Q: What is the Physio-StimŽ bone growth stimulator and how will it help me?
A: The Physio-Stim bone growth stimulator is a safe, nonsurgical treatment which your physician has prescribed to aid the healing of your fracture. The stimulator uses a very low-strength pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) to activate the body's natural healing process.Electrical currents have been used to heal broken bones since the mid-1800's. However, it wasn't until the 1950s that scientists made an important discovery. When human bone is bent or broken, it generates an electrical field. This low level electrical field activates the body's internal repair mechanism, which in turn stimulates bone healing.
In some patients, this healing process is impaired or absent. The fracture fragments may not mend properly, and a nonunion results. The bone growth stimulation provided by Physio-Stim has proven very successful in treating fracture nonunions. In clinical studies, Physio-Stim helped 8 out of every 10 patients to heal.

Q: How does Physio-Stim work?
A: Using electricity, Physio-Stim generates a low level magnetic signal at the fracture site. This signal stimulates your own normal bone healing process, which may be impaired or absent. The unit may be worn over a cast, external fixator, orthopedic brace, or clothing without lessening its effectiveness.

Q: Is Physio-Stim safe?
A: Yes. Physio-Stim produces a signal at the fracture like the one your own body would generate to induce normal bone healing. The PEMF emitted by Physio-Stim was specially designed with your safety in mind, and is similar in strength to what you're exposed to naturally from the magnetic field of the earth. Many thousands of patients have worn Physio-Stim to heal their nonunions. Physio-Stim may be safely used with fixation devices, such as screws, plates, or pins, or even in fractures where there is infection.

Q: What will Physio-Stim treatment feel like? How will it affect my daily activities?
A: You won't feel the PEMF therapy, and the Physio-Stim unit is lightweight and adjustable for a comfortable fit. It is powered with a battery, which allows the unit to be portable. You can sit, stand, sleep, walk, recline, and drive while using Physio-Stim. With your physician's approval, you can resume a normal activity level.

Q: What is my daily treatment time?
A: Physio-Stim treatment is based on a daily therapy schedule. Your doctor will prescribe the device for a certain number of hours each day, based on your needs. The minimum daily treatment time is three hours per day.

Q: Do I need to wear the Physio-Stim at the same time each day?
A: No. You have the flexibility to receive your treatment at any time during the day. The device has a built in 24 hour clock which allows for treatment each day between the hours of 12:00 a.m. through 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time. Additionally, you may chose to break your total daily prescribed treatment into a number of shorter sessions lasting at least one hour each, in accordance with your doctors instructions.

Q: Can I wear Physio-Stim if I am pregnant?
A: The effect of PEMF treatment has not been studied during pregnancy or nursing. Therefore, you should consult your doctor before using Physio-Stim.

Q: Can I wear Physio-Stim with a TENS unit or cardiac pacemaker?
A: Physio-Stim can be used with a TENS unit, however, the device may interfere with demand type pacemakers. If you wear a pacemaker, you should consult your doctor before using Physio-Stim.

Q: How long will it take to heal with Physio-Stim?
A: The healing process determines the duration of the treatment, and your physician will closely monitor your progress. To promote healing, it is very important that you wear Physio-Stim daily as prescribed. Your doctor may require that you bring your unit in on your follow-up visits to check your compliance. Although your treatment may vary, most patients wear the device between three and six months.