Rehab & Exercise Equipment (TENS, Laser, etc.) ... What Are My Choices?

You've made the decision to become a doctor of chiropractic; invested money in your education, the perfect practice location, staffing, etc. Now what? Where can you go to find information on products, education and other goods and services to help grow your practice?

"What Are My Choices?" is a monthly column that gives you the information you need, straight from the experts: the companies themselves. This column focuses on companies that offer rehabilitation and exercise equipment to the chiropractic profession. Consider the wide range of choices available:

Avicenna: Avicenna is the first laser company to gain FDA clearance for a Class IV therapeutic laser. Prior to this technological breakthrough, all Class IV lasers were specifically designed for surgery due to their powerful strength and penetration. You may go on our Web site to download a free copy of "Caution: Therapeutic Lasers in Use - Don't Get Burned," a must-read article revealing the future of laser therapy in chiropractic. Phone: 888-AVI-LASER; E-mail: bcoren@avicennalaser.com; Web: www.avicennalaser.com.

Banner Therapy: Visit our Web site and see over 6,000 reasons why thousands of chiropractors and other health care professionals use Banner Therapy as their premier supplier for all of their equipment and supplies. Nobody beats our prices, selections, knowledgeable staff, and same-day shipping on over 99% of our products. Banner has many exclusives, frequent sales and specials. Call to order products or our latest catalog. Your well-being is our reward. Phone: 888-277-1188; Web: www.bannertherapy.com.

Centens: Centens has been providing low-cost, high-quality electronic devices to medical professionals and facilities for over 13 years. Our policy of lifetime warranties on TENS units and 10 years on other devices cannot be found anywhere else in the industry. We normally provide inexpensive replacements for electrodes, lead wires, etc. Phone: 800-869-8194.

ElectroMedical Solutions: Electro- Medical Solutions is a leading chiropractic supplier of TENS, muscle stimulators, microcurrent units and other electromedical therapy devices. In addition, ElectroMedical stocks over 50 different types of electrode styles. Units are offered through two types of programs: consignment or wholesale. Phone: 866-242-8367; E-mail: info@electromedicalsolutions.com; Web: www.electromedicalsolutions.com.

GRID: The Stretch-assager integrates a combination of beneficial actions into one fast, easy and effective exercise that can relieve and/or prevent symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome in just minutes a week. The Stretch-assager was the first product available to the public designed to reduce pressure on the median nerve by helping to enlarge the carpal tunnel and increase blood flow to carry away toxins. Phone: 770-926-9896; Web: www.thehelpinghand.com.

Ingen Technologies, Inc.: Ingen Technologies is a medical device manufacturer of various medical products and the Secure Balance systems for chiropractors. Secure Balance is an effective tool for chiropractors who choose to provide a full clinical vestibular function test and balance therapy system that helps patients regain their balance. Secure Balance provides the chiropractor with the highest quality product at the lowest cost. Phone: 800-259-9622; E-mail: info@ingen-tech.com; Web: www.ingen-tech.com.

ITM Labs: The Vivatek Treatment System by ITM is a computer-controlled, patient-interactive physical medicine system. It provides a high-tech form of treatment that is compatible with conventional medicine and other respected alternative therapies. This form of treatment is the product of the information age and is made possible only with today's hybrid computer systems. Vivatek's treatments are gentle and painless. Patients look forward to each soothing, satisfying and highly therapeutic treatment. Phone: 877-848-2835; Web: www.vivatek.com.

JRE Medical Inc.: We offer top-of-the-line neurostimulators and electrical muscle stimulators. Our program is unique in that we work directly with you, the doctor, to supply your patients with high-quality, durable medical equipment, units and supplies. Serving doctors all over the United States, we are experts in our field. Our friendly support staff of doctors and knowledgeable sales representatives is available to answer any questions you may have. Phone: 800-481-5541; Web: www.gibraltarelectromedical.com.

