Thermotex Personal Therapy System Product Review

My dog, Maestro, was diagnosed with Inter-vertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and osteoarthritis earlier this year. We have been going to the Canine Aquafitness Centre in Okotoks for his laser therapy treatments. Each session ends with a round on the Platinum Thermotex™ Personal Therapy System. Now that his laser therapy appointments have decreased from weekly to every other week, it was time to purchase our own Thermotex for at home pain relief from his vet; not only his muscle and joint pain, but my own!

How the Infrared Therapy Works

The Thermotex™ Personal Therapy System provides pain relief using infrared thermal energy (heat). This penetrates below the skin surface, all the way down into deep tissues and joints.

The body temperature in the injured area increases, increasing the blood flow into that area. The result is that the infrared jolts the affected area(s) into repairing the damage.

Infrared heat therapy is used on humans as well as pets for temporary relief of muscle and joint pain, sprains, strains, muscle tension, arthritis and even cancer patients. Maestro's vet assured me that it is very safe to use.

Features of the Thermotex™ Personal Therapy System

The Thermotex Personal Therapy System unit is 42 cm X 35 cm (17" X 15") The infrared heating plates are inside a soft, black case.

There are three settings on this product: High, Low and Off. The power cord is a decent length.

On the backside, there are removable Velcro straps. They can be used to wrap the device around the back, arm or leg.

In addition to the Thermotex™ Personal Therapy System, there are two systems specifically for animals. The equine system is designed as a coat for the horses to wear. The pet therapy system offers a line of pet beds.

Using theThermotex™ Personal Therapy System

When you first take the unit out of its packaging, check the cords inside the unit to make sure that they are securely connected. One end of the casing can be opened for this purpose.

His vet recommended that I put the pad in a pillowcase to keep the unit clean. So far, so good.

To use, place the unit on the injured area. You can use the Velcro straps to secure it in place. Put it on the high setting for the first 15 minutes and then switch to low. The instructions recommend that the device be used for at least 30 minutes.

The unit can be used up to four times a day. As with any therapy, the frequency can decrease as your condition improves.

There are several warnings that are worth noting. First, it is not recommended to use the unit while sleeping. Second, the Thermotex™ Therapy System should not be used on infants and thirdly, the product shouldn't be used in conjunction with liniments, salves or ointments. There rest are the regular warnings about using an electrical device.

There is a one year parts and labour warranty on the Thermotex™ Therapy System. There is also a 30-day satisfaction guarantee from the creator of the Thermotex™ Therapy Systems.

User Experience with the Thermotex™ Personal Therapy System

I purchased the device two weeks ago. Since then, Maestro has used the Thermotex™ Personal Therapy System daily. He uses it two to three times a day for approximately 30 minutes. 

Maestro gets fidgety once we near the 30 minute mark. His vet says that "He's cooked and done," when he becomes restless.

After each use, he is more mobile. Maestro attempts to jump up on the couch and to tackle the stairs ("No jumping, running or stairs" was the first thing his primary vet said to me when he was diagnosed). If I'm not fast enough or if I'm too slow to put the doggie gate up, he actually does.

As for me, I've been using it daily as well. I use it on my tense shoulders and to ease my lower back pain. I've been a bit more active lately, so I am also using it to prevent tendinitis in my arm and on an achy leg/hip.

Although I feel better immediately afterwards, its effects aren't consistent. It works extremely well on my back and shoulders. However, I've had limited success with my hip region. To be fair, I'm only using it once a day. I should actually follow the directions and increase usage to three or four times a day. As well, it is a little tricky to keep the pad in place at my hip.

When finished, I roll the unit up and wrap the power cord around it. It stores easily, although, with both of us using it daily, I don't bother putting it away.

Alternatives toThermotex™ Personal Therapy Systems

The Thermotex™ Personal Therapy System is one of the pricier pain relief personal care products on the market. I purchased it from the Canine Aquafitness Centre for $249 CAD. I imagine other local dealers will sell it at a similar price. It sells on Amazon for $289.14 CAD. The Venture Heat KB-2436 Therapy Infrared Heating Pad retails for approximately $155 CAD. The Therasage HB-1600 Far-Infrared Heat Therapy Healing Belt With Battery is more expensive at $300 CAD. If you want the benefits of infrared heat therapy at an entry-level price, you could check out the Infrared Deep Heat Wand for less than $30 CAD.

