Bio Skin Blog

Wrist and Thumb Bracing

Admin — Thu, 05 May 2011 02:28:33 +0000

The Wrist-Thumb Spica controls motion in the CMC and MP joints by protecting the thumb and wrist against painful movements, while allowing full use of the fingers. Constructed with Bio Skin’s® patented Ultima 2s™ material, the Wrist-Thumb Spica features a thin layer of ultra-soft micro-fleece against the skin, which wicks moisture away from the body, keeping you cool and dry. The brace has no laces, so it can easily be applied with one hand.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS
• Controls motion of the CMC and MP joints
• Cock-up wrist support
• Specify Left (L) or Right (R)
• Allows full use of the fingers
• Constructed of Bio Skin® Ultima 2s™ material
• 100% neoprene free and latex free

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How can Knee Braces Decrease Knee Pain from a Scientific Point of View?

Admin — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:57:48 +0000

Knee pain is the musculo-skeletal issue cited by general sports medicine doctors as the most common problem they help to solve. Proper alignment of the patella (knee cap) and femur (thigh bone) are essential components to normal, pain-free walking and running. Christopher Powers PhD PT from the University of Southern California (USC) has researched pain resulting from improper positioning of the patella and femur bones in the knee joint. His results show a clear way that a knee brace decreases pain.

Below is a summary of one of Dr. Powers research papers. The paper discusses how bracing can be useful in decreasing the force of the patella on the femur by improving the positioning of the bones in relation to each other. Increasing the appropriate contact between the two bones decreases the force that is exerted when the knee bends and goes through its normal range of motion. By helping position the patella and femur better, an appropriate knee brace can significantly decrease pain and increase performance.

The article below is found at Pubmed.com. Pubmed is a collection of millions of medical research papers. This article was published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine.

(Bio Skin® products that are involved in this article are the QBrace™, the QLok™, and the Bio Skin Patella Stabilizer™.)

Am J Sports Med. 2004 Jan-Feb;32(1):224-31.
The effect of bracing on patellofemoral joint stress during free and fast walking.
Powers CM, Ward SR, Chen YJ, Chan LD, Terk MR.

Department of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089-9006, USA.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although several studies have demonstrated decreases in patellofemoral pain (PFP) with the application of bracing, the mechanism by which bracing reduces symptoms has not been elucidated.

HYPOTHESIS: Individuals who responded favorably to bracing will exhibit decreased patellofemoral stress during level walking.

STUDY DESIGN: Repeated measures, cross-sectional.

METHODS: Fifteen subjects with a diagnosis of PFP completed two phases of data collection: 1) MRI assessment of patellofemoral contact area and 2) gait analysis. Data were obtained under braced and nonbraced conditions. Variables obtained from both data collection sessions were used as input variables into a mathematical model to quantify patellofemoral stress.

RESULTS: Subjects reported a 56% reduction in pain following bracing. Bracing significantly reduced peak stress during free and fast walking (17% and 27%, respectively). The decrease in stress was the result of increased contact area as patellofemoral joint reaction forces were increased following bracing.

CONCLUSION: Bracing resulted in a larger increase in patellofemoral contact area than the increase in joint reaction force, resulting in a decrease in joint stress. Clinical Relevance: The results of this study suggest a possible mechanism by which bracing may be effective in reducing PFP and provides experimental support for the use of this treatment method.

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TriLok Ankle Brace: A Great Alternative to Ankle Taping

Admin — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 01:31:41 +0000

Ankle joint injuries are among the most common that occur in sports and recreational activities. In 2001, 6 million high school youth participated in local sports programs.¹ Of those students participating in sports, approximately 33% incurred some type of injury.²

A current practice in today’s colleges and high schools is the use of athletic tape prior to practice and competition in an effort to provide support to the ankle. Rarick et al.³ were the first to note that athletic tape lost 40% of its initial support after 10 minutes of exercise. Ferguson⁴ noted that the mobile nature of the skin as it moves over the subcutaneous tissue that covers the bones and ligaments limits the effectiveness of taping. Perspiration also can limit the effectiveness of athletic tape.⁴ A certified athletic trainer must be available to properly apply the tape.

