Compex Vitality User manual

User and applications manual

Manuale d’uso e di applicazioni

Manuel d’utilisation et d’applications

Gebrauchs- und Anwendungshandbuch

Gebruiksaanwijzing en specifieke toepassingen

Manual de utilización y aplicaciones

couv-vitality 26/07/06 17:54 Page 1

English

Directions for use 11

Programs and specific applications 20

Table with placements of electrodes and

stimulation positions 49

Italiano

Istruzioni per l’uso 61

Programmi e applicazioni specifiche 70

Tabella di posizionamento degli elettrodi

e posizioni del corpo 99

Français

Mode d’emploi 111

Programmes et applications spécifiques 120

Tableau de placements des électrodes

et positions du corps 149

Deutsch

Gebrauchsanweisung 161

Programme und spezifische Anwendungen 170

Tabelle zur Elektrodenplatzierung und

Körperposition für die Stimulation 199

Nederlands

Gebruiksaanwijzing 211

Programma’s en specifieke toepassingen 220

Tabel voor de plaatsing van de elektroden

en de stimulatieposities 249

Español

Modo de empleo 261

Programas y aplicaciones específicas 270

Tabla de colocación de los electrodos y

de posición del cuerpo para la estimulación 299

For support...

Per assistenza...

Pour obtenir de l’aide…

Für ausführliche Informationen...

Voor hulp...

Para obtener ayuada…

Compex Médical SA

Switzerland

www.compex.info

FRANCE

Compex

19, av. du Pré de Challes

F – 74940 Annecy-le-Vieux

Hotline: 0811 02 02 74

(prix appel local à partir d’un poste fixe)

Fax: +33 (0) 4 50 09 25 70

E-mail: [email protected]

BENELUX

Compex

19, av. du Pré de Challes

F – 74940 Annecy-le-Vieux

Fax: +33 (0) 4 50 09 25 70

Belgique/Belgïe

Hotline: 0800 99 104 (numéro gratuit/gratis nummer)

E-mail: [email protected]

Nederland

Hotline: 0800 022 2593 (Gratis nummer)

E-mail: [email protected]

Luxembourg/Luxemburg

Hotline: +33 450 10 24 63

E-mail: [email protected]

DEUTSCHLAND

Compex Medical GmbH

Rheingaustr. 94

DE – 65203 Wiesbaden

Hotline: 01805 266 739 (€0.12 pro Minute)

Fax: +49 (0) 611 690 7474

E-mail: [email protected]

ESPAÑA

MediCompex Ibérica, S.L.

Rambla Catalunya 2,

1º Derecha

E – 08007 Barcelona

Hotline: 0900 801 280 (número gratuito)

Fax: +34 93 342 42 33

E-mail: [email protected]

ITALIA

Compex Italia Srl

Via Algardi, 4

I – 20148 Milano

Tel.: +39 02 30412057

Fax: +39 02 30412058

E-mail: [email protected]

EXPORT DEPARTMENT

Compex

19, av. du Pré de Challes

F – 74940 Annecy-le-Vieux

Tel.: +33 (0) 4 50 10 24 80

Fax: +33 (0) 4 50 09 25 70

E-mail: [email protected]

SUISSE/SCHWEIZ/SVIZZERA

& ÖSTERREICH

Compex Medical SA

Z.I. “Larges Pièces A”

Chemin du Dévent

CH – 1024 Ecublens

Fax: +41 (0) 21 695 23 61

E-mail: [email protected]

Suisse/Schweiz/Svizzera

Hotline / FR: 0848 11 13 12 (tarif interurbain)

Hotline / DE: 0848 11 13 13 (Fernbereich)

E-mail: [email protected]

Österreich

Hotline / FR: 0810 102 515 19 (Orstarif)

E-mail: [email protected]

English

I. WARNINGS

1. Counter-indications

Important counter-indications

■Cardiac stimulator (pacemaker)

■Epilepsy

■Pregnancy (no positioning in the

abdominal area)

■Serious arterial circulatory problems

in the lower limbs

■Abdominal or inguinal hernia

Precautions when using

the Compex

■After trauma or a recent operation

(less than 6 months)

■Muscular atrophy

■Persistent pains

■Need for muscular rehabilitation

Osteosynthesis equipment

The presence of osteosynthesis

equipment (metallic equipment in

contact with the bone: pins, screws,

plates, prostheses, etc.) is not a contra-

indication for the use of Compex programs.

The electrical current of the Compex is

specially designed to have no harmful

effect with regard to osteosynthesis

equipment.

In all of the above cases, you are

advised to:

■never use the Compex for prolonged

periods without medical advice;

■consult your doctor if you are in

any doubt whatsoever;

■read this manual carefully, in

particular chapter VI, which provides

information concerning the effects

and indications of each stimulation

program.

2. Safety measures

What you should not do with

the Compex

■ Do not use the Compex in water

or in a humid atmosphere (sauna,

hydrotherapy, etc.).

■ Never carry out an initial stimulation

session on a person who is standing.

The first five minutes of stimulation

must always be performed on a

person who is sitting or lying down.

In rare instances, very highly strung

people may have a vagal reaction.

This is of psychological origin and is

connected with a fear of the muscle

stimulation as well as surprise at

seeing one of their muscles contract

without having intentionally contracted

it themselves. This vagal reaction

produces a feeling of weakness with

a fainting tendency, slowing down

of the heartrate and a reduction in

arterial blood pressure. If this does

occur, all that is required is to stop

the stimulation and lie down with the

legs raised for the time it takes for

the feeling of weakness to disappear

(5 to 10 minutes).

■ Never allow movement resulting

from muscular contraction during a

stimulation session. You should

always stimulate isometrically; this

means that the extremities of the limb

in which a muscle is being stimulated

must be firmly fixed, so as to prevent

the movement that results from

contraction.

■ Do not use the device at less than

1.5 metres from a short-wave device,

a micro-wave device or high

frequency (H.F.) surgical equipment

to avoid the risk of causing skin

irritations or burns under the electrodes.

If you are in any doubt about using

the Compex in close proximity to any

I. WARNINGS 5

1. Counter-indications 5

2. Safety measures 5

II. PRESENTATION 7

1. Reception of equipment and accessories 7

2. Presentation of the device 8

3. Guarantee 8

4. Maintenance 9

5. Storage and transportation conditions 9

6. Use conditions 9

7. Elimination 9

8. Standards 9

9. Patent 10

10. Normalised symbols 10

11. Technical information 10

III. DIRECTIONS FOR USE 11

1. Connections 11

2. Preliminary settings: language, light intensity and sound volume 11

3. Selecting a program category 12

4. Selecting a program 12

5. Personalising a program 13

6. During the stimulation session 14

7. Electricity consumption and recharging 15

8. Problems and solutions 16

IV. HOW DOES ELECTROSTIMULATION WORK? 17

V. USE PRINCIPLES 18

1. Placement of electrodes 18

2. Stimulation position 19

3. Setting the stimulation energy level 19

4. Progression in the levels 19

VI. PROGRAMS AND SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS 20

Pain relief category 21

Massage category 28

Vascular category 31

Rehabilitation category 35

Aesthetic category 39

Fitness category 44

VII. TABLE WITH PLACEMENTS OF ELECTRODES

AND STIMULATION POSITIONS 49

TABLE OF CONTENT

English

II. PRESENTATION

1. Reception of equipment and accessories

stimulation session. Generally, this

redness is completely harmless and

disappears after 10 to 20 minutes.

