Explore a variety of products from leading manufacturers, each specially engineered to provide patients relief from acute or chronic pain.
Natural Pain Relief
Sore No More!, manufactured by Sore No More, Moab, Utah, provides a blend of plant extracts engineered to offer effective relief for muscle aches, soreness, and more. Sore No More! has a topical anesthetic effect that depresses cutaneous sensory receptors. The formula is designed to absorb quickly and deeply, producing a synergistic effect that detoxifies tissues, relieves tight and tender joints, soothes muscle soreness, and reduces inflammation. Sore No More! aims to provide effective pain relief for a variety of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, muscle aches and pains, muscle spasms, overexertion, fatigue, tendinitis, and diabetic neuropathy. Sore No More, (800) 842-6622; www.sorenomore.com
Neuroscience Book for Patients with Back Pain
Clinical researcher and physical therapist Adriaan Louw, PT, PhD, examines potential types of misinformation that exist regarding back pain in a new book, marketed by OPTP, Minneapolis. Like other books in this series, Everyone Has Back Pain aims to follow the philosophy that “education is therapy” and the more pain is understood, the better it can be managed. The book is intended to provide patients a thorough explanation of how pain works in the body, using metaphors and stories to illustrate the concepts of neuroscience. Additionally, the book offers patients simple strategies for lessening back pain and regaining control of their lives. OPTP, (800) 367-7393; www.optp.com
BioTouch INF
The BioTouch INF is the newest innovation from BioMedical Life Systems Inc, Vista, Calif, makers of portable electrotherapy products for more than 30 years. The BioTouch INF is an interferential stimulator designed to relieve chronic and acute pain by stimulating the underlying nerves and tissue via electrodes. Interferential therapy is used in the treatment of circulatory disorders, to increase range of motion, reduce edema, and suppress muscle spasms. According to the company, the device is typically used by patients three times per day for 15 to 30 minutes per session. The product kit includes: four electrodes; one set of lead wires; one carrying case; one 9v battery; one AC wall adaptor; and one instruction booklet. BioMedical Life Systems Inc, (800) 726-8376; www.bmls.com
Hot and Cold Therapy
The Indiana-based Battle Creek Equipment Company has been providing American-made pain-management products since 1931. Thermophore Deep-Heat moist heat therapy packs have been in use for 50 years and now have enhanced features built for maximum performance, including various sizes, switches, and covers to meet almost any moist heat therapy need. The Good2Go microwaveable pads deliver high-quality moist heat therapy in joint-specific designs. Ice It! ColdCOMFORT Systems feature hands-free Joint-Specific and Multi-Use styles for targeted cold therapy, along with handy refill cold-packs. Battle Creek Physical Therapy and Rehab products are manufactured to be ideal for clinic or home use. Battle Creek Equipment Company, (800) 253-0854; www.battlecreekequipment.com
Neuromuscular Stimulator
The Sys*Stim 240 neuromuscular stimulator, available through Mettler Electronics Corp, Anaheim, Calif, features nine discrete waveforms that are designed to facilitate clinical versatility. The company notes that touch-sensitive M Wheel technology is used to start therapy, program parameters, and navigate through the menus quickly and easily. The high-resolution color display is built to allow the clinician to monitor all treatment parameters continuously. To further assist with pain management techniques, the clinician can add full-featured light therapy capabilities to the Sys*Stim 240 by purchasing either the cluster or laser applicator package. Treatment protocols complete with electrode placement guidance allow clinicians to quickly program stimulation or light therapy treatment parameters for patients. Mettler Electronics Corp, (800) 854-9305; www.mettlerelectronics.com
Pain Relief Patch
The LidoFlex pain relief patch, from Richmar, Chattanooga, Tenn, is formulated with a 4% concentration of lidocaine, not requiring a prescription. The LidoFlex OTC pain patch is designed to provide true nerve block benefit to break the pain spasm cycle. The low-profile, extremity-specific design ensures a comfortable fit under clothing, during exercise, and in the water. LidoFlex is made to provide 8 to 12 hours of targeted pain relief with a consistent dosage of anesthetic/topical analgesic. Engineered as non-habit-forming, non-systemic pain relief without opioid involvement, the LidoFlex can be utilized as a cost-effective alternative to iontophoresis in the clinic, as well as a take-home adjunct to daily therapy sessions. Alternatively, it can be used as a potential revenue generator as a sellable, continuum of care product. Available only through healthcare providers. Richmar, (423) 648-7730; www.lidoflex.com
Assessment and Biofeedback Instrumentation
