What are they?  Often times over –the-counter topical analgesics are recommended for muscle and joint pain.  There are several on the market, most recognized are Biofreeze, Icy Hot, Flexall 454 and Capsaicin.

What do they have in common?  The common denominator [...]]]> Claremont physical therapist, Dee Tipton, speaks out about pain creams and lotions.

What are they?  Often times over –the-counter topical analgesics are recommended for muscle and joint pain.  There are several on the market, most recognized are Biofreeze, Icy Hot, Flexall 454 and Capsaicin.

What do they have in common?  The common denominator is that they are touted to “relieve pain” and they are all counterirritants.  Most are menthol-based and if no odor-suppressant is added, a mild menthol odor can be detected.

How do they work?  They stimulate the surface pain receptors by “scrambling” the nerve’s ability to send pain messages to the spinal cord.  Basically, they replace the sensation of pain with another sensation.

Are there studies to back up the claims?  Yes.  Menthol reduces pain by stimulating the temperature receptors.  Studies indicate that when a cayenne pepper based gel (Capsaicin) is used; it is absorbed through the skin and absorbs substance P, which is a primary cause of pain.

Is there any Gel or Cream that is Homeopathic based?  Yes.  Those products are Topricin (Fibromyalgia), Neuragen PN and a new product called Speed Gel.  The difference between these three products and the older ones is that they are homeopathic based and do not cause a burning or cooling sensation and generally do not cause any skin irritation or allergic reactions.  Some have reported that these products tend to work better for neurologic (nerve) pain.

What is the difference between traditional gels and the Homeopathic ones?

Speed Gel uses a transdermal delivery system to deliver pain relief directly to the effected area.

Speed Gel:  The mode of transportation to the affected area is different.  Speed Gel uses a transdermal delivery system.  That means that it is not a counterirritant but it takes the ingredients through the skin and is transported directly to the area.  Speed Gel has no odor, is all natural and is not taken into the bloodstream.  It has a soothing effect, blocks pain, prevents bruising, and reduces inflammation.  Current studies at their laboratory include research on osteoarthritis of the hand, ACL ligament damage and pain control.

This video explains more about how