However, avoid starting a stimulation

session on the same area until the

redness is no longer evident.

other medical device, please consult

its manufacturer or your doctor.

■ Only use the electrode cables

supplied by Compex.

■ Do not disconnect the stimulator

electrode cables during the session

without first switching off the

stimulator.

■ Never connect stimulation cables to

an external electric power supply

because of risk of electric shock.

■ No not use rechargeable batteries

other than the one supplied by

Compex.

■ Never recharge the stimulator when

cables and electrodes are still

connected onto the user.

■ Never recharge the batteries with

another charger than the one

supplied with the Compex.

■ Never use the Compex or the

charger if it is damaged (case, cables,

etc.) or if the compartment for the

rechargeable battery is open. There is

a risk of electric discharge.

■ Disconnect immediately the charger

if the Compex “bleeps” continuously,

in case of abnormal heating or smell,

or if smoke comes from the charger

or the Compex. Do not recharge the

batteries in a confined area (case,

etc.) because of risk of fire or electric

discharge.

■ Keep the Compex and its accesso-

ries out of the reach of children.

■ Do not allow any foreign items

(soil, water, metal, etc.) to enter into

the Compex, the compartment for the

rechargeable battery and the charger.

■ Sudden temperature variations can

create droplets in the device due to

condensation. Use the device only

once it reached ambient temperature.

■ Do not use the Compex while

driving or operating machinery.

■ Do not use the stimulator in the

mountains at an altitude higher than

3.000 metres.

Where you should never apply

electrodes…

■To the head.

■ Counter-laterally: Do not use the

two poles of the same channel

(one electrode connected to the

positive/red pole and one electrode

connected to the negative/black

pole) on either side of the body cen-

treline (eg: right arm and left arm).

■ To or in the vicinity of skin

lesions of any kind (wounds,

inflammations, burns, irritations,

eczema, etc.).

Precautions when using the

electrodes

■Only use the electrodes supplied

by Compex. Other electrodes may

have electrical properties that are

unsuitable for the Compex stimulator.

■ Do not remove or move the

electrodes during a stimulation

session without first switching off

the instrument.

■ Do not plunge the electrodes into

water.

■ Do not apply a solvent of any

kind to the electrodes.

■ Before applying the electrodes, it

is recommended to wash and

degrease the skin, and then dry it.

■ Apply the whole surface of the

electrodes to the skin.

■ For very important reasons of

hygiene, each user must have his

own electrode set. Do not use the

same electrodes on different people.

■ Do not use a set of electrodes for

more than fifteen sessions, as the

quality of the contact between the

electrode and the skin, which is

important for the comfort and

effectiveness of stimulation,

progressively degrades.

■ In certain people with very

sensitive skin, redness may be

observed under the electrodes after a

Your stimulator is supplied with:

– The stimulator

– A battery charger

– One set of electrode cables with colour indicators (blue, green, yellow, red)

– Bags containing the electrodes (small (5 x 5 cm) and large (5 x 10 cm) electrodes)

– A user and applications manual

– A poster with the pictures for the placements of electrodes and the stimulation positions

– A belt clip

–A DVD explaining how to use your Compex

English

4. Maintenance

To clean your unit, use a soft duster

and an alcohol-based cleaning product,

which does not contain any solvents.

The user must not attempt any repairs

to the device or any of its accessories.

Never dismantle the Compex or the

charger containing high-voltage parts

because of risk of electric discharge.

Compex Médical SA declines all

responsibility for damages and

consequences resulting from any

attempt to open, modify or repair

the device or any of its components

by a person or a service centre not

officially approved by Compex

Médical SA.

Compex stimulators do not require

calibration or verification of perfor-

mance parameters. The characteris-

tics are systematically verified and

validated for each device manufactu-

red. These characteristics are stable

and do not vary when used under

normal conditions.

If your device seems to not function

as expected, regardless of the

situation, contact an official Compex

service centre for assistance.

Medical and health professionals must

refer to local legislation for informa-

tion related to maintenance. Nor-

mally, these laws require verification

of certain criteria at regular intervals.

5. Storage and

transportation conditions

The Compex contains rechargeable

batteries and so the storage and

transportation conditions must not

exceed the following figures:

Storage and transportation temperature:

from -20°C to 45°

Max. relative humidity: 75%

Atmospheric pressure: from 700 hPa to 1060 hPa

6. Use conditions

Temperature of use: from 0°C to 40°C

Max. relative humidity: from 30% to 75%

Atmospheric pressure: from 700 hPa to1060 hPa

Do not use in an explosion risk area.

7. Elimination

The Directive 2002/96/CEE (WEEE)

has a first priority, the prevention of

waste electrical and electronic equip-

ment, and in addition, the re-use,

recycling and other forms of recovery

of such wastes so as to reduce the

disposal of waste.

The pictogram wheeled bin barred

means that the equipment can not be

thrown with the household refuse,

but that it makes the object of a

selective collection.

The equipment has to be given to a

suitable collection point for the

treatment.

By this way, you contribute to the

safeguarding of the natural resources

and the human health protection.

Batteries must be disposed of in

accordance with your country’s

national laws governing the disposal

of such items.

8. Standards

The Compex is based directly on

medical technology.

To guarantee your safety, the design,

manufacturing and distribution of

Compex are in conformity with the

requirements of the European

Directive 93/42/CEE.

The device is in conformity with the

standard for general safety rules for

electromedical devices IEC 60601-1,

the standard for electromagnetic

compatibility IEC 60601-1-2 and the

standard for special safety rules for

The Compex stimulators are contrac-

tually covered with a guarantee of 2

(two) years: register on our web

site: www.compex.info

(section “Register”).

The Compex guarantee comes into

effect on the date of purchase of the

device.

The Compex guarantee applies to the

stimulator (goods and work) and

does not cover cables and electrodes.

It covers all the defects resulting from

a problem of quality of the material

or from a defective manufacture.

3. Guarantee

The guarantee does not apply if the

device was damaged further to a

shock, an accident, a false operation,

an insufficient protection against the

humidity, a dumping or a repair not

made by our after-sales services.

The guarantee is valid only on

presentation of proof of purchase.

Legal rights are not affected by this

guarantee.

A– “On/Off” switch

B– “i” button. To increase the energy level

of several channels simultaneously

C– Sockets for the 4 electrode cables

2. Presentation of the device

D– Electrode cables

channel 1 = blue channel 2 = green

channel 3 = yellow channel 4 = red

E– “+”/“–” keys of the 4 stimulation channels

F– Compartment for the rechargeable battery

G– Belt clip socket

English

1. Connections

The electrical impulses generated by

the Compex are transmitted to the

nerves by self-adhesive electrodes. The

choice of the size, the connection and the

correct positioning of the electrodes are

essential factors for ensuring effective and

comfortable stimulation. So they require

particular care. To do all this – and for

information on the recommended

stimulation positions – refer to the pictures

and pictograms in the poster, and to the

“Table with placements of electrodes and

stimulation positions” in chapter VII. The

specific applications contained in chapter

VI also provide useful relevant information.

blue = channel 1 yellow = channel 3

green = channel 2 red = channel 4

It is important to place the electrodes

correctly to the cable connectors; in order

to do so, press strongly the connector to

the electrode until you hear a double click.

