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:  S Reedy |
Elbow Bursitis
(Subtendinous Olecranon Bursitis)
Also known as: subtendinous olecranon bursitis, dialysis elbow, student's elbow, lunger's elbow, miner's elbow
The subcutaneous olecranon bursa (just below the skin) is exposed to injury during falls on the elbow and to infection from abrasions of the skin covering this area. Repeated excessive pressure and/or friction, as might occur in wrestling, for example, may cause this bursa to become inflamed, producing excessive friction and pain in this area. This type of bursitis is known as "dart thrower's elbow" and "miner's elbow". Occasionally, the bursa becomes inflamed. Subtendinous olecranon bursitis is much less common, resulting from excessive friction between the triceps tendon and olecranon. This may result, for example, from repeated flexion-extension of the forearm as occurs during certain assembly line jobs, and is one of many repetitive motion type injuries. The pain is most severe during the flexion of the forearm because of pressure exerted on the inflamed subtendinous olecranon bursa by the triceps tendon.
Causes of Elbow Bursitis
There are a multitude of ways to contract bursitis, but fundamentally, the cause is from one of three sources
Trauma (Acute or Chronic)
Trauma causes inflammation of the elbow bursa, resulting in a widening of the blood vessels in the bursa. This widening allows proteins and various fluids into the bursae that are not supposed to be there, resulting in a reactive swelling from the bursae. Until these foreign materials leave the bursa or are broken down by the bursae defense system, the swelling and pain will remain.
Acute Trauma
Acute trauma to the elbow means a direct blow to the elbow. In such cases, blood may leak into the bursa of the elbow and cause swelling and pain.
Chronic Trauma
Chronic trauma will occur if there is mild trauma to the elbow that occurs repetitively. For instance, a hard elbow rest while driving frequently or straining the elbow frequently while throwing darts.
Infection (Septic Bursitis)
The closer the bursa is to the surface of the skin, the more likely the chance of infection from specific bacteria that are commonly found on the surface of the skin. This bacterial infection is known as septic bursitis and common bacteria that create this infection are known as Staphylococcus Epidermis (or Staphylococcus Aureus). Septic Bursitis occurs most commonly in men (85% of all cases occur in men) and you are at higher risk of contracting this if you - have Diabetes
- have recently experienced Trauma
- are undergoing Steroid Treatments
- have Alcoholism
- have a certain Kidney Condition
Crystal Deposits
Some people with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout or scleroderma may contract bursitis from crystalline deposits in the joints. Although not much is known about how this process happens, it is common knowledge that Uric acid is a normal byproduct of daily metabolism. If your are diagnosed with gout then you are unable to break down this uric acid properly, leading to crystalization of this excess acid which deposits in joints'a painful symptom that can often lead to bursitis.
There are a number of things that can indirectly cause bursitis such as repetitive use or overuse from work or sporting activities, acute injuries and aging. Over the years your muscles will start to lose their mass and strength, your tissues will lose their elasticity and degenerate, making you more susceptible to injury. Weakened muscles and/or tendons or injuries to your elbow, wrist, forearm or shoulder can instigate bursitis. You are at increased risk of suffering from this condition if your work and/or lifestyle require repetitive use of your elbow.
Treating Your Elbow Bursitis
Relieving the symptoms of bursitis initially focuses on keeping the pressure off the bursa. Surgery may be required if your bursa irritation is a result of a bone formation problem, such as a bone spur. If your bursitis is caused by an infection (septic bursitis), the doctor will probably drain the bursa sac with a needle and prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. For non-infectious bursitis, the preliminary treatment starts with non-operative options such as ultrasound thereapy and cold therapy.
The most important factor in healing bursitis is resting your elbow and reducing the amount of pressure you put on your elbows throughout the day. During your recovery you will probably have to modify or avoid the activities that stress your bursa until your pain and inflammation settle.
Treatments should involve decreasing swelling, relieving stress on your elbow, correcting any biomechanical dysfunction such as a bone spur, treating scar tissue, and then restoring strength and movement in your elbow joint. Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy™ (BFST®) is recommended once inflammation has been calmed to heal the bursa and surrounding tissue faster and reduce the risk of bursitis returning.
Freezie Wrap® Cold Therapy
To decrease inflammation and relieve the pain of olecranon bursitis doctor's recommend cold therapy.
Applying cold to your inflamed bursa will help decrease the swelling and redness around it. Cold therapy will also help to numb the pain in your olecranon joint and help to control the inflammation. In addition, the deep cooling effect provided by the Elbow Freezie Wrap® reduces tissue damage.
