Lower Extremity & Knee Injuries/Conditions

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ARPwave for ACL rehab

Printed From: CyberPT - Your Online Physical Therapy Resource
Category: Patient Forum
Forum Name: Lower Extremity & Knee Injuries/Conditions
Forum Description: Patients can post questions and experiences about lower extremity & knee injuries/conditions.
URL: http://www.cyberpt.com/ptforum/forum_posts.asp?TID=553
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Topic: ARPwave for ACL rehab

Posted By: Ask a PT
Subject: ARPwave for ACL rehab
Date Posted: Jan 25 2010 at 11:57am

Our user asked: "HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF THE ARPWAVE? WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE USE OF EMS FOLLOWING POSTOP ACL INJURY. DO YOU THINK THE USE OF EMS PLAYS A ROLE IN CREATING FIBROPLASTS AND MAKING RECOVERY TIME QUICKER?"

Ask a PT Response: "I have not heard of the ARPwave before. From doing a little research it appears that the ARPwave is another form of EMS but utilizes different settings and a patented background waveform. The basic science and results behind EMS is the same as what ARPwave is claiming to do besides the faster recovery time. There was one article on their website that supported the use of ARP for ACL but I was not able to find any additional articles. From my experience with patients who have undergone ACL surgery, EMS assists with decreasing edema and maintaining/increasing strength. As far as creating more fibroblasts I am unsure. I know EMS does assist with circulation so theoretically I guess it may be possible. The bottom line is healing will depend on the patient and EMS is an appropriate treatment for patients who have undergone ACL reconstruction. Just unsure of ARP's claim of a faster recovery time. I would need additional peer reviewed studies to support their claims."