Connecting the charger

The Compex has considerable opera-

ting autonomy, as it uses rechargeable

batteries. To recharge them, use the

charger supplied with your device and

connect it to the base of the device,

then plug the charger in a socket.

To recharge the Compex, first

disconnect the electrode cables from

the device.

Before using your stimulator for the

first time, it is always strongly

recommended that you completely

charge the battery to improve its

autonomy and extend its working life.

2. Preliminary settings:

language, light intensity

and sound volume

Before using the unit for the first

time, you should select the working

language of the device which is

displayed on the options screen.

Proceed as per the instructions

described below.

Afterwards, for the greatest comfort,

Compex offers you a number of

setting options (operating language

selection, display contrast setting

and sound volume setting).

To do this, display the options

screen by pressing the “On/Off”

switch on the left of the Compex

and hold it down for a few seconds.

III. DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Before using the unit for the first time, you are strongly advised to take careful note of

the counter-indications and safety measures detailed at the beginning of this manual

(chapter I: “Warnings”), as this powerful equipment is neither a toy nor a gadget!

1a Sockets for the four electrode cables

1b Socket for the battery charger

Connecting the electrodes and

cables

The electrode cables are connected

to the stimulator through sockets on

the base of the device.

Four cables can be connected

simultaneously to the four channels

of the device.

For easier use and better identifica-

tion of the four channels, we advise

you to follow the colour of the

electrode cables and the stimulator

sockets:

Fig.1 – Base of device

1a 1a

1b 1a 1a

Type TR503-02-E-133A03

Input 90-264 VAC / 47-63Hz / 0.5A max.

Output 9V / 400mA / 6W

Type TR1509-06-E-133A03

Input 90-264 VAC / 47-63Hz / 0.5A max.

Output 9V / 1.4A / 15W

Type TR503-02-E-133A03

Input 90-264 VAC / 47-63Hz / 0.5A max.

Output 9V / 400mA / 6W

Type TR1509-06-E-133A03

Input 90-264 VAC / 47-63Hz / 0.5A max.

Output 9V / 1.4A / 15W

Type TR503-02-E-133A03

Input 90-264 VAC / 47-63Hz / 0.5A max.

Output 9V / 400mA / 6W

Type TR1509-06-E-133A03

Input 90-264 VAC / 47-63Hz / 0.5A max.

Output 9V / 1.4A / 15W

nerve and muscle stimulators IEC

60601-2-10.

Current international standards (IEC

60601-2-10 AM1 2001) require that a

warning be given concerning the

application of electrodes to the thorax

(increased risk of cardiac fibrillation).

Directive 2002/96/CEE Waste electrical

and electronic equipment (WEEE).

9. Patent

Snap electrode: patent pending.

10. Normalised symbols

Important: Under some

conditions, the effective figure

for the stimulation pulses can exceed

10 mA and 10 V. The information

given in this handbook must be

strictly observed.

The Compex is a class II device

unit with its own internal electric

power, with type BF applied sections.

Waste electrical and electronic

equipment (WEEE).

The “On/Off” switch is a

multi-function key:

Functions Symbol N°(according to CEI 878)

On/Off (2 positions, stable) 01-03

Waiting or preparation for part of the unit 01-06

Stop (switching off) 01-10

11. Technical information

General points

Power supply: NIMH rechargeable

battery (NIMH) (4,8 V ª 1200 mA/h).

Chargers: The only chargers used

for recharging the battery bear the

following information:

EUROPE

USA

Neurostimulation

All electrical specifications are given

for a charge between 500 and 1000

ohms per channel.

Channels: four independent and individually

adjustable channels electrically insulated from

each other and from ground

Impulse shape: constant rectangular current

compensated to eliminate any direct current

component to avoid any residual skin

polarisation

Maximum current of an impulse: 80 milliamperes

Intensity increase interval:

– Manual stimulation intensity adjustment:

0-444 (energy units)

– Impulse duration: 0.5 mA

Impulse duration: from 50 to 400 microseconds

Maximum quantity of electricity per impulse:

80 microcoulombs (2 x 40 µC compensated)

Typical rise time for an impulse:

3 microseconds (between 20% and 80% of

maximum current)

Impulse frequency:

from 1 to 150 Hertz

English

4a 4c

Fig.4

5a 5b 5c 5f

Fig.5

The program personalisation screen

is not available for all programs.

5a Certain programs require manual selection

of the muscular group that you want to stimu-

late and a figurine is displayed above

channel 1.

To select your desired group, press the “+”/“–”

key of channel 1 (to go up or down). The seven

muscular groups are displayed in succession in

black on the figurine:

Current international standards

require that a warning be given

concerning the application of

electrodes to the thorax (increased risk

of cardiac fibrillation).

Abdomen and Lower back

Buttocks

Thighs

Legs and Feet

Forearms and Hands

Shoulders and Arms

Thorax and Back

5b The warming-up sequence suggested for

some programs is active by default (an ani-

mated rising convection symbol above the

heater). If you prefer to skip this sequence,

press the “+”/“–” key of channel 2.

Warming-up

No warming-up

5. Personalising a program

3b To confirm your choice and to move on to

the program selection screen (see the next

section: “Selecting a program”), press the

“+”/“–” key of channel 4.

3c Press the “On/Off” key to switch off the

stimulator.

4. Selecting a program

To choose a program, it is particularly

useful to consult chapter VI of this

manual (“Programs and specific applica-

tions”).

Regardless of the category you selected

in the previous step, a list containing

a select number of programs appears

on the screen.

2a To select the language of your choice, press

the “+”/“–” key of channel 1 (to go up or down),

until the desired language is displayed in white

characters on a black background.

2b To set the contrast of the display, press the

“+”/“–” key of channel 2 (“+” to increase the

preferred percentage and “–” to reduce it).

2c To set the sound volume, press the “+”/“–” of

channel 3 (“+” to increase the preferred percen-

tage and “–” to reduce it).

2d To confirm the parameters selected, press

the “On/Off” switch. Your stimulator saves your

options. It is now ready for use with the settings

you selected.

3. Selecting a program

category

To switch on your stimulator, briefly

press the “On/Off” switch on the left

of the Compex. A musical signal can

be heard and a screen showing the

different program categories is

displayed.

Before choosing a program, you

should select the desired category.

3a To select the desired category, press the

“+”/“–” key of channel 1 (to go to the left) or

channel 3 (to go to the right), until the desired

category is displayed in a frame.

2a 2b 2c

Fig.2

5d Total program time in minutes.

5e By pressing the “On/Off” key, you can

return to the previous screen.

5f To confirm your selection and start the

program, press the “+”/“–” key of channel 4.

5c Certain programs allow you to adjust the level of work. To do this, press the “+”/“–” key of

channel 3 (to go up or down), until the desired level of work is displayed.

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5

3a 3b

Fig.3

4a To select the desired program, press

the “+”/“–” key of channel 1 (to go up or down),

until the desired program is displayed in

white characters on a black background.

4b Press the “On/Off” key to return to the

previous screen.

4c After selecting the desired program,

press the “+”/“–” key of channel 4 which,

depending on the program selected, displays

the symbol or .

a) = the stimulation session starts

immediately;

b) = a parameter setting screen displays.

