JAS: How JAS Works

The goal of range-of-motion therapy is to permanently stretch tissues that have become stiff following injury, surgery, or long periods of immobilization (such as wearing a cast or brace). To do this, specific forces must be applied to the tissues, causing them to remodel and stretch. Force can be applied in two ways:

Creep–Based Loading
Dynamic Splint Devices are spring-loaded devices that apply a constant low-intensity force to the tissues in a process called creep-based loading. The stiff tissues will gradually stretch in response to the continuous spring-loaded force. This force must be applied for a long period of time for permanent stretch to occur. Dynamic splint therapy requires 8 to 12 hours daily wear time, and the average patient will require 3 to 6 months use to regain full or maximal joint motion. Dynamic splint devices are available through several manufacturers and must be prescribed by your physician.

Stress-Relaxation Loading
Static Progressive Stretch (SPS) Devices are manually adjustable and apply a static force to the tissues. The joint is moved to an end range stretch position and is held there for a set period of time. The tissues relax or stretch in response to this end range stress. The device is then adjusted to a new position of stretch and held there. This is repeated periodically throughout an SPS session, and is called stress-relaxation loading. JAS devices provide SPS, and require 30-minute sessions 3 times per day for permanent stretch to occur. The average patient will require 2 to 3 months use to regain full or maximal joint motion. JAS SPS devices must be prescribed by your physician. Interestingly, stress relaxation loading is what therapists use when they perform hands-on stretching techniques.

Studies show that stress-relaxation loading is far more effective than creep-based loading in achieving permanent range-of-motion gains. It also offers several important benefits to patients:

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The goal of range-of-motion therapy is to permanently stretch tissues that have become stiff following injury, surgery, or long periods of immobilization (such as wearing a cast or brace). To do this, specific forces must be applied to the tissues, causing them to remodel and stretch. Force can be applied in two ways: Creep–Based Loading Dynamic Splint Devices are spring-loaded devices that apply a constant low-intensity force to the tissues in a process called creep-based loading. The stiff tissues will gradually stretch in response to the continuous spring-loaded force. This force must be applied for a long period of time for permanent stretch to occur. Dynamic splint therapy requires 8 to 12 hours daily wear time, and the average patient will require 3 to 6 months use to regain full or maximal joint motion. Dynamic splint devices are available through several manufacturers and must be prescribed by your physician. Stress-Relaxation Loading Static Progressive Stretch (SPS) Devices are manually adjustable and apply a static force to the tissues. The joint is moved to an end range stretch position and is held there for a set period of time. The tissues relax or stretch in response to this end range stress. The device is then adjusted to a new position of stretch and held there. This is repeated periodically throughout an SPS session, and is called stress-relaxation loading. JAS devices provide SPS, and require 30-minute sessions 3 times per day for permanent stretch to occur. The average patient will require 2 to 3 months use to regain full or maximal joint motion. JAS SPS devices must be prescribed by your physician. Interestingly, stress relaxation loading is what therapists use when they perform hands-on stretching techniques. Studies show that stress-relaxation loading is far more effective than creep-based loading in achieving permanent range-of-motion gains. It also offers several important benefits to patients: Pain-free stretch therapy, because patients have total control in setting the device to their comfortable end range of motion. 30-minute sessions, which don’t interfere with daily activities and allow patients to return to daily activities sooner. Short wearing time requirements that eliminate the risk of joint pain. Joint pain often results from the long wearing times required with dynamic splints.