Patient-Controlled End Of Range Motion Stretching Devices

Patient-controlled stretching devices are used at home to increase range of motion in patients who have impaired functional status due to decreased range of motion. We address 2 types of commercially available devices. Static progressive stretch devices (eg, Joint Active Systems, Static-Pro) provide low- to moderate-intensity stretching with a crank or ratchet that progressively increases the stretch within each session, and serial stretch devices (eg, End Range of Motion Improvement [ERMI] ) use hydraulics to alternate between periods of higher intensity stretch and relaxation.