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’s inspiration
• the many different groups of people who can be benefited by using the Rotater
• our commitment to “give back” to help breast cancer survivors
• the many applications for the Rotater (shoulder surgery patients, athletes and breast cancer survivors)
• our desire to continue to grow as a business

Yesterday, we traveled to Montgomery to do the interview. While we were there, we met Lloyd Gallman, an incredible photographer and Shannon Heupel the senior videographer for the Montgomery Advertiser.

Kym, Lloyd and Shannon all participated in the interview process. This was our first major media interview and we were nervous, to say the least. Our nervousness faded soon after meeting these guys. They made us feel at home and the interview process was very informal, almost conversational, which allowed us to open up and tell our story.

We’d like to say “Thank You” to Kym, Lloyd and Shannon, as well as the Montgomery Advertiser for recognizing the benefits of the Rotater and helping us increase the awareness of the Rotater and breast cancer rehabilitaion.

You can see the full article here.

• 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.

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.

Breast cancer patients need shoulder rehabilitation

This nurse went on to explain to us that when a woman goes through breast cancer treatment, there are a number of procedures that can require her to have her shoulder immobilized for an extended period of time. This lack of movement can result in adhesive capsulitis or “frozen shoulder” – a term used to indicate a loss of the range of motion in the shoulder joint. Please check out the following sources:

• www.medicinenet.com/frozen_shoulder/article.htm
• www.susanlovemd.com/breastcancer/content.asp?L2=5&L3=2&SID=199
• www.healthsearches.org/Categories_of_Q&A/Q&A_for_Survivors/1120.php

How can the Rotater guys get involved?

We began doing research into the issue and realized that there was a need for the Rotater among breast cancer survivors. About the same time, I learned that one of my aunts had discovered that she has breast cancer and Scott found out that one of his sisters has breast cancer.

The “Pink Rotater” plan

Motivated by this information, Scott and I developed our “Pink Rotater” plan. Basically, this is the idea – we will manufacture a Rotater that is pink and has a distinct product number ( for tracking purposes ). Every time someone orders this pink Rotater, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to one of the breast cancer awareness/research charities. We will be clear as to the exact amount that will be donated once all the details are worked out. Stay tuned – an announcement will be posted here in the next couple of days.

The Law of Attraction leads us to Jane Ali and Survivor Celebration

We have just returned from Las Vegas where we had been prompted to go the PGA Expo and demonstrate how the Rotater could help golfers increase their shoulder flexibility which can result in more power and greater striking distances.

We received a huge response, especially from the PGA teaching pros that came by and tried out the Rotater. Many indicated that they would contact us later to purchase more or that they would send their clients to our web site. One professional long drive champion was especially enthusiastic about his Rotater ( we will reveal more at a later time ).

While in Vegas, we met Jane Ali of eclipse sports who is involved in Survivor Celebration . Jane is a breast cancer survivor with a passion for helping others overcome this devastating illness. We explained our idea to Jane and then demonstrated the Rotater to her. Being a breast cancer survivor, she immediately recognized the need that breast cancer patients have for the Rotater.

We have committed to making this project happen and we are trying to have everything in place so that when the Survivor Celebration Tour begins on Sept. 23^rd, we will be ready.

Stay tuned for updates.

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