A showcase of the latest products in the physical therapy marketplace, including cold therapy systems, pulley systems, topical biomedicine technology, exercise bikes, and more
Exercise System
The Lifeline USA Wheel Gym helps wheelchair users maximize their ability to perform a variety of resistance exercises correctly and independently. The dual-track, adjustable-buckle design fosters user-friendly adjustability and adaptability. A range of resistance intensities is enhanced with assorted resistance bands coupled with the adjustability of the bands' tension. The intensity of strength exercises can be adjusted from very low to very high resistance. Those with balance concerns can substitute a chair in place of the wheelchair. Exercises also can be performed in the standing position. The sole step that may involve help from a standing person is attaching the unit to the door.
Lifeline USA,
3201 Syene Rd, Madison, WI 53713
(800) 553-6633
www.lifelineusa.com
Cold Therapy System
The ice it!® Deluxe Cold Therapy System from Battle Creek® Equipment Co delivers cold therapy treatments for pain, swelling, and inflammation. Ice it! cold packs are ready to use in 20 minutes and can be reused repeatedly. The nontoxic filling remains pliable even when fully frozen. Deluxe Wrap systems feature cotton-backed, poly-foam pouches with a preventive buffer against condensation and tissue damage, and the elastic band with Velcro® closures offers ample positioning options. Activities need not be interrupted to hold the pack in place, and the system helps improve conditions causing pain, allowing patients to maintain a more normal routine—which helps lessen anxiety and shift concentration away from pain.
Battle Creek Equipment Co,
307 W Jackson St, Battle Creek, MI 49037
(800) 253-0854
www.BattleCreekEquipment.com
Bilateral Pulley System
Endorphin Corp introduces its new line of pulleys. Pictured is the 393 Bilateral Pulley with free standing/mobile frame. This is a functional, versatile, and durable pulley system designed to conform to any rehab setting. The 393 offers a total body workout from either a standing or seated position and features an adjustable column pulley with bilateral double handles. The handle heights and start position are adjustable in 2-inch increments. Four modular platforms allow the pulley system to be either wall mounted, free standing, and/or mobile. The 393 features a 37.5-pound weight stack with a starting weight of 2.5 pounds, which is ideal for rehabilitation, strengthening, core work, stability, and coordination. A height-adjustable support bar and lat pull station with lat bar are provided standard. This is one of three new pulleys Endorphin has introduced. Also available are the 390 Standard Pulley and the 395 Speed Pulley. Any of the new units can be combined for a double pulley configuration.
Endorphin Corp, 6901 90th Ave, Pinellas Park, FL 33782
(800) 940-9844
www.endorphin.net
Stretch Out Strap with Booklet
OPTP's Stretch Out Strap includes an updated booklet that includes detailed, four-color illustrations of more than 30 stretches that depict where the stretch should be felt. It includes cautionary stretches for osteoporosis and new anatomy illustrations. The strap delivers the benefits of PNF stretching without a partner. Multiple loops allow deep, gradual stretching of the major muscle groups.
OPTP,
3800 Annapolis Lane, Suite 165, Minneapolis, MN 55447-0009
(800) 367-7393
www.optp.com
Topical Biomedicine Technology
Topricin®, from Topical BioMedics Inc, is a patented topical biomedicine technology incorporating a combination of homeopathic medicines working synergistically to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in joints and soft tissues, such as nerves, muscles, and tendons. The product aids in the healing process by improving blood flow to injured tissue and by draining toxins and fluids that build up as a result of injury or ailments, such as osteoarthritis. It goes beyond relieving symptoms by stimulating the body's ability to heal the damage that is causing the pain.
Topical BioMedics Inc,
PO Box 494, Rhinebeck, NY 12572
(845) 871-4900
www.topicalbiomedics.com
Swedish AFO
The low arch and open heel of the Swedish AFO from AliMed® Inc deliver a streamlined profile that fits in any shoe. The lightweight, durable, injection-molded polyethylene splint provides static dorsiflexion assistance and lateral stability for the entire foot-ankle area. It is an aid for gait training and walking improvement for those suffering from impaired foot-ankle functions associated with foot drop. The thicker polyethylene on the vertical aspect supplies extra rigidity, while the thinner footplate may be trimmed to size with scissors. The splint is adjustable and can be altered with a heat gun if further forming is needed. It secures to the wearer with a padded hook-and-loop strap and is available in black or white, in left and right versions, and in women's and men's styles. The men's AFO fits up to men's shoe size 12, while the women's AFO fits up to size 91¼2.
