Hot Vs. Cold Therapy

Many people know that the recovery of pain or injury can be expedited by using hot or cold application. If a hammer catches your thumb or you get a bad bruise from a bike collision, you may have put frozen peas or a bag of ice on the injury. If your joints are achy from the flu, someone may have suggested you take a hot shower. What many people don’t understand is why they do this or in what other applications hot or cold therapy can be useful.

Cold Therapy

Cold should be applied when you wish to reduce swelling or a strong pain on an acute injury. The reason behind the swelling of any injury is too much blood is flowing to that spot. Cold is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it causes your blood vessels to narrow. The narrowed blood vessels make it so that blood cannot flow restricting internal bleeding and reducing the swelling. Applying cold also slows the release of chemicals that cause the pain and inflammation. The cold further reduces the ability of the nerve endings to impulse decreasing the pain you are suffering.

One way to apply cold is to use an ice pack or ice wrapped in a thin towel and apply it on the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time. It is unwise to apply ice directly to the wound or sore, as this can cause frostbite to your skin cells. After applying the cold therapy for 10-15 minutes, let your skin return to a normal temperature and reapply the cold. You should do this multiple times a day for no longer than 3 days. One way to get the best results from cold therapy is to use a cold therapy unit or cold therapy wraps.

Heat Therapy

Heat is a vasodilatation and causes blood vessels to expand increasing blood flow and circulation to particular areas. This is why it is not advised to apply heat to a swollen or recent injury, as this will likely cause swelling to increase. Heat is best when used for a chronic pain. Heat can be used for stiff or sore muscles that have not necessarily been injured, but experience pain regularly. Another opportune time for using heat therapy is for stiff joints caused by arthritis, old age or cold weather. When administered correctly, heat also relaxes muscle and joint tensions. Many athletes use heat therapy for problem areas before a workout as the heat increases joint tissue elasticity and stimulates blood flow.

You can administer heat several ways. The easiest is using a moist heat pad. This can be applied directly to the area and should be left on no more than 20 minutes at a time. Be mindful not to burn your skin or leave a heat pad on too long or while sleeping.

Hot & Cold Therapy

A great way to alleviate pain is to alter hot and cold treatment. This should be done once swelling has stopped, usually 2 days after the injury. The combination of hot and cold therapies work together to move blood out of the affected area. This should not be done for the whole body, but rather it should be used on the extremities or isolated areas.

It is important to start and end every session with cold therapy. Each period of hot and cold treatment should last 3-5 minutes. Generally 3 periods of cold and 2 periods of heat are administered in an alternating fashion. The entire treatment should last between 15-25 minutes. You should not apply hot and cold therapy more than once a day, but it can be done for as long as necessary. It is important to use particular care when administering heat as to prevent burning of the skin. Hot and Cold Therapy systems are a common and simple way to self-administer the therapy.

About MMAR Medical: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a premier supplier of high quality medical products including a wide selection of diabetic shoes, cold therapy systems and medical orthopedic braces, including ortheoarthritis knee braces. To find quality medical shoulder, knee, back braces and more, please visit MMAR Medical online.

Tips to Prevent Back Pain

60 to 90% of all U.S. Citizens will experience at least one back injury in their lives and 10% will see their back condition become chronic. Even slight back pain may interfere with daily activities such as turning, walking, fishing, golfing and playing with children and grandchildren. If your back pain is severe it can greatly reduce your quality of life, even hindering your ability to perform simple tasks such as getting dressed in the morning.

Check out these helpful tips to prevent back pain and injury.

1. Exercise your abdominal and back muscles
Strengthening your abdominal and back muscles will help prevent injuries. Your core muscles provide support to your back, so the stronger the muscles are, the better the support. Crunches, sit ups and light weight training will all help your strengthen your abdominal and back muscles.

2. Stretch, especially before and after working out or playing sports
Stretch as soon as you wake up in the morning to warm and limber your back. Stretching gets your back ready for the day ahead and helps prevent injuries. Stretching before and after you work out, lift heavy objects or play sports is also imperative to preventing back pain.

3. Use your knees to lift heavy objects
Always lift from your knees. Using your knees to lift heavy objects will greatly reduce the chance of injury. Also remember to keep your abdominal muscles flexed, your back straight and the object close to your body.

