We are thrilled that our shoulder device, the Rotater, is helping breast cancer survivors. We met Jane and A.J. Ali in Las Vegas this past September. Jane and A.J. are committed supporters of breast cancer awareness with a number of projects that are involved in this effort.

During the month of October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month), Jane and A.J. traveled across the country via tour bus to promote this cause. To learn more, go to Survivor Celebration. They are humble, committed and dedicated. Meeting them was pivotal in our development of the “Pink Rotater” which allows us to give something to help breast cancer awareness.

Jane tests the Pink Rotater

One of the reasons that Jane is so involved in breast cancer awareness is that she is a survivor of breast cancer. After we produced our Pink Rotater, we sent one to her so she could use it and provide us with feedback. The following is her response:

The Rotater is awesome, it really stretches out my shoulder.

I met you guys at the PGA Las Vegas show and was very impressed by how committed you were. As a breast cancer survivor who has had surgery to remove lymph nodes it really helps my range of motion.

I love the pink color! Thank you for creating something so simple to use but so very effective.

There are a lot of exercises my doctor told me to do but his one works the best. Thank you for creating something breast cancer survivors can use to help with our rehabilitation after surgery.

Jane Ali

2 year breast cancer survivor
Co-Founder of Marathon of Miracles Foundation
www.survivorcelebration.com

The Rotater was a big hit

Scott and I stayed extremely busy demonstrating the Rotater and allowing physical therapists, PT students, teaching professors, athletic trainers, orthopedic surgeons and others to try the Rotater for themselves. The Rotater was well received, which resulted in numerous sales and an even greater number of contacts.

A True Expert Evaluates the Rotater

Among the people that stopped by our booth was Julie Barnett. Julie has a doctorate degree in Physical Therapy, is the Director of Physical Therapy for Annette M. Zaharoff MD and is a member of the Adjunct Faculty of the University of Texas Health Science Center, Physical Therapy Department.

In late August, we shipped a Rotater to Julie for her professional evaluation in clinical use with real patients. I received the following email from her a couple of days ago.

The Observations of a Shoulder Rehabilitation Expert

Chris,
Thanks for following up with our clinic. We are off to a fast pace already for ‘08 which is great. Here is more feedback on our experience with The Rotator:

The best feature I like is the isolated external rotation passive stretch for our adhesive capsulitis patients. The movements are slow, controlled and specific unlike other alternatives.

I did look on line to see the padding which would be helpful to use. The tubing I do not feel that we need.

One of our patients who had used the Dynasplint passive mobilization system through another facility liked The Rotator better. He also felt the positioning and amount of stretch was more controlled with The Rotator.

My recommendation is that outpatient orthopedic clinics should have the Rotator as an everyday tool for restricted shoulders just as they would have a set of pulleys and arm bike. I believe it will remain as a main stay tool for shoulder rehabilitation in our profession.

The other uses are widespread throughout other fields of PT such as post mascectomy or other neurological conditions. I feel most competent to address the outpatient orthopedic arena. I plan to introduce the Rotator to our physical therapy students in the University of Texas Health Science Center Allied Health program in San Antonio as well.

Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the feedback for development of your practical tool. Feel free to use these comments in your materials and send a copy to me afterwards, if possible.

Julie Barnett PT, DPT, MTC
Director of Physical Therapy for
Annette M. Zaharoff MD
Adjunct Faculty UTHSC PT Dept
San Antonio, Texas

The HIVAMAT is a German technology that is relatively new to the states. It works by creating an electrostatic field that is able to break apart and essentially shake up metabolic waste. It also activates the lymphatic system so the body is able to move out the waste. It was created to be used for lymphedema patients and has found subsequent uses in almost any thing that requires removal of metabolic waste by the body.

G. Schönfelder and D. Berg discovered in their study “Side effects following conservative therapy for a carcinoma of the breast” that “HIVAMAT-supported lymph drainage has shown significant improvements in the results for the following clinical criteria, compared with conventional manual lymph drainage: consistency; pain and disturbances to the sensitivity of the breast operated; skin alterations; arm movement; pain, parenthesis in the arm and/or axilla of the side operated, and lymphedema.”

Another recently study by Bartoletti Gasbarro and colleagues in Fandonzione Fatebenefratelli, Roma (2006) showed that treatment with the HIVAMAT 200 actually reduced the circumference of limbs that had lymphedema and decrease the thickness of the subcutis as shown in an ecograph.

