Swede-O Thermoskin Open Wrap Knee Brace Review

To treat knee complications such as a ligament injuries or arthritic pain, the Swede-O Thermoskin Open Wrap Knee Brace can provide significant relief through a combination of compression, stabilization and heat therapy. As a rehabilitation brace, the Swede-O helps to stabilize the knee, alleviating pain and facilitating proper alignment for easier and more comfortable walking. It can also relieve pressure that arises from ailments such as strain injuries, arthritis, and other knee problems. The Thermoskin Open Wrap Knee Brace is an ideal product to maintain a strong and stable knee for smooth, pain-free function in the activities of everyday life.

As the only authorized supplier of Thermoskin products, Swede-O is a leader in the field of heat therapy. The Open Wrap Knee Brace by Swede-O contains Thermoskin Thermal Supports that increase the temperature of the knee beneath the skin. Only Thermoskin products have demonstrated the ability to raise the knee temperature by 2 to 3 degrees, which results in a maximal benefit of heat therapy. Indeed, a temperature of approximately one or two degrees above the normal body temperature is the optimal heat level for superior muscular function. Also, the Trixion lining of the Thermoskin supports is a patented technology that sustains the heat within the knee while simultaneously ventilating the area to hinder perspiration. As a consequence of the ventilating abilities of Trixion lining, the Swede-O knee brace keeps moisture away from the knee and allows for pleasant long-term wear.

Additional features of the Swede-O Thermoskin Open Wrap Knee Brace set it apart from competitive forms of knee therapy. For example, the Swede-O knee brace contains side spirals along the length of the brace and on either side of the knee for secure support and walking stability. Also, the Swede-O knee brace wraps around the knee and fastens above and below the knee with adjustable velcro straps. An opening in the brace over the patella, or the knee cap, allows for added ventilation and thus a dryer and more comfortable long-term usage. The brace's circular opening over the patella reduces knee pressure and prevents the brace from exacerbating any possible bruises or tenderness in the knee as well. Further, the brace opens and closes along its entire anterior, a feature that cooperates with the popliteal, or knee, opening to provide the highest level of comfortable flexibility and the widest range of motion that is possible.

In addition to aiding in walking stability, the Swede-O Thermoskin Open Wrap helps alleviate pain associated with injury, osteoarthritis, and even previously standard knee braces. It administers compression to the knee, excluding the patella, and increases circulation as a catalyst to the healing and pain-relief processes. The dryness provided by the ventilated Trixion lining also serves to prevent rashes and other cutaneous, or skin, irritations. The neoprene lining material used in conventional knee braces does not allow moisture to escape, facilitating excessive perspiration and thus irritations and odors.

This heat therapy knee brace is conveniently available in a vast range of sizes to suit every body type. The sizes span from extra-small to quintuple extra large, and proper sizing is based on the measurement of the circumference in inches of the area below the knee cap while the knee is slightly bent. From 10.25 inches to 27.75 inches, Swede-O offers a knee brace to fit every measurement within said inclusive interval. The Swede-O Thermoskin Open Wrap Knee Brace is also conveniently washable, and it comes with a craftsmanship guarantee that lasts for six months. It helps to alleviate arthritis or injury pain while stabilizing the knee for proper function in daily activities. Its unique and innovative Thermoskin and Trixion technologies make Swede-O stand out from the crowd as the leading distributor of heat therapy products. The Swede-O Thermoskin Open Wrap Knee Brace is available for nearly any body type, truly helping the knee and allowing each patient to resume a normal life as soon as possible.

Top Winter Sports Injuries & How to Prevent Them

This article has moved!!

Visit https://www.mmarmedical.com/how-to-prevent-skiing-and-snowboarding-injuries-s/1421.htm

Donjoy Patella Stabilizer Product Review

A knee cap injury does not have to put you on the sidelines. Serious athletes still want to move while recovering, and the Donjoy Patella Stabilizer helps protect mild patella damages while allowing more freedom than other braces.

Whether you slide into home, glide down mountains or run laps around your neighborhood track, the Donjoy Patella Stabilizer is designed to comfort and project your knee, allowing for recovery and preventing further damage and unnecessary pair. The brace is constructed with tubular buttresses that create a "J" and run parallel to the knee. This reduces the chances of dislocations and injuries for cautious athletes. It also keeps the patella in place to avoid accidents or give strength to those trying to heal. The material is made of Lycra with a nylon core and allows airflow without sacrificing support.

