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Frequently Asked Questions
Doctors and Patients Can Use the BioniCare Knee Device with Confidence
The BioniCare Knee Device offers a safe and effective treatment option for patients who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee. RS Medical, the leader in home electrotherapy products, distributes the BioniCare Knee Device and provides unmatched support services.
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How can I ensure that my patients will assemble and use the BioniCare Knee Device correctly?
How long before I begin to see improvement with my patients?
How many hours a day should my patients wear the BioniCare Knee Device?
How will I know if my patient is using the Device ?
Once symptoms improve or completely disappear, should I instruct my patients to stop using the device?
What are the side effects, if any?
What are the contraindications?
Are there tips I can give patients to maximize success with the BioniCare Knee Device?
1) How can I ensure that my patients will assemble and use the BioniCare Knee Device correctly?
A. In most cases, each patient receives a personal instruction on the use of the BioniCare Knee Device. We also provide each patient with an illustrated user's manual and an instructional video (VHS or DVD) demonstrating how simple it is to assemble, use, and maintain the Device and its components. Lastly, the RS Medical Customer Service Center is available Monday through Friday 8 am to 7 pm, Saturday 7 am to 6 pm Pacific Time toll-free at 1-800-935-7763 to answer questions and resolve issues for both physicians and patients.
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2) How long before I begin to see improvement with my patients?
A. The length of time before a patient feels improvement varies greatly. Many report improvement within the first month. However, some of the most successful patients took 4 to 5 months to see improvement. Encourage your patients to understand that it took a lifetime for them develop osteoarthritis of the knee; a few months of treatment to get relief seems reasonable.
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3) How many hours a day should my patients wear the BioniCare Knee Device?
A. Patients should wear the Device for at least 6 hours each day. Research shows 8 hours of treatment each day is better than 6 hours, and 10 is even better. A clinical study confirmed that many patients experienced dramatic improvement in pain and symptoms after they used the Device for 750 hours or more.
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4) How will I know if my patient is using the Device?
A. Instruct you patient to bring their BioniCare signal generator with them when they come to see you. The Device records usage, and you will be able to check their compliance with the push of a button.
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5) Once symptoms improve or completely disappear, should I instruct my patients to stop using the device?
A. Most patients continue to improve over time. If patients remain asymptomatic for several months, you may decide to interrupt therapy sessions and observe what happens with their symptoms and tolerated activity level. Over time, if symptoms begin to recur, the great benefit for patients who own the Device is that they can return to therapy whenever necessary.
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6) What are the side effects, if any?
A. The only side effect reported to date in the use of the BioniCare Knee Device is a mild, transient rash caused by the electrode gel. It usually disappears when therapy is interrupted for a few days and a topical cortisone cream is applied. For patients with a recurring rash, an alternate aloe vera gel is available through RS Medical.
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7) What are the contraindications?
A. The prescribing information for the BioniCare Knee Device lists the following contraindications:
  • Do not apply electrodes to the carotid sinus (neck) region, nor allow the stimulator to transmit current to that area
  • Do not apply electrodes so that current is transmitted transcerebrally (through the head)
  • Do not allow use of the stimulator for patients who have a demand-type cardiac pacemaker or who are pregnant
  • Do not prescribe the stimulator to a patient with pain until the cause of the pain has been established
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8) Are there tips I can give patients to maximize success with the BioniCare Knee Device?
A. There are several keys to successful treatment with the Device:
  1. Apply enough gel evenly across the electrode pads to ensure an adequate electrical field.
  2. With each use, increase the current until a tingle is felt. Then turn the current down until there is no tingle.
  3. Always use a fully charged battery. Two batteries are provided to allow the patient to be charging one at all times.
  4. Wear the Device at least 6 hours every day (8 to 10 hours is even better).
  5. Continue to use the system for at least 4 to 6 months to give it an opportunity to work. A clinical study confirmed that many patients experienced dramatic improvement in pain and symptoms after they used the Device for 750 hours or more.
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