EX N' FLEX EF-100: IMPORTANT PROGRAM GUIDELINES When introducing any new therapy or exercise it is imperative to begin slowly and progress gradually. Starting slowly and gradually progressing allows your body time to adapt to the different stresses being placed upon it. There is no upper limit to the amount of use one can achieve. The upper limit is established by each individual and is dependant on how each individual reacts to this therapy. It is very important to understand, if you increase the amount of time too quickly you open yourself to the possibility of having an overuse injury occur. How many days a week should I do the Ex N' Flex ? In most circumstances the Ex N' Flex therapy can be done daily. However, some individuals find they may become too fatigued or experience increased muscle soreness when doing it every day. In this circumstance an every 2nd or 3rd day routine may be more comfortable, as well as, more beneficial. How much time should I start with on the Ex N' Flex ? The recommended amount of time for the first week is 5 to 6 minutes per session. This time should be split between the forward and reverse directions. Some individuals will find they may not be able to achieve even 5 minutes. In this circumstance try to do, as much time as, feels comfortable. Once again try to split the time evenly between forward and reverse. If after the first week everything is feeling comfortable, a gradual increase of 2 to 4 minutes is recommended. The same increase of 2 to 4 minutes is recommended each week thereafter as long as you are feeling comfortable with your routine. Which movement pattern should I start with on the Ex N' Flex ? It is recommended to start with only one movement plane for the first week. Usually the horizontal or 45 degree position is best. However, this will usually be best determined by each individual based on their individual flexibility and level of contracture or spasticity. Once the individual has begun to feel comfortable with the initial movement pattern they can begin to introduce a second and finally the third position. What direction should I start using? It is recommended to use the Ex N' Flex in both forward and reverse directions. The total amount of time should be split equally between each direction. This is not always possible as and once again this will be determined by each individuals level of flexibility, strength and level of contracture or spasticity. What speed should I start with on the Ex N' Flex? The recommended starting speed is "low". However, in cases of increased stiffness or spasticity sometimes it is necessary to begin in medium or high speed to get the legs moving. *ATTENTION: IF YOU HAVE THE EX N' FLEX IN HIGH SPEED AND IT WILL NOT MOVE YOUR ARM THROUGH THE RANGE OF MOVEMENT, PHONE YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO ATTAIN FURTHER METHODS OF PROGRESSING. After starting in low speed you can begin to experiment with medium and high speed after 3 or 4 sessions. How many sessions per day can I do the Ex N' Flex ? It is recommended that you start with only 1 session per day to begin. You can work in to multiple sessions over time. Please consult your representative to get instructions regarding multiple sessions.