Thought Technology, a Montreal-based medical equipment manufacturer, introduces additions to its newest physical therapy product line: ProComp5, ProComp Infiniti, and FlexComp Infiniti. These devices are built to measure and provide biofeedback training on surface electromyography (SEMG), range of motion (ROM), muscle testing, algometry, respiration, heart rate variability (HRV), skin conductance, and peripheral temperature. The system includes BioGraph Infiniti software, Rehab Suite Add-on, and a comprehensive clinical guide. The system also offers several options including interface to isokinetic machines such as the Biodex System; wireless transmission with Tele-Infiniti CF Bluetooth Card; and MyoScan-Z sensor, an EMG sensor with built-in impedance checking. Thought Technology Ltd, (514) 489-8251 or (800) 361-3651; www.thoughttechnology.com
Compression Therapy
The ProSeries Ice Pack, from Fitter International Inc (Fitter-first), Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is a line of ice wraps engineered to be durable and easy to apply. The wraps use real ice, as opposed to gels, and are made to optimize cold therapy. Combining the use of real ice with smooth and consistent compression is intended to enhance the effects of cold therapy. ProSeries Ice Packs are made for use by professional athletes, in rehab clinics, and around the home for quick and effective relief from muscle and joint pain and tightness. Form-fitted wraps for specific body parts designed to apply even distribution of ice, featuring a wide mouth on pack for ease of filling with water and ice, and can also be used with warm water for heat treatments. Fitter International Inc (Fitterfirst), (800)-fitter1 (800-348-8371); www.fitter1.com
Topical Pain-Relieving Gel
Flexall topical pain-relieving gels by Ari-Med Pharmaceuticals, Tempe, Ariz, are engineered to provide key benefits to clinical and training room settings. Flexall gels aim to help increase patient compliance and enhance ultrasound, cryotherapy, TENS, and massage therapies. The company reports that in a recent study, a 25:75 Flexall and ultrasound gel mixture provided results equal to 100% ultrasound gel with an added analgesic sensation of warmth. Flexall (7% menthol) and Maximum Strength Flexall (16% menthol) are aloe vera gel formulas designed to provide fast, long-lasting relief from arthritis, backache, bursitis, tendinitis, muscle strains and sprains, bruises, and cramps. Flexall gels absorb quickly and completely, and are made to be greaseless, nonstaining, and gentle on the skin. Professional sizes of Flexall pain-relieving gels are available. Ari-Med Pharmaceuticals, (800) 527-4923; www.ari-med.com
Class IV Laser
The OptonPro Class IV laser, available through Irvine, Calif-based company Zimmer MedizinSystems offers 7 Watts (7,000 mW) of peak power to offer clinicians faster treatments and an optimal depth of penetration. The OptonPro features a 12-inch touch screen display, as well as an intuitive menu-guided operating system that allows for easy adjustment of treatment parameters. Users can access fixed and custom programs, combined with simple operation and high-energy output. The OptonPro provides an application of high-power light for targeted penetration of energy deep into the target tissue, and is built to promote relaxation of the muscle tissue and a temporary increase in local blood circulation. Among the device’s additional features are extensive memory options, direct multifunctional parameter access, and an aiming beam. Zimmer MedizinSystems, (800) 327-3576; www.zimmerusa.com
InTENSity Professional Series
The InTENSity Professional Series from Strongsville, Ohio-based Roscoe Medical, is the newest addition to its family of clinical modality units, offering practitioners a wide range of treatment options in a user-friendly, ergonomic design. Each device is equipped with a color touch screen interface designed to intuitively group and display all the options for a modality setup, guiding clinicians step-by-step to ensure the ideal therapeutic treatment. Parameters can be easily selected and adjusted. The EX4 offers multiple electrotherapy waveforms (TENS/EMS/IF-2P/IF4-P/Russian/Hi-Volt/Microcurrent) in a single unit. The CX4 combines multiple electrotherapy waveforms with therapeutic ultrasound in a single-use unit. The entire line of InTENSity Professional Series is covered under the company’s 3-year service warranty program, which includes free phone-tech support and calibration services.CE courses available. Roscoe Medical, (800) 376-7263; www.roscoemedical.com
Muscle Stimulator
Amrex Electrotherapy Equipment, a division of Amrex-Zetron Inc, Paramount, Calif, offers the MS324C Low Volt AC Muscle Stimulator, a microprocessor-controlled unit, built to enable precise treatment settings for each modality. The exact selected parameter will be indicated on the corresponding digital display. The unit is designed to be conveniently portable for worldwide operation with a 115/230Vac 50/60Hz power supply. The MS324C delivers pulse, tetanize, surge, and reciprocal output through dual-channel four-pad application. The low-voltage stimulator also features a patient treatment stop switch, engineered to promote patient assurance. The user may discontinue stimulator output at the press of a button. Amrex Electrotherapy Equipment, (800) 221-9069 or (310) 527-6868; www.AMREXUSA.com
Therapeutic Tape