AliMed Inc,
297 High St, Dedham, MA 02026
(800) 225-2610
www.alimed.com
Cold Therapy Bootie
GelSmart/PediFix Inc introduces the NatraCure cold therapy bootie, a full-size, soft poly foot cover with three pockets that allow cold packs to be placed around the heel, ball, or top of the foot, targeting painful areas and soothing tired and aching feet. The gel packs can be refrigerated or frozen for maximum results, yielding relief from inflammation due to arthritis and other conditions. The focused cold therapy provides treatment for chronic heel pain, heel spurs, Achilles tendinitis, retro calcaneal bursitis, and apophysitis. The bootie is useful for treating low-ankle sprains and strains due to minor sports injuries. It is washable and reusable, and available in two sizes to fit most patients.
GelSmart/PediFix Inc,
310 Guinea Rd, Brewster, NY 10509
(800) 424-5561
www.pedifix.com
Patient Mobility Aid
Liko North America has introduced the new RollOn, a patient mobility aid that provides standing assistance and increased stability, and helps transport patients. The unit spans the gap between conventional rolling walkers and powered, sit-to-stand lifts. It helps prevent caregiver injuries by eliminating the need to manually support patients who have upper-body strength and good weight-bearing ability, but who are unsteady, nonambulatory, or have difficulty walking. It is useful for most types of assistive transfer situations, ranging from home care to nursing home, assisted living, and some hospital environments. Typical applications include transfer of patients who are unable to walk but wish to stand and be moved between bed and wheelchair, to and from the toilet, and other seated-to-seated scenarios. It handles patients up to 350 pounds and adjusts to suit individual height requirements.
Liko North America,
122 Grove St, Franklin, MA 02038
(888) 545-6671
www.liko.com
Exercise Bikes
The 95C Upright Lifecycle® exercise bike and 95R Recumbent Lifecycle exercise bike from Life Fitness® are offered with three new options: the Engage™, Inspire™, and Achieve™ consoles. The Engage model features a 15-inch integrated LCD touch screen with a built-in television, and the Inspire model offers a 7-inch integrated LCD touch screen. Both include seamless iPod® compatibility; USB connectivity to create, store, and track workout information; a virtual trainer; Workout Landscape™ perspectives; and a zoom feature. Users can view iPod-delivered video content from the Engage console's integrated screen, or from the Inspire unit with an optional 17-inch attachable television. The Achieve model features an amber LED display and the six most commonly used Life Fitness workouts. New armrests and handlebars offer accessible workout resistance controls and feature Lifepulse™ digital contact heart rate monitoring sensors. Newly designed pedals are equipped with a ski boot-style adjustment mechanism and quick release. The new optional performance kit for the 95C includes an optional racing seat and racing pedals. The XXL version of the upright model accommodates users up to 7 feet tall.
Life Fitness,
5100 N River Rd, Schiller Park, IL 60176
(800) 735-3867
www.lifefitness.com
Exercise Balls
Hygenic Corp/Performance Health Products introduces the newly designed THERA-BAND® PRO SERIES SCP™ exercise balls, developed with a custom-engineered, compression deflection for a comfortable and responsive exercise session. The wall surface is durable and provides slow deflation properties if accidentally punctured. The balls are available in 45-cm, 55-cm, 65-cm, 75-cm, and 85-cm sizes, and include a new inflation-measuring system for accurate inflation. A full-color wall poster depicting 24 exercises serves as a reference tool and helps promote learning. Clinical research, education, and references are provided on the company's Web site.
Hygenic Corp,
1245 Home Ave, Akron, OH 44310
(800) 321-2135
www.Thera-BandAcademy.com
Nonpowered Orthopedic Traction
True Back, offered by Morcent Import Export Inc, is officially listed as a nonpowered orthopedic traction device. The patented design helps relieve the body of daily stress, tension, and discomfort. While users lie on the device, the user's spine floats in the center channel. The 30 suspension points molded into the center rails support the user's body weight and create pressure to the muscles on each side of the spine. The pressure helps the muscles to relax. Treatments last a few minutes and can be performed without disrobing at home, in the office, or in the workplace.
Morcent Import Export Inc,
2840 West Bay Dr, Belleair Bluffs, FL 33770
(800) 630-3372
www.trueback.com
Home Therapy Treatment
The Econo 90, by Shamrock Medical, is 90/90 traction designed as safe, effective, and inexpensive home treatment for lower back pain. The device uses the top of a closed door and a keeper bar to securely anchor the positioning strap. The patient's feet rest on the door to form 90º angles at the hips and knees, and a single-pull pelvic belt and rope pulley system with a locking mechanism are used to apply the lift. As the patient pulls down on the rope handle, his or her hips are cradled and rotated to flex the lumbar curve. This in turn increases the posterior separation between the vertebrae and reduces pressure on nerves and disks. The rope locks in place, and the patient relaxes in traction as prescribed by the physical therapist. A thigh strap provides comfort and prevents external rotation of the hips. A head and shoulder wedge can be added to increase flexion and stabilize the cervical and thoracic spine.
