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This past August, we (the Rotater guys) went to the American Physical Therapy Association�s annual convention in Denver. This was the first time that we had publicly exposed the Rotater to the experts who use physical therapy devices as a part of their vocation.

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