Instructions For Use Kaia Knee and Hip Pain
Kaia Knee and Hip Pain: Instructions for Use
Revision: 1
Date: June 23rd, 2020
Welcome to Kaia!
Thank you for choosing Kaia Knee and Hip Pain to be a part of your pain relief. Congratulations on taking the first step!
If you are reading this, then you are one of millions around the world suffering from joint pain. The good news is, you’ve taken an important first step toward better joint health. Together with thousands of other users you decided to get active against joint pain. Kaia Knee and Hip Pain training can be done in just minutes per day. Schedule in a quick session before work, during your lunch break and even while you travel! It is easy to use in the comfort of your home, engaging and entertaining.
In this document, we have collected important information to help you get started with Kaia Knee and Hip Pain, henceforth called Kaia. If your questions have not been addressed here, please reach out to your in-app Coach or contact us at support@kaiahealth.com. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!
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The Kaia Therapy Concept
WARNING: Read these instructions carefully before use. Before using Kaia, consult a physician and schedule a medical check-up so you can be cleared for physical therapy.
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How Kaia works
Kaia is a digital therapy app that is based on the evidence-based concept of multidisciplinary rehabilitation. This means that Kaia delivers content, renewed daily, that is intended to teach users to self-manage their pain. This content combines several approaches that are particularly effective when used together. After you have completed an initial Self Test during the signup process, you are presented with content from three different categories:
- Physical Exercises - Simple exercise routines tailored to your specific needs which can help you to manage joint pain in the comfort of your home.
- Relaxation Practices - Using the latest findings from mindfulness and progressive muscle relaxation, Kaia helps your brain and body to cope with chronic pain in a gentle but effective way.
- Learning Modules - Understanding the cause of your joint pain and the connections in your body helps you to manage it more efficiently.
We advise our users to adhere as closely as possible to the instructions to avoid potential harm and to gain maximum benefits.
WARNING: If you experience severe pain or loss of function in any body part during or after the use of Kaia, stop the exercise immediately and consult a physician.
Kaia should be used once a daily, between three and seven times a week, unless you have been instructed otherwise by a healthcare professional.
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Kaia can be used when (Intended use and Indications)
Kaia is intended for self-management of chronic knee and hip pain through wear and tear (osteoarthritis), and for self-management following previous episodes comparable claims. Patients can use the app with or without current or past supervision from medical professionals but need to have undergone prior medical examination to exclude causes for joint pain that would require specific treatment. The app is designed to be used directly by laypersons in a home setting without prior training.
WARNING: Kaia cannot diagnose your conditions or injuries and cannot safely exclude potentially dangerous causes for your joint pain. Do not use Kaia in lieu of medical consultation. Please consult your physician if you have any questions related to diagnosis.
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Kaia should not be used when (Contraindications)
WARNING: You should only use the Kaia Knee and Hip Pain App if you do not have any of the contraindications listed below and if you have already seen a doctor. Before you use the Kaia Knee and Hip Pain App, your doctor should exclude any cause for joint pain that would require specific treatment and clear you to do physical exercises such as those used in the Kaia Knee and Hip Pain App.
Potential joint injury
Do not use the Kaia Knee and Hip Pain App if your joint pain is due to a fall or other physical injury and you have not received a medical examination from a physician to rule out joint injury.
Decreased bone density
Do not use the Kaia Knee and Hip Pain App if you have a history of low bone density (bone loss related to age or other medical reasons) unless your doctor has given you a medical exam and cleared you to do physical exercises such as those used in the Kaia Knee and Hip Pain App.
Joint infection
Do not use the Kaia Knee and Hip Pain App if you have or have recently had unexplained fever, a recent bacterial infection, unexplained potential infection symptoms (feeling sick or exhausted), or a recent injection anywhere in the body unless you have received a medical examination from a physician clearing you for physical exercises such as those used in the Kaia Knee and Hip Pain App.
Previous joint surgery to the large joints
Do not use the Kaia Knee and Hip Pain App if you have already had surgery on your spine, unless you have received a medical examination from a physician clearing you for physical exercises such as those used in the Kaia Knee and Hip Pain app.
Advanced heart disease
Do not use the Kaia Knee and Hip Pain App if you have or have had any of the following unless your doctor has given you a medical exam and cleared you to do physical exercises such as those used in the Kaia Knee and Hip Pain App:
- History of heart disease
- Shortness of breath after climbing less than 2 flights of stairs
- Other unexplained cardiovascular (related to the heart and blood vessels) complaints (such as heart palpitations, leg swelling, and cough)
Conditions affecting your control over your lower body (from hips to toes)
Do not use the Kaia Knee and Hip Pain App if you have any conditions affecting your control over your lower body (such as a neurological condition) unless your doctor has given you a medical exam and cleared you to do physical exercises such as those used in the Kaia Knee and Hip Pain App.
