Post-Op Braces

  1. How do I shower with my Bledsoe Extender Plus?
    • Surgical supply stores have large plastic bags that cover the entire leg. As an alternative, you can simply use a trash bag and tape it down to your leg.
  2. Do I wear my Bledsoe Extender Plus over or under my pants?
    • If you are wearing loose fitting pants, it is best to wear the Bledsoe Extender Plus under the pants so that the brace is strapped directly to the leg. If it is worn over loose fitting pants, it is possible for the brace to move with the pants. If you are wearing pants that fit tight to the leg, then you can wear the brace over the pant.
  3. Do I sleep with my shoulder/knee brace on?
    • Please consult your physician and/or physical therapist first. In most cases, yes, initially for the first couple weeks you will wear your brace while sleeping.

Cryotherapy

  1. Do I use my cryotherapy device while wearing my Bledsoe Extender Plus?
    • No, when icing the knee with your cryotherapy unit, you want to remove your brace and keep your leg extended and elevated with a pillow or rolled up towel under the ankle. You can keep the Bledsoe Extender Plus underneath your leg and unbuckled so that you simply close it around your leg when not icing. 
  2. Do I use my cryotherapy device while wearing my Bledsoe ARC?
    • Yes, the Bledsoe ARC and your cryotherapy unit sleeve are designed to be worn simultaneously. Near the elbow of the Bledsoe ARC is an opening where the tube from your cryotherapy sleeve can run down from the arm and to the cryotherapy unit.
  3. Should I take the cryotherapy sleeve on and off between icing sessions?
    • In order to keep your shoulder/knee as immobile as possible especially right after your surgery, we recommend leaving the cryotherapy sleeve on throughout the day and simply turning your cryotherapy unit on and off for each session.
  4. How long will my cold therapy unit stay cold?
    • The Aircast CryoCuff keeps the water cold for 6-8 hours
    • The VPULSE keeps the water cold for 3-5 hours
    • The Game Ready keeps the water cold for 2-4 hours

Kneehab XP

  1. How long will my gel pads last?
    • Depending on your usage and how well you care for the pads, they will last between 30-60 days.
  2. What are the other programs that I can use for muscle rehabilitation or pain?
    • Here is a chart describing each of the 9 programs. Programs 1-3 are your post-op protocols. Programs 4-6 are for general strengthening and disuse atrophy. Programs 7-9 are TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) programs for pain. Please consult your physician or physical therapist before changing your program.