Fluidotherapy Specialists

ERS, Inc. BioMedical Service

11608 Perpetual Drive

Odessa FL 33556
800-479-2987 | 727-807-7928 | 727-807-7929fax

_Home
_Parts Page
_Fluidotherapy Page
_Used Equipment
_Calibration Page
_Lead wire Page
_Safety test Page
_Manuals/Schematics
Page

Email

Dan Helphrey Svc Mngr
Tom Summer ServiceTech Mngr
Jesse Coleman Cal Tech
Don Rogai Cal Tech
Marion Helphrey Office Mngr
Nelson Suarez Field Tech
Belinda Liss Reporting

Forms and legal documents

Troubleshooting

"HEATER Issues"

It is becoming more frequent that the heaters in the Fluidotherapy units are failing more often than anticipated, we have contacted the manufacturer of these heaters to find out if there have been any changes in the manufacturing process or in the materials used to manufacture. Apparently this in not the case.  We have been told that if the heater is discolored or "blued" then the heater has reached a maximum "terminal temperature" (1800-2300 degrees F)

This is being caused by a lack of proper airflow over the heater.

Here are some tips to help alleviate the failure of the heater.

1: Make sure the side vents are cleaned everyday, if you have the old style vent (round), replaced them with the new style (square) with the removable filters.

2. On the 115 units, verify that both motors are functional. it may seem that the unit is working, but verify by removing the front panel, and check to see that both motors are sucking air, if you feel a breeze from one motor...it's bad, replace them both. (be careful, the unit is powered and running, you will possibly be exposed to 120vac)

3. While the unit is running, and the panel is removed, feel around the bottom of the motors and around the gaskets to make sure there is no air leak, also check behind the motors where the silicone attaches the two hulls. Also verify that the motors are seated well and tight and that the wires aren't coming through the gaskets. (be careful, the unit is powered and running, you will possibly be exposed to 120vac)

4. If the side vents are dirty, most likely the internal fiberglass insulation will be dirty and or clogged as well, you may have to clear a path using a hose or other flexible material from the side vents up to the motor chamber.

5. The distributor (foam barrier) may be clogged, this is difficult to verify, but if the unit comes up to heat very rapidly, or wont stabilize, or gets to hot, then replace the distributor (slideshow)

6. Due to the dust that is produced by the medium, many clinics cover the top vent(s), with towels and or magazines to limit the airflow from the unit. this can cause a backup of air flow and will cause the heater to overheat and burnout.

  Replacement Parts and Supplies  

Service Procedures

Looking for fluidotherapy

equipment repair

in your area?

Click on Map

Have you noticed that your unit is getting too hot?, make sure the vents on your system are clean from debris, that's the #1 cause of motor wear.

 Did you know that you should replace the medium in your unit at least once per year. Contaminants like dead skin and other debris can build up in the medium. They can also clog your air distributor in the unit.

If you have questions about the service and operation of your fluidotherapy system, please call us at 1-800-479-2987

We can also help you diagnose a problem over the phone.

Information for your patients,

Fluidotherapy is a therapy often used to relax localized areas for conditions such as arthritis, circulatory disorders and certain sports related injuries. The concept of fluidotherapy is based on a dry heat treatment that uses pulverized organic material such as walnut shells or grain husks. These materials are suspended and circulated in a heated air stream. The organic material of the fluidotherapy radiates heat and generates stimulation and pressure to certain areas of the body. Fluidotherapy is usually used for upper extremities such as the muscle and joint structures of the hand and wrist. When the hand or wrist is immersed, the warm air is forced from the bottom of the machine through particles forming an air-fluidized bed. Fluidotherapy has the ability to attain higher degrees of temperature than other methods of heat application. It is important to have the materials in the machine circulate at the correct temperature, speed and density. This type of therapy also performs a soft tissue massage. Fluidotherapy serves only as a temporary relief of pain. It is not a treatment used on a long term basis. Fluidotherapy increases circulation to an area; therefore it may make tissue more flexible to assist in improving range of motion.

    Fluidotherapy is primarily used to desensitize tissue. Desensensitizing tissue reduces or removes any form of sensitivity (Stedman’s Pocket Dictionary 197). Many physical and occupational therapists choose to use fluidotherapy rather than other methods because it provides a higher temperature than other heating methods. An individual's tissue is desensitized by the temperature of the fluidotherapy. The temperature ranges from 110 degrees Fahrenheit to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and it maintains this temperature for 20-30 minutes (Stanley and Tributz 220). Because of the high temperature in the fluidotherapy machine the elasticity of the connective tissue of the hand can be altered. Fluidotherapy can penetrate one to two centimeters beneath the skin. Elevation of the tissue temperature reduces pain and decreases the viscosity and increases elasticity of connective tissue to make treatment techniques easier to perform.

    There are different types of fluidotherapy machines. The fluidotherapy machine can accommodate only one extremity at a time. Most people go to an outpatient rehabilitation office to use the equipment.

    Fluidotherapy is an excellent form of treatment to help provide pain relief and improve range of motion. However, there are many other treatments that can be used to augment Fluidotherapy. A combination of Fluidotherapy and other treatments are means that help physical and occupational therapists treat patients successfully.

MVI_1022.swf   Fluido blowing medium out of heater chamber