

Ligament Tear

A torn ligament involves the complete or partial tear of the ligaments connecting and surrounding the bones of a joint and is caused by an injury such as a sudden twisting motion or forceful blow. Ligament tears may occur at any joint but are most common in the knees. They are most frequently caused by overextension of the leg during exercise or injury during contact sports. Typical symptoms include pain, swelling or bruising. More severe injuries can also cause the knee joint to become stiff, unstable or locked.

Clinical solutions related to this diagnoses:

Eagle™ (ligament brace), OrthoStim4® (electrotherapy), CoolCare™ (cold therapy), TROM™ (postsurgical knee brace), Home exercise kit

Osteoarthritis

OA (osteoarthritis) is a type of arthritis caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of a joint. Often described as wear-and-tear arthritis, it may be caused by aging, heredity or injury from trauma, disease or even previous surgery. It is the most common form of arthritis and most frequently affects the hands, hips and knees. Symptoms may include aching, cracking, a knobby appearance or loss of range of movement. Mild to moderate osteoarthritis is treated with NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), while severe cases are treated with joint replacement procedures.

Clinical solutions related to this diagnoses:

FreeStride® (osteoarthritis brace),

Sprain / Strain

Sprains and strains are both minor injuries occurring at joints where ligaments connect bone to bone and tendons connect bone to muscles. A sprain is an injury to ligaments, the thick, tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones. Ligaments can be sprained by being stretched too far from their normal position under conditions such as excessive exercise, heavy lifting, repetitive motion or minor impacts. A strain is an injury to muscles or tendons. When muscles contract they pull on tendons, which in turn are connected to bone. A strain may result if the muscle is stretched too far or if it is stretched while contracting. These soft-tissue injuries exhibit symptoms of redness, swelling, surface bruising, reduced mobility and a dull, throbbing ache or sharp, cramping pain.

Clinical solutions related to this diagnoses:

Eagle™ (ligament brace), CoolCare™(cold therapy), Thermophore® (heat therapy), Home exercise kit

Tendonitis

Tendonitis, also called tendinitis, is a common musculoskeletal condition involving inflammation or irritation of tendon tissue, the thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. Tendonitis of the foot or ankle is a classic overuse injury that can affect four different tendons of the foot or ankle, most commonly the Achilles tendon. It can cause significant pain and restriction of motion in patients of all ages, although it is usually a temporary condition. Symptoms may include pain at the instep of the foot, pain and swelling on the inside of the ankle, loss of the arch, or an inability to stand on tiptoe. Tendonitis can occur as a result of injury, loss of tendon elasticity with age, the effects of diseases (such as arthritis), pes planus (flatfootedness) or overpronating (walking incorrectly on the inside of the foot).

Clinical solutions related to this diagnosis:
CoolCare™ (cold therapy), Thermophore® (heat therapy), Sport 8 (ankle stabilizer), Home exercise kit

Sprain / Strain

Sprains and strains are both minor injuries occurring at joints where ligaments connect bone to bone and tendons connect bone to muscles. A sprain is an injury to ligaments, the thick, tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones. Ligaments can be sprained by being stretched too far from their normal position under conditions such as excessive exercise, heavy lifting, repetitive motion or minor impacts. A strain is an injury to muscles or tendons. When muscles contract they pull on tendons, which in turn are connected to bone. A strain may result if the muscle is stretched too far, or if it is stretched while contracting. Strains most often occur when a joint is pulled, twisted or jerked suddenly. These soft-tissue injuries exhibit symptoms of redness, swelling, surface bruising, reduced mobility and a dull, throbbing ache or sharp, cramping pain.

Clinical solutions related to this diagnoses:
OrthoStim4® (electrotherapy), CoolCare™ (cold therapy), Pneumatic walker, Sport 8 (ankle stabilizer), Home exercise kit

Benefits Of Non-Invasive Neuromodulation Devices

• Non-narcotic, non-invasive treatment
• Enhanced pain relief
• Potentially reduces need for pain medications
• Promotes reduced recovery time and positive outcomes
• Treatment at your convenience
• Treatment information reported to physician to provide optimal treatment regimen

How Can I Get A VQ OrthoCare Orthostim4® And Surgistim4®?

Talk to your doctor about your pain and ask if an OrthoStim4® or SurgiStim4® is right for you (note, the SurgiStim4® is designed to provide immediate pain relief following surgery).

“Pain is common, affecting more than 86 million Americans.”
-American Pain Foundation

“Chronic pain is the leading cause of long-term disability in the US workforce.”
-National Pharmaceutical Council