Braces often cause irritation in hot climates, and some people have special requirements. Donjoy’s knee cap stabilizer is designed for those in warm locations that want a smooth, light feeling. It is also the only solution for athletes who have neoprene allergies. It is intended to prevent or aid in the treatment of dislocated kneecaps, misalignment, Subluxation and Chondromalacia. One knee injury can destroy a career and cause lifetime pain, so proper prevention and care is crucial for athletes.

Versatile options mean that you will always receive benefit from your stabilizer. The brace can be worn for daily activities and is comfortable for walking, running or resting. The system will not interfere with movement and can be worn while playing soccer, tennis, basketball or other sports. A strap is provided to adjust the brace to allow a unique fit for every individual.

Aluminum hinges give a more secure feel than Velcro or other materials. This allows for more stability when walking and helps restore knee function and provide confidence when moving.

Functionality is one of the biggest benefits of the brace. Many knee cap / joint stabilizers are bulky and do not allow athletes to give their best performance. No one should have to choose performance over safety. The airflow technology also ensures players will not become overheated, itchy, or distracted on the field.

Comfort is a high priority after safety. Athletes will be able to focus on the game and forget they are wearing the brace. It moves with athletes to give support and a positive feel on and off the court.

Downtime is hard on all athletes, but proper healing is crucial for anyone who wants to endure in a given field. The brace reduces time off and aids in recovery. Players can use the Donjoy Patella Stabilizer to adjust to injuries. It is also beneficial when retraining the knee and learning to put weight on it again.

About MMAR Medical Group: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a supplier of orthopedic medical products including a wide selection of Donjoy braces and supports. For quality knee bracing, please visit www.mmarmedical.com.

Donjoy TROM Knee Brace Product Overview

Introducing the new Donjoy Total Range of Movement (TROM™) Adjuster Knee Brace – the first post-operative brace truly designed to easily, comfortably and consistently deliver controlled off-loading, conducive to creating the optimal recovery environment.

Command Performance Device
The goal of reducing discomfort while achieving the highest degree of therapeutic healing from knee surgery has found a state-of-the art device designed to do just that. The TROM™ Adjuster Knee Brace is applied science in an attractively simple design that has revolutionized the healing process for patients. Enduring the recovery process following meniscal repairs, major ligament surgery, osteochondral defects, patella realignment, condylar or tibial plateau fractures, high tibial osteotomy (HTO) or other surgical repair involves relieving weight bearing on the knee while supporting flexion and extension during recovery.

The TROM™ Adjuster introduces the most comprehensive post-op brace solution for patients using the successful TROM™ platform. This fully adjustable knee brace revolutionizes the healing process through an easy-on, easy-off design that presents an improvement over conventional methods while still providing the ability to serve the purpose, such as that previously achieved with groin to toe casting. The ability to adjust the degree of flexion and extension as well as being able to lock-out the brace has actually proven to reduce the amount of time spent in recovery with its versatile ease of use.

Features
Here are some of the unique design features that distinguish the TROM™ Adjuster Knee Brace:

• Tele-Fit – independent sliding strap movement for best comfort and fit
• Push-button telescoping bars – to custom fit the length of the brace between 17 3/4-inches and 24-inches
• Adjustable hinge technology – designed to accommodate prescribed range of motion for physical rehabilitation
• Quick-lok mechanism – to lock out the brace from 0 to 90 degrees in 10 degree increments as per the prescribed therapy
• Sili-grip pads – highly adaptable pads that affix to the straps through hook-and-loop technology to prevent the fit from shifting in use
• Able to accept fit of cold therapy wraps or dressings to aid in healing
• 6-month warranty

Improvements Over Conventional Therapies
There are a host of improvements in recovery from surgery facilitated by the use of the TROM™ Adjuster Knee Brace. First and foremeost, the flexibility to make adjustments in the levels of immobilization for the prescribed protocols has been a tremendous aid in limiting time spent healing, improving the integrity of joint recovery, allowing for improved surgical outcomes, reducing the pain typically associated with these recoveries and decreasing the need for anti-inflammatory medications. The convenience of eliminating the process of cast immobilization responds to a host of otherwise related difficulties, not the least of which is the incessant itching associated with such therapies.

Further, the ability to easily remove the padding that supports the brace to facilitate the best hygienic conditions ensures comfort throughout the period of physical therapy. The pads are held in place with hook and loop technology which also allows for custom placement. This will prevent skin contacting any of the firm parts of the brace and help prevent chaffing. Patients who have experienced the TROM™ Adjuster Knee Brace are convinced that the manufacturer took the time to think of everything. There is nothing left to improvement but the health and best healing from knee surgery, something that need not bring nearly the anguish previously associated with the recovery time required.