The TriLok™ ankle brace has multiple advantages over taping. It may applied by the athlete. In a team situation where there may be multiple team members requiring ankle protection, each athlete may apply the brace individually not only saving the trainer time, but also time out on the practice field. The TriLok™ may be customized to provide moderate ankle control to more aggressive protection, utilizing the FootLok™ Strap, against higher risk situations or athletes (those with a history of chronic ankle instability). Unlike tape, the TriLok™ may be easily adjusted on the field or court to ensure consistent protection. Sharpe et al.⁵ reported no recurrence of ankle injury during a competitive season in female soccer players with a history of ankle injuries who wore ankle braces in comparison to athletic tape.

Cost Analysis
Currently, one case of athletic tape (32 rolls) can cost as much as $50, which averages out to approximately $1.50 per roll. It takes approximately two thirds of a roll per ankle to apply a standard Gibney tape job or approximately $1.20. If both ankles are taped 5 days per week for 16 weeks (equal to one college semester), that equates to $192 per person. Not to mention the fact that adhesive spray, underwrap, heel and lace pads (used to reduce friction), and a certified athletic trainer to apply the tape must also be available, which only adds to the cost. The TriLok™ sells for $59.95, so the total cost for bilateral application for each athlete would be $119.90.

References
1. National Federation of State High School Associations. 1999-2000 Athletics participation summary. Available at: www.nfhs.org/Participation/SportsPart01.htm. Accessed December 16, 2001.
2. Powell JW, Barber-Foss KD. Injury patterns in selected high school sports: a review of the 1995-1997 seasons. Journal of Athletic Training. 1999;34(3):277-284.
3. Rarick GL, Bigley G, Karst R, Malina RM. The measurable support of the ankle joint by conventional methods of taping. J Bone Joint Surg. 1962;44-A:1183-1190.
4. Ferguson AB Jr. The case against ankle taping. J Sports Med. January/February 1973:46-47.
5. Sharpe SR, Knapik J, Jones B. Ankle braces effectively reduce recurrence of ankle sprains in female soccer players. Journal of Athletic Training. 1997;32(1):21-24.

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Bio Skin® QLok™ Knee Brace Treats Patellofemoral Pain

Admin — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:00:47 +0000

Patellofemoral pain is present in as many as 25 percent of people in the world . Far fewer people have enough pain to see doctors and yet anterior knee pain is one of the most common problems sports medicine physicians see. Treatments range from getting better shoes to surgically transplanting the patellar tendon. The myriad of related tissues, the pressure involved with the pulley-like extensor mechanism, and the centrality of the patella in the biomechanics of the lower extremity, make patellofemoral treatment complex. Patellofemoral treatments fall into two categories: 1. Therapy (Strength, Stretching, and Conditioning) and 2. Surgery.

The Bio Skin® QLok™ Dynamic Patella Traction brace decreases pain more effectively that any other intervention. The QLok™ is an integral part of a total rehab system. Each QLok™ knee brace comes with a DVD that explains knee anatomy, causes of patellofemoral pain, and suggested stretching and exercises to aid in the treatment of patellofemoral pain. The brace may be worn alone or used in conjunction with physical therapy.

Any patient that has enough pain to go physical therapy for patellofemoral pain, should go there with a QLok™ Patella Traction Brace. Too many patients get inferior braces or no brace when they are sent to rehab. The majority of anterior knee pain patients need therapy, by using the QLok™ along with every therapy prescription, rehabilitation will be accelerated, pain throughout the day will be minimized, and endurance and compliance in rehab will be maximized. Using the QLok™ maximizes rehab effectiveness and minimizes pain both in therapy and out of therapy. Every patient that goes to therapy for the patellofemoral joint needs a QLok™. Patients should wear it in therapy for maximum endurance and wear it outside of therapy for pain relief and lateral tissue traction.

Most patellafemoral patients will be in therapy 3-4 weeks. In some cases they may return to the surgeon afterwards having found little relief. This may be due to the wrong therapy regimen, pain inhibition reluctance that makes therapy less effective, or a very degenerated patellofemoral joint. Many physical therapists use McConnell taping with their PFP patients. McConnell taping has been around for many years and is well known by virtually every physical therapist. Taping is effective for many and disliked by most for various reasons. Traditional problems with taping are threefold:

1.        Taping causes skin break down
2.        Taping is often not applied correctly if the patient applies it
3.        Taping lasts only a few days at most before reapplication is needed.

After tape is applied strength exercises are used to condition the quads, more advanced physical therapists will use trunk and glut conditioning as well to deal with femoral rotation. During sessions therapists may manually stretch the patella by pushing the patella medially and by mobilizing the IT band and lateral retinaculum with their thumbs. This is to stretch and loosen the lateral tissues attached to the patella—mainly the lateral retinaculum and IT band. The Qlok™ is more effective than taping, and provides solutions to problems of traditional taping.

