Research and News
Archive for November, 2011
Biofreeze reduces blood flow faster than ice
Nov 28th
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Dr. Robert Topp
The Academy Blog has shared several articles about research on the mechanisms of Biofreeze from Dr. Robert Topp. Recently, he published an article in the Journal of Sports Rehabilitation comparing ice and Biofreeze® gel on blood flow and muscle strength. 17 healthy adults were assessed for blood flow in their radial artery and wrist extension strength after 3 different conditions: ice applied to the forearm, Biofreeze gel applied to the forearm, or a control condition.
The Biofreeze gel significantly reduced blood flow by 42% at 5 minutes after application, which returned to normal at 10 to 15 minutes after application. In contrast, the ice didn’t significantly decrease blood flow until 20 minutes of application at a 48% reduction.
Interestingly, ice caused a slowing of muscle recovery in wrist extension strength after application. This was in contrast to Biofreeze application, which actually increased wrist extension strength by 8%.
Dr. Topp and his colleagues suggest that the menthol in Biofreeze “may affect blood flow through neural mechanisms that respond faster…but are also quickly sensitized.”
In summary, Biofreeze topical analgesic creates a reduction in blood flow at More >
Foundation for Physical Therapy Partner in Research
Nov 25th
Thera-Band and Biofreeze products are proud to support the Foundation for Physical Therapy as “Partners in Research” for 2012. The Foundation’s vision and mission support physical therapy research. Learn more at www.foundation4pt.org.
MissionThe mission of the Foundation for Physical Therapy is to fund physical therapy research supporting evidence-based practice that enhances the quality of patient and client services, and to develop the next generation of researchers.
VisionThe Foundation for Physical Therapy is a primary source of funding for physical therapy researchers investigating innovative approaches to health delivery services. The Foundation will expand the culture of giving throughout the physical therapy community and develop partnerships with outside organizations and individuals committed to promoting a healthy society.
New article on topical analgesics in PT Products
Nov 21st
Dr. Phil Page recently published an article in PT Products on the use of topical analgesics in practice. Below is an excerpt from his article:
Typically, ice is applied to the skin to create a cold response in order to reduce pain because cold reduces the pain threshold. Menthol creates a chemical action on cold receptors rather than a physical action, resulting in a cold response. Patel and colleagues provide an excellent review of the mechanisms behind menthol. TRPM8 receptors stimulate small-diameter fibers, making the counterirritant mechanism less likely. Similar to ice, topical application of menthol in 3.5% gel reduces blood flow by 35% within 60 seconds of application, and remains ~20% reduced at 10 minutes after application. Recently, Topp and colleagues noted increased blood flow in both lower limbs after application to one limb, suggesting a possible systemic mechanism of typical menthol.
New Thera-Band Academy Instructor in Chile
Nov 17th
Andreas Sutter and Phil Page
Thera-Band Academy is proud to welcome physiotherapist Andreas Sutter in Santiago, Chile as the newest instructor for Thera-Band Academy. Andreas came to Santiago from Switzerland, where he worked with Thera-Band expert Caius Schmidt and exercise ball guru Klein-Vogelbach.
Dr. Phil Page recently trained Andreas to provide Thera-Band workshops and seminars for the Academy. We are honored and happy to have Andreas on our education team! Watch for upcoming Thera-Band seminars in Santiago. Welcome, Andreas!
Thera-Band seminars and training in Latin America
Nov 15th
The Thera-Band Academy supports education and research around the world. We currently have over 250 international speakers registered in our Academy who can post their seminars, workshops and courses featuring Thera-Band and Biofreeze products.
Dr. Phil Page, Director of Thera-Band Academy recently completed several Thera-Band seminars in Guatemala City and Santiago, Chile. He presented a full-day workshop at the “Innovations in Rehabilitation” conference to 170 physical therapists and sports trainers in Guatemala City. Check out the photos on our Facebook page.
The following week, Dr. Page had several Thera-Band lectures in Santiago at universities and schools including Las Americas University, Pedro de Valdiva University, Catholic University Clinic, and Los Colhuen Clinic. The lectures focused on the scientific application of elastic resistance and proprioceptive training.
One of his presentations at the Universidad Pedro de Valdivia to 60 students and faculty from the School of Kinesiology (physical therapy) was featured on the University’s website. Below is a translation of the article.
School of Kinesiology organizes workshop on rehabilitation and sports
On Tuesday October 25, Campus Tobalaba, Physical Therapist Dr. Phil Page presented a workshop on the elastic bands, “Thera-Band”, which updated the physiological and technical basis for the use of this equipment.
Dr. Page explained to students the endurance, resistance, stress, force curve, and importance More >