START

English

8d The cursor is located under the hatched

(right) part of the bar: you are in an active rest

phase.

The stimulation energy during the

active rest phase is automatically

set at 50% of the stimulation energy during

the muscular contraction.

7e-8e Bar charts:

7e The muscular contraction phase is repre-

sented by the bar charts of the stimulation

channels used (which become black during the

contraction phase).

8e The active rest phase is represented by

the bar charts of the stimulation channels

used (which become hatched during the active

rest phase).

7f-8f You can interrupt the program momen-

tarily ( = “PAUSE”) ”) by pressing the

“On/Off” key. If you wish to restart the session,

simply press the “+”/“–” key of channel 4.

After an interruption, stimulation

restarts at 80% of the stimulation

energy set before the .

Adjusting stimulation energy

9a During the session, the Compex “bleeps”

and some symbols start to flash above

the active channels (over the energy indications):

the Compex is prompting you to increase the

stimulation energy level. If you cannot support

an increase of the energy, just ignore this

message.

STOP

End of program

10a

10b

Fig.9

Fig.10

10a At the end of the session, you hear a

musical signal and a small flag is displayed.

10b It is then only necessary to switch off

the stimulator by pressing the “On/Off” key ( ).

7. Electricity consumption

and recharging

Never recharge the stimulator with

cables still connected to it.

Never recharge the batteries with

a charger different from the one supplied

by Compex.

The Compex runs on rechargeable

batteries. The discharge time depends

on the programs and stimulation

energy used.

Before using your stimulator for

the first time, it is always strongly

recommended that you completely

charge the battery to improve its au-

tonomy and extend its working life.

If you do not use your device for a

long period of time, please regularly

recharge the battery.

Electricity consumption

The symbol of a small battery indicates

the charge level of the batteries.

OFF

below are sufficient for you to

understand the general rules.

6a The Compex “bleeps” and the symbols of the

four channels flash, changing from “+” to “000”:

the four channels are at 0 energy. You must

increase the stimulation energy so that the

stimulation can start. To do this, press the “+”

of the keys of the relevant channels, until the

desired setting is reached.

If you want to increase the energy level of all

four channels simultaneously, press the “i”

button, located below the “On/Off” key. You can

also increase the energy level of three first

channels, by pressing the “i” button twice, or

the energy level of two first channels only, by

pressing three times this button.

Once you activate the “i” button, the associated

channels are highlighted in white on a black

background.

6b Remaining time in minutes and seconds.

6c The animated rising convection symbol

represented the warming-up sequence.

6d Session progression scale. For details on how

it works, see the following section (“Program

progression”).

6e By pressing the “On/Off” key, you can return

to the previous screen.

Program progression

Stimulation does really start when the

stimulation energy has been increased.

The screens that are displayed during

stimulation allow you to observe the

progression of the session. These

screens may differ from one program

to another. The examples reproduced

7a 7d

8a 8d

Fig.7

Fig.8

Fig.6

6. During the stimulation session

Setting stimulation energy

When the program starts, the Compex

prompts you to increase the stimula-

tion energy, a key factor for the effec-

tiveness of the stimulation.

7a-8a Remaining time (in minutes and

seconds) before the end of the program.

7b-8b A small animated symbol indicating

category to which the program belongs.

7c-8c Session progression scale:

The progression scale is composed of three

distinct parts: the program consists of three

stimulation sequences, i.e., warming up (light

hatching /left), the actual work (black

area/centre) and relaxation at the end of the

program (heavier hatching/right).

The progression scale can be also entirely

hatched: the program then consists of a single

stimulation sequence.

The small cursor located just below the scale

moves horizontally and indicates precisely the

state of progression of the program (here:

start of the first sequence, i.e., the work

sequence).

7d-8d Contraction and active rest time bar:

This bar is displayed at the right of the pro-

gression scale, but only during the work

sequence. It indicates the duration of the

contraction and active rest times.

7d The cursor is located under the black (left)

part of the bar: you are in a muscular contrac-

tion phase.

11a

11b

Fig.11

English

IV. HOW DOES ELECTROSTIMULATION

WORK?

The principle of electrostimulation is

to stimulate nerve fibres by means of

electrical impulses transmitted by

electrodes.

The electrical impulses generated by

Compex stimulators are high-quality

impulses – ensuring safety, comfort

and efficiency – that stimulate

different types of nerve fibres:

1. the motor nerves to stimulate a muscular

response. The quantity of work and the benefits

obtained depend on the stimulation parameters.

This is known as electromuscularstimulation (EMS).

2. certain types of sensitive nerve fibres to

obtain analgesic or pain-relieving effects.

1. Motor nerve

stimulation (EMS)

In voluntary activity, the order for

muscular work comes from the brain,

which sends a command to the nerve

fibres in the form of an electrical

signal. This signal is then transmitted

to the muscular fibres, which contract.

The principle of electrostimulation

accurately reproduces the process

observed during a voluntary contrac-

tion. The stimulator sends an electrical

current impulse to the nerve fibres,

exciting them. This excitation is then

transmitted to the muscular fibres

causing a basic mechanical response

(= muscular twitch). The latter

constitutes the basic requirement

for muscular contraction.

This muscular response is completely

identical to muscular work controlled

by the brain. In other words, the

muscle cannot distinguish whether

the command comes from the brain

or from the stimulator.

The parameters of the Compex

programs (number of impulses per

second, contraction time, rest time,

total program time) subject the

Electrical

impulse

Motor

nerve Stimulated

muscle

Basic mechanical response = muscular twitch

Excitation Excitation

transmission

muscles to different types of work,

according to muscular fibres. In fact,

different types of muscular fibres may

be distinguished according to their

respective contraction speed: slow,

intermediate and fast fibres. The fast

fibres will obviously predominate in a

sprinter, while a marathon runner will

have more slow fibres.

With a good knowledge of human

physiology and a perfect mastery of

the stimulation parameters of the

various programs, the muscular work

can be directed very precisely towards

the desired goal (muscular reinforce-

ment, increased blood flow, firming

up, etc.).

2. Stimulation of the

sensitive nerves

The electrical impulses can also excite

the sensitive nerve fibres to obtain an

analgesic or pain-relieving effect.

The stimulation of the tactile sensitive

nerve fibres blocks the transmission

of pain by the nervous system.

The stimulation of another type of

sensitive fibres creates an increase in

the production of endorphins and,

therefore, a reduction of pain.

With pain relief programs, electrosti-

mulation can be used to treat localized

sharp or chronic pains as well as

muscular pains.

This message may mean that:

1) there is no electrode connected to this

channel;

2) the electrodes are old, worn out and/or the

contact is poor: try using new electrodes;

3) the electrode cable is defective: try it using

another channel. If cable shows a default again,

please replace.

Recharging error

Arecharging error may happen

during charging. The Compex

“bleeps” continuously and the

following screen is displayed:

If this message appears, disconnect

the charger and the device switches

off automatically. Please contact the

hotline, noting this error code.

If, for any reason, you experience

any other trouble with your device,

please contact the hotline mentioned

and approved by Compex Médical SA.

11a The small battery symbol has only two

reference marks: The batteries are losing their

charge. Interrupt the session and recharge the

device (see the following section).

