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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.