Orthopedic and rehabilitation care represents one of the fastest-growing segments of healthcare, driven by aging demographics, rising obesity rates, and expanding surgical volumes for joint replacement, spine procedures, and sports medicine. Orthopedic and rehabilitation supplies span a wide range — from simple ice packs to sophisticated continuous passive motion (CPM) machines and functional electrical stimulation devices. This guide helps procurement teams and clinicians navigate the major product categories.
Bracing and Supports
Orthopedic braces and supports are prescribed for injury immobilization, prophylactic protection, and functional support during rehabilitation. Key categories by anatomical region:
- Knee: Hinged knee braces (ACL, MCL injuries), unloader braces (OA), patellofemoral braces, post-op braces with adjustable ROM settings. DonJoy, Breg, and Ossur are leading brands.
- Ankle/foot: CAM boots (controlled ankle motion) for fractures and Achilles injuries; AFOs (ankle-foot orthoses) for drop foot and post-stroke rehabilitation.
- Lumbar/spine: Rigid LSO (lumbosacral orthosis) for vertebral fractures; flexible lumbar corsets for muscle strain and back pain support.
- Shoulder/elbow: Slings, immobilizers, and hinged elbow braces for fractures and post-operative stabilization.
- Wrist/hand: Wrist splints (carpal tunnel, De Quervain's), static and dynamic hand splints for nerve injuries and contracture prevention.
Cold and Heat Therapy
Cryotherapy and thermotherapy are foundational tools in orthopedic rehabilitation:
- Cold therapy systems: Circulating cold water systems (DonJoy IceMan, Breg Polar Care, Bledsoe Arctic Flow) provide continuous cooling to post-surgical sites with controlled temperature and compression. Superior to ice packs for post-arthroplasty pain management.
- Ice packs and gel packs: Reusable gel packs for acute injury management. Instant cold packs (sodium acetate or ammonium nitrate chemistry) for initial injury response without refrigeration.
- Heat therapy: Moist heat packs (hydrocollator packs), electric heating pads, infrared heat lamps, and fluidotherapy devices for chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
TENS and Electrical Stimulation
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) units deliver low-voltage electrical current to modulate pain signals. Used for acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Medicare covers TENS (E0730) for chronic low back pain under specific criteria. Clinical-grade TENS units (Zynex Medical, Neomedic, Axelgaard) differ from consumer units in output parameters and electrode options.
NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation) is used to prevent muscle atrophy and restore function post-surgery or post-neurological injury. EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) is used in sports rehabilitation for muscle re-education.
CPM (Continuous Passive Motion) Machines
CPM devices provide controlled, motorized passive range of motion to joints following surgery (most commonly TKA — total knee arthroplasty). While evidence on long-term outcomes is mixed, CPM is widely used in the immediate post-operative period to maintain ROM and reduce stiffness. DonJoy, Kinetec, and Breg manufacture the leading CPM systems. CPM is covered by Medicare under E0935 for post-TKA use.
Compression Therapy
Graduated compression stockings and pneumatic compression devices play roles in both DVT prevention and chronic venous insufficiency/lymphedema management:
- Compression stockings: 15–20 mmHg for prophylaxis; 20–30 mmHg and 30–40 mmHg for chronic venous insufficiency; flat-knit custom garments for lymphedema.
- Sequential compression devices (SCDs): Pneumatic leg pumps that simulate calf muscle pump action for DVT prophylaxis in immobile hospital patients. Most hospitals use SCDs with every surgical admission absent contraindications.
- Lymphedema pumps: Multi-chamber pneumatic compression systems for home lymphedema management. Covered by Medicare under E0651–E0655.
Exercise Therapy and Functional Rehabilitation Equipment
Physical and occupational therapy departments require a range of exercise and functional rehabilitation supplies including resistance bands (Thera-Band, Theratubing), therapy putty (hand strengthening), balance boards, foam rollers, and functional movement training equipment. Pocket-sized educational models and exercise instruction handouts support patient home exercise program compliance.
Healix stocks orthopedic and rehabilitation supplies from DonJoy, Breg, Ossur, Medline, and more. Browse our orthopedic & rehab catalog.