11b The , symbol normally displayed

above the “+”/“–” key of channel 4 has disappea-

red ()and the small battery flashes: The

batteries are completely flat. It is no longer

possible to use the device. Recharge it

immediately (see the following section).

Recharging

To recharge the Compex, first

disconnect the electrode cables from

the device, then plug the charger in a

socket and lastly connect the stimula-

tor to the charger (see in section I:

“Connecting the charger”). The

charge menu illustrated below appears

automatically.

START

13a

14a

Fig.13

Fig.14

Fig.15

12a The Compex has been charging for 3 mi-

nutes and 8 seconds (a full charge may take

from 1h30 to 2 hours with the rapid charger

delivered with your device).

12b Charging is in progress and the small

battery symbol is not completely full.

When charging is completed, total charge

duration flashes and the small battery is

completely full. The Compex switches off

automatically as soon as you disconnect the

charger.

8. Problems and solutions

Electrode fault

13a-14a The Compex “bleeps” and alterna-

tively displays the symbol of a couple of elec-

trodes and an arrow pointing to the channel

where a problem has been detected. Below,

the stimulator has detected an electrode

fault on channel 2.

12a 12b

Fig.12

English

The choice of electrodes size (large or

small) and the correct positioning of

the electrodes on the muscular group

to be stimulated are determinant and

essential factors for the effectiveness

of the stimulation. Therefore, always

use the size of electrodes shown in

the pictures. Unless you have other

specific medical instructions, always

follow the placement directions in the

pictures. If necessary, find the best

position by slightly moving the

positive polarity electrode, so as to

obtain the best muscle contraction

or the position that seems most

comfortable.

Compex Group disclaims all

responsibility for electrodes positioned

in any other manner.

2.Stimulation positions

To determine the stimulation position

to adopt depending on the placement

of the electrodes and the chosen program,

refer to the pictures and pictograms on the

poster and to the “Table with placements of

electrodes and stimulation positions” in

chapter VII.

The stimulation position depends on

the muscular group to be stimulated

and the program chosen.

For the programs involving powerful

muscular contractions, the muscle

should always be stimulated in an

isometric fashion. Consequently, you

should fix the extremity of the stimula-

ted limb(s) firmly. In this way, you

provide maximum resistance to the

movement and prevent any shortening

of the muscle during the contraction,

which could create cramp pains and

serious stiffness after the session. For

example, when stimulating the

quadriceps, the user should be in a

seated position with the ankles fixed

with straps to prevent extension of the

knees.

For the other types of programs (for

example, the

Pain

programs and the

Active recovery

program), which do

not involve powerful muscular

contractions, position yourself as

comfortably as possible.

3.Setting the stimulation

energy level

In a stimulated muscle, the number

of recruited fibres depends on the

stimulation energy. For the programs

involving powerful muscular contrac-

tions, it is therefore absolutely neces-

sary to use maximum stimulation

energy, always at the limit of what you

can support, so as to involve the

greatest possible number of fibres.

The “Table with placements of

electrodes and stimulation positions”

in chapter VII provides information

on the energy to use, depending on

the selected program.

4.Progression in the levels

In general, it is not advisable to go

through the different levels quickly

with the intention of reaching level 5

as fast as possible. In fact, the

different levels correspond to progress

with electrostimulation.

The simplest and most usual procedure

is to start with level 1 and raise the

level when changing to a new stimu-

lation cycle.

At the end of a cycle, you may either

start a new cycle at the next level up

or do some maintenance at the rate

of 1 session a week at the last level

reached.

1.Placement of electrodes

It is recommended that you comply

with the suggested placements. To do

this, refer to the pictures and pictograms

shown on the poster and to the “Table with

placements of electrodes and stimulation

positions” in chapter VII.

Astimulation cable consists of two

poles:

a positive pole (+) = red connection

a negative pole (–) = black connection

Adifferent electrode must be connec-

ted to each of the two poles.

Note: It is possible and normal to

have an electrode arrangement that

leads one electrode connection free

from a cable.

Depending on the characteristics of

the current used for each program,

the electrode connected to the

positive pole (red connection) is

more effective when placed in a

“strategic” position.

For all muscle electrostimulation

programs, i.e., programs involving

muscle contractions, it is important to

place the positive polarity electrode

on the muscle motor point.

Benefits of electrostimulation

Electrostimulation is a very effective way to make

your muscles work:

■ with significant improvement of different

muscular qualities,

■ without cardio-vascular or mental fatigue,

■ with limited stress on the joints and tendons.

Electrostimulation thus allows a greater quantity

of work by the muscles compared with voluntary

activity.

To be effective, this work must involve the greatest

possible number of muscular fibres. The number

of fibres working depends on the stimulation

V. USE PRINCIPLES

The use principles presented in this section should be considered general

rules. For all programs, it is recommended that you read carefully the

information and advice on use presented in chapter VI of this manual

(“Programs and specific applications”).

energy. It will therefore be necessary to use the

maximum tolerable energy. The user controls this

aspect of stimulation. The higher the stimula-

tion energy, the greater the number of muscu-

lar fibres that are working and, therefore, the

more significant the progress achieved.

To maximize your results, Compex recommends

that you complement your electrostimulation

sessions with other efforts, like:

■ regular exercise,

■ proper and healthy nutrition,

■ balanced lifestyle.

Do not use the pain relief programs for

a long period without medical advice.

English

If the pain is great and/or persistent, you are advised to consult a doctor. Only a

doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and put in place therapeutic actions

designed to encourage disappearance of the disorder.

Pain relief category

You can of course choose a muscular

group different from the one indicated,

depending on the activities you prac-

tice or the body area you wish to

stimulate.

The specific applications provide you

information on the placement of elec-

trodes and the stimulation position to

adopt. This information is represented

by numbers (placement of electrodes)

and letters (stimulation position).

They refer to the “Table with place-

ments of electrodes and stimulation

positions” in chapter VII and to the

poster with the pictures for the

placements of electrodes and the

pictograms for the body positions.

The table also indicates the stimulation

energy to use, according to the

program.

You must select in the device the

muscular group indicated on the

figurine. When no figurine appears

(–), it is not necessary to choose the

muscular group: the selection is

automatic.

VI. PROGRAMS

AND SPECIFIC APPLICATIONS

The applications that follow are given by way of example. They provide a

better understanding of how electrostimulation sessions can be combined with

voluntary activity. These protocols will help you to determine the best proce-

dure to follow depending on your needs (choice of the program, muscular

group, duration, placement of the electrodes, body position). Physical pain is an abnormal and unpleasant sen-

sation caused by an injury, a disorder or incorrect

functioning of a part of our organism. It is always

a signal sent to us by our bodies, one that should

not be ignored, and that in all cases requires us to

consult a doctor if it does not disappear quickly.

The approach to pain adopted by the medical

profession has changed considerably in recent years.

Treatment of the cause is always fundamental,

however the pain as such must be otherwise

removed or at least considerably reduced and

made bearable for the patient. The means to

combat pain have developed greatly, and there is

no longer any hesitation today in using powerful

analgesics to improve the quality of life of patients.

It is within this context that recourse to electrothe-

rapy has developed. Excitation of the nerve fibres

of sensation by means of electrical micro-impulses

is often the preferred method of combatting pain.