Pregnancy
Do not use the Kaia Knee and Hip App if you are or think you may be pregnant.
Gait imbalance or history of falls
Do not use the Kaia Knee and Hip App if you have or have had any of the following unless your doctor has given you a medical exam and cleared you to do physical exercises such as those used in the Kaia Knee and Hip Pain App:
- Walking imbalance
- History of falling
- Dizziness or low blood pressure brought on by exercise
Coagulopathy or history of bleeding event
Do not use the Kaia Knee and Hip Pain App if you have or have had any of the following unless your doctor has given you a medical exam and cleared you to do physical exercises such as those used in the Kaia Knee and Hip Pain App:
- History of hemorrhage (excessive bleeding from a blood vessel)
- History of a bleeding event (instance of heavy blood loss)
- Bleeding disorder
Do not use the Kaia Knee and Hip App if you have trouble understanding any portion of the instructions in the app.
Do not use the Kaia Knee and Hip App if you are under 16 years of age.
WARNING: Use the Kaia Knee and Hip program responsibly. Only use the program if you understand the language used.
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Known side effects of Kaia Knee and Hip Pain
The following side effects have been reported for Kaia rehabilitation products in the past:
- Changes of pain intensity and location (most often increased intensity of pain during or after exercise, change in location of pain)
- Pain in neck muscles during or after exercise
- Pain in other parts of the body than during or after exercise
- Unpleasant sensations during exercise (like snapping sensations or temporary dizziness)
- Cramps in muscles during or after exercise
If these complaints are persistent for longer than a few days. please consult a physician.
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Your Daily Therapy
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Physical Exercises
Physical exercises are the cornerstone of your daily therapy. Based on the Self Test answers you provided when you signed up, the feedback you give after each exercise session, and the data of thousands of other Kaia users, the app will select the best exercises for you every day. To start a physical exercise session, select a “Movement” card and click “Start”.
Hint: To see which exercises are included in your session for that day, just scroll down from the card graphic for a preview.
Once you begin your daily program, the app will start to download the exercise videos. Please note: We recommend connecting to WiFi prior to starting your program as the downloads can be sizeable. If you choose not to connect to WiFi, please check with your service provide regarding data usage and overages.
Step 1: Instruction Video
Before your training begins, the Kaia app will show you a short introduction with the proper way to perform the exercise. Pay close attention to how the exercise is being executed and listen for hints on how to maintain the proper form. If you forget or need a reminder, you can always revisit the instructions during the exercise session. To do so, press “Pause” then the “Instructions” button.
Step 2: Exercise execution
After the instructions, it will be your turn to exercise. For static exercises, Kaia will show you the position to hold. In the case of dynamic exercises, you will be shown the proper execution. Simply perform the movement for the duration indicated by the timer in the bottom right corner of the screen. To pause your training, press the “Pause” button on the bottom left. To cancel your training, select the “x” in the top right corner. Please note: If you cancel your training, no progress will be saved.
Pause Screen
Once you have paused the exercise, you will be shown the pause screen. From this screen, you can skip the exercise, cancel the training, or revisit the instructions by clicking each respective button. You can add exercises to “Favorites” by clicking the “star” button. These exercises can be found and revisited in the “You” tab, under your “Favorite” list.
To save your favorite exercises during exercising: First, access the “Pause” screen by pressing the “Pause” button. From there, click the “Favorite” star button to save the exercise to “Favorites”.Motion Coach
For some exercises, Kaia offers additional support to ensure proper execution. Motion Coach, an AI-based digital personal coach, helps keep track of your repetitions, as well as offers guidance as you perform the exercise. Motion Coach uses your phone’s camera to pinpoint your movements and give you real-time feedback. To use Motion Coach, click on the “Motion Coach” icon or go to the “Progress” tab and look for Motion Coach enabled exercises there. Please note: Motion Coach is not currently available on all exercises.
Once you click on the “Motion Coach” button, the exercise will automatically continue from where you paused with Motion Coach enabled. Please follow the instructions and adjust to the feedback given by Motion Coach.
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Relaxation Practices
The second pillar of your daily Kaia therapy is relaxation practices. It has been shown in scientific studies that pain-specific relaxation techniques can help sustainably and effectively reduce pain levels, particularly for persisting joint pain. Kaia currently features two different techniques to assist in relaxation: Breathing Exercises and Progressive Muscle Relaxation.
You can participate in both these techniques by enrolling in or leaving the respective courses in the course overview.
Relaxation practices are included in your daily program. To start a session, select a card by tapping on it and then click “Start”. The app will play an audio recording which will guide you through the entire exercise. You will have the option to give feedback once the exercise is completed.
