SUPPORT

Your package will arrive with everything needed for your treatment. Here’s how to get started:

Freeze the included gel packs

Charge the pump unit

Follow instructions for use

FAQ

General

The system operates by combining sequential compression with cold therapy. Each wrap was uniquely developed for a specific body part with a sequential compression bladder* designed to direct swelling away from the treated body part while driving cold deep into the tissue. The combination of directional sequential compression and deep penetrating cold may help in reducing edema and pain while allowing better blood circulation in the treated area and reducing inflammation.

For athletes, this is an excellent recovery tool providing high efficacy cold therapy while driving metabolites such as lactic acid away from the treated muscle, increasing local circulation and getting you ready faster for more action! The sequential compression and cold work together to remove lactic acid and drive the cold deep into the treated muscle or joint.

* Except for the Shoulder Wrap, which do not benefit from sequential compression.

For post-operative applications, the device offers a convenient modality to help combat pain and swelling, helping to potentially reduce the amount of pain medications required.  And for the injured worker, use of the device as an adjunct to physical therapy will expedite the healing process and allow for a quicker return to activity and the workplace. 

The duration of each treatment is 15 minutes and is controlled by the pump control unit. At the end of each treatment the pump will sound a short beep and turn off.

When used with a cold gel pack, the device should not be applied to treat the same location more than once an hour to avoid risk of frostbite. When used without a gel pack (compression only) use as needed. The wrap should be used over clothing or a cloth barrier;  it is not recommended to place the gel cold pack directly against the skin.  We recommend a long sleeve tee shirt for the upper extremity and back, over pants for the knee and leg, and use of a sock for the ankle.

This is the only system available that combines intermittent sequential compression with cold therapy. Regular cold gel packs and ice water circulators are less effective since the vascular blood vessel system located under the skin layer carries the cold away from the treated site, resulting in superficial cold treatment and less penetration into muscles ligaments and bones where it is mostly needed. In order to drive cold deep into the tissue, the unit applies intermittent sequential compression, temporarily reducing venues blood flow and allowing the cold to penetrate through the skin deep into the affected area.

In addition, the gel packs can be frozen to 0° F while maintaining its elasticity, thereby delivering significantly lower temperature compared to ice water circulators, resulting in a significantly shorter treatment.

The Pump

When first used, charge the pump for 6-8 hours or overnight. Consecutive charges will require 4-6 hours. The pump will hold sufficient charge to allow for daily use prior to re-charging. The pump can also be used while charging if needed.

Gel Packs

When first used, freeze the gel packs for 12 hours to obtain maximum cold temperatures.  After each use, the gel pack needs to be put back in the freezer for up to 3 hours to reach maximum cold ranges once again, but will retain sufficient cold temperatures to be used hourly if needed.  Each rental unit comes with 2 cold gel packs, allowing alternating use for each treatment cycle.

The unit is pre-programmed with 4 compressions levels, level 1 being the lowest and level 4 being the highest.  We recommend reviewing the user manual, which outlines specific compression values and inflate/deflate parameters for each level, and consult with your provider to define the best treatment regime based upon your injury and condition.  Initially, it is best to start with the lowest compression value and increase based upon tolerance and comfort level.  Post-operative patients will need to monitor skin reaction due to lack of sensation around the incision, and make sure to keep the site dry and avoid moisture build up around the surgery site.

 

Do not use this unit if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Thrombosis (blood clots in the brain, heart or other blood vessels)
  • Aneurysm (enlargement of a blood vessel artery caused by a weak artery wall)
  • Vascular disease which includes narrowing of blood vessels or thickening of blood vessel walls causing loss of blood flow; Diabetes (blood glucose disease)
  • High blood pressure; Compromised local circulation (blood circulation that is not normal)
  • Heart disease
  • Cancer (active disease state)

Do not use the cold gel packs if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Cold urticaria (hives after being exposed to cold);
  • Cold hypersensitivity (slowing of the heart rate and/or skin swelling surrounded by redness; may be itchy after being exposed to the cold)
  • Vasospastic disease (tissue swelling which can lead to death of the skin after being exposed to the cold)
  • Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (presence of hemoglobin in the urine after being exposed to the cold)
  • Raynaud’s syndrome (numb or prickly feeling and/or skin turns blue after being exposed to the cold)
  • Cryoglobulinemia (higher than normal levels of blood cryoglobulins which are proteins).
  • Do not use the device during or 3 months after pregnancy.
  • Do not use the device over broken (open wound) or inflamed skin.
  • Do not use the device over or near the site of a broken bone or a healing fracture.
  • Do not use if you are under 18 years of age.

 

You can still use the device as a sequential compression system without the cold gel packs.

Your provider will select treatment timeframes and start dates, usually scheduling the device to arrive the day prior to your surgery, so it will be available upon discharge and when you return home following surgery. However, if rentals are aligned to workman’s compensation treatment plans,  adjuster pre-authorization approval will dictate start dates and rental timelines.  Please review fitting and application instructions to get acclimated to using the device, and place the gel packs in the freezer so they are ready for use following surgery.

See the user manual for step-by-step instructions.

Rental terms are usually between 2 weeks and 30 days, depending on patient preference, provider recommendations, and/or adjuster approval. We allow a 48-hour grace period to return the unit to the post office, which must be post marked within that time frame to avoid additional fees. 

Units are shipped via UPS ground mail from within the U.S. We recommend allowing 2-5 days for delivery once the order is placed.  You can set your preferred delivery date to mesh with your surgical procedure, ensuring access upon discharge.  Unit rental periods are calculated from actual receipt date or target surgery date, and run the duration of the selected timeline or approved period.

Each unit will come with a return postage paid sticker inside the box, to place outside of the  box once your rental period ends.  Please save and use the existing box it was delivered when returning the device.

Rent and Save

You’ll immediately feel the benefits of compression and cold therapy. This treatment drives cold deep into the joints and muscles, effectively reducing pain and swelling in only 15 minutes.

CONTACT US

Still have questions? For patient support, service, and inquiries:

Phone:   443.406.2575

Email:   info@archwaymedicalgroup.com