The use of the HIVAMAT 200 can be done in correlation with manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) techniques actually make the therapy easier on the therapist. The results a therapist can achieve with a HIVAMAT 200 treatment has been testified over and over to be at least double that of treatment without. Part of the reason that it is so effective is it deeply penetrating abilities. It has been shown to penetrate 8-12cm (3-3.5”) deep into the tissue which is much deeper than a therapist hands are able to get alone. The treatment does not cause pain and is very pleasant to patients. Treatment with the HIVAMAT 200 can start first day post-op and helps reduce pain and inflammation immediately.

Treatment with the HIVAMAT 200 can improve ones chances of a better recovery following a mastectomy and can help treat problems such as lymphedema and fibroid build-up from surgery. HIVAMAT therapy is a great adjunct to the treatments that are already being done.

If you have general questions about the HIVAMAT 200, please visit www.deeposcillation.com. This website gives a very good overview of the HIVAMAT 200, along with comments and endorsements from:

• physicians
• athletic trainers
• physical therapists
• chiropractors
• patients
• athletes

If you have specific questions related to this unique technology, then please direct your inquiries to Tamara’s email:

tlcopes@yahoo.com

• Breast cancer
• Breast cancer rehabilitation
• Lymphedema
• Breast cancer awareness
• Other breast cancer issues

Breast cancer strikes indiscriminately and regularly (it affects about 1 woman out of 8, conservatively). Breast cancer has touched our lives through our loved ones. My aunt is currently in the latter stages of treatment to eradicate the disease from her body, while Scott’s sister has recently completed her treatments.

An idea is born – the “Pink Rotater”

When we discovered that our product ( The Rotater ) was being used to help breast cancer patients, we decided that this was an opportunity for us to help in the fight against breast cancer.

Scott and I decided that we would produce a “Pink Rotater”. It is, in every respect, the same as our regular Rotater with a some additional benefits:

• We will set aside 10% of the revenues generated from the sale of these “Pink Rotaters” to donate to breast cancer research.
• We will include our new “Strong Arm” accessory at no additional cost, with every “Pink Rotater” purchased. This strengthening accessory has been in the development stages for some time, but was pushed into production when our research indicated that it was a product that breast cancer patients could benefit from now! We will also be adding new pictures, new graphics and a new video to our web site which will demonstrate how to use the “Strong Arm” accessory. Stay tuned.

Stretching Shoulders to Stretch Lives

As you look around our site, you will begin to see this pink breast cancer ribbon with the words “Stretching Shoulders to Stretch Lives” above and below it. This is a phrase that we take seriously.

The Rotater will allow you to stretch your shoulder and regain your range of motion, but we intend to go beyond “Stretching Shoulders”. We want to “Stretch Lives” and because of this, you have our commitment to aid in the funding of breast cancer research.

Order your “Pink Rotater” today and help us “Stretch Lives”.

If you have questions or comments, please contact us.

• How serious is this?
• What are my chances?
• Is there anything that I can do to change it?
• What caused this?
• What is the survival/mortality rate?
• Can the surgeon remove it?
• Has it spread?
• What is the treatment protocol?

And this is only the tip of the iceberg. Imagine the thoughts that would race through your mind if you were confronted with the knowledge that you had been diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening disease.

Knowledge through research

These women immediately start researching books, magazines, the internet and friends in search of:

• physicians
• treatments
• hospitals
• cutting edge technology
• cancer treatment centers
• side effects
• survival stories

Knowledge is power. The power to survive.

Meetings

Soon they meet with:

• a surgeon
• an oncologist for the radiation treatments
• another oncologist for the chemotherapy treatments
• and possibly another surgeon for reconstruction

…so that they may understand the best ways to treat this disease and ensure their highest chances of survival.

Rehabilitation may be overlooked

Due to advances in technology and research, the management of breast cancer has improved greatly over the years resulting in much higher survival rates. However, even with successful surgery and treatment, survivors are often left with reduced strength and mobility. Common problems are:

• adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
• back problems
• postural alignment problems

Because of this, everyday tasks can become difficult.

When a person can’t perform simple tasks that they are used to performing, they can start to feel inadequate. This is detrimental to their emotional well-being and state of mind. Certainly, they’re grateful to have survived surgery and treatment, but they think that their incapacity is the price that they had to pay in order to survive.

This should not be the case. Breast cancer survivors are not necessarily destined to be limited.

All women who have undergone breast cancer treatment and feel that they have become physically hindered as a result, should consult with a physical or occupational therapist trained in the particular needs of breast cancer survivors. These specialists may be able to develop a program, catered to the individual, for the purpose of regaining lost strength, mobility and function.