About MMAR Medical: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a premiere medical orthopedic brace distributor in North America, carrying a large selection of post-op hinged braces including the Donjoy Trom adjustable knee brace. Based in Houston Texas, www.MMARMedical.com carries one of the largest selection of sport rehab knee braces in the Americas.

Scoliosis: Treatment in Children

Scoliosis is defined as a lateral curvature of the spine and is typically more prevalent in girls than boys. Children between the ages of 10 and 16 may develop “C” or “S” shaped curves that may continue to bend the spine and create deformities as the child grows. Typical screening for scoliosis is performed by the pediatrician, annual school exams, hospitals and community awareness programs. If the curvature of the spine exceeds 20-25 degrees, treatment is indicated.

Treatment for Mild Scoliosis
Often, parents first notice mild scoliosis in their child by the appearance of one shoulder or hip slightly higher than the other. The treatment in a mild case is observation of the spinal curve which is measured by the pediatrician overtime. The spine is monitored with periodic x-rays and visual techniques every four to six months to ensure the angle of the curve does not worsen in the course of the child’s growth.

Medical Braces for Moderate Scoliosis
If the curvature has progressed or exceeds the mild form of scoliosis, the pediatrician may elect to prescribe a brace to prevent further deformity. The brace holds the patient’s backbone in an erect position and supports the spine during growth spurts. Several models of braces are available and can be custom made to accommodate all types of curvatures at different locations of the spine. Most of these spinal braces are constructed with form-fitting plastics that are molded to the patient’s individual requirements. Typically, the pediatrician dictates how many hours per day the brace must be worn for the duration of the child’s growth period.

Types of Braces for Scoliosis

• Milwaukee Brace: Used to correct any curvature in the spine. The brace extends from the base of the skull to the pelvis. This type includes a neck ring. The brace is intended to minimize further progression of a curve between 25-40 degrees.
• Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral-Orthosis (TLSO) Brace: The treatment of choice for mid to lower back spine curvatures, the brace fits under the arms and extends around the chest and down to the hips. The advantage of a TLSO brace is that it can be worn under the clothes.
• Providence Brace: A brace designed for bedtime use and can be worn by the child comfortably for up to eight hours while sleeping.

Complications of Severe Curvatures
As the angle of the spinal curve becomes more severe, the ribcage can twist and restrict normal breathing. In progressive “S” curves, the pelvis may rotate and cause significant leg length discrepancies and result in one leg shorter than the other. Surgery may be indicated for severe scoliosis.

Surgical Interventions for Severe Scoliosis
If moderate scoliosis does not respond to bracing, the condition is often treated with back surgery by an orthopedic surgeon. The procedure fuses the vertebrae of the spine with a rod, or uses the insertion of an implant, and straightens the spine to prevent further progression of the spinal curve. Typically, post surgery requires several days in the hospital and activity of the child is limited for approximately one year.

Overview of Scoliosis
Scoliosis in children must be monitored and treated throughout their growth and development. Treatment is based on the child’s age, degree of curvature and the risk of progression. Mild curves frequently don’t progress into moderate or severe curvatures, but bracing or surgery may be indicated at some point due to the child’s growth spurts. Any form of scoliosis requires monitoring and medical care by a qualified physician.

About MMAR Medical: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is one of North America's premiere medical orthopedic brace distributors, carrying a large selection of TLSO braces for scoliosis. Based in Houston Texas, www.MMARMedical.com also carries one of the largest selection of orthopedic back braces in the Americas.

Compression Sportswear: Improved Performance and Protection for All Athletes

In recent years, astute sports fans have noticed a trend in athletic wear while watching recreational, college, and even professional sporting events: the use of formfitting, spandex-like garments such as shorts, tights, sleeves, and socks worn with or underneath typical sportswear. Whether beneath a soccer player's shorts, under a female tennis player's skirt, as a basketball player's sleeve, or as a more supportive sock for runners, compression sportswear is a phenomenon that's here to stay.

There's a fundamental reason why compression sportswear isn't just a fad: it provides athletes clear benefits that improve their athletic performance.

Advantages of Compression Sportswear
The primary benefit to wearing compression sportswear is that it keeps the most utilized muscles of a given athlete warm, which prevents both strain and fatigue. Meanwhile, compression shorts, sleeves, socks, or any similar item wraps muscles in a way that decreases movement and promotes focused support. This results in an increased sense of proprioception. Athletes using compression clothing experience less muscle soreness, weakness, and stiffness.