There are also infrared light therapy systems. Prior to purchasing the Thermotex™ Platinum, we were using the Light Relief Infrared Pain Relief Device ($84.99). Gaiam sells a Deep Penetrating Light Therapy device for $169 USD. There is also the Sirius SS-77 Aurora Light Therapy System for $85 USD.

Thermotex™ and the other infrared heating systems have one advantage to the infrared light therapy units on the market - durability. Once those LED lights die, that's it. Game over, simply because I haven't found any replacement lights. Our power adapter also burned out - after the warranty expired. On the flipside, the advantage to infrared light therapy products is that they are cheaper.

Infrared Pads on Amazon

Thermotex™ Personal Therapy System - The Final Verdict

Although the unit is the second most expensive that I've come across, I am satisfied with the Thermotex™ Personal Therapy System. The construction is solid, from the stitching of the casing to the thick Velcro straps. The heating plates are sturdy too.

It does work, if Maestro's increased mobility after each use is any indication. I too, have noticed less tension in my shoulders and back. The Thermotex™ Personal Therapy System is effective in providing temporary relief for chronic pain. One final bonus - no skin burns, which is always a factor when using "normal" heating pads.

Popular Back Massagers

Last week, I reviewed the Travel Roller, which is a self-myofascial release (SMR) tool for back pain relief. We live in a sedentary society, after all. Between sitting at my instrument, sitting at my desk and sitting (sometimes) when I teach, I do get back aches. Even with all my attempts to have ergonomic seating, I still get backaches, especially lower back pain.

As much as I like my Travel Roller, I'm always on the lookout for other massagers that offer back pain relief. Since I'm self-employed (TL: not the health benefits plan), I try to solve as much as I can on my own before calling a medical professional.

I have done some digging and found these 10 popular back massagers. Sure, you can order them from Amazon. However, if you want to buy local, do check your local medical supply store or exercise equipment store. Here's the Top Ten Best Sellers in Back Massagers:

1. Trigger Point Performance The Grid Revolutionary Foam Roller, Black

2. The Stick Travel Stick

3. Body Back Buddy

4. Spine-Worx Back Realignment Device

5. Trigger Point Performance Grid 2.0 Revolutionary EVA Foam Roller (Black)

6. Trigger Point Performance The Grid Revolutionary Foam Roller with SMRT-CORE Level 1 DVD (Black)

7. Original Massage Stick

8. The Original Backnobber II by The Pressure Positive Company

9. Trigger Point Performance Self Myofascial Release and Deep Tissue Massage Starter Set

10. Body Back Buddy Trigger Point Massager

Alas, my Travel Roller is not in the Top 100 List. In fact, it's actually found under "Sports & Outdoors". Methinks it's in the wrong category.

Now, I do own back massager that IS on the Top 10 List: The Originial Backnobber. What I tend to do is use the Travel Roller to loosen up the knots a bit so that the Original Backnobber can get into a knot and finish the job.

Roll Away Tension with the Travel Roller

The gym and massage therapist are not available 24/7, 365 days a year. That's when owning a self-myofascial release tool to relieve tension and stress comes in handy.

In "Stress Levels Up in Canada, Mental Health Association Warns", the CBC reported that stress had increased 30% from the previous year. In the article, it is stated that a study conducted by Desjardins Financial Security found that one-third of the people surveyed experienced anxiety, insomnia, tension headaches and muscle pain due to stress.

The increase of self-maintenance tools available have increased since the study was completed. This implies that consumers are seeking affordable ways to relieve stress anytime, any place. These methods range from home exercise DVDs and home fitness equipment to personal massagers and self-maintenance tools. The Travel Roller falls under the "self-maintenance tool" category.

A Look at the Travel Roller

The Travel Roller is a massage therapy roller and a self-myofascial release (SMR) tool. It is made of a stiff tube covered by a soft-closed cell foam surface. These materials make the Travel Roller more durable than standard foam rollers.

The Travel Roller is highly portable, fitting easily into a bag, backpack or suitcase. Two sizes of the Travel Roller are available. The small roller is 4" X 13" while the large roller is 5" X 15". There is also the Fitter First TravelRoller Acupressure Kit, which contains three acupressure balls (soft, medium and hard), two exercise posters and the "This is How We Roll" instructional DVD. The instructional DVD is also available separately.