Today, such analgesic electrotherapy is widely

used, particularly in rehabilitation medicine and in

specialist pain treatment centres.

The precision of electrical currents allows the anal-

gesic action to be accurately targeted according to

the type of pain. It is up to the user to choose the

most appropriate program for the type of pain

and to follow practical recommendations in order

to obtain maximum effect.

Programs Effects Uses

English

The use of pain relief programs should not be prolonged without medical advice

Pain relief Pain relief

Neuralgia of the upper

limb (brachial neuralgia)

Modulated

TENS See application

page 24

Table of the pathologies

Pathologies Programs References

Chronic pain in the joints

(eg: arthrosis of the knee = gonarthrosis) Arthralgia See application

page 27

Chronic muscular pain

(polymyalgia) Endorphinic See application

page 24

Contracture (eg: localized

contracture in external side of the calf) Decontracture See application

page 24

Recent and acute back of the

neck muscle pains (torticollis) Torticollis See application

page 26

Chronic elbow pain

(epicondylitis = tennis elbow) Epicondylitis See application

page 26

Chronic muscular pain in

the back of the neck

(cervical pain)

Cervical pain See application

page 24

Sharp and recent muscular

pains affecting a muscle

in the low back (lumbago)

Lumbago See application

page 26

Muscular pain in the low back

region associated with pain in

the buttocks and at the back of

the thights (lumbosciatica)

Lumbosciatica See application

page 25

Muscular pain in the thoracic

region (thoracic back pain)

Thoracic back

pain See application

page 25

Muscular pain in the low

region (low back pain) Low back pain See application

page 25

Modulated

TENS Blocks transmission of pain

by the nervous system All acute or chronic

localized pain

Table of the Pain relief programs

Endorphinic Analgesic action through

the release of endorphinis

Increased blood flow

To combat chronic

muscular pain

Decontracture Reduced muscular tension

Relaxing effect To combat recent and

localized muscular pain

Cervical

pain

Analgesic action through

the release of endorphinis

Increased blood flow

Analgesic current specifically

adapted to pains in the back

of the neck

Thoracic

back pain

Analgesic action through

the release of endorphinis

Increased blood flow

Analgesic current specifically

adapted to low back pain

(lumbar region)

Low

back pain

Analgesic action through

the release of endorphinis

Increased blood flow

Analgesic current specifically

adapted to low back pain

(lumbar region)

Lumbosciatica Analgesic action through

the release of endorphinis

Increased blood flow

Analgesic current specifically

adapted to low back pain

(lumbar region) combined with

pain in the buttocks running

down the rear of the thigh and

sometimes into the leg and foot

Lumbago Reduced muscular tension

Relaxing effect

Analgesic current specifically

adapted to sharp and sudden

low back pain (lumar region)

Epicondylitis Blocks transmission of pain

by the nervous system

Analgesic current specifically

adapted to persistent pain

int he elbow

Torticollis Reduced muscular tension

Relaxing effect

Analgesic current specifically

adapted to acute and sharp

pains int he back of the neck

Arthralgia Blocks transmission of pain

by the nervous system

Analgesic current specifically

adapted to persistent pain in a

joint, as in osteoarthritis and rheu-

matsim (all joints in the limbs

except the elbow: see the Epi-

condylitis program above)

English

Cycle duration: 4 weeks, 2 x/day, with a 10

minute break between the 2 sessions

You are advised to consult your doctor if no

improvement is observed after the first

week of use

Program: Cervical pain

◊

Muscular pain in the thoracic region

(thoracic back pain)

Vertebral arthritis and positions in which

the muscles of the spinal column remain

under tension for long periods of time

are often responsible for the onset of pain

in the middle of the back, which is accen-

tuated with fatigue. Pressure of the fingers

on the muscles on either side of the spinal

column can often trigger a sharp pain.

These pains are due to a contracture of

the muscles, of which the prolonged

tension crushes the blood vessels and

prevents the blood from supplying and

oxygenating the muscle fibres. If the

phenomenon is prolonged, there is an

accumulation of acid and the blood vessels

atrophy. The pain then becomes continuous

or can appear after only a few minutes

spent working in an unfavourable position.

These chronic back pains can be effectively

treated with the Thoracic back pain

program which reactivates the circulation,

drains accumulations of acid, oxygenates

the muscles, develops the capillaries and

relaxes the contractured muscles.

Cycle duration: 4 weeks, 2 x/week with a 10

minute break between the 2 sessions

You are advised to consult your doctor if no

improvement is observed after the first

week of use

Program: Thoracic back pain

◊

Muscular pain in the low back region

(low back pain)

Low-back pain is the most frequently

encountered pain. In a standing position,

the entire weight of the trunk is concen-

trated on the joints between the last

vertebrae and the sacrum. The low back

region is therefore under particular strain.

The discs between the vertebrae are crushed

and the low back muscles contractured

and painful.

There are very many treatments for the

relief of low back pain sufferers; among

these, the specific currents of the Compex

Low back pain program provide an

appreciable improvement and can even

resolve the problem if it is essentially

muscular in origin.

Cycle duration: 4 weeks, 2 x/day, with a 10

minute break between the 2 sessions

You are advised to consult your doctor if no

improvement is observed after the first

week of use

Program: Low back pain

◊

Muscular pain in the low back region

associated with pain in the buttocks and

at the back of the thighs (lumbosciatica)

Low back pain is the most frequent pain.

When standing, the entire weight of the

trunk is concentrated on the joints between

the last vertebrae and the sacrum. The

low back region is therefore placed under

particular strain. The discs between the

vertebrae are crushed and the low back

muscles are contracted and painful.

The discs between the last two vertebrae

or between the last vertebra and the sacrum

frequently become damaged as a result of

the pressure of the vertebrae. This damage

can give rise to an irritation, or compres-

sion, of the nerve roots which exit the

spinal column and continue down the

buttocks and legs. The pain not only affects

the low back, but also runs down the side

of one buttock, the back of the thigh and

sometimes into the leg. In this case the

condition is known as lumbosciatica, for

which it is always necessary to consult a

doctor, so that the degree of compression

of the nerve roots can be assessed and a

suitable treatment prescribed.

The specific currents of the Compex

Lumbosciatica program provide an

effective treatment against pain, but must

always be used as a supplement to other

treatments prescribed by your doctor.

Cycle duration: 4 weeks, 3 x/week

You are advised to consult your doctor if no

improvement is observed after the first

week of use

Program: Lumbosciatica

◊

Specific applications

Neuralgia of the upper limb

(brachial neuralgia)

Some people suffer from arthritis in the

joints of the vertebrae at the back of the

neck, or from arthritis or periarthritis of

the shoulder. These situations often give

rise to pain that runs down one arm and

is known as “brachial neuralgia”. These

arm pains that start in the shoulder or the

back of the neck can be reduced with the

Compex Modulated TENS program by

following the practical recommendations

outlined below.

Cycle duration: 1 week, 1 x/day minimum, then

adapt according to how the pain develops

According to requirements, the Modulated

TENS program can be repeated a number of

times during the same day

Program: Modulated TENS

◊

Chronic muscular pain (polymyalgia)

Some people suffer from muscular pain

that affects several muscles or parts of

different muscles at the same time. The

localization of this chronic pain can vary

over time. These continual and diffuse

muscle pains are the result of chronic

contractures in which acids and toxins

accumulate, irritating the nerves and

causing pain. The Endorphinic program is

particularly effective against such pain

since, in addition to its pain-reducing

effect, it increases the blood flow to the

contractured muscular groups and removes

from them accumulations of acids and

toxins.