Another enormous benefit is that such garments keep sweat from pooling and dripping directly on athletes' bodies. This prevents chafing and rashes, while allowing the body to regulate its temperature naturally. No matter how intense the workout, the athlete remains dry and functions at his or her optimal temperature.

There's also evidence that compression sportswear improves blood circulation. More oxygen in the blood results in increased strength during a workout and less soreness afterward. And, of course, this reduces the risk of deep vein thrombosis, and improves vein and artery health more generally.

While most athletes are vaguely aware of these advantages before first using compression clothing, they always feel the results in terms of increased performance and improved athletic health after regularly using it. However, the reason why many runners, cyclists, tennis, basketball, and baseball players initially purchase such items is because compression gear holds undergarments and other equipment nicely in place. Some male athletes use compression shorts in lieu of jockstraps, and many women use such shorts or tights under skirts to prevent exposure of their underwear. Lastly, some compression sportswear has extra padding built in that is ideal in sports where the athlete may frequently make contact with the ground, such as in baseball and tennis.

Overall, users of compression clothing in sports experience increased athletic performance that allows them to run faster and longer, jump higher, and have improved muscle memory, all while decreasing the risk of sports injuries.

Types of Compression Sportswear
While many types of compression clothing for sports now exist and the technology is rapidly advancing, there are several specific garments that are the most widely used by athletes at all levels.

Compression socks have become a favorite of professional and recreational runners alike. Outdoor runners find that the socks decrease the negative impact that muscle vibration causes. Also, runners' legs and feet feel more supported with compression socks.

Anybody who watches NBA basketball have noticed that many players now wear compression sleeves on their shooting arm. It keeps the arm warm and ready to shoot, improving their strength, accuracy, and muscle memory. These advantages are present in other sports that make prominent use of arms as well.

As for compression shorts, they without question are beneficial to cyclists, runners, baseball players, tennis players, and all kinds of other athletes. They cover and support a sensitive region of the body that needs strong blood flow and protection. The comfort that compression shorts provides is reason enough for most athletes to give them a try.

While many trends in athletics that promise to improve performance are unsupported by research, this is not the case with compression sportswear. Such garments now have a long track record of clear benefits and increased athletic performance for all types of athletes. Whether to keep muscles warm, improve blood flow, or provide increased support and protection, compression gear has numerous uses.

About MMAR Medical: MMAR medical is a supplier of medical sports therapy equipment including rehabilitative knee braces, cold therapy systems and CEP sports compression.

What Is Foot Drop?

Foot drop is a simple name for a very complex problem. Typically, it is caused by an underlying condition that affects the motor nerves in the spine or legs. People with foot drop may drag their foot or feet during ambulation. Depending on the severity of the nerve involvement, the injury to the nerves may be partial or completely affected. Whether foot drop is a temporary or permanent condition, appliances and braces can smooth the transition of walking, and prevent further damage to the joint.

The Anatomy of Foot Drop
Normally, the motor nerves control the dorsiflexion of the forefoot. The muscles in the shin area pull up the foot towards the knee, and the forefoot flexes. If these nerves are damaged or compressed, the forefoot falls limp and doesn’t lift off the ground during walking. Usually in a partially affected foot, the shoes are worn at the front and side of the sole. If left untreated, foot drop can continue to worsen with permanent stiffening and further deformity of the ankle joint.

Origins or Cause
People may develop foot drop after a stroke or any condition that weakens the muscles and nerves. Back and spinal cord injuries that cause paralysis or compress nerves weaken muscles in the legs and feet. Although the reasons are not completely understood, diabetes may contribute to foot drop. Experts speculate that diabetic neuropathy damages the nerves located below the knees. Neurologic disorders, such as: muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, diminish the nerve impulses to the dorsiflexors of the feet.

Diagnosis
People who are experiencing a weakness in one or both feet should notify their healthcare providers. Foot drop is not a disease, but may be a serious indication of an underlying condition. It is paramount to seek treatment and receive a diagnosis as soon as possible, as some conditions may be reversible. Usually diagnostic tests include x-rays, CT scans, and possibly other imaging modalities.

Medical Treatment
Depending on the cause of foot drop, some conditions require surgical interventions. Decompression of the motor nerves in the back to correct a herniated disc may be indicated. Once the nerve is freed from the space in the spine, foot drop may resolve. Another technique is called nerve grafting. The damaged nerves below the knee are replaced with healthy nervous tissue.

