Active Stander for Youth

Altimate Medical’s new EasyStand Evolv Youth Glider features Active Standing Technology that provides lower-body range of motion and upper-body strengthening while standing. Previously available only for taller individuals, the new Evolv Youth Glider now accommodates individuals from 4 feet to 5 feet 6 inches tall. Movement while standing helps keep the body in shape; and the glider enhances the medical benefits of standing by offering safe, dynamic leg movement and therapeutic motion while standing. This advanced active stander allows users to move the glide handles with their arms (or a caregiver can assist), which creates a reciprocal movement in the legs. Individually adjustable cylinders can be adjusted by the user and provide them with 12 different resistance settings.

For more information, contact Altimate Medical Inc, PO Box 180, 262 W First St, Morton, MN 56270; (800) 342-8968; www.easystand.com/evolv.

Pilates Armchair

Balanced Body, a resource for Pilates equipment, education, and information, has introduced the redesigned Pilates Armchair. Inspired by Joseph Pilates’ original, the armchair allows users to perform armchair, Reformer, Cadillac, or ladder barrel repertoire on one piece of equipment. The new armchair provides the complete functionality of the original. Plus, it has multiple points of resistance for spring attachments; a modified shape to reinforce upright alignment when seated, which encourages activation of core muscles; and adjustable spring arms to accommodate a variety of exercises and body types.

For more information, contact Balanced Body, 8220 Ferguson Ave, Sacramento, CA 95828; (800) 745-2837; www.pilates.com.

Knee-Management Orthosis

Anatomical Concepts Inc has introduced the Knee Management Orthosis, a cost efficient, patient-friendly, and simple approach to the orthotic management of the knee. The device provides an adjustable range of stabilization of the knee in the sagittal and/or the coronal plane as patients’ conditions warrant. It is suited for preoperative and most postoperative management of bony and soft-tissue injuries, for application following hamstring releases, ligament repairs, total knee arthroplasty, and chronic systemic conditions. It also is beneficial as an immediate prophylactic protection at end range until treatment plans are finalized. The KMO features a simple method for precise flexion/extension adjustments in the sagittal plane using a standard Phillips screwdriver. Single posterior strut/joint construction mirrors the knee joint without alignment or condylar pressure concerns. It is available in multiple sizes with each size readily adjustable for length.

For more information, contact Anatomical Concepts Inc, 493 Bev Road, Building #4, Boardman, OH 44512; (800) 837-3888; www.prafo.com.

Custom Brace

Cascade Dafo Inc, a manufacturer of dynamic pediatric orthoses, has announced its most recent contribution to the field of bracing: the Dafo Tami2. The device is designed for active ambulators and features the company’s Softy Foam Liner, which offers excellent foot control and comfort for patients using the braces. It’s available in two models—the Free Ankle and the Plantarflexion (PF) Block—and both are available with either the Free-Motion or Dorsiflexion Assist Tamarack Joint hinge system. The Tami2 Free Ankle model was designed to help ambulatory patients who would benefit from additional medial-lateral support and mild to moderate modulation of ankle motion to improve ankle consistency and foot placement. The Tami2 PF Block model will benefit ambulatory patients needing additional medial-lateral support and a PF block mechanism to control excess PF. In both designs, the Tamarack hinge is incorporated into a partial-wrap outer shell with a Softy-style inner foam liner.

For more information, contact Cascade Dafo Inc, 1360 Sunset Ave, Ferndale, WA 98248; (800) 848-7332; www.cascadedafo.com.

Back-Pain Treatment

The Dynatron DX1 Advanced Decompression System combines the benefits of light therapy, decompression, and exercise into a three-phase, simple-to-use, effective back-pain treatment. Phase I consists of a 4- to 9-minute unattended light therapy treatment using the new Dynatron XP Light Pad. Phase II consists of decompressing the intervertebral disks, relieving pressure on structures that may be causing back pain. The system automatically calculates and digitally displays the angle of pull by means of a digital goniometer, allowing for targeted decompression. Phase III is the exercise phase. Once pain has diminished, a detailed exercise program to strengthen core muscles and improve flexibility completes the treatment.

For more information, contact Dynatronics Corp, 7030 Park Centre Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84121; (800) 874-6251; www.dynatronics.com.

Digital Sign-in

EON Systems is expanding its presence in physical therapy practices by introducing the Digital Sign-In Solution. The digital alternative can make the front desk more efficient and increase profits. Digital sign-in eliminates the need for paper sign-in sheets and makes the patient’s signature with date and time available in a report at any time. Digital Sign-In Solution integrates with The Practice Solution for a complete office solution.

