- Empi Active Knee Can Help Decrease Patients' Pain Medication -
SAN DIEGO, CA, - September 13, 2011 - DJO Global, Inc., (“DJO” or the “Company”) a leading provider of medical device solutions for musculoskeletal health, vascular health and pain management, today announced the launch of the Empi Active™ Knee TENS System to treat knee pain, a condition which may affect more than 19 million Americans. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) uses comfortable electrical stimulation to inhibit pain signals from reaching the brain thus effectively blocking the pain sensation.
The Empi Active Knee, with predetermined electrode placement built into a specialized wrap, delivers a proprietary TENS waveform to the knee to manage acute, chronic and arthritic pain while minimizing interruption of daily activities. The technology delivers a similar physiologic response as pain medication, but without the possible negative side effects from chronic use of medication.
Approximately 250 million drug prescriptions for pain medications are written every year in the U.S.
Dr. Melisa Estes, a physiatrist and board certified pain medicine physician, reported “I find that the Empi Active device can be helpful in decreasing the amount of pain medications that a patient may take. I also find it very useful for patients who have difficulty tolerating usual medications such as muscle relaxants or non steroidal anti-inflammatories.”
“Chronic knee pain from osteoarthritis, tendonitis and other conditions is an obstacle to maintaining healthy and active lifestyles and often leads to prolonged inactivity that can create other, more serious health consequences,” said Mike Mogul, president and chief executive officer of DJO Global.
“With our broad portfolio of orthopedic preventative and rehabilitative products, DJO is uniquely positioned to help these patients.”
The Empi Active Knee System follows DJO Global’s success with its 2010 release of Empi Active Back, which uses the same proprietary TENS waveform technology to target back pain. Back pain affects approximately 65 million Americans and is the second most common reason people visit a doctor. Similar to the Empi Active Back, primary care physicians, orthopedic surgeons, pain specialists, rheumatologists and physical therapists can better manage their patients’ knee pain without disrupting their daily activities.
Empi Active Knee TENS System is available with a physician prescription and is covered by many insurers for home use. For more information, visit EmpiActivePainControl.com.
About DJO Global
DJO Global is a leading global developer, manufacturer and distributor of high-quality medical devices and services that provide solutions for musculoskeletal health, vascular health and pain management. The Company’s products address the continuum of patient care from injury prevention to rehabilitation after surgery, injury or from degenerative disease, enabling people to regain or maintain their natural motion. Its products are used by orthopedic specialists, spine surgeons, primary care physicians, pain management specialists, physical therapists, podiatrists, chiropractors, athletic trainers and other healthcare professionals. In addition, many of the Company’s medical devices and related accessories are used by athletes and patients for injury prevention and at-home physical therapy treatment. The Company’s product lines include rigid and soft orthopedic bracing, hot and cold therapy, bone growth stimulators, vascular therapy systems and compression garments, therapeutic shoes and inserts, electrical stimulators used for pain management and physical therapy products. The Company’s surgical division offers a comprehensive suite of reconstructive joint products for the hip, knee and shoulder. DJO Global’s products are marketed under a portfolio of brands including Aircast®, Chattanooga, CMF™, Compex®, DonJoy®, Empi®, ProCare®, DJO® Surgical and Dr. Comfort®. For additional information on the Company, please visit www.DJOglobal.com.
DJO Investor/Media Contact:
DJO Global, Inc.
Mark Francois, Director of Investor Relations
(760) 734-4766
