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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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BioniCare Knee Device

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How often do I have to recharge the battery?
How much gel should I apply to the electrode pads?
When I increase the voltage to the point of feeling the tingle, I feel it only in one pad. Should I feel it under both pads?
How long before I begin to see improvement?
Once symptoms improve or completely diminish, can I stop using the device?
How many hours a day do I need to wear it?
Can the unit be washed and dried?
1) How often do I have to recharge the battery?
A. The battery should be recharged after every use. We provide two batteries with every BioniCare Knee Device, one for the signal generator and one for the charger. This way, there's always a fresh battery for the generator. Standard charging time is 10 to 16 hours after each use.
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2) How much gel should I apply to the electrode pads?
A. It is important to use enough of the BioniCare-provided gel on the pads, or no therapeutic electrical current can be sent to the joint. Apply 2 teaspoons of gel to the red thigh pad and 1 teaspoon of gel to the gray knee pad. The gel should be applied in a thin but even layer on the pads ONLY. If gel is applied to other areas of the device or to the skin, it may significantly decrease the strength of the current to the joint.
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3) When I increase the voltage to the point of feeling the tingle, I feel it only in one pad. Should I feel it under both pads?
A. It is not necessary to feel a tingle under both pads. As you increase the voltage, stop as soon as you feel the tingling around either pad. Then decrease the voltage to just the point that you no longer feel the tingling. The BioniCare Knee Device works at this sub-threshold level. Also, you may observe that the voltage number on the LCD screen when you first feel the tingle may vary from day to day - this is normal.
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4) How long before I begin to see improvement?
A. The length of time before a patient feels improvement varies greatly. Many patients report improvement within the first month. However, some patients feel the most dramatic improvement after 4 to 6 months. A study confirmed that many patients experienced dramatic improvement in pain and symptoms after they used the Device for 750 hours or more. Remember, it took a lifetime to develop osteoarthritis of the knee; a few months of treatment to get relief seems reasonable.
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5) Once symptoms improve or completely diminish, can I stop using the device?
A. The severity of arthritis symptoms can vary over time. Therefore, we generally recommend you continue therapy with your BioniCare Knee Device for several months after you stop having pain and other symptoms. Then after conferring with your doctor, you may decide to interrupt therapy sessions and observe what happens with your symptoms and tolerated activity level. If symptoms begin to recur over time and you already own the device, the great benefit is that you can return to therapy whenever necessary.
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6) How many hours a day do I need to wear it?
A. Wear your BioniCare Knee Device at least 6 hours each day. However, research has shown that wearing it longer is better. In clinical studies, 8 hours was more effective than 6 hours, and 10 hours was more effective than 8 hours. A clinical study confirmed that many patients experienced dramtic improvement in pain and symptoms after they used the Device for 750 hours or more. Remember, it took a lifetime for your knee to develop osteoarthritis; a few months of treatment to get relief seems reasonable.
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7) Can the unit be washed and dried?

A. Once the stimulator unit and wires are removed from the Device, the other components (i.e., knee wrap, pads, and waist belt) can be washed as needed in very mild soap, Woolite®1, Ivory®2, and air-dried. Do not use any fabric softener, bleaches, detergents, or products with these ingredients. Do not put the Device components in a washer or dryer.



1 Woolite is a registered trademark of Bissel Homecare, Inc.
2 Ivory is a registered trademark of Proctor & Gamble.
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