Learn How the Bio Skin® QLok Dynamic Patella Traction brace treats patellofemoral pain:http://www.bioskin.com/QLok-Dynamic-Patella-Traction-Brace.html

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FASTER Ankle Brace Speeds Recovery After Ankle Injuries

Admin — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 17:45:00 +0000

The Bio Skin FASTER ankle brace will speed recovery after an ankle injury or surgery. The FASTER is constructed of premium Bio Skin materials that are compressive to reduce swelling and speed healing and proprioception return following tissue trauma. Medial and lateral plastic stays to help maintain proper positioning of the ankle.

The FASTER is trimmable to the length of the foot for a custom fit. Optional silicone gel pads provide infra-malleoli support. Optional figure-8 wrap provides targeted support and offloading.

Universal left or right. 100% neoprene free and latex free.

Medical Conditions and Indications:

Speed recovery after ankle sprain or injury
Acute and Chronic Ankle Instability
Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction/Insufficiency
Peroneal Tendon Dysfunction/Insufficiency
Fusions, Reconstructive Osteotomies, Tendon Transfers

More information about the FASTER Ankle Brace

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Improve Athletic Performance and Endurance with BioSkin Compression Shorts and Supports

Admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 00:06:33 +0000

Studies have shown that wearing compression supports and garments increase athletic endurance, strength and power by decreasing muscle vibration (muscle oscillation). This means that when you run and jump, the compression maintains your muscles in the position necessary to fire more quickly and with less effort. Over time, this saves energy and keeps you from feeling as tired, which can also prevent injuries. In injured muscles, compression reduces the build up of lactic acid so your muscles recover faster.

Many athletes wear compression shorts and supports for bicycling, track, basketball, soccer, football, baseball, and other sports. Compression garments are effective in any activity that requires running or jumping.

Bio Skin Compression Shorts and performance supports offer superior compression to improve your performance and prevent injury. Our Compression Shorts and Thigh Sleeve have an optional Groin Wrap to provide optimal compression to groin and hamstrings, or and optional Cinch Strap for quad and hamstring injuries. Our patented, breathable materials allow moisture from your body to evaporate to keep you cool and dry. Bio Skin materials are 100% neoprene free and latex free so you don’t have to worry about skin irritations.

Available in black or white

Bio Skin Performance Gear:
Increase Performance, Reduce Injury

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A good example of why it’s so important to protect your ankles!

Admin — Sat, 01 May 2010 14:55:12 +0000

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What’s the problem with neoprene?

Admin — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:08:11 +0000

Julius Nieuwland—Chemist whose research paved the way for the development of Neoprene in 1930 (nice hat Julius).

Neoprene is great—if you’re surfing, or SCUBA diving, or fly-fishing. All of these activities put you in cold water where you want to keep body heat in and cold water out. All the properties that make neoprene great for cold water applications make it terrible for orthopedic bracing. When you’re active, especially when you’re wearing heavy insulation like neoprene, your body obviously starts to sweat. Neoprene is just as good at keeping moisture in as it is at keeping moisture out. With nowhere to go, the perspiration builds up under the brace. The perspiration build-up causes several problems: It releases skin-irritating chemicals used in the manufacturing of the material, makes it tremendously uncomfortable (imagine wrapping plastic wrap around your leg and then going for a run), and makes the brace slippery which causes it to slide down. In addition, neoprene is prone to tearing, smells bad, and doesn’t give much compression.

At Bio Skin, we’ve developed materials specifically designed for the needs of the orthopedic and athletic markets and are trying to push neoprene back into the water where it belongs (also good for mouse pads).

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Roughly 23,000 ankles are sprained per day. Protect your ankles.

Admin — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:46:07 +0000

A friend of mine is the Medical Director at a hospital. Hospital stats show that 23,000 ankles are sprained per day. Ouch. I have sprained both of mine. The right ankle got it when I was a freshman in high school. I landed on a foot after grabbing a rebound. I have rolled my right ankle a few times per year ever since then. The left ankle joined the injured joint list almost two decades later. This time I was playing basketball on a funny carpet floor. I can’t remember how I sprained it, but I remember going down. One out of eleven players playing basketball will sprain their ankle every year. That is about one per team, or if you look at it for yourself, it means that you will go down once every eleven years on average.

Now, I wear something preventative. Six weeks is too much time to be benched.

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