Shamrock Medical Inc,
3620 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97202
(800) 231-2225
www.shamrockmedical.com
Pediatric Aquatic Therapy Pool
The SwimEx 1000P Pediatric Aquatic Therapy Pool features a water surface area of 10 feet x 18 feet, and accommodates up to eight adult-sized patients for group therapy. It features adjustable depth and temperature, and a proprietary paddle wheel propulsion system that generates a smooth laminar current flow that can be adjusted to more than 99 settings. The controllable water resistance lets users exercise, run, or swim. Current flows only on one side of the pool, with still water affording other therapeutic activities on the other. Varying water depths of 3, 4, and 5 feet can be coupled with a 6-foot deepwater well to treat patients of varying heights and sizes. Isokinetic workstations, including an upper-extremity exercise bench and an angled running pad (wide enough to allow two patients to run simultaneously), allow PTs, trainers, or physicians to tailor the hydro environment.
SwimEx,
846 Airport Rd, Fall River, MA 02720
(800) 877-7946
www.swimex.com
Pilates Fitness Tool
The Pilates Arc from Balanced Body helps users build core strength and enhance spinal, shoulder, and hip mobility. The lightweight workout device, inspired by Joseph Pilates' original spine corrector, can be used in fitness centers, in studios, and at home. The equipment may help relieve back pain by improving posture, building flexibility, and correcting spinal alignment. With a gentle curve on one side and a steeper curve on the other, the product is user-friendly for many body types and strength levels. Featuring high-density foam and a patented asymmetrical shape, it weighs about 3 pounds and measures 38 inches long, 101¼2 inches high, and 151¼2 inches wide.
Balanced Body,
8220 Ferguson Ave, Sacramento, CA 95828
(800) 745-2837
www.pilates.com
Hands-Free Ultrasound
The HF27 Hands-Free Ultrasound sets up in just 30 seconds for effective hands-free ultrasound, muscle-stimulation, or combination treatments through the soundhead. Designed with three crystals, the HF27 delivers pulsating ultrasound at 1 megahertz. The large soundhead covers a 355/8-inch diameter (65 cm2) treatment area and administers low-intensity ultrasound with longer treatment times (shown by studies to be just as, or even more, effective than conventional handheld methods). Usual treatment time is 10 to 15 minutes. The Hands-Free Ultrasound features the revolutionary Gel Pad, which eliminates the need for messy gels and contours to curved areas of the body.
Hill Laboratories Co,
3 Bacton Hill Rd, Frazer, PA 19355
(877) 445-5020
www.hilllabs.com
Hand Grip Accessory
NuStep® Inc introduces WellGrip™, a handle-gripping accessory that makes patients' workouts comfortable and safe. WellGrip accompanies the NuStep TRS 4000 Recumbent Cross Trainer. It is made from a 3D spacer fabric that is designed for orthopedic and sports-medicine applications where comfort is critical. The built-in cushion minimizes pressure points against the hand, and the breathable material transports moisture away from the skin. It is available as a set or individually in a left-hand or right-hand version. A 1-year warranty is included.
NuStep Inc,
5111 Venture Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
(800) 322-2209
www.nustep.com
Gel Warmers
Parker Laboratories Inc offers two new Thermasonic products—a single-bottle gel warmer and a newly designed three-bottle gel warmer. The three-bottle unit features an adjustable thermostat control, a heat-indicator lamp that identifies when the heating element is on and when the desired temperature has been reached, and an illuminated power switch. It warms three dispenser-size couplant bottles simultaneously and includes a 2-year warranty. The single-bottle unit also has a heat-indicator lamp. Both warmers feature hospital-grade plug and power cords. They allow couplants to be applied at body temperature, for patient comfort.
Parker Laboratories Inc,
286 Eldridge Rd, Fairfield, NJ 07004
(800) 631-8888
www.parkerlabs.com
Elliptical
The 210M from Quantum Fitness Corp features a patented, compact design with a low step height and minimal knee flexion. It is 44 inches long and maintains a 21-inch natural stride length. Mid-drive technology promotes core stability and balance during rehab. The foot pedals are cushioned to reduce foot fatigue, and the upper-body arms reduce stress to the wrists. Thirty-plus levels of resistance and a custom display suit the machine to medical and rehabilitation settings.