The Travel Roller is available in red, blue, black, pink and lilac. It eco-friendly, with no off-gassing from the materials.

How the Travel Roller Works

To relieve muscle tension, users roll on the floor with the Travel Roller, applying gentle pressure on an area that is stiff. Users can adjust the pressure applied to an area as well as the angle of the roller. They can also alternate between rolling and pausing to apply static pressure on a muscle knot.

When used properly, the Travel Roller applies similar pressure as a masseuse using his or her forearm of foot. It can be used on the upper back, lower back, calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, IT band , pelvis, shoulder, armpit, neck and feet.

The Travel Roller Story

The Travel Roller was developed by Adam Wood of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. A multi-sport athlete, he was on the Canadian bobsledding team for over four years. Adam earned his Bachelor degree in Kinesiology from the University of Calgary and attended the National Coaching Institute Calgary.

He is now a strength and lifestyle coach. When Adam began coaching office workers, he realized the severity of his clients' muscle tension and muscle pain. This inspired him to create the Travel Roller.

How Well the Travel Roller Works

Users have written to Adam Wood commenting that they noticed immediate results after using the Travel Roller. With regular use, twice a day (or more), muscle tension and pain are eased. With just one roll, the user can feel and hear the skeletal system attempt to realign itself.

When used on a particularly tense spot, great care should be exercised. It is best to start with gentle pressure and then gradually place more weight onto the roller.

One huge design improvement since the Travel Roller was first released is that the cell foam is secured more thoroughly. This minimizes, if not eliminates the possibility of the cell foam becoming unglued from the tube. However, the foam is not indestructible. A curious pet can easily leave its mark on the foam with one bite.

The Travel Roller withstands the pressure used by people large and small. It works especially well on relieving back pain. The Travel Roller also works well on easing tension in the legs and shoulders. As for easing neck pain and neck tension, that takes a bit of practice to get the hang of it.

I have owned the Original Travel Roller and have version 3.8. The current model out on the market is 4.3. I can tell you that the design improves with each new release. Any complaints that I have about my Travel Roller has been addressed in subsequent models:

• Sturdier construction: The glue on the foam (Version 1.0 ) weakened with age, so the foam kept coming off. I'm glad to see that version 3.8 up to 4.3 do not have this issue.

• The foam doesn't lose shape.

• Design improvements on the storage container: You can store your acupressure balls, exercise band, your wallet, water bottle or your [insert blank] securely. My 3.8 is holding up well and can still hold the band and the balls (but anything else would fall out). Version 4.3 has a drawstring to keep the contents secure.

The Travel Roller works best when the user is barefoot or wearing proper footwear for exercising. Using the Travel Roller in stockinged feet is not advisable.

Cleaning the Travel Roller is relatively simple. Wash in warm warm soapy water. I usually let it air dry.

Alternative Self-Maintenance Tools

The Travel Roller is just one of a growing number of self-maintenance tools out on the self-massage market. There are also foam rollers, massage sticks, spiky massage balls and acupressure balls.

The Travel Roller is available at  Fitter First as well as Amazon. Locally, you can check your local exercise store or your physiotherapist's office. The Travel Roller Acupressure Kit retails between $73 - $79 USD. The Travel Roller sells for $44 - $49 USD, while the Travel Roller Athlete Kit (roller, one acupressure ball and a stretching band) retails for $59 USD.

As far as self-myofascial release tools go, the Travel Roller's portability and durable construction are huge benefits. The fact that it is fairly easy to use is also a bonus. Another boon is that regular use of the Travel Roller can cut down on visits to the massage therapist or chiropractor. Perhaps the biggest advantage is that the Travel Roller can be used several times throughout the day, every day.

Originally published on Suite101.com on March 30, 2010. Updated March 23, 2013. All rights reserved by Rhona-Mae Arca.

Back and Shoulder Stretches for Musicians

Many musicians complain of back and shoulder pain. Regular stretching will ease pain in the shoulder and back, increase flexibility and prevent repetitive strain injury.

Musicians sit or stand in the same position for extended periods of time when practicing. Common complaints include:

• shooting pain through the shoulder and back

• dull ache in the shoulder and back

• stiffness

The degree of pain varies from mild discomfort to debilitating. If unchecked, these chronic conditions can end one's musical career.