More research

Search for breast cancer rehabilitation on the internet, in books and in magazines. Here are a few names to consider:

• Trish Muse
• Naomi Aaronson
• Linda T. Miller
• Stephanie Davies

Don’t accept a lifetime of limitations and restrictions. Talk with someone who can safely and effectively give you a rehabilitation program to get you back to the point where you can live your life to the fullest and have a satisfying life after breast cancer.

Lots of interest in the Rotater

Upon the introduction of our device, we received a tremendous response from physical therapists, orthopedic surgeons, occupational therapists and athletic trainers. Although our product was not initially intended for athletes, we have received an overwhelming reception from them. They understand how the Rotater can help them stretch and condition their shoulders. The sports that are most often mentioned are:

• baseball / softball
• swimming
• golf
• volleyball
• tennis
• track and field (throwing events)

A surprise

Another surprising market presented itself to us at the APTA meeting in Denver. We were approached by a registered nurse who expressed an interest in using the Rotater with her breast cancer rehabilitation patients. She explained to us that shoulder problems were very common among breast cancer patients.

After returning from Denver, we began to do some research on breast cancer rehabilitation and discovered that she is 100% correct. Shoulder impairments are very common problems that affect many breast cancer patients following treatment.

Our commitment

The revelation that the Rotater could help breast cancer patients led us to make an ongoing commitment to breast cancer research and breast cancer rehabilitation awareness.

While exhibiting at the fall PGA expo in Las Vegas, we ran into Jane Ali, a breast cancer survivor who is one of the principal people involved with Survivor Celebration. Jane expressed an interest in working with us and wanted to know how soon we could prepare.

We started immediately. After returning home, we met with our manufacturer and told them of our desire to produce a pink Rotater. We have also developed new packaging for these new pink Rotaters. Ten percent (10%) of all revenues generated by our pink Rotaters will be donated to breast cancer research!

This will not be a one-time thing. This will not be just for the month of October (breast cancer awareness month). This will be an ongoing promotion and commitment to create an awareness not just of breast cancer, but also an awareness of breast cancer rehabilitation.

“STRETCH SHOULDERS TO STRETCH LIVES”

Our slogan will be, “stretch shoulder to stretch lives”. So, whether you are stretching your shoulder to regain mobility and increase your range of motion or stretching your shoulder to warm-up prior to a sporting event, you will be stretching the lives of others with your purchase of a pink Rotater.

Consult a heath care professional

Breast cancer patients should consult their physician, physical therapist or occupational therapist before starting any exercise program. Ask them to go to our web site ( www.therotater.com ) and find out how the Rotater can benefit you.

The Rotater is designed to allow you to passively self-stretch you shoulder to increase mobility. Accessories for the Rotater will be available soon, to help you increase the strength of your shoulder.

Because breast cancer patients lose not only mobility, but strength as well, we will be packaging the strengthening accessories with the pink Rotaters at no additional charge. We want to give them every advantage possible to help expedite their rehabilitation and recovery.

It is not that your physicians are not concerned with your well-being or your ability to get back to normal activities. It could be that with a number of different physicians being involved with your treatment, each one is expecting one of the other physicians to address the issue of your physical therapy.

An example

It is similar to your home. If you call a plumber to repair a water leak, he will fix it to the best of his ability. He may even install a few new parts to ensure that the problem never occurs again. He wants you to have a sound home, but while he is there, he is not going to offer you advice on your heating and cooling system.

Sometimes you have to ask for advice

Don’t be afraid to ask your physician about any deficiencies that you may be experiencing. If he can’t recommend someone to help you, then seek out a professional who has experience working with breast cancer patients. This may be a physical therapist or an occupational therapist.

By using a thorough evaluation and screening process, they may be able to put together a regimen that is catered to your specific needs. You should also ask about lymphedema and their personal experiences of dealing with this condition. Anyone who has had their lymph nodes removed is at a higher risk of developing lymphedema.

Other problems

Besides reduced mobility and a decrease in strength, you may notice postural problems. This is common, especially if you have had reconstruction surgery such as a tram flap or latissimus dorsi muscle flap.

When patients have a hard time doing simple everyday tasks, they can become susceptible to emotional problems like:

• low self esteem
• depression
• anxiety

Rehabilitation is necessary

Rehabilitation is vital for breast cancer patients who want to regain:

• mobility
• strength
• endurance
• posture
• emotional well being

So get any and all information that you can about breast cancer rehabilitation. If you know of a successful rehabilitation program dealing with breast cancer, please contact us so we can spread the word and let others know. We need to give breast cancer patients as much information as possible so that they can make good, sound decisions concerning their rehab.

Contact me

You can email me at:

skay@therotater.com

Put “breast cancer rehab program” in the subject line.