Kinesio Tex Gold FP from Kinesio, Albuquerque, NM, is a therapeutic tape developed exclusively for Kinesio professionals. Tex Gold is designed to bring Nano-touch stimulation to the epidermis and layers beneath, and is crafted to mimic gentle human touch while also providing a more effective hold. The therapeutic tape also features a higher-grade cotton with more breathability, as well as a new protected weave process for improved comfort. The micro-grip deep-set adhesive manufacturing process is made to provide better grip and hold with less adhesive surface area. Tex Gold is manufactured to be hypoallergenic and latex-free for all patient populations, and is exclusively available to medical care professionals. Kinesio, (888) 320-8273; www.kinesiotaping.com
Vectra Neo
The Vectra Neo, from Chattanooga, a DJO Global company, based in Vista, Calif, is engineered to allow clinicians to provide unparalleled utilization of its design, with the aim of empowering clinicians to offer patients a comprehensive level of rehabilitation. The Vectra Neo provides users two- and four-channel electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and EMG biofeedback. The technology also offers multimodality versatility with five plug-and-play modules, EMG-triggered stimulation, as well as laser options. The Vectra Neo’s interactive touchscreen and graphic user interface targets usability, which is enhanced with the Clinical Protocol Setup, built to lead users through the functions of the device and each therapy accessing more than 100 protocol options. An anatomic reference library designed to illustrate a range of pathologies and educate patients is also available. Chattanooga, a DJO Global company, (866) 512-2764; www.djoglobal.com/products/chattanooga/vectra-neo
Ultrasound Gel and Lotion
The Sombra Ultrasound Gel with Aloe, by Sombra Professional Therapy Products, Albuquerque, NM, is made to be an excellent conductive agent for clear ultrasound transmission. The medium-viscosity gel is engineered to provide therapeutic ultrasound for diagnostic imaging and other external procedures requiring a thick medium. The gel has a smooth consistency, made for even spreading without running or drying. The product is formulated to be hypoallergenic and long-lasting, holding its form if heated up. The Sombra Therapeutic Ultrasound Lotion with Menthol and Capsaicin has a rich, creamy consistency used as a coupling agent to enhance the effects of ultrasound therapy. It is designed as a highly conductive lotion for clear ultrasonic transmission with a smooth consistency for even spreading without running or drying. Sombra Professional Therapy Products, (800) 225-3963; www.sombrausa.com
iTrac Extension Traction Therapy System
Watertown, SD-based PHS Therapeutics by Pivotal Health Solutions is the exclusive provider for the FDA-Cleared iTrac Extension Traction Therapy System, a computerized extension traction system built to restore cervical curvature in patients with forward head posture. The iTrac is designed to be an adjunct therapy in physical therapy clinics for existing active protocols, providing patients with cervicogenic conditions long-lasting relief and functional improvement, maximizing the effectiveness of existing treatment protocols and reducing the number of visits required to return a patient to pre-injury status. This is achieved through the structural correction of poor posture and abnormal cervical curvature, a main contributing factor in conditions such as neck pain, headaches, migraines, upper back pain, shoulder pain/dysfunction, TMJ disorders, and radiculopathy—all of which may benefit from iTrac therapy. PHS Therapeutics by Pivotal Health Solutions, (800) 743-7738; www.phsTherapeutics.com
Hot and Cold Therapy Wraps
Southwest Technologies Inc, headquartered in North Kansas City, Mo, manufactures Elasto-Gel hot and cold therapy products. The product line consists of more than 40 different shapes and sizes so the wraps can best fit each individual’s particular needs. Elasto-Gel products may be used for either hot or cold therapy and are manufactured to not leak if punctured. When heated the products provide moist therapy heat, and used cold the product is designed to provide soothing cold—without causing trauma to the skin or nerves. Southwest Technologies Inc, (800) 247-9951; www.elastogel.com
SPECTRA 360 Electrode Gel
SPECTRA 360 Electrode Gel, available through Parker Laboratories Inc, Fairfield, NJ, is a salt-free electrode gel. The company notes that the product is recommended for all electromedical procedures. Its stay-wet properties are designed to work by wetting the skin, thereby reducing skin resistance, as well as by its electrolytic properties. The crystal-clear formulation and no-salt properties of SPECTRA 360 are intended to make it suitable for long-term applications such as TENS, monitoring, and pediatric monitoring. Parker Laboratories Inc, (973) 276-9500 or (800) 631-8888; www.parkerlabs.com
Roll-On Pain Relief
Onecaine, from Omiera Labs, based in Lompoc, Calif, is engineered as an advanced formula to not only provide pain relief, but also work as an anti-inflammatory. Developed by a team of pharmacists and physicians, Onecaine is made to roll on easily and without any mess. It targets the relief of pain that is associated with arthritis and joint pain, as well as nerve pain such as sciatica, back pain, chronic pain, and muscle pain. Additionally, Onecaine is designed to provide the calming of restless legs and feet. Apply directly to areas of discomfort. The company notes that the product’s effects are also formulated to last hours, allowing patients to focus on what is important. Omiera Labs, (805) 733-2060; www.omieralabs.com
