Dear MendMeShop,

I have been using the Platinum Plantar/Spur Therapy Combo which includes the Ultrasound device, Inferno Plantar Wrap, and Freezie Plantar Wrap for about 10 days now to treat my plantar fasciitis. PF is a very painful condition that made it impossible for me to run, jump, walk my dogs, or keep up with my family on outings of any length. Mornings were especially tough-going, as I would sit and do stretching excercises that would provide me little relief, just so I could get from the bed to the coffee. I have experience with treating PF in my left foot about 5 years ago. There had been no recurrence, and since I have had no problem with any activity or with wearing any style of shoes on that foot, I thought I had conquerred PF long, long ago. Who knows what brought it on this time? I felt quite responsible that I had done something wrong and really bore the guilty feelings that I had messed up my foot doing something stupid. My nurse practitioner said that while there are bad habits that can cause PF, he truly thinks from his experience that I probably didn't do anything in particular to bring it on. I was, honestly, just living my active life when suddenly, I couldn't walk from the bed to the bathroom. This time, when I had the first signs of PF in my right foot in late April, I tried the things my doctor had prescribed in the past on my own. Stretching, night splint, and non-steroid antiinflamatory. After a couple of weeks, I realized I needed something more. I have a big trip planned with my family at the end of August, and I really don't want to have too much trouble keeping up with everyone. I went to the nurse practitioner, and he recommended physical therapy but cautioned that since I would probably go only a couple of times a week, the results would take awhile. He suggested that I look into home ultrasound. Then I could do the treatment myself, and therefore, administer as many treatments as I could a day. He suggested three times a day. I looked on the internet for a reputable company with a good return policy and a wide selection of products. I found MendMeShop.com and ordered the Platinum Package to take advantage of heat, cold, and ultrasound therapy. I have only been using the products for a short time, but I have had a noticeable decrease in my pain and an increase in my range of function. The ultrasound is my magic wand to me. I know it is this product that has made the most change, since I had already been using heat and ice on my own. It is an easy to use device, even accounting for the awkward position one must get into in order to apply it to the bottom of one's foot. Although I had been applying heat and ice before, the Inferno Plantar Wrap and Freezie Plantar Wrap are much more efficient ways to do it. The wraps fit comfortably on my small foot and apply the correct or even adjustable levels of temperature. The compression does its job physiologically, but it just plain feels good! And when you have PF, that alone is a joy! My therapy of a NSAID along with a night splint now includes the ultrasound two or three times a day for fifteen minutes, heat wrap on wakening and after ultrasound, and the Freezie Wrap only after much acitivity. To turn around PF, one must take therapy seriously and not go at it in a hit or miss manner. Keeping to this treatment plan, I am able at day ten to wake without pain, walk at a moderate pace, and participate in my desired activities at a much more active level. Although it seems time-consuming, I only have to think of all the wasted time and missed fun of spending time in a chair while friends and family are up enjoying activities I could not possibly participate in. I am quite optimistic that continuing this therapy plan on my own will lead to a painless, comfortable foot. I look forward to my vacation feeling quite certain that I will be in good enough shape to enjoy it. I can bring the US therapy, and heat and cold wraps along; they are so easily portable. I know that this condition may take about a year to fully resolve in my left foot, so having products that are easy to transport are a must for me. I travel often, and I don't want to be without the benefit of continued therapy for anytime at all. Thank you very sincerely for your high-quality product and kind personal attention. I also want to add that it is quite easy to waste a lot of money when you have this condition. I have enough worthless shoes, insoles, arch supports, splints, heat wraps, and ice bags to fill a foot hospital! To purchase a product with a 60 day money back guarantee is a relief. That amount of time is truly necessay to see if it provides long-term relief. I know this is a long testimony, but I hope I have adequately expressed to you my satistaction. I can honestly say that I couldn't do without these products, and I highly recommend your website to friends and family. I believe in you so much that I might honestly approach a limping stranger on the street and tell him about the Inferno Wrap and my 'magic wand ultrasound therapy'! Thank you Paul for you kind phone call yesterday, your suggestions, and encouragement. It is slow-going to see improvement in this condition, it is sometimes hard to stay optimistic, it is easy to have set-backs, and often it is quite misunderstood by other people. Your product truly supplies hope for PF sufferers like me.