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Education Modules
The third pillar of the daily Kaia therapy is learning modules. These concise and easy to digest sections offer additional information about the nature and background of your joint pain and help you understand how to achieve long-lasting pain relief. To start a learning module, please select a card by tapping on it and then click “Start”.
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The Kaia App
At the core of the Kaia therapy app is the “Plan” tab. This is where you will find your daily program with the units of the courses in which you are currently enrolled. However, the Kaia app experience does not stop here. There are other features and functions designed to enhance and enrich your experience.
WARNINGS:
- Always adhere to instructions given by Kaia and give honest answers upon self-assessment to ensure your safety.
- Never share your Kaia account with other people.
- Always update your app when offered as updates may contain content relevant to your safety.
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Tab “Plan”
At the core of the Kaia therapy app is the “Plan” tab. This is where you will find your daily program with the units of the courses in which you are currently enrolled and that are suggested to you. Once you have finished all courses for which you are enrolled, your daily program will be counted as completed. However, the Kaia app experience does not stop here. There are other features and functions designed to enhance and enrich your experience.
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Tab “You”
The “You” tab in the app serves two purposes. First, it shows you where you are in your Kaia therapy journey. Second, it enables you to revisit past exercises. This is also where you can access Motion Coach directly and improve your exercise form.
The basic function of the progress screen is showing you how far you’ve come with your Kaia therapy, but also to let you access past exercises and Motion Coach exercises (if these are applicable). Click on one of the images below the “Recent” or “Favorite” sections to start an exercise. By tapping “Show More” you can access all your “Favorite” and most recent exercises. You can check how your pain and stiffness levels have developed over the past 30 days, as well as the day of your Kaia therapy you are in currently.
Hint: You can change which days you’d like to be reminded to use Kaia by clicking on the calendar at the top of this tab.
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Training Schedule
Kaia is intended to be used regularly to achieve long-lasting improvement In fact, studies have shown that the more frequently Kaia is used, the more quickly results are seen. If you want to be reminded on a specific day of the week about your Kaia exercises, you can enable this with a function called “Training Schedule”. If a day is enabled, you will receive a notification on your phone in the morning of the selected day.
The training schedule can be accessed in the “You” tab, by tapping the calendar shown on the top of the page, or by going to “Settings”, which are located in the top right corner of the “You” tab.
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Coach Chat
For further information about the app or motivational support, you can always chat with your Kaia Coach. The chat is easily accessible in the tab in the bottom right of the screen. The Coach chat works similarly to other messaging apps. Just type your message and your question or comment will be answered by your Kaia Coach. Please keep in mind that this is not a live chat. Your message will be answered as soon as possible. If you don’t receive any reply within 48 hours please reach out to the Kaia Customer Support.
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Building Habits
We all have different ways of approaching change in our lives. While some can instantly add a new habit, others need some more time to adjust. Whatever your situation, the key to implementing change is to form habits. Here’s some advice that has helped Kaia users make the most of their therapy:
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Make Concrete Plans
Getting started with Kaia is easier when you set a fixed time in your schedule to do your training: the more concrete, the better. For example, set your training schedule to do your physical exercises every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday after waking up, but before breakfast. Make sure you have your equipment set up and ready to go.
For some of our users, it helps to always do Kaia in the same room. However, the app allows you to train anytime and anywhere, so feel free to try different locations and times to see what works for you.
The relaxation exercises are ideal for cooling down after the physical exercises or before going to bed to help you fall asleep. Try out different times and see what works so you can be consistent with your training!
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Set Realistic Goals
Trying to achieve goals by relying on implementing impossible changes will just result in frustration. There is a reason that New Year’s resolutions rarely work; we are just not made to completely change behavior in a short amount of time. What works, however, are small changes.
If it’s been a while since you’ve played a sport or exercised, start with one or two physical exercises per week. If you’re new to relaxation, plan short sessions so you aren’t overwhelmed. You can always increase your frequency and duration later. The most important thing is to get started!
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Give Yourself a Reward
Kaia can increase your quality of life significantly over time but getting there can be difficult. Setting up a routine isn’t easy so don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss a training session or two. Don’t get discouraged; just go back to where you left off. Plus, there’s nothing wrong with a little reward when you achieve your goals.
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Getting in touch
kaia health software GmbH (abbreviated as Kaia in the text)
Herzog-Wilhelm-Strasse 26
80331 Munich
GermanyIf you notice any deterioration in your health that you as a user or your healthcare provider feel may be linked to use of the Kaia app, please reach out to us under the contact information provided above.
Please reach out to us if you require a paper copy of the Instructions for Use.
Kaia Knee and Hip Pain is a medical device of class I.