Quantum Fitness Corp,
10245 W Airport Blvd, Stafford, TX 77477
(800) 937-2282
www.quantumfitness.com
Heel Pain Relief
AliMed's Freedom Dorsal PF Night Splint gently stretches the plantar fascia to relieve heel pain. Its dorsal design is easy for patients to tolerate, significantly improving compliance. The soft base construction allows for nighttime ambulation without the need to remove the splint. Adjustable neoprene calf and toe straps make the device easy to apply and remove. Its padded instep is also adjustable, ensuring a perfect fit. It fits either the left or right foot, and it is available in medium and large.
AliMed Inc,
297 High St, Dedham, MA 02026
(800) 225-2610
www.alimed.com.
Exercise Software
EXERCISE PRO Version 4.0, the premier exercise software system, from BioEx Systems, remains a popular choice for rehabilitation professionals. The program creates custom computer-generated exercise handouts in seconds—in today's health care setting, this is crucial. Many home exercise solutions require 10 to 20 minutes to produce, which is unproductive and steals valuable one-on-one time away from the patient that could be used to ensure proper exercise technique. As always, the content can't be beat, offering functional orthopedics, neurology, ball, manual therapy, Yoga, Pilates, closed chain, pediatrics, geriatrics, wheelchair, amputee, aquatics, fitness equipment, vestibular/balance, cardiac, hand and finger, resistive band, plyometrics, assisted, passive stabilization, stretching, and more—more than 2,700 total. It's a complete package, with no annual fees. It's still only $499. Call for a free demo.
BioEx Systems Inc,
PO Box 926, Smithville, TX 78957
(800) 750-2756
Fax: (888) 476-7999
sales@bioexsystems.com
www.bioexsystems.com
Pain-Relieving Spray
Biofreeze pain-relieving Cryospray complements Biofreeze Gel and Roll-on, delivering a blend of science and nature. Using 100% natural menthol and 100% natural essential oils and natural extracts, the Cryospray relieves pain without the burn of other sprays. Using arnica and white tea extracts, the spray provides strong pain relief without a prescription and is easy to apply. The spray can be used at any angle and penetrates the skin immediately for deep pain relief. The Biofreeze family of pain-relieving products also includes a soothing gel and a convenient roll-on. Biofreeze can be used up to four times per day; and it is available in a 16-ounce spray bottle and a 16-ounce, 32-ounce, and 1-gallon gel pump bottle. The Gravity Dispenser Box is filled with 100 single-use application packets for clinical use.
Biofreeze,
1017 Boyd Rd, Export, PA 15632
(800) 246-3733
www.biofreeze.com.
Knee Strap
Cho-Pat Inc offers the Dual Action Knee Strap, which provides relief for painful and weak knees. The Dual Action Knee Strap is built on the foundation of Cho-Pat's Original Knee Strap. The strap alleviates pain and discomfort caused by chondromalacia patella syndrome and patellar tendinitis. By applying pressure on the patellar tendon below the kneecap, the strap tightens the kneecap mechanism, improves patellar tracking, and helps spread pressure over the surface area. The strap slightly elevates the kneecap, relieves harmful pressure to injured or degenerative knees, and allows full mobility.
Cho-Pat Inc,
PO Box 293, Hainesport, NJ 08036
(800) 221-1601
www.cho-pat.com
Virtual Marketing House Call
Practice Builders introduces the Virtual Marketing House Call. The new, economically-priced product features a no-travel, all-phone-and-Internet format, a step-by-step customized marketing plan, two private consultations, and a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee. This new format saves clients substantial funds from travel costs. According to Joel Ellis, clients will still gain the main benefits of the Strategic Growth and Marketing Workshop, without any of the associated travel and lodging expenses. An added benefit is that the Virtual Marketing House Call is held at the clients' convenience, without their having to leave their practices. Practice Builders partners with private-practice professionals to help grow their practices. Its marketing workshops and in-office "House Calls" are held more than 70 times per year in cities across North America, and its Virtual Marketing House Call.
Practice Builders,
333 South Anita Dr, Suite 300, Orange, CA 92868
(800) 319-4397
www.practicebuilders.com
Angled Step Riser
The Slanted Riser from SPRI® Products Inc is an angled step riser engineered to fit the underside of the original Step platform. It can be added to or removed from the underside of the platform in the same manner as a standard riser. The tool helps users ramp up cardio and strength workouts to the next step, challenging the body from a different angle than a standard step or bench. The risers foster virtually unlimited aerobic-conditioning Step pattern variations and provide exercise variety and program innovations for most levels of exercisers. The units transform a flat Step bench into an incline/decline bench for strength-training activities for the whole body.
SPRI Products Inc,
1600 Northwind Blvd, Libertyville, IL 60048
(800) 222-7774
www.spriproducts.com
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