Rating: Five Star Rating

S Reedy

Sciatica - Causes

Sciatica is the resulting pain and discomfort that follows a disorder of the lumbar region of the spine in which a pinched sciatic nerve root refers pain from the buttocks down to the toes. Appropriately then, those at risk of lower back injury are more likely to suffer from sciatic pain. For now we will focus on the disorder and underlying cause of your sciatic pain.

Herniated disc

A herniated disc of the lumbar vertebra L4-5 through the sacral vertebra S1-3, is the most common cause of sciatic nerve pain. Intervertebral discs serve as cushions between the vertebrae of your spine and act as shock absorbers during activity. The disc is primarily composed of water while the annulus fibrous (outer disc) is tough it has a jelly-like center known as the nucleus pulposus. When a disc bulges or ruptures (herniated) it can place pressure on the sciatic nerve consequently causing pain in the lower back and legs. Once the sciatic nerve has been irritated most people complain of pain in the buttock and back of the leg. However, in more serious cases a herniated disc can irritate the nerve to the point of bladder and bowel problems.

Spinal Stenosis

Your spinal cord, which extends from the base of your brain to the upper lumbar (lower back), is contained in the vertebral canal. Spinal Stenosis, a nerve compression disorder, occurs when an area of the spinal canal narrows, placing pressure on the surrounding nerves. When spinal stenosis occurs in the lower-back, it may be the lumbar nerves that are pinched thus creating sciatic-like pain.

Spondylolithesis

Most commonly affecting the lumbar spine this disorder occurs when a vertebra is displaced slipping forward over the sub adjacent vertebra. Consequently, the sciatic nerve may be pinched causing lower back pain and leg pain. Spondylolithesis is usually caused by spinal degeneration and physical stress.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Firstly, DDD is more appropriately a degenerative process that occurs naturally with age, rather than a disease. Over time the discs that support our vertebrae begin to deteriorate, becoming more rigid, losing their ability to move fluidly and freely.

Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle spasms, irritating the sciatic nerve, which runs beneath the muscle deep in the buttocks. Deep pain is felt in the buttock and is often referred to the hips, lower back and the legs. Often the injury is caused by over-training, running too hard and too frequently for example, but is not limited to athletics. Furthermore, most people complain of increasing pain in a seated position. Technically speaking, piriformis syndrome is not sciatica even though it produces similar pain.

Sacroiliac Joint Pain

The sacroiliac joint is located where the pelvis connects to the spine. It is not a joint with a lot of movement such as the hip, knee, or shoulder, but the SI joint is critical in the transfer of the upper body load to the lower body. Sacroiliac joint pain can be difficult to diagnose for several reasons. For one, the SI (sacroiliac) joint often shows up as normal on diagnostic imaging such as CAT scans, MRIs, X-Rays, and bone scans. It is nearly impossible to isolate the SI joint on tests. In addition, it is difficult to manipulate or palpate the sacroiliac joint.

To further complicate the diagnosing of sacroiliac joint pain, other problems such as sciatica, back pain, hip arthritis, and others can cause the same or similar symptoms.

More generally though, age, occupation, lifestyle and genetics are factors to be aware of when considering back pain, sciatica and your susceptibility to each. Firstly, spinal disc deterioration begins around 30 years of age and most commonly people suffer herniated discs in their 30's and 40's. Moreover, to make matters worse, men and women in their prime are more likely to work a job that requires twisting, lifting and carrying heavy loads. Conversely, those who lead a less active sedentary lifestyle are more likely to develop sciatica than active people.

Treating You Sciatica Pain

Compression of the sciatic nerve can occur in various locations and the exact cause and location is not always known. Treating the symptoms can be helpful to manage the pain but treating the source of the compression will result in faster sciatica relief. We recommend that you see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and to determine the cause of the compression on the sciatic nerve.

Ultrasound Therapy

MendMeShop Therapeutic Ultrasound treats strained, tight and swollen muscles to reduce swelling and inflammation.

Compression on the sciatic nerve caused by a tight or swollen lower back muscle (usually the piriformis muscle) should be treated with ultrasound therapy. Using therapeutic ultrasound in the lower back and hip area will loosen tight muscles and reduce swelling and inflammation. It will also clear the area of damaged tissue that can cause a build up of toxins and continued irritation.