Example: localized pain in the biceps.

However, the pain may affect other

muscular groups. The practical application

illustrated below remains valid, but it is

then necessary to place the electrodes on

the muscular group concerned.

Cycle duration: 4 weeks, 2 x/day, with a 10

minute break between the 2 sessions

You are advised to consult your doctor if no

improvement is observed after the first

week of use

Program: Endorphinic

◊

Pain relief Pain relief

Contracture (eg: localized contracture in

external side of the calf)

After tiring muscle work, intense training

or a sporting competition, certain muscles

or certain parts of muscles often remain

tense and slightly painful. These are

known as muscular contractures which

should disappear after a few days with

rest, good rehydration, a balanced food

intake with mineral salts and application

of the Decontracture program. The

phenomenon of contracture frequently

affects the calf muscles, but can also occur

with other muscles. In this case, simply

follow the same practical recommendations

as below, but place the electrodes on the

muscular group concerned.

Cycle duration: 1 week, 1 x/day

You are advised to consult your doctor if no

improvement is observed after the first

week of use

Program: Decontracture

◊

Chronic muscular pain in the back of the

neck (cervical pain)

Positions in which the muscles of the

back of the neck remain tense for long

periods of time, for example working

in front of a computer screen, may be

responsible for the onset of pain in the

back of the neck or on either side of the

base of the neck, in the upper back.

These pains are due to a contracture of

the muscles, of which the prolonged

tension crushes the blood vessels and

prevents the blood from supplying and

oxygenating the muscle fibres. If this

phenomenon is prolonged, there is an

accumulation of acid and the blood

vessels atrophy. The pain then becomes

continuous or appears after only a few

minutes spent working in an unfavourable

position.

These chronic pains in the back of the

neck can be treated effectively with the

Cervical pain program, which reactivates

the circulation, drains accumulations of

acid, oxygenates the muscles, develops

the capillaries and relaxes the contractu-

red muscles.

English

Torticollis (recent and acute back of the

neck muscle pains)

As a consequence of various circumstances,

such as, for example, a rather sudden

movement of the neck, an incorrect sleeping

position or exposure to a cold environment,

a sharp pain may be felt in the back of the

neck often accompanied by a considerable

reduction of the mobility of the cervical

region. A person affected by this problem

has contracted muscles in the back of the

neck and feels a sharp pain there. Together

these symptoms represent what is known

as “torticollis”, which is mainly the result

of a sharp and intense contracture of the

muscles in the back of the neck.

In this kind of situation, it is always neces-

sary to consult a doctor in order to receive

appropriate treatment.

In addition, Compex' specific Torticollis

program can effectively help to relax the

muscles and eliminate the pain.

Cycle duration: 1 week, 1 x/day

You are advised to consult your doctor if no

improvement is observed after the first

week of use

Program: Torticollis

◊

Chronic pain in the joints

(eg: gonarthrosis = arthrosis of the knee)

Various factors, such as an overweight

condition, age, shock, incorrect body

positions, compressions, etc., are bad for

the joints. Under the action of these

unfavourable factors, the joints deteriorate,

and become inflamed and painful. This is

known as arthritis, mostly affecting the

large joints, such as the hip, the knee or

the shoulder. The pain in these joints is

called “arthralgia”.

The Compex Arthralgia program supplies

specific currents to combat this type of

pain.

The Arthralgia program does not lead to

regeneration of the joint but can be used to

supplement treatment prescribed by the

doctor, who must always be consulted for

this type of pain.

Cycle duration: 1 week, 1 x/day minimum, then

adapt according to how the pain develops

According to requirements, the Arthralgia

program can be repeated several times

during the same day

Program: Arthralgia

◊

Sharp and recent muscular pains

affecting a muscle in the low back

(lumbago)

During back movement, for example

when lifting something, when turning or

when standing up straight after bending

down, a sudden pain can be triggered in

the low back. Those who suffer from this

problem present a contracture of the low

back muscles and feel a sharp pain in

this region; because they cannot stand

completely straight, they remain bent over

on one side. All of these symptoms indicate

what is known as lumbago, which is prin-

cipally the result of a sharp and intense

contracture of the low back muscles

(lumbar region).

In a situation such as this, it is always

necessary to consult a doctor to receive

appropriate treatment.

In addition to such treatment, the specific

Compex Lumbago program can help

effectively to relax the muscles and

remove the pain.

Cycle duration: 4 weeks, 3 x/week

You are advised to consult your doctor if no

improvement is observed after the first

week of use

Program: Lumbago

◊

Chronic elbow pain

(epicondylitis = tennis elbow)

All tendons of the muscles that allow us

to stretch our hand, wrist and fingers end

at the small external bone mass of the

elbow (epicondyle). Hand and finger

movements therefore transmit tensions

that are concentrated in the tendon endings

at this bone mass.

When hand movements are repetitive, as

is the case for painters, tennis players or

even those who constantly use the mouse

of a computer system, small injuries,

accompanied by inflammation and pain,

develop in the region of the epicondyle.

This is known as "epicondylitis", which is

characterised by pain around the external

bone mass of the elbow when pressure is

applied or when the forearm muscles are

contracted.

The Compex Epicondylitis program

supplies specific current to combat this

type of pain. It acts effectively as a

supplement to rest.

However, it is neccary to consult your

doctor if the pain gets worse or does not

disappear quickly after a few sessions.

Cycle duration: 1 week, 2 x/week minimum, then

adapt according to how the pain develops

According to requirements, the Epicondylitis

program can be repeated several times

during the same day

Program: Epicondylitis

◊

Pain relief Pain relief

English

Relaxing

massage

Decreased muscular tension

Drainage of the toxins

responsible for the exaggerated

increase of muscular tone

Effect of well-being and

relaxation

To eliminate uncomfortable

or painful sensations,

following an exaggerated

increase of muscular tone

Reviving

massage

Considerable increase of blood

flow in the stimulated region

Improvement of tissue

oxygenation

Elimination of free radicals

To contrast effectively

sensations of fatigue and

localised heaviness

Toning

massage

Activation of blood circulation

Recovery of muscular

contractile properties

Invigorating effect

To prepare the muscles in

an ideal manner before an

unusual/one-time physical

activity

Massage

Massage category

If strong pain persists, the programs of the Massage category should never be used

for long periods without first seeking medical advice.

The programs of the Compex ≥category subject

the muscles of the stimulated region to moderate

activity, which produces beneficial

effects that help to improve physical comfort and

well-being.

Remaining in the same working position for a long

time (for example, sitting in front of a computer

screen), conditions of stress, repeated jostling,

insufficient muscular conditioning before physical

activity are all very frequent situations that are

often responsible for uncomfortable bodily

sensations.

The automatic progression of the various stimula-

tion sequences, specific to each program of the

Massage category, allows each user to adapt the

effects of stimulation to his own needs and objectives.

Programs Effects Uses

English

Vascular category

Massage

Treatment of uncomfortable muscular

tensions in the back of the neck

Remaining in a seated position for long

periods, associated with repetitive

movements of the upper limbs (as is

frequently the case in front of a computer

screen), is often responsible for an

uncomfortable – or even painful – increase

of muscle tension of the back of the neck

muscles.