Musicians are prone repetitive strain injury such as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Bursitis and Tendinitis. Pain and injury in musicians stem from poor posture, faulty technique, repetitive strain and overuse. Musicians can alleviate shoulder and back pain and avoid injuries by incorporating stretching exercises into their regular routine.

How Musicians Should Stretch the Back and Shoulder Muscles

Musicians should stretch prior to practicing or performing. Stretches can be done after a shower or after performing light exercises. Musicians should take breaks frequently to stretch. For example, stretches can be done before moving onto a new technical exercise or piece or after drilling a trouble spot.

Refer to the exercises and photos below:

1 Shoulder Shrugs

Purpose: To ease shoulder tension, alleviate shoulder pain and loosen up the shoulder muscles.

Performance:

• From a standing or sitting position, shrug your shoulders, drawing them up towards your ears.

• Hold your shoulder muscles taut for five seconds.

• Relax.

• Repeat at least two more times.

2 Shoulder Blade Pinch

Purpose: To ease shoulder tension, alleviate shoulder pain and loosen up the shoulder muscles.

Performance:

• Interlock your fingers and place them behind your head. Keep your elbows straight out to the side.

• Pull your shoulder blades together to produce tension in your upper back and shoulder blades.

• Hold this position for five to ten seconds.

• Relax.

• Repeat three to four times.

3 Shoulders & Pectoral Stretch

Purpose: To ease tension in the shoulders and pectoral muscles, alleviate shoulder pain and loosen up the shoulder muscles.

Performance:

• Interlace your fingers behind your back.

• Slowly turn your elbows inward and straighten your arms.

• Hold the stretch for five to 15 seconds.

• Relax.

• Repeat at least twice.

4 Prayer Stretch

Purpose: To ease tension and provide back pain relief.

Performance:

• Kneel on the floor.

• Reach out with both arms straight in front of you along the floor.

• Lower your body onto your heels.

• Hold this position for 20 - 30 seconds.

• Relax.

• Repeat at least twice.

5 Downward Facing Dog

Purpose: To ease tension and relieve pain in the back.

Performance:

• Start on all fours.

• Drop your head down.

• Raise your buttocks straight up towards the ceiling while straightening out your arms and legs. Keep your heels on the floor.

• Allow your spine to sink into your body and lengthen.

• Hold this stretch for 20 - 30 seconds.

• Relax.

• Repeat at least twice.

6 Cat Stretch

Purpose: To ease tension and provide back pain relief.

Performance:

• Start on all fours.

• Drop your head down.

• Raise your spine up between the shoulder blades while maintaining an abdominal hollow.

• Allow your spine to relax.

• Hold this stretch for 20 - 30 seconds.

• Relax.

• Repeat at least twice.

6 Standing Forward Bend

Purpose: To ease tension and relieve pain in the back.

Performance:

• Stand with your feet hip-width apart.

• Slowly bend forward, one vertebra at a time, allowing your head and arms to drop towards the floor.

• Keep your knees soft..

• Allow your spine to lengthen.

• Hold this stretch for 20 - 30 seconds.

• Relax.

• Repeat at least twice.

7 Cross Spiral Stretch

Purpose: To ease tension and provide back pain relief.

Performance:

• Lie on your back, holding your arms outstretched to the side.

• Bend your right knee and bring it over to your left side towards the floor, allowing it to drop over your left leg.

• Turn your head to the right.

• Hold this stretch for 20 - 30 seconds.

• Relax.

• Switch sides.

• Repeat.

For further advice, musicians should speak with a doctor, chiropractor, physical therapist or massage therapist. Alternately, musicians can take a class that involves a high degree of stretching, such as yoga.

An excellent set of stretches is outlined in Madeline Bruser's book The Art of Practicing: A Guide to Making Music from the Heart. You may also find the following articles useful: Oh, My Aching Back!, The Benefits of Yoga and How it Helps Healing, Understanding Musician Injuries.

By dedicating as little as five minutes a day to stretching, musicians can ease shoulder pain, treat back pain and prevent musician injuries.

Product Review: FitBall Seating Disc

The average person sits 56 hours a week, leading to sitting fatigue, chronic pain and poor posture. Wiggle your way to better health with the FitBall Seating Disc.

