How can I order a JAS device?
How do JAS devices differ from dynamic splints?
How do JAS devices differ from CPMs (Continuous Passive Motion devices)?
How are these devices paid for?
Are they more cost effective than alternative devices?
Can patients wear the JAS devices for longer periods than suggested
by JAS?
How early on in the rehab process should patients begin therapy with
the JAS device?
Does the JAS substitute for hands-on therapy?
Can the JAS system be used with children?
Is there any research to substantiate the wearing protocol or effectiveness
of the JAS system for restoring ROM?
I have questions about using a JAS device. Where can I get help?
How can I order a JAS
device? ^
JAS devices require a physician’s prescription and a completed
JAS order form. Please refer to the Ordering section of this site for
instructions, and to download JAS order forms and statement of medical
necessity forms. All JAS devices are available on a rental basis except
the JAS Finger device, which is a single-patient-use purchase item.
If you need further assistance, please call JAS at 800-879-0117.
How do JAS devices differ from dynamic splints? ^
JAS devices and dynamic splints use different loading conditions and
stretching techniques in attempts to permanently lengthen shortened
tissue. JAS provides static progressive stretch with stress-relaxation
loading, while dynamic splinting provides prolonged continuous-force
stretch with creep loading. Stress relaxation is the reduction of
forces over time in a material that is stretched and held at a constant
length. Creep is the continual elongation of material over time with
application of a constant force. Stress relaxation loading has been
bio-mechanically and clinically proven to be more time efficient
than creep in achieving plastic deformation and permanent elongation
states in shortened tissues; thus wearing time required for JAS is
90 minutes a day versus the required 8 to 12 hours a day for dynamic
splint therapy. The principles of stress relaxation/static progressive
stretch are techniques utilized by therapists in treating stiff tissue.
Thus the JAS system simulates manual therapy techniques, which are
clearly the most effective in restoring lost motion.
How do JAS devices differ from CPMs (Continuous Passive Motion devices)? ^
CPM devices are motorized and are used for several hours per day early
post-surgery in order to prevent loss of joint motion. CPM has been
shown to prevent adhesion formation, reduce swelling, and improve
healing of joint tissues after trauma or surgery. CPM devices are
not designed to restore motion of a joint that is surrounded by stiff
tissue. As opposed to CPM, JAS devices are manually driven rather
than motorized, are used for 30-minute treatment sessions, and restore
motion in a joint that is already stiff. They provide prolonged end
range stretch to shortened tissues in order to produce a permanent
change in length.
How are these devices paid for? ^
They are provided on a rental basis (with the exception of the JAS
Finger), and rental fees are covered by most insurance companies.
The JAS devices fall under the Durable Medical Equipment benefit
category of most insurance policies, and most policies cover DME
at 80%. Patients usually have a 20% co-pay, unless they have supplemental
coverage. The JAS customer service department handles all billing
procedures, including obtaining insurance authorization, and notifies
customers of coverage status prior to shipping.
Are they more cost effective than alternative devices? ^
Yes. The bio-mechanical design of the JAS system allows for all devices
to provide ROM therapy bi-directionally, which is not possible with
dynamic splinting or serial casting. Two dynamic splint devices are
required to work on both flexion and extension of the elbow, for
example. Additionally the average rental period for a JAS device
is 1.8 months versus 3 to 6 months for dynamic splinting, representing
additional cost savings. Also, because patients are achieving permanent
gains in ROM more quickly, they require fewer PT/OT visits, further
reducing the overall cost of rehab.
The suggested treatment protocol for the JAS system is 90 minutes
per day (three 30-minute sessions); can patients wear the JAS devices for longer periods? ^
Yes, but only if necessary. The JAS protocol is offered as a guideline
to treatment for the clinician, based on clinical trials and published
research substantiating its safety and effectiveness. Most patients
should achieve excellent ROM gains with this wearing schedule, but
occasionally more wearing time may be necessary. Clinical experience
with JAS devices has shown that longer treatment sessions can produce
symptoms of inflammation and discomfort, likely due to the precise
and efficient SPS therapy provided. In considering increasing the wearing
time, the clinician must not confuse the prolonged wearing time necessary
with dynamic splinting with that for JAS therapy, and must monitor
for negative side effects and patient compliance.
How early on in the rehab process can or should patients begin therapy
with the JAS device? ^
As soon as passive stretching is allowed, the gentle, patient controlled
stretch provided by JAS can be safely initiated. In considering an
adjunctive tool to restore ROM, clinicians must consider the time-sensitive
nature of connective tissue remodeling, realizing that it is progressively
more difficult to achieve permanent tissue changes as time passes.
Because compliance and treatment effectiveness are proven with JAS,
the clinician can consider JAS early on rather than as a last resort.
Does the JAS substitute for hands-on therapy? ^
No! JAS devices are intended to be an adjunct to a patient’s
overall treatment program, for the purpose of facilitating the restoration
of joint ROM. By expediting gains in ROM, the therapist has more time
to focus on advanced treatment techniques, strengthening, and functional
re-education, and the patient is able to progress through rehab in
a shorter time period.
Can the JAS system be used with children? ^
Yes. There are pediatric sizes for all devices (with exception to the
shoulder system). Involving parents or a responsible caregiver in
the JAS home therapy program is recommended for safety and effectiveness.
Is there any research to substantiate the wearing protocol or effectiveness
of the JAS system for restoring ROM? ^
Yes, there are several research studies, published in peer-reviewed
medical journals, to substantiate the scientific and clinical benefits
of JAS technology. Your Joint Active Systems representative can provide
you with all published literature available, and inform you on any
current research studies underway.
I have questions about using a JAS device. Where can I get help? ^
Look in the Instructions of this site for initial fitting instructions,
usage videos, and a troubleshooting guide. If you still have questions
after reviewing these materials, please contact a JAS representative
at 800-879-0117.