Ultrasound has been used by physical therapists and doctors for years to treat muscle strains, tears, spasm and more. By applying ultrasound therapy to your piriformis muscle you can reduce the swelling and irritation to alleviate the compression on your sciatic nerve. By treating the cause of your sciatica pain, you can alleviate the symptoms faster.

Ultrasound is a great therapeutic option to decrease inflammation, pain and scar tissue build up experienced with sciatica and other soft tissue injuries. The treatment is easy, painless, and requires 10 minutes of your time. It is based on a form of deep thermal therapy which is generated through high frequency sound waves that reach into the cells of the tissue. These sound waves reach into your piriformis muscle and hip to reduce swelling, inflammation and scar tissue.

Lavender Infusion Ultrasound Gel contains the healing power of natural Bulgarian lavender, eucalyptus, menthol, and peppermint.

Using the MendMeShop^® Lavender Infusion Gel during your ultrasound therapy gives you 2 therapies in 1. You get the benefit of the regenerating sound waves from the ultrasound device itself AND the added bonus of the therapeutic ingredients inside the gel being delivered into the tissue where it is most effective.

Lavender Infusion Ultrasound Gel contains the natural essential oils of Bulgarian lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and menthol and is exclusively available from MendMeShop^®. These ingredients reduce inflammation, relieve pain and improve blood circulation to your lower back and hip. 1 bottle of MendMeShop^® Lavender Infusion Ultrasound Gel comes FREE with every MendMeShop^® Ultrasound System so you get unbeatable ultrasound therapy for your sciatica pain.

Click here to learn more about Ultrasound Therapy.

Inferno Wrap^® Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy^™

Blood flow stimulation therapy, or BFST^®, should be used over your lumbar region and lower back to improve blood flow and nourish soft tissue. Your body needs a fresh supply of blood to improve the health of your tissue and treat the muscle strain or irritation to relieve the compression of your sciatic nerve.

The Back/Hip Inferno Wrap keeps your muscle tissue as healthy as possible, reducing the chance of sciatica pain returning.

Unfortunately, when you are suffering from sciatica it can be painful to even walk or lift your leg. When you limit movement in your hip the blood flow is reduced, starving your tissue of the necessary oxygen and nutrients.

The trick is to find a way to increase blood flow without causing pain and/or further inflaming the muscle or discs. This is where blood flow stimulation therapy, or BFST^®, becomes a powerful tool.

BFST^® compliments your body's natural healing process By promoting blood flow while you give your sciatic nerve the rest it needs.

The Back/Hip Inferno Wrap^® uses a patented process to generate the same energy that is part of the sun's spectrum of light, the same energy that is necessary to all living things for optimum health. The energy emitted from the Energy Web^® stimulates blood flow to your lower back and hip, more than your body would ever be able to generate on it's own, giving your body the boost it needs to keep your spine and lower back muscles as healthy as possible and reduce the risk of irritation, inflammation and herniation. The soothing energy reaches deep into your body to whisk away the toxins and dead cells, and rejuvenate your muscle tissues for improved elasticity.

Click here to learn more about how BFST^® and Inferno Wraps^® work.

Freezie Wrap^® Cold Therapy

If you are experiencing referred pain above the knee or in your lower leg caused by the compression of your sciatic nerve, cold compression therapy can provide some relief. The cooling sensation along with the compression can help to numb the nerves to help alleviate the pain. However, treatment of the location of the compression is most important to treat the source of this referred pain.

The Back/Hip Freezie Wrap treats pain, swelling and inflammation while reducing tissue damage.

Applying cold compression wherever you are experiencing pain will help. The Back/Hip Freezie Wrap^® is versatile and can be used to treat your lower back, hip or leg. It's unique supercharged cooling gel pack, chills in the fridge, not in the freezer like ice or other freezer packs, giving you deep cold therapy without the risk of 'cold burns' or cryoburn.

Treat your sciatica pain with cold compression therapy as needed throughout the day. The Back/Hip Freezie Wrap^® can be used to apply cold in a safe, convenient and effective way - and the gel pack is reusable.

Click here to learn more about Cold Compression Freezie Wraps^®

With these 3 easy therapies, cold compression, ultrasound and BFST^®, you will notice significantly reduced pain and an incredible improvement in your pain and range of motion.

We recommend that you consult your doctor and/or physiotherapist before using any of our outstanding products, to make sure they're right for you and your condition.

Please be aware that this information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.