Research and News
Books & Videos
Thera-Band® Neck Pain Exercise Video Available
Apr 12th
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A few months ago, I posted a blog about a new study by Dr. Lars Andersen in Denmark, which showed that a simple Thera-Band® elastic tubing exercise significantly reduced neck and shoulder pain in office workers. We now have a short 1-minute video that demonstrates the neck pain exercise for workers and companies that might be interested in improving productivity and reducing insurance costs. Click on the image below to view the Thera-Band elastic tubing exercise video or link to it here.
In addition, I’ve created a web page with a review of the study, as well as links to the research paper and the video at http://info.thera-bandacademy.com/neckpainexercise. At the bottom of the page, you can also see links to the media coverage in Denmark. Please feel free to share the outcomes of this excellent study with anyone you know who may benefit from a quick, simple, and inexpensive solution to occupational neck pain.
Thera-Band exercises featured in new book from China
Feb 2nd
Alvin Wong is a physical therapist and strength and conditioning specialist in Beijing, China. He has been an instructor for Thera-Band Academy for many years as one of the first trained in China. In 2009, he opened a studio called REFORM Exercise Therapy Studio in Beijing that mainly provides therapeutic exercises to correct posture and biomechanics to relieve musculoskeletal problems. Alvin has just published a full-color book, “Functional Training and Conditioning with Elastic Band” in Chinese featuring Thera-Band® products. Alvin is currently a Director of REFORM Exercise Therapy Studio. Even though the book is in Chinese, the language of elastic exercise seems universal…The full color photos explain the exercises well-enough to replicate in any country. I’ve known Alvin for several years and was pleased to see many great exercises he’s incorporated. I asked him a few questions about his book for our Academy Blog.
What motivated you to write the book?
Firstly, elastic band training is increasing popularity in the Chinese fitness industry; however, we don’t have any training books or manuals specific to the usage of elastic band exercises in Chinese language. Secondly, I wanted to share my training experience to the usage of elastic resistance to the personal trainer and conditioning More >
Developing Thera-Band exercise programs for overhead throwing athletes
Dec 17th
The overhead athlete’s shoulder must be strong, flexible, and enduring for optimal performance. Shoulder exercises for the throwing athlete must reflect the specific functional demands required both for injury prevention and rehabilitation. Head Athletic Trainer for the Boston Red Sox, Mike Reinold, DPT, ATC, CSCS, published a “current concepts” paper on preventive and rehabilitative exercises for overhead throwing athletes.
Dr. Reinold and his colleagues outlined 6 principles of injury prevention and treatment programs:
1. Maintain range of motion
2. Maintain strength of the glenohumeral and scapulothoracic musculature
3. Emphasize dynamic stabilization and neuromuscular control
4. Core and lower body training
5. Off-season preparation
6. In-season maintenance
In addition, the authors outlined a rehabilitation progression for shoulder conditions including impingement, instability, and rotator cuff tendonitis. They recommend the use of products such as elastic tubing, exercise balls, soft weights, and band loops throughout the program. By understanding the demands on the throwing shoulder, rehabilitation professionals can improve their clinical decision-making and progressive exercise prescription. For more information on the overhead throwing shoulder, I recommend Dr. Reinold’s book co-written with Kevin Wilk PT and James Andrews MD, The Athlete’s Shoulder. The Thera-Band family of resistance exercise products is an important part of any preventive or rehabilitative exercise program for overhead throwing athletes.
REFERENCE: More >
New Video Explains the Science Behind Biofreeze
Sep 20th
Whether it’s the dull throb of an overworked muscle or the grating soreness of joint discomfort, pain effects millions of people every day. Many of those people could be your current or future patients. They probably have questions about their course of treatment and may want to know why you endorse Biofreeze Pain Reliever. You know the product works; now you can thoroughly explain it by simply watching or showing the new animated Biofreeze video!
This 4-minute video, produced by Performance Health, illustrates the pain transmission cycle and how cold therapy works. Feel free to share this educational tool with your patients and clients. They’ll appreciate it and you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFJal-51VZU
Instructions now available in different languages for Thera-Band Products
Mar 22nd
The instruction manuals for several Thera-Band® products are now available in multiple languages. The PDF-format manuals include Thera-Band elastic resistance, Soft Weights, Stability Trainers, and the Exercise Station. Several languages are available, including German, Italian, and French among others.
