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 |
Progression of a Quadriceps Strain
This can be classified into 3 grades of quadriceps strain severity:
Minor - Grade 1 Quadriceps Strains involve lengthening of your quadriceps muscles which results in slightly pulled or excessively stretched muscles, or very small tears in your muscles. You will generally feel some specific point pain, tightness or muscle spasms in your quadriceps just above or below your injury, but you shouldn't experience any swelling or a major loss of strength. These symptoms may diminish with activity, but will return with a vengeance afterwards. You may find it difficult to extend your knee or flex your hip, and you may walk with a slight limp. Normally you will have greater than 90 degrees of knee flexion.
Moderate - Grade 2 Quadriceps Strains are more painful and involve a partial tearing of the quadricep fibers in your muscles, tendons, or at the tendon attachment to your bone. You will generally experience some pain that radiates through your leg during activity, while straightening your knee against resistance, or when you touch your quadriceps. Swelling, stiffness, decreased strength and range of motion (may not be able to fully bend your knee) will be apparent and can also cause you to limp. You may also experience some bruising due to bleeding within the injured muscle. Normally you will have between 45 - 90 degrees of knee flexion.
Severe - Grade 3 Quadriceps Strains involve a complete tear (rupture) of your quadriceps muscle fibers where your muscle belly attaches to your tendon or where your muscle belly rips in 2 separate pieces. It is very painful and rarer than the other strains. You will tend to experience a burning or stabbing pain, a lot of swelling and minimal strength, which may prevent you from walking without assistance (crutches) or make it difficult for you to move your leg (can't do a straight leg raise). Discoloration and widespread bruising in the injured area as a result of bleeding in the muscle tissue can also occur. You may notice a break in your normal muscle outline that makes a gap under your skin where the muscle has come apart. This can be seen or felt with your hands and looks like a knotting of the muscle that produces a bulge. Normally you will have less than 45 degrees of knee flexion.
 The majority of quadriceps strains result from jumping which causes sudden stretching or repeated contraction. Acute tears or avulsion fractures tend to occur following a direct blow to the muscle during kicking, a sudden burst of speed, pushing off to jump, going uphill or falling on a partially bent knee. Tears can also result from tendinosis or previous knee/tendon surgeries (knee replacements, ligament surgeries, especially the ACL). If your quadriceps tendon tears your kneecap will lose its anchoring support in your thigh, and your knee cap will move down towards your foot. You won't be able to straighten your knee or put any weight on your leg, as your body won't be able to hold your knee in a straightened position.
Should you seek medical attention?
This is up to your discretion; however any continued discomfort in your quadriceps should be investigated. If you continue to experience the quadriceps injury symptoms and have tried the suggested conservative treatments for 2 -3 weeks, it is recommended that you seek professional medical attention. It is recommended you seek immediate attention if you:
- hear a "loud pop" in your muscle when injured
- have immediate severe pain, swelling or discoloration in your quadriceps
- experience severe weakness in your leg (compared to other leg) and have difficulty walking
- experience severe weakness in your leg (compared to other leg) and have difficulty walking
- have a temperature over 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C)
- notice blue toe nails, numbness or coldness below your injury
| Dear MendMeShop, In the fall I tore my right rotator cuff, both shoulders had been feeling stiff and sore. Began anti-inflammatory drug and PT. Began feeling a little better then left shoulder "froze" and began another round of drug and PT for both shoulders. I was fed up and started my own research for frozen shoulder and found the MENDMESHOP. I called with several questions and purchased the Ultrasound Therapy System and extra gel. I was in so much pain I paid for expedited delivery.
I received my unit and began using it. I felt better after the first treatment not cured but alot BETTER. By using your system it has greatly reduced my pain and help "break loose" my shoulders. I was greatly impressed!!!
I just saw my Orthopedic doctor on Friday he was happy with my progress and said I didn't need any formal PT sessions, but continue stretching and strengthening at home. I told him about the MENDMESHOP's at home ultrasound system and suggested they sell them at their PT clinic. HE and the resident immediately looked up your website and were impressed. I've told my fellow shoulder sufferers at PT about your system. Thanks eversomuch for such a wonderful product and such great service!! Rating: Catherine Auxier
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