The Importance of Support
Ankle braces and foot supports, known as an orthosis, are an extremely important to provide comfort during walking and prevent further deformity to the joint. As the muscles weaken in the forefoot, they become heavy and pull down on the ankle. Due to poor support, some people with drop foot can no longer achieve a normal 90 degree angle of the ankle-foot joint. Even people who are non- ambulatory should prevent deformity of the foot with a well-designed foot/ankle brace. Ensure the orthosis is lightweight, thin, and doesn’t have sharp or exposed edges that may cause friction injuries to the skin on the lower legs. The material should be breathable for comfort, to ensure it can be worn for long periods of time.

Overview of Foot Drop
Since it may be an indication of an underlying disease, people who note weakness in their feet should seek treatment from their healthcare provider. Foot support is important to maintain a normal joint angle and for comfortable walking. Foot drop may be permanent or temporary, but support is necessary for optimal health of the ankle-foot joint.

About MMAR Medical: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is one of North America's premiere medical orthopedic brace distributors, carrying a large selection of lumbar sacral support braces and rehabilitative cold therapy units.

ACL Tears - What to Expect During Recovery

This article has moved!!

Visit https://www.mmarmedical.com/acl-knee-injury-guide-s/1422.htm

Treating Wrist Arthritis

Wrist arthritis can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you or a loved one has recently developed symptoms of arthritis is in the wrist area, understanding what exactly wrist arthritis is and why it occurs can prove to be valuable information that you can use to your advantage.

What is Wrist Arthritis?
Arthritis comes in different variations, but it is commonly found in two primary forms: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. With osteoarthritis, the articular cartilage in the wrist starts to wear down over time. This occurs from normal wear and tear throughout your life, or it can happen as a result of a big injury. Once the articular cartilage wears off, it causes the bones in the wrist area to grind together when you move. When this happens, it can be very painful without something in between the bones.

By comparison, rheumatoid arthritis is a type of autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks parts of the body. When you have premature arthritis, it can come on all at once. It also occurs in both sides of the body equally. This means that if one wrist is hurting because of her mental arthritis, the other one will also start hurting.

Noninvasive Treatment Options
If the condition is caught early on in the process, the doctor will usually recommend engaging in noninvasive treatment. With these types of treatment options, the primary objective is to relieve the pain and to minimize any swelling that could occur as a result of the arthritis.

One very simple noninvasive way to treat arthritis is to change your regular activities. In many cases, arthritis flares up when an individual is doing a specific activity. For example, someone who plays the piano may notice their arthritis hurting when they play. By simply eliminating this activity, you may be able to minimize pain. In some cases, you cannot or do not want to stop these trigger activities. (For example, you may love playing piano or have to use a computer keyboard – two very common trigger activities.) If that is the case, you can incorporate an arthritis wrist brace or glove into these activities, which will hold your wrist steady, provide compression pressure, and minimize pain. In some cases, doctors will recommend completely immobilizing the wrist. Again, a wrist brace or splint will hold the wrist completely straight and still for a long duration, which will minimize or eliminate symptoms.

Exercising regularly can also make a big difference when it comes to helping your arthritis. By moving your wrist around, it can boost the range of motion, increase blood flow, and help it feel better overall.

Some doctors will recommend treating wrist arthritis with medication. Most of the time, they'll start out with some kind of anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen and possibly work up to something stronger if the pain persists. When the pain is pretty severe, the doctor may recommend getting a steroid injection into the area. By injecting steroids into the wrist, this can cause the inflammation to go down significantly. Cortisone is typically the first steroid that doctors will use in this situation.

Surgical Options
When noninvasive measures do not provide any relief, then the doctor may recommend a surgical procedure. There are a few different options that can be done in surgery. The first option involves removing the bones that are causing the pain. There are some very tiny bones in the wrist that can be removed to fix the problem.

Another option to consider is fusing two bones together. The surgeon may also recommend putting a prosthetic joint in the wrist to address the problem. With this option, patients have been known to regain full motion in their wrists without any of the pain that typically comes with wrist arthritis.

Considerations
If you are experiencing pain in your wrist and you think it could be arthritis, contact a doctor as soon as possible. When the condition is detected early on, it can be treated easier without having to go through surgery. Then you can try various treatment options to handle the issue.

About the Author: MMAR Medical Group Inc. is a wholesale distributor of medical support braces, diabetic shoes for men and women and hot or cold therapy units. MMAR offers one of the largest selections of support braces for pain and postoperative recovery.

Best Practices for Using TENS Electrotherapy on your Back

This article has moved!!

Visit https://www.mmarmedical.com/Using-TENS-Electrotherapy-on-Your-Back-s/1436.htm