Take a minute and learn about scar tissue, motion loss and joint contractures!
Don’t Confuse Stretch Assist Devices with Stretching Techniques
Stretch Assist Devices perform Stretching Techniques in the comfort and convenience of the patient’s home for use every day throughout the day.
Physical Therapy Stretching Techniques
These are Stretching Techniques and not Stretching Devices
High Load Brief Stretch (HLBS)
This is the classic technique used as a single stretch by a Physical Therapist. The PT positions the joint into maximum flexion. Then, the PT briefly applies pressure to their limit, resulting in an increase in range of motion.
static progressive stretch (SPS)
With this technique the PT positions the joint into maximum flexion followed by pressure to increase the motion. The new position is maintained until the tissues relax. After the tissue relax, new pressure is applied to produce a new position of increased motion. At the new position, the tissues are allowed to relax. This is repeated for 15-30 minutes.
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)
There are multiple PNF techniques. Typically they require a PT or a partner to execute. In one example, the knee is put into maximum flexion. The patient strongly contracts the muscles used to extend the knee while it is being held in that position. Following the contraction, pressure is appled to the knee to increase flexion. This is repeated for 15-30 minutes.
Low Load prolonged Stretch (LLPS)
With LLPS, the patient places the joint into it maximum position and leaves it there under a low load for 30 minutes. This can be performed in extension or flexion. It does require the patient to be distracted for that prolonged period of time.
Patient actuated serial stretch (PASS)
PASS requires the patient or the therapist to apply pressure for 2 to 5 minutes in maximum flexion/extension followed by a period of rest of 2 to 5 minutes. This application of a stretching program multiple times in a single session is the cornerstone of PASS.
Stretch Assist Devices
These devices can perform different techniques. Some of the devices can perform more than one stretching technique.
Dynamic Wearable Splint
A dynamic splint is a wearable device that spans the joint with stays and a hinge. A spring or elastic element urges the joint into increased motion in the desired direction.
These devices can perform the LLPS technique only.
Turnbuckle Wearable Splint
A turnbuckle or worm gear splint is a wearable device that spans the joint with cuffs to control the adjoining limb segments. The cuffs are connected by a worm gear or turnbuckle such that when a knob is turned the joint is urged into increased motion in the desired direction.
These devices can perform the LLPS and the SPS techniques.
Stand Alone, Patient Powered, Hydraulic Enhanced Stretch Assist Machine
This is device is a standalone machine with stepin-stepout capabability. A hydraulic system is activated by the patient through a lever pulled by the patient causing the joint to be moved in the desired direction. The hydraulic system enhances the patients strength to increase the load placed on the joint to the level of a physical therapist.
These machines can perform ALL available stretching techniques.
Educational Videos for Joint Contracture Treatment
Stretching Basics with Stretch Assist Machine Examples
Motion Loss Basics
Patient Actuated Serial Stretch using the Ermi Knee Flexionater
Elite Athlete Experience
Static Progressive Stretch by a Physical Therapist
Comparison between a SPS Splint versus Ermi Flexionater
How to Perform PNF or Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation using the Ermi Flexionater
Worm Gear or Turnbuckle Wearable Splints
Static Progressive Splint for Flexion
Static Progressive Splint for Flexion
Motion Recovery Surgery Experience
Dynamic Wearable Splints