Over the past 20 years, patients have often asked me for advice on products to make their recovery more convenient, or to improve their health and well-being in general. I used to sell some items in my clinic, but it was never as convenient for the patient as ordering online.
When I made online recommendations in the clinic, patients often purchased the wrong product – an impostor or knock-off – of poor quality or value. For that reason, I’ve created this page of low-cost, high-value items that you may find helpful.
These items are placed here for your convenience. You are free to order similar items from another vendor, however, each of these items I have either ordered myself, or used in the clinic. Send me a message if you have any problems, questions, or comments. Enjoy!
Lumbar Support Roll Pillow
This lumbar support roll can be moved between any sitting surface, with a simple and effective clip and strap mechanism.
Lumbar supports can relieve pain and improve posture.
This pillow can be ordered in different levels of firmness, however, I recommend the standard model.
iReliev Dual Channel TENS
This is an inexpensive, but powerful, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS) unit – used for pain relief.
If you’ve had electrical stimulation in the clinic, it’s probably been an Interferential Current stimulator (IFC). TENS is it’s more compact, less expensive cousin.
Research shows that the benefits in terms of pain relief are just the same. This unit has some handy features in that it comes with a belt clip and accepts standard (not crazy-expensive) electrodes.
iReliev TENS+EMS
This unit features TENS for pain relief, but ALSO has the function of Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) to cause muscular contraction.
This is useful when you are having trouble contracting a muscle, especially after surgery.
Chattanooga ColPac Reusable Gel Ice Pack
This item and brand I’ve used virtually my entire career. They are great because they don’t get overly stiff in the freezer – meaning that you can bend, press, and conform it as needed – and they are tough enough for daily use in a busy clinic.
Occasionally one has cracked early, and I was always able to get a replacement free of charge.
This one is 11 by 21 inches, so great for backs, thighs, and other large areas.
Chattanooga ColPac Reusable Gel Ice Pack
This is the same manufacturer and specs as the one above it, but this one is smaller – suitable for necks, ankles, and smaller body parts.
Home Ranger Shoulder Pulley
This is another great product that I have used every day in the clinic for decades, for any problem with the shoulder, and can be used over any door, just by closing the top of the door over the strap..
There is a rubber anchor that goes on the back side of the door, so it cannot pull through. The anchor and strap are soft rubber and nylon, so they will not harm the door.
The pulley is easily adjustable, just by retying the knot that goes through the handle. You can trim off the excess if you know that you won’t need it. There are marks to denote distance too, although I must admit that I’ve never used these.
You must be able (or someone must be able) to reach over the top of the door in order to anchor it prior to using it.
Therapist’s Choice Shoulder Pulley w/ Bracket
This is very similar to the previous shoulder pulley, but with a metal (padded) bracket, that allows the user to leave it on the door while opening and closing it, without damaging the door.
Pete’s Yoga Strap – 2 Pack
This is a less expensive, soft, durable, and highly usable alternative to the Stretch Out Strap listed below.
The fabric is durable, but soft. The buckle is easy to operate so that making a loop takes just a second, and the 8 foot length is perfect for any exercise application.
The Original Stretch Out Strap
This is the stretch out strap that most patients are familiar with, although I prefer the longer one.
I normally recommend a yoga strap to most patients, as the price is better, and the ability to configure it any way you want it. I’ve used this version (and the next one) in the clinic because they are very durable and can be washed over and over again.
However, I know some of you will want the clinical version, so this is it!
Stretch Out Strap XL
This is the version of the Stretch Out Strap listed above that I normally use
Designed for adults who are 6 feet or taller, this strap has all of the same features as the Original, but comes with a poster instead of a book.
TheraBand Flexbars – Assorted Strengths
This has been my most successful tool in the treatment of tennis/golfer elbow (medial and lateral epicondylalgia).
A normal course of physical therapy for these problems yields quick improvement, but full recovery can take months of performing a simple, short, routine using one of these.
It has proven scientific benefit over dozens of additional therapy visits, saving you hundreds of dollars.
CanDo Black Composite High-Density Foam Roller
Yet another item I’ve used in the clinic for years, which is very durable and economically priced!
This is a basic high-density foam roller which can be used for any number of applications related to stretching and soft tissue work.
There are multiple options in terms of full or half, length and size!
Vive “Peanut” Massage Ball
No more taped together tennis balls!
I spent most of my career giving patients instructions on how to use athletic tape to put two tennis balls together as a self-mobilization tool.
Using this set, you have everything you need, and a handy bag for storage.
ProFitness Knee Sleeves (Pair)
Compression sleeves can provide comfort and warmth to joints, and can assist in management of swelling.
This pair is the best value that I have found, and I have worn them myself to work in order to test them for comfort.
McDavid Neoprene 431 Ankle Sleeve
Same comments as on the knee sleeve above. Affordable comfort when you’ve had an ankle injury.
Care-Aid 5-Pod Walking Cane Tip
Definitely the easiest solution to keeping your cane upright!
I’ve ordered this unit, and attached it to a cane here at the house. It can stay upright on every surface I’ve tried so far, to include pile carpet.
Sleep Restoration King Size (XL) Microplush Heating Pad
This was my go-to heating pad for providing services in the home.
Multiple temperature settings with plush feeling pad which is machine washable.
ComforTrac Cervical Home Traction
Very similar to the Saunders Cervical Traction unit in both look and use, this one incorporates some additional padding and features, making it even more comfortable and user friendly.
This specific model was used by a home product company Care Rehab, and until recently, could be billed to Medicare.
If your neck problem cannot be completely resolved, and you find that intermittent traction over time is beneficial, then this is the device for you.
Chattanooga Lumbar Home Traction Device
This is another device that was formerly covered by Medicare and other insurers.
If your back pain couldn’t be completely resolved in the clinic, but you found that traction made a significant difference, then this device is for you.
It’s set up to provide supine (laying on your back) traction totally independently. However, you can also use it from the prone position (laying on your stomach) as well, but you’ll need someone to help you strap in for that.