Lashaw Distributors: The Invertrac is designed for the relief of many common back pain conditions. Designed for in-home use, the Invertrac is easy to use and only weighs 32 pounds, folding flat for easy storage and transportation. Unique features on the unit allow for maximum comfort while in the inverted position. The Invertrac comes 99% assembled, allowing use within 10 minutes from unpacking. Phone: 800-667-7795; E-mail: sales@invertrac.com; Web: www.invertrac.com.

Lhasa OMS: Since 1980, Lhasa OMS has been providing the highest quality chiropractic and acupuncture supplies at the lowest possible prices. We carry a multitude of TENS units, laser devices, EMS machines and other electrotherapy equipment. Visit our new and improved Web site, where online ordering is available 24 hours a day. Order your supplies from the comfort of your own home. Phone: 800-722-8775; E-mail: customerservice@lhasaoms.com; Web: www.LhasaOMS.com.

LSI International, Inc: Founded in 1987, we are one of the country's largest chiropractic suppliers with a vast line of products. With the recent merger of Medical Outfitters we can now serve you with many more products. Our rehabilitation equipment ranges from carpal tunnel to Thera-Band to laser products and much more in between. We look forward to working with you and helping you with your equipment & supply needs. Contact us for further information or to request a free catalog. Phone: 800-832-0053; E-mail: lsi@lsiinternational.com; Web: www.lsiinternational.com.

Mastercare Back-A-Traction: Mastercare Back-A-Traction, the Swedish back care system, uses the natural healing powers of gravity traction along with a system of therapeutic exercises for the relief and rehabilitation of chronic neck, shoulder, back and knee problems. A unique exercise program, thanks to the moving backrest. Mild traction in 15° inversion. CPT codes available. Please visit the company's Web site. Phone: 770-850-9150; E-mail: backcare@usa.mastercare.se; Web: www.mastercare.se.

Medical Stimulation Services: Techniques To Bill And Dispense Electrical Stimulation Devices In The Medical Practice is a manual and CD. It is designed to provide a turnkey process to utilize and profit from the use of electrical stimulation devices in your practice. It provides background information on the different types of stimulation devices available, the codes used to bill for these devices, the sequence of how the codes are billed and supporting documents. Phone: 770-971-3221; Web: www.medicalstim.com.

MedTrak Technologies: It is our mission at MedTrak to significantly improve the quality of care given to patients suffering from dizziness or balance disorders. Through cutting-edge technology and unparalleled training and support, MedTrak aims to improve the health and wellness of both the physician's practice and community. MedTrak provides equipment, training and support for physicians to establish Balance Testing/Therapy services in their facilities. Phone: (888) 239-6436; E-mail: sales@medtrakonline.com; Web: www.medtrakonline.com.

National Laser Technologies: Phone: 612-331-7246.

Neck Orthotic, Inc.: Neck Orthotic sells the Posture Right neck orthotic. This device helps correct forward head posture and loss of the cervical curve. It is a patent-pending cervical extension traction without straps, pulleys, weights, water or inflation. To see a digital motion X-ray of it in use, go to our acclaimed Web site. Call Dr. Joseph Mannella for any additional questions. Phone: 586-727-755; Web: www.neckorthotic.com.

OPTP: OPTP is a recognized leader in providing health care professionals with orthopedic, physical therapy, rehabilitation and fitness products. OPTP believes that trends toward self-care, coupled with efforts to contain health care costs, are shaping tremendous opportunities for those who deliver conservative care. For over 25 years, OPTP has selected high-quality physical therapy products that reflect current and clinically effective rehabilitation techniques for our catalog. Phone: 800-367-7393; Web: www.optp.com.

Pain Technology: Over the past 16 years, Pain Management Technologies has helped thousands of people free themselves of back pain, arthritic pain, muscle spasms, sciatic pain and more. Pain Management Technologies is driven by the goal of making sure that you are serviced with the highest quality products at the lowest prices - so much so that we back our products with a lifetime warranty and free shipping. Phone: 888-267-5422; E-mail: info@paintechnology.com; Web: www.paintechnology.com.