For more information, contact EON Systems Inc, 620 Lakeview Rd, Clearwater, FL 33756; (800) 955-6448; www.eonsystems.net.

Explanation of Benefits Reader

PTOS Software has released a new software module that automatically reads-in explanation of benefits or electronic remittance advice files from insurance carriers. The module can save billing staff hours of time hand-entering remittances, freeing up staff for collections and other activities. Also, it reduces the potentially high error rate that can result from hand entry.

For more information, contact PTOS Software, 18455 Burbank Blvd, Suite 408, Tarzana, CA 91356; (800) 824-4305; www.ptos.com.

Exercise Pool

Endless Pool is a swimming machine for health, fitness, and fun that measures just 8 feet x 15 feet. Often called the “treadmill for swimmers,” the pool provides all the benefits of a full-size pool in a fraction of the space. Physical therapy patients can benefit from the pool by taking advantage of the added resistance water offers and adjusting the countercurrent water flow to keep pace with their rehabilitation. With a unique, patented system, the pool uses a small but powerful underwater hydraulic motor to drive a 16-inch propeller located at the front of the pool inside a protective stainless steel housing to produce a nonturbulent current that you can set to a speed that suits your swimming ability and exercise preference. By employing a copper and silver purification system, the pool reduces the need for chlorine by more than 80%.

For more information, contact Endless Pools Inc, 200 E Dutton Mill Rd, Aston, PA 19014; (800) 233-0741; www.endlesspools.com.

Slanted Step

Stretching the gastroc/soleus complex is extremely important for the prevention and treatment of many common lower-leg and foot problems. Stretching with the OPTP Slant can help reduce lower-extremity overuse syndromes and prevent postsurgical contracture and excessive scar formation. The Slant also assists with general stretching and weight bearing, and can help promote a more normal, stable gait.

For more information, contact OPTP, 3800 Annapolis Lane, Suite 165, PO Box 47009, Minneapolis, MN 55447; (800) 367-7393; www.optp.com.

Gait Trainer

The Dynamico is a gait trainer for users that can bear weight through their legs but need help balancing and practicing reciprocal motions. Its open-back design facilitates patient transfers, while a flip-away rear bar keeps users safe. The Dynamico is available in indoor and outdoor versions with available options including a removable leg divider that prevents feet from crossing over during the gait cycle, arm supports, trunk supports, and a pelvic support. The Dynamico comes in five different sizes with a maximum weight capacity of 253 pounds.

For more information, contact Innovation In Motion, 900 Growth Pkwy, Angola, IN 46703; (800) 327-0681; www.mobility-usa.com.

Elbow Brace

Serola Biomechanics Inc has developed an improved band for its Gel Arc Elbow Brace. Unlike other epicondylitis braces that compress the forearm muscles, the Serola Gel Arc Elbow Brace fits close to the epicondyle and creates a secondary attachment. This approach interferes less with the function of the muscles but prevents most of the muscles’ pull from reaching the epicondyle. The main problem with the old 2-inch band is that it was difficult to bring the band up close to the epicondyle without it digging into the crease of the elbow. The new patent-pending band is narrower everywhere but at the pocket that holds the Gel Arc. Another patent-pending design is the unique way to shorten the band that is built into every Serola Gel Arc Elbow Brace, allowing it to fit everyone from little girls to lumberjacks.

For more information, contact Serola Biomechanics Inc, 4376 Sunset Terrace, Loves Park, IL 61111; (815) 636-2780; www.serolabio.com.

Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise

Multidimensional and lightweight for travel, the Power Walk simulates cross-country skiing but with a number of added advantages. It works the muscles both eccentrically as well as concentrically and makes it possible to move in any direction—backward, forward, and sideways—while walking, jogging, running, and lunging. No expertise is needed—walking and swinging arms is just fine to begin with—but the accompanying instructions and DVD will take users step-by-step to much higher levels. For users looking to cut subcutaneous fat, and to tone and shape the stomach, buttocks, thighs, and shoulders while getting in top shape in the least amount of time, the Power Walk is a good choice at a low price.

For more information, contact Lifeline USA, 3201 Syene Rd, Madison, WI 53713; (800) 553-6633; www.lifelineusa.com.