Any other condition of stress may also

create situations leading to a state of

excessive muscular tension, which is often

responsible for painful or uncomfortable

sensations.

The in-depth effects produced by the

Relaxing massage

program enable to

contrast effectively such painful sensations,

with a particularly significant result in

terms of relaxation.

Cycle duration: To be used on the back of the neck

muscles, whenever an occasional sensation of

painful muscular tension is felt; to be repeated, if

necessary, in cases of particularly strong

muscular tension

Program:

Relaxing massage

15◊

Treatment of a localised sensation of

heaviness or an occasional state of

fatigue

The many stresses of everyday life are

often responsible for uncomfortable, or

even painful, physical sensations. A

circulation slowdown is often the result of

insufficient physical activity, frequently

aggravated by the need in one’s working

life to remain in the same position for

many hours (in a seated position, for

example).

Although not serious, this simple “vascular

slowdown” is, however, frequently the

cause of unpleasant sensations (for

example: a sensation of heaviness, often

localised in the lower limbs, but also, at

times, in another region of the body).

The program produces, in the greatest

comfort, a reactivation of the blood

circulation that allows an acceleration of

tissue oxygenation and the elimination

of painful sensations, due to insufficient

physical effort.

Cycle duration: To be used on the calf muscles,

whenever an occasional sensation of heaviness is

felt; to be repeated, if necessary, in cases of

persistent discomfort

Program:

Reviving massage

25◊

Muscular and circulation conditioning

before physical activity

People who regularly practise sports are

well aware of the transition, which is

often painful, between a rest activity and

an occasional physical effort.

The objective of the usual warming-up

techniques is to respond to this need to

activate progressively the physiological

functions involved in one-time physical

activity. This physiological need is also

very desirable for moderate but unusual

physical efforts, as is frequently the case

for most of us (treks, biking, jogging,

etc.).

The

Toning massage

program offers an

ideal benefit in the form of optimal

muscular and circulation conditioning

before any type of physical effort. It allows

us to avoid the uncomfortable sensations

– usually experienced during the first few

minutes of unusual physical efforts – and

to limit the secondary consequences of

insufficient preparation (aches, etc.).

Cycle duration: To be used on the muscles most

subject to stress in the physical activity involved

(in this example: the quadriceps), in the last

thirty minutes preceding physical activity

Program:

Toning massage

8◊

Specific applications

The low frequency current used of the Vascular

category of Compex programs significantly

improves blood circulation in the stimulated area.

Indeed many people, more particularly women

who remain standing for long periods, suffer from

circulatory problems. These mainly affect the legs

and are caused by stagnation of the blood and the

lymph and are manifested by a feeling of "heavy

legs", swelling, or the dilatation of surface veins.

The consequences are multiple: fatigue, tension,

pain, lack of oxygenation of tissue and the

appearance of varicose veins and oedemas.

According to the program used, the muscular

twitches are more or less rapid, separate, and

adopt different rhythms. The result is a specific

action for each program, and for this reason

you are advised to follow closely the indications

of the different treatments so that optimum results

can be obtained.

If the symptoms are serious and/or persistent, you are advised to consult a doctor.

Only a doctor can establish an accurate diagnosis and put in place all therapeutic

measures required to cure the disorder.

English

Preparation for seasonal endurance

activity (eg: hiking, bicycle touring)

Sporting physical activities that last a

long time (walking, cycling, cross-country

skiing, etc.) require strong muscles with

a good capillary circulation so that the

muscle fibres can be properly oxygenated.

When a long-duration physical activity is

not practised, or not practised regularly

enough, the muscles lose their capacity to

effectively consume oxygen and the

capillary system becomes rarefied. This

lack of muscular quality makes exercising

uncomfortable and limits the speed of

recuperation, and is responsible for many

unpleasant side effects such as drowsiness,

contractures, cramp and swelling.

To restore to muscles their endurance

and ensure full activation of the capillary

system, the Compex offers a very efficient

mode of stimulation.

Cycle duration: 6-8 weeks before starting the hike,

3 x/week, alternating muscular groups

Programs:

Capillarization

8◊

and

Capillarization

25◊

Supplement to the Muscle tone, Muscle

firming, Shaping or Refinement programs

of the Aesthetic category

Voluntary muscle work or work carried

out with electrostimulation can be

supplemented to good effect by the

Capillarization

program Indeed, the marked

increase in blood flow in the muscle

capillaries produced by the

Capillarization

treatment allows maximum oxygenation

of the muscles and surrounding tissue.

Muscle fibres are thus correctly oxygenated

and obtain maximum benefit from the

exercise they have just carried out. In

addition, drainage and oxygenation of the

surrounding tissue restores equilibrium

and rounds off the work.

Cycle duration: 13 weeks, Follow each session

Muscle tone, Muscle firming

Shaping

with 1

Capillarization

session

Program:

Capillarization

◊on the same muscle

group as the program of the Aesthetic category

used previously

Prevention of the feeling of heaviness in

the legs

The feeling of heaviness in the legs is due

to a temporary deficiency in the venous

return, and not to major organic lesions.

Stagnation of the blood mass in the legs is

encouraged in certain situations: prolon-

ged periods in a standing position, long

periods continuously seated, intense heat,

etc. The insufficient supply of oxygen to

the tissue, and in particular the muscles,

that results from this situation, causes the

feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the

legs. Use of the

Heavy legs

program

accelerates the return of blood to the

veins and has an important relaxing effect

on the painful muscles.

Cycle duration: 6-8 weeks before starting the

hike, 3 x/week, alternating muscular groups

Program:

Heavy legs

25 JL -

Prevention of cramp in the calf muscles

Many people suffer from cramp in the

calf muscles, which can appear sponta-

neously during rest at night or as a result

of prolonged muscular effort. The pheno-

menon of cramp may in part be caused

by a disequilibrium of blood flow in the

muscles.

To improve the blood circulation and

prevent the onset of cramp, the Compex

offers a specific stimulation program. Use

of this program in accordance with the

procedure below will allow you to obtain

positive results and limit the occurrence of

cramp.

Cycle duration: 5 weeks, 1 x/day, at the end of

the day or at night

Program:

Cramp prevention

25◊

Specific applications

Capillarization Very marked increase in blood

flow

Development of capillaries

Heavy legs

Increased venous return

Increased supply of oxygen to

muscles

Drop in muscular tension

Elimination of tendency to

have cramp

To remove the feeling of

heaviness in the legs arising

in unusual situations

(standing for long periods,

heat, hormonal imbalance

linked to the menstrual cycle,

etc.)

Cramp

prevention

Improved circulation to

prevent the onset of nocturnal

cramp or cramp after strains

Cramp mainly affects muscles

of the lower limbs, in

particular the calf muscles

Lymphatic

drainage

Deep massage of the

stimulated area

Activation of return lymphatic

circulation

To contrast occasional swel-

ling of the feet and ankles

As a supplement to pressure

therapy or manual lymphatic

drainage

Do not use without medical

advice in case of oedemas

that are the side effect of

a pathological problem

Vascular Vascular

In the period before competi-

tion, for those participating

in endurance or resistance

sports

As a supplement to a

program of the Aesthetic

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