The Elbow Freezie Wrap® uses a supercharged cooling gel pack, that 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.
Cooling your inflamed olecranon bursa can be done as needed throughout the day. The Elbow Freezie Wrap® can be used to apply cold in a safe, convenient and effective way - and the gel pack is reusable. The gel pack sits gently over the inflamed bursa to reduce swelling and redness.
The wrap is soft and adjustable so it fits your body properly, without irritating the bursa, and allows you to adjust the compression. This is important when treating an inflamed bursa because too much pressure can cause you further pain. You control how much pressure the bursa receives so you can benefit from the compression to hold the cold where you need it, without increasing your pain.
Applying cold to your tender bursa and elbow joint is the first step in treating your bursitis. Then begin ultrasound therapy to continue the healing process.
Click Here to learn more about Freezie Wrap® ColdCure Technology®
Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound has been used by physical therapists and chiropractors for years to treat bursitis. By applying ultrasound therapy to your sore olecranon bursa you can reduce the inflammation caused by the fluid that has built up.
In addition, ultrasound therapy will treat any other soft tissue conditions that you may be experiencing in your elbow such as radial nerve compression, epicondylitis, cubital tunnel syndrome and more. By treating yourself with ultrasound everyday, you are able to rid yourself of bursitis pain; this is best accomplished with a personal, therapeutic ultrasound device.
Scar tissue develops with bursitis as your damaged tissue heals. This fibrotic tissue is naturally produced instead of forming brand new healthy tissue. Scar tissue adheres to your bursa sac, tendons, ligaments, and nerves causing pain and preventing them from moving properly (this limits your range of motion, flexibility and strength). However, ultrasound therapy can treat scar tissue, softening the tough tissue to improve elasticity for more complete healing results.
 Ultrasound therapy is a great therapeutic option to decrease inflammation, pain and scar tissue build up experienced with bursitis 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 help to reduce the fluid build up in the bursa, heal any tissue damaged through trauma, reduce scar tissue, as well as reduce any crystal or calcific deposits that may have gathered in the area.
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 elbow. 1 bottle of MendMeShop® Lavender Infusion Ultrasound Gel comes FREE with every MendMeShop® Ultrasound System so you get unbeatable ultrasound therapy for your bursitis.
Click Here to learn more about Ultrasound Therapy
Inferno Wrap® Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy™
Once the inflammation of your bursitis has been reduced with cold therapy and ultrasound treatments it is time to improve blood flow and improve the elasticity of your surrounding soft tissue. Your body needs a fresh supply of blood to improve the health of your tissue and get your olecranon bursa back to normal.
Unfortunately, when you are suffering from bursitis it can be painful to bend your arm or reach for something. When you limit movement in your elbow because of the pain 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 bursae. 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 elbow the rest it needs.
The Elbow 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 elbow, more than your body would ever be able to generate on it's own. This gives your body the boost it needs to continue the reconditioning process. The healing energy reaches deep into your olecranon bursa to speed tissue repair, whisk away the toxins and dead cells, and rejuvenate the tissue in your elbow for improved elasticity.
Click Here to learn more about how Inferno Wrap® BFST® works
With these 3 easy therapies, you will notice significantly reduced pain and an incredible improvement in your elbow 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.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can be used if required to help manage your pain. However, these aren't recommended for long term use, as they can cause gastrointestinal difficulties and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Most of our customers find they no longer require NSAIDS once they begin using cold therapy, ultrasound and/or BFST® to treat their pain and heal their bursa.
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.
| Dear MendMeShop, I injured by rotator cuff initially in an ice hockey game. It was re-injured during a lacrosse game two weeks later. The pain was constant. I had trouble sleeping and most mornings would wake up with shoulder pain.
I tried just ice/heat treatments, rest, and a shoulder brace but it did not seem to be getting better or at least not quickly. My Mom checked on different treatments with the athletic trainer at her school and on the internet. Ultra-sound had been mentioned and she found the MendMeShop site.
We ordered the unit and it arrived in just under one week (which included Thanksgiving) and started using it right away. The pain decreased quickly. I was able to participate in December in a competitive lacrosse camp with very little pain. I continued treatments and am pretty much pain free.
I do use the unit after hockey and lacrosse as needed when my shoulder bothers me. The treatment usually eliminates the pain.
I would recommend this unit to anyone who wants to be pain free and heal quickly after a soft tissue injury. Rating: J Whalen
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