Lower-Extremity Strength Trainer

The NeuroGym Tilt Stepper is an economical and effective tool to promote reciprocal training of the lower extremities in a sitting position. The device exercises all major muscle groups of the lower extremities—including hip and knee flexors and extensors—and can be adjusted to work at different angles, allowing for differential emphasis on training of the knee or of the hip joints with different levels of resistance. The reciprocal nature of the leg press motion provides active assistance to the weak extremity. The simplicity of rolling a wheelchair to the Tilt Stepper, placing the feet in the foot plates, and then beginning the stepping exercise encourages frequent use of this tool and, as a result, leads to improved lower-extremity strength and function.

For more information, contact NeuroGym Technologies Inc, 103-1644 Bank St, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1V 7Y6; (877) 523-4148; www.neurogymtech.com.

Pneumatic Cervical Traction

Glacier Cross Inc has announced that Pronex Pneumatic Cervical Traction has been reviewed by the regional DMercs and assigned billing coverage under the Local Coverage Determination (LCD) policy for home cervical traction. The company incorporates pneumatics to create gentle, patient-controlled decompression. The device creates an even distraction in the anterior and posterior cervical discs while supporting the cervical curve. It does not aggravate the TMJ, it exerts force evenly and gently, providing more than 35 pounds of continuously adjustable traction.

For more information, contact Glacier Cross Inc, 1694 Whalebone Dr, Kalispell, MT 59901; (800) 388-4828; www.glaciercross.com.

Joint Support for Women

Products from Wellgate are specifically designed to fit the contours of a woman’s body. The Women’s Slimfit Wrist Support helps relieve pain from sprains, strains, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The product is tailored to fit the narrower, hourglass-shaped curves of a woman’s wrist, ensuring snug, gentle support, as well as to fit slimly under women’s clothing. Made with memory foam and supersoft microfiber fabrics, it provides a soothing sensation—especially important for nighttime relief. The Women’s Slimfit Ankle Support is designed to address ankle sprains without feeling bulky and making certain types of shoes impossible to wear. The sleek design of the Slimfit Ankle Support is made to fit into women’s shoes. It is constructed without any seams under the foot and uses breathable fabric to help prevent skin irritation and sweating.

For more information, contact Wellgate Products LLC, 118 E 28th St, New York, NY 10016; (888) 434-9355; www.wellgateproducts.com.

Ankle-Pain Relief

Swede-O Inc has developed a new comfortable treatment option—the Thermoskin Heel Jack—for a wide variety of conditions, including Achilles tendinitis, heel spurs, apophysitis, heel bruise, and post-Achilles tendon ruptures. The Heel Jack removes stress from the heel and Achilles tendon, allowing microfractures in the calcaneous and tears to heal by resting this tissue. The device’s low-profile design is meant to be worn inside the shoe as it helps strengthen and reinforce the Achilles tendon while still allowing a close-to-normal gait. The device has a Trioxon lining that wicks away perspiration to minimize moisture buildup, keeping the user comfortable.

For more information, contact Swede-O Inc, 6459 Ash St, North Branch, MN 55056; (866) 317-5678; www.swedeo.com.

Carpal Tunnel Relief

Graston Technique (GT) uses six stainless steel instruments to give physical therapists a mechanical advantage in treating debilitating conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, and other repetitive stress injuries. GT offers different size instruments that help clinicians treat small areas such as the hand, wrist, and fingers more precisely than with only their hands. Certain GT instruments are designed to scan the surface and detect lesions that restrict the soft tissue. Smaller instruments are then used to treat the soft tissue in a deeper, more specific manner by releasing the restriction. During and after treatment, patients can feel decreased pain and numbness, and increased flexibility and range of motion, as the technique takes stress away from the affected area around the carpal tunnel.

For more information, contact Graston Technique, 3833 N Meridian St, Suite 307, Indianapolis, IN 46208; (866) 926-2828; www.grastontechnique.com.

Microwavable Heat Pack

North Coast Medical introduces MediBeads™ reusable heat packs. The soft packs are filled with nontoxic beads made from natural materials and can be microwaved for approximately 1 to 2 minutes. The heat, which lasts for up to 30 minutes, provides relief for aches and pains associated with arthritis, tendinitis, strains, and sprains. After treatment, the beads rejuvenate themselves naturally by recovering moisture from the air. An antimicrobial agent inhibits odors, mildew, and bacteria buildup. The hand-washable and durable packs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes that conform comfortably to different body contours.

For more information, contact North Coast Medical, 18305 Sutter Blvd, Morgan Hill, CA 95038; (800) 821-9319; www.ncmedical.com.