Panasonic Massage Chairs: The Panasonic Real Pro Elite Massage Lounger massages over 180 square inches of back, and the advanced 33-bag air system covers an additional 600 square inches of hips, legs, and feet. Chair retails for $4,000 and features pre-programs and memory. These chairs are the first to be approved by the ACA and provide outstanding deep-tissue relief, which can temporarily relax tense muscles, offering an ideal complement to chiropractic manipulation. Phone: 800-277-3296 x3811; E-mail: denisquinette@comcast.net.

PhysioDynamics, Inc.: TheraStim is the only electrical stimulator with a direct-current waveform that is applied while the patient is in motion during treatment. This patented waveform penetrates deep into tissues without surface pain. Doctors can achieve significant results with muscle conditioning and re-education, dramatic increases in range of motion and quicker healing for patients, in significantly fewer sessions. Phone: 800-775-2652; E-mail: therastim@aol.com.

Practical Things, LLC: Need head support? Originally designed for the special-needs market, the Heads Up Flexible Head Support System has practical applications for the chiropractic patient. Compatible with almost any type of chair or seat, the flexible elastic bands are extremely effective in maintaining head support and cervical alignment. The elastic tension adjustability provides for maximum comfort and outstanding control. Make sure to click on "travel products" when visiting our Web site. Phone: 310-291-1034; E-mail: customerservice@head-sup.com; Web: www.head-sup.com.

Rehab Dynamics: At Rehab Dynamics, every product we build must meet specific criteria for rehabilitation. We believe equipment intended for rehabilitation should be easy to use as well as provide the best strengthening and conditioning effects for the user. That means incorporating features such as low minimal starting poundage, gas shock assisted seat and platform lifts, and adjustable start/stop R.O.M. limiters as standard equipment. Phone: 800-500-9302; Web: www.rehabequipment.com.

Synergy Therapeutic Systems: Our goal is to provide comprehensive, easy-to-use, functional rehabilitation exercise products and educational support for rehabilitation and training. For nearly a decade, Synergy Therapeutic Systems has provided physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers and patients with the most functional and economical rehabilitation products. We also provide the most comprehensive, patient-friendly, rehab-specific exercise videos and educational support found in the market. Phone: 800-639-3539; Web: www.synergytherapeutic.com.

THOR Lasers, International: THOR is proud to announce approval by the FDA of their Laser Therapy System. This adds to their existing product line that includes three laser drive units and 15 state-of-the-art laser and LED probes, making the units versatile and upgradeable. THOR also teaches the world's most respected, scientific and entertaining laser education classes available today. Phone: 866-251-7743; E-mail: melyni@thorlaser.com; Web: www.thorlaser.com.

Tri-Tech: U.S. master distributor of low-level laser therapy products. Call for a free distributor information packet. Phone: 605-342-5669; E-mail: kip@rapidnet.com.

Vonco Medical: Vonco Medical buys, sells, and trades medical, rehabilitation & fitness equipment to chiropractic clinics nationwide. Our warehouse has an excellent selection of new & used equipment and supplies. The rehab 2000 multi-neck machine is one of many designed specifically for physical therapy. A complete line of cardio equipment includes treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, steppers, etc. Laser products include the new Mettler SysStim 540 Laser & the MicroLight 830-DC Laser. Phone: 800-972-6461; E-mail: stan@voncomed.com; Web: www.voncomed.com.

Wellness Innovations: In business since 1978 and invented by a chiropractor, Thumper massagers are used by more than 150,000 health professionals in treating muscle aches and tension. Thumper is the first choice of chiropractors, massage therapists and professional athletes in treating muscle aches and tension. In fact, the Thumper massager is used by over 150,000 professionals worldwide and is the only massager on permanent display in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Phone: 800-848-6737; Web: www.thumpermassager.com.