Stress and trauma

Lymphedema can be brought on by stress or trauma to the affected area – in this case the arm and surrounding areas. Any swelling should be noted and checked out immediately by a professional lymphedema specialist to determine if it is lymphedema. This should be followed by a proper course of action to treat it.

A manageable condition

Lymphedema is manageable. Physical and occupational therapists that are familiar with lymphedema can show you how to monitor yourself. A regimen to manage this condition may include:

• manual lymphatic therapy
• compression bandaging
• deep breathing exercises

Or, you may have an individually designed exercise program to develop flexibility and strength, created for you.

Be in the know

All breast cancer patients should ask a professional familiar with lymphedema about:

• their particular risks
• prevention
• monitoring
• treatment
• management

Recovery in Motion

Linda T. Miller has a comprehensive program for breast cancer rehabilitation called “Recovery in Motion”. It is structured in four modules, with the 4^th module dedicated to lymphedema management.

Slow and steady

Please understand that when your physical or occupational therapist designs your specific program, it will be very progressive, with very mild resistance and slow progression. The slow and steady progression is designed with lymphedema in mind - to prevent any undue stress or trauma to the area.

I would like to encourage everyone to research lymphedema thoroughly and ask plenty of questions in order to have a full understanding of this condition. If you note any swelling, seek professional medical attention immediately.

It’s not that men don’t care, we just don’t realize how prevalent this disease is until it strikes close to home. But, breast cancer does strike nearly 1 out every 7 women and although less frequently, breast cancer can also be diagnosed in men.

The cold slap of reality

I too, was one of these men who didn’t really give it much thought until recently. My sister just completed her last radiation treatment about three weeks ago. My awareness has been heightened because I have a wife, a daughter, two more sisters, a stepsister, a momma, and a step-momma that I love and care about. And there are countless others: sister-in-laws, nieces, cousins and friends, who could be affected each day.

For those affected, every month is Breast Cancer Awareness month

I have come to understand that for those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, every month is breast cancer awareness month. For these women:

• every time that she goes for a mamogram
• every time she checks herself for a lump
• every time she sees a pink ribbon
• every time a friend is diagnosed with breast cancer
• every time that she watches a television program about breast cancer
• every time she flips through a magazine and reads an article about breast cancer

…she is aware of breast cancer and it’s devastating affects. Yet, most men see the same pink ribbons and television shows and say to themselves, “That’s just for women and it doesn’t affect me”. Until it does strike someone they love.

Everyone is affected by Breast Cancer

You are either a woman or you love one, so let’s all be more conscious of breast cancer everyday – not just in October.

1. Breast cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer-related deaths world-wide.
2. In the U.S. breast cancer jumps to third in the ranking of cancer-related deaths.
3. Women in the U.S. have a 1 in 8 chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer.

How does all of this relate to Shoulder Performance and Rehab?

Until recently, we had no idea of the shoulder complications that are created as a by-product of the treatments and procedures that are used to help breast cancer patients in their fight against this dreadful disease. In Denver, at the American Physical Therapy Association’s annual conference, we were approached by a nurse, who bought a Rotater and said that she wanted to use it with her breast cancer patients.

Shoulder complications in breast cancer patients?

We were intrigued and asked her to explain what she was talking about. Her explanation and subsequent research on our part has revealed to us that there are indeed a number of women who face shoulder mobility issues due to the removal of the lymph nodes that are located under their arms.

This procedure is often done to prevent the spread of the cancer cells to the lymphatic system and the rest of the body. The side effects produced are:

• the possible development of lymphedema – the retention of body fluids in the affected limb
• shoulder mobility issues due to the need to limit the movement of the shoulder during the healing process which increases the likelihood of scar tissue development in the shoulder – this is known as adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
• physical therapy may be required to deal with both the lymphedema and mobility issues

Our research led us to Trish Muse and her free e-booklet: 20 Tips to Safe and Effective Exercise Programming for Breast Cancer Survivors

Trish Muse has a list of credentials a mile long and has devoted a great deal of her life to helping breast cancer patients deal with the rehabilitation issues resulting from the treatment of breast cancer. We have been in awe of her commitment and effort to develop a system/procedure dedicated to the breast cancer survivor. Please take the time to investigate her free e-booklet as well as the other products she offers.

Pink Rotaters

We are still in the process of developing our “pink Rotaters” which will debut soon. As I stated in an earlier posting, we will set aside a specified percentage of revenues of these “pink Rotaters” which will be donated to help fund Breast Cancer Research. We will alert you as soon as all the parts of the process are in place. Quickly, we hope.