On December 11, 2009, Fox News reported on a study which stated the average American spends 56 hours a week sitting. In Sitting Too Much?, Seline Yager states that oversitting has detrimental effects, from obesity to heart disease, and from diabetes to chronic pain stemming from improper posture.

Active sitting involves constantly adjusting your body position while seated. Fitterfirst, a manufacturer and supplier of active seating devises, state the benefits as being:

• improved core stability

• mild exercise (burn up to 350 calories a day from active sitting)

• ergonomic seating

• improved balance

• improved body posture and spinal alignment

• increased blood flow

• decreased stiffness

• pain relief

Who Can Use the FitBall Seating Disc

Anyone who sits for long periods of time will benefit from using the FitBall Seating Disc, from office workers to truck drivers, from musicians to painters and from students to seniors. People who wish to improve their posture can use the FitBall Seating Disc.

In "Effects of Stability Balls on Behavior and Achievement in the Special Education Classroom", Action Research Project (May 2008) by Victoria N. Bill, Master of Science in Special Education, she concludes that students with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) benefited from using an active seating device. Active sitting improves their alertness, attention and focus.

Warnings about Using the FitBall Seating Disc

People with poor balance should consult with a medical professional first prior to using the FitBall Seating Disc. Those who have recently had back surgery should get a medical professional's recommendation on the best active seating device for their condition. Finally, improper usage and posture on the disc can negate the benefits of active sitting and hurt your body.

FitBall Seating Disc Features

Think of the FitBall Seating Disc as a miniature fitness ball that can be placed on any office chair or task chair. The FitBall SeatingDisc is 15" in diameter and made of PVC. One side is smooth while the other side has sensory bumps. To inflate, use an air raft or air mattress pump. For increased instability, fill the FitBall Seating Disc with more air.

There is also a 13" FitBall Seating Disc Jr. for children. Optional sitting disc covers are also available. To clean, simply wipe down with soap and water.

FitBall Seating Disc Uses

1. Ease back pain, correct body posture and engage in active sitting by using the FitBall Seating Disc as an Active Sitting Cushion. Place on your seat and your body will take care of the rest. Your body will automatically adjust to healthy sitting posture. Make sure your feet are firmly planted on the floor as you will be continually swaying, wiggling and bouncing to maintain core stability. Place on the floor to work your legs and feet.

2. Improve your sense of balance by using the FitBall Seating Disc to make your ground unstable. Place on the floor and the disc becomes a Balance Training Tool to use for standing and sitting balance exercises.

3. The FitBall Disc can be used as a general training aid. It can Increase the level of difficulty of any standard exercise, e.g. stomach crunches, lunges

User Testing and Assessment of the FitBall Seating Disc

I purchased the FitBall Seating Disc to use when teaching piano. It is the largest of the three active sitting devices in my studio and the least portable. I would have preferred a different colour to create a "cushion rainbow" but it only comes in one colour. The bumpy side gives you a bit of a massage when used.I fell off my drum throne three times when using the Seating Disc. Unfortunately, the disc is 2" wider than the seat. Then, I moved it to a "normal" wooden chair with a back. When demonstrating at the piano, I have no problems with it. When sitting to listen to a student play, my bad habits return - leaning back and slouching so my feet can touch the floor or sitting with one foot on the seat while dangling the other since I can't touch the floor seated that way.

My three fidgety students used the disc as a foot cushion while using the FitBall Wedge as a seat cushion. Their feet didn't wander up and down keyboard stands, piano legs or wind up in the wastebasket as much when using the disc. Partway through a song, they simply stood on the cushion, shifting their weight in time to the music. This was the most successful application of the disc.

Fitter USA and Ball Dynamics International

The FitBall Seating Disc is manufactured by Fitter USA, part of Ball Dynamics International, LLC. BDI sells a variety of active sitting, resistance training, balance training aids and equipment.

It is a popular item on Amazon, ranking in the Top 40 of Amazon Best Sellers for Balance Trainers. For more information, read Exercise Ball Moves to the Office,and Product Review: FitBall Seating Wedge.

The FitBall Seating Disc is an affordable back pain remedy that fosters active sitting, core stability and posture correction. It is fun but use with care.

The FitBallSeating Disc is available at FitterFirst and Amazon.