4. Wear a back brace while lifting heavy objects or engaging in physical activity
A quality lumbar back brace will provide compression and support for your lower back as you lift. The added support minimizes the chance of injury so you can confidently lift heavy objects without the fear of harm. Wearing a lumbar brace during physical activity is also a wise idea, especially if you have injured your back in the past. A slim belt, such as the Ossur Universal Lumbar Belt, easily fits under your workout clothes, so you can get the protection you need without the bulge of a bulky brace.

5. Practice proper posture
Proper posture is imperative. Whether you are sitting, standing, walking or running, make sure you maintain proper posture because your back has a much easier time carrying your weight when it is straight. The less strain on your back- the lower the chance of injury and pain.

6. Wear shoes that provide support
If you live an active lifestyle, it is necessary to wear proper footwear that provides support. Having the right shoes on can make a big difference when it comes to preventing back pain and injury. Invest in a pair of comfort shoes and avoid wearing high heels or flimsy sandals whenever possible.

7. Maintain a healthy weight and eat power foods
Maintaining a healthy weight will keep your body in balance. You also need to make sure you eat nutritional foods, if you are tired and fatigued from lack of nutrition you are much more likely to pull a muscle. Experts agree that eating power foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole gains and protein will improve the way your body functions. Eating small meals throughout the day is also recommended because it keeps your body energized and prevents fatigue related injury.

9. Protect your back in bed
Invest in a high quality mattress that is right for you and accommodates your sleep patterns. A bed that does not offer proper support can cause you to wake up with back stiffness and pain. How you sleep also effects your back. To protect your back, sleep on your back or side with your spine aligned straight.

10. Adjust the seat in your car frequently
Road trips can cause back pain, but the probability of pain can be reduced if you make frequent adjustments in your seat’s position. Making slight but frequent adjustments in your seat’s position is necessary because locking your spine in one position for the length of the ride can cause problems. Your back likes movement so slight shifts keep it happy and healthy.

About MMAR Medical Group: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a supplier of medical products including a wide selection of medical grade braces and cold therapy systems. To find a quality medical knee braces and supports, please visit MMAR Medical online.

Knee Strengthening Tips to Avoid ACL Tears

One of the most common, and certainly debilitating, sports injuries is an ACL tear. In a previous post on ACL surgery and rehabilitation, we talked about what happens after tearing this important ligament, but what about before the tear happens? When attempting to avoid a knee injury, incorporate three types of exercises: flexibility exercises, strengthening exercises and cardio exercises. We’ve compiled a list of important tips and exercises to help you strengthen your knees against ACL tears.

Tip #1: Stretch and warm up: No matter the intensity level of the exercise, begin every physical activity with a brief and gentle warm up. Jog in place, do a few jumping jacks and get the blood flowing to your muscles. Having warm muscles can help reduce injuries and keep you out of an ACL brace.

Tip #2: Exercise regularly. Many knee injuries occur the first time getting back into the sport and exerting oneself too hard. Certainly not all injuries occur from a lack of pre-sport conditioning, but in many cases, you can prevent knee injuries by consistently practicing the sport. Note: remember to utilize your medical knee braces when exercising if you’re prone to knee problems or have previously suffered a knee injury.

Tip #3: Listen to your body. Pain is your body’s way of speaking to you and warning you. Get to know your body’s warning signs and the difference bet. We like the New York Times’ article, “That Little Voice Inside Your Twinge” which discusses the differences between pain and discomfort.

Tip #4: Begin a plyometric exercise program. Plyometric training is used to develop faster reacting muscles while strengthening tissues which can help improve performance and helps prevent injuries. The basics of any plyometric program are a series of exercises, or drills, which involve heavy muscle loading and muscle contractions like hops or jumps.

Tip #5: Ball squat. Place a fairly large ball between your knees and squeeze to hold it in place. Lower into a wall squat position with your knees bent at a 90 degree angle. Do 3 – 5 sets of 10 -20 ball squats to strengthen your knees.

Tip #6: Flamingo (single leg) dip. Stand between two chairs for balance. Lift one leg, keeping it either straightened or loosely bent while the other is firmly on the ground. Slowly lower down to a 90 degree angle, keeping your hands on each chair for balance. Slowly use your leg muscles to push back up to standing and switch legs.

Tip #7: Step Ups. Channel your inner Richard Simmons and get out at least a 6 inch high step or stepping stool. Start by stepping onto the step with your left foot. Place it solidly on the step and place the majority of your weight on that side. Next, raise your right foot off the ground and bring it to the step, without placing it fully on the step – almost like a tap to the step. Then, lower your right foot back to the ground (without having placed it on the step) and then your left foot. Switch sides.

Tip #8: Big Tire Jumps. Imagine there is a large truck tire on the ground that you have to jump over. Stand on your right leg and hop high and wide “over” the tire, landing on your left leg. Pause and hold your right leg in the air as you balance on your left leg. Then push off your left leg back “over” the tire to the right and land on your right leg. Repeat 15 times.

While keeping yourself out of an ACL brace isn’t always avoidable, there are certain measures you can take to best prevent a knee injury. Remember to include flexibility exercises, strengthening exercises and cardio exercises, especially a plyometric program, to best condition your body and combat ACL tears.

Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition, or be taken as medical advice. For more information related to your unique situation, please speak with your personal physician.

About MMAR Medical: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is North America's premiere medical orthopedic brace distributor, carrying a comprehensive selection of medical grade knee braces and complimentary rehabilitative cold therapy units.

Diabetic Foot Care

Approximately one fifth of diabetic Americans are hospitalized for foot-related problems at some point in their lives. Many symptoms of diabetes contribute to the risk of foot infection. Diabetics often experience thick calluses which can break and develop into ulcers. Another possible symptom of diabetes is poor circulation which - in turn - impairs the body’s ability to heal, repair and fend off infection. Diabetes can also lead to neuropathy, severe nerve damage that limits sensation in extremities. Because of nerve damage, a diabetic may not even feel the pain of an injury or infection, allowing wounds to go unnoticed and thus worsen. When a wound is left untreated for too long, it can become infected. Medical treatment can include antibiotics, hospitalization, and – in extreme circumstances - amputation. The feet are particularly vulnerable as they are often out of sight and difficult to inspect. For these many reasons, it is vitally importance that diabetics practice thoughtful, rigorous foot care.

The following are recommended tips for keeping your feet happy and healthy!

• Always wear appropriate diabetic shoes or slippers and NEVER walk around barefoot. Choosing the right footwear is critical to foot health as the majority of diabetic foot injuries are the result of poor fitting shoes. Shoes for diabetics should not be too tight or narrow. They should be constructed from comfortable, breathable material and feature mesh vents to ventilate the shoes, decreasing moisture, which tends to bred bacteria. Pair a high quality pair of diabetic shoes with seamless socks or compression stockings.


• Regularly check your feet for any sign of calluses, blisters, sores, or injuries. Make it a daily ritual, perhaps something you complete right after brushing your teeth and before bed. Use a hand mirror to inspect those hard-to-see places. If that doesn’t work, have a family member check your feet for you.


• Wash your feet every day and after rigorous exercise or activity. Use soap and warm water – test the temperature with your elbow if you have difficulty discerning the temperature. Do NOT soak feet. Prolonged soaking can lead to dry, cracked skin.


• After washing your feet, use an emery board carefully file down calluses. Do not over-file as that can lead to sores and bleeding – which is exactly what you are trying to avoid.


• Use a light coat of lotion after you wash and file. Be careful not to slather on lotion or allow it to trap between the toes as this creates an excellent environment for bacteria to breed. Massage in the lotion until it is completely absorbed.


• Trim your nails as needed. Most people find once a week or every other week works best. Shape the nail to the contour of your toes and be careful to not trim them too short. File the edges to prevent snagging nails that can tear.


• Never ignore foot issues of any kind. If you discover a cut, treat it immediately. If you notice as of the following, contain your physician immediately: swelling, cracks around the heel, calluses that bleed, nail issues, open sores, changes in color of the skin, pain in your legs, or changes in skin temperature.


• Visit your doctor for an annual foot check-up. Ask if they have any concerns or can recommend any products for improving your foot care regimen.

Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition, or be taken as medical advice. For more information related to your unique situation, please speak with your personal physician.

About MMAR Medical: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a premier supplier of high quality medical products including a wide selection of diabetic shoes, cold therapy systems and medical orthopedic braces, including arthritis knee braces. To find quality medical shoulder, knee, back braces and more, please visit MMAR Medical online.

ACL Tear Treatments - ACL Surgery

The ACL or anterior cruciate ligament is one of four key knee ligaments. The ACL attaches the tibia to the femur, keeping the shin bone in place, and is critically important to knee movement and stability. An ACL strain or tear is one of the most common knee injuries and individuals who have suffered an ACL injury often complain that their knee “gives out” or buckles as the joint's overall stability has been compromised.

While there are many, many ways to tears one’s ACL, the most common is high impact sports where the knee is forced to make sharp movements. High probability sports include football, skiing, rugby, and soccer. 80% of ACL tears occur in a non-contact situation where the knee is simply pushed beyond its capabilities. The other 20% result when there is a direct impact from another player or players. Research has also shown that women involved in sports are far more likely to sustain ACL tears than men. This is likely due to weight distribution and how the female hips situate the knees.

How Can I Tell if I Have Injured My ACL?

ACL injury’s result is pain, swelling and knee instability. A physician or sports doctor can either conduct special tests or an MRI to decide the degree to which the ACL is injured and if other ligaments where torn as well. It is quite common for multiple ligaments to be injured simultaneously. An ACL injury can lead to significant long-term knee instability and for this reason, many seriously injured individuals opt for surgery. ACL Surgery is certainly not required, however. Torn ligaments, including the ACL, can heal on their own and some individuals prefer physical rehab rather than undergoing the knife.

Should I Have Surgery for My ACL Injury?

If you have a complete tear, it is very likely that surgery is your best option, but if you have a partial tear, you will need to evaluate your situation and decide whether or not surgery is right for you.

There are several things to consider when evaluating ACL surgery, including:

• What is the extent of your injury? Is it a small tear or something more substantial? The more extensive the injury, the longer non-surgical rehabilitation will take.


• How important is a healthy ACL to your lifestyle? Do you play high impact sports? Are there certain activities that are critical to your quality of life that you are not willing to give up, such as skiing or soccer?


• After several weeks of recuperation, does your knee feel "normal" or do you experience knee instability? Does it cause you pain or significant anxiety? Does it impede your ability to do important activities?

What to Expect with ACL Reconstruction

The surgery for an ACL tear is called ACL reconstruction. It is a procedure done under general anesthesia, meaning the patient is "asleep" for the operation. The surgery replaces the damaged ACL with healthy tissue from elsewhere in your body (autograpgh) or a donor (allograft), usually using tissue from the knee cap or hamstring tendons . The procedure is executed with a tiny knee arthoscopy camera which the surgeon will use to observe and treat the affected area. The new tissue is usually attached with screws or similar devices. After the surgery is complete, the patient will need to wear a post-surgical knee brace to support and stabilize the knee during rehabilitation.

ACL reconstruction surgery is fairly common and usually quite successful (90+%). There are, however, risks associated with any major medical operation. For ACL reconstruction the risks include infection, stiffness, the continuance of instability or pain, and difficulty performing certain tasks.

After surgery, the patient will undergo a rigorous rehabilitation period. Rehabilitation focuses on returning range of motion and building of muscles to support the knee and prevent future injury. It is recommended that the patient continue to strengthen their leg muscles as it will provide the best long-term knee stability. Many patients also choose to wear an ACL brace when they engage in at-risk activities –especial sports. Finding the right medical knee brace can increase confidence and performance.

About MMAR Medical: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a premier supplier of high quality medical products including a wide selection of medical orthopedic braces and supports, including ACL braces, patella stabilizers, and hinged knee braces. To find quality medical shoulder, knee, back braces and more, please visit MMAR Medical online.

The Aqua Relief System Product Review

The Aqua Relief System is one of the most popular systems for treating achy feed and hands, the primary symptoms of diabetic neuropathy and poor circulation. The following is a quick overview of how this high quality hot and cold therapy system works and it's primary features.

What is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is the result of damaged nerves in the peripheral nervous system (i.e. the nerves outside the brain and spinal column) which can lead to the narrowing of the arteries and subsequent poor blood circulation. The most common cause of neuropathy is diabetes, but it can also be caused by infection, metabolic disorders, exposure to dangerous toxins and traumatic injuries. The condition causes chronic pain, burning or a tingling numbness, often in the hands or feet, and it can also affect muscle movement as well as blood vessels, bladder, intestines and heart.

Beyond discomfort and pain, neuropathy also poses a danger to sensitive diabetic feet. Poor blood circulation can also lead to swelling and dryness of the foot – making the foot more injury prone. At the same time, the lower blood flow reduces the amount of oxygen and nutrition supplied to the skin and surrounding tissue. Feet become more injury prone and yet have difficulty healing… a dangerous situation that can lead to serious ulcers and infections.

How can the Aqua Relief System Help?

The Aqua Relief System is an all-natural, proven effective way to treat the pain and symptoms of neuropathy. The system can be used for both heat and cold therapy, depending on the user’s particular needs. The system pumps heated or chilled water through patented therapy pads that are applied to the affected area. The result is improved circulation, improved cellular function, and decreased pain in neuropathy situations.

The Aqua Relief System can also be applied to non-neuropathy injuries. Heat can be used to relax muscles and decrease stiffness in tendons and ligaments. Likewise, cold therapy is effective on immediate injuries as it can reduce swelling and can be useful in some chronic pain conditions. The system is most often applied to hands and feet, but can also be comfortably fit around the knees, shoulders, and ankles.

Aqua Relief System Features:

• All-in-one heat and cold therapy system


• Easy to use and store at home


• Water is circulated all around the affected area, providing optimal 360°treatment


• Provides added compression, which helps reduce pain and inflammation


• 32° F to 120° F


• Safety timer


• Can be used on the hands and feet (and all other body parts)


• Covered by Medicare and Medicare Approved

Have any questions about our hot or cold therapy systems? Please contact MMAR Medical at 1-800-662-7633 to speak to a heat and cold therapy expert today. Also check out our wide supply of quality diabetic shoes and compression therapy sock and stockings, essential products for proper diabetic foot care.

About the Author: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a wholesale distributor of medical orthopedic brace, including one of the most comprehensive ACL braces, unloader knee braces and patella stabilizers.

Coping with Your Child’s Scoliosis

Discovering that your child has been living with an unusual physical condition like scoliosis can be very traumatic for parents. Family members ask themselves, "How did we not know?" "When did this start?" "What could we have done?" While there is a normal feeling of guilt and angst that comes with learning your child has scoliosis, it is important to focus on helping your child physically and emotionally to get through this difficult time.

Understanding Scoliosis

The first thing you should do is learn about your child’s condition. There are a number of resources you can utilize to solidify your understanding of scoliosis. You can browse medical websites, talk to other parents or youths with scoliosis and most importantly, talk to your doctor to obtain credible information about scoliosis. It’s important to realize that scoliosis is not a disease or syndrome – it is a condition. It is a curvature of the spine that becomes evident in adolescents during their growth spurt.

The severity of the curve varies greatly by individual case. This severity is what determines the physical risks your child may have. It is crucial that a medical professional diagnose your child’s severity based on x-rays and monitor its progress. It is important that you as a parent to be involved with your child’s care and medical attention. Ask questions and educate yourself so that you can offer real support to your child.

Emotionally Supporting your Child

Scoliosis can be incredibly hard on your child. This condition occurs normally during puberty, an already confusing and trying time for a child. He or she will need positive support and encouragement as they try to understand this condition they’ve been burdened with. If you approach this condition with an optimistic and prepared attitude, your child will too. Your child may mask feelings of fear, anxiety or anger with unusual outbursts, isolation, moodiness or passiveness. You will need to be ready to offer a shoulder as your child learns to understand and accept their condition.

Proactively Seeking Treatment

The majority of scoliosis cases do not require surgery. Surgery is required when the curvature is very extreme and is putting other organs, like the lungs or heart, at risk. Most likely, if your child is still growing, your doctor may recommend wearing a brace. While wearing a brace will not cure or reverse the condition of your child’s scoliosis, it may prevent worsening of the curve. A brace should be worn as many hours a day as possible.

Most likely, your doctor will recommend a thoracolumbosacral orthosis, or TSLO brace. This is a tight fitting brace unnoticeable under clothes and goes under your arms and around the ribcage. In cases where your doctor believes a TSLO brace would not be enough, he may recommend a CTO brace or Milwaukee brace. This type of brace is a full-torso brace and has rests for the chin and neck.

Regardless of the treatment your child needs, the support and love you show your child are invaluable. This type of condition is difficult for both the patient and his/her loved ones, but it is important to keep the focus on the child as they struggle to fight scoliosis.

About MMAR Medical Group: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a supplier of orthopedic medical products including a wide selection of orthopedic braces and supports. From top quality post-operative back braces to a wide selection of arthritis knee braces, MMAR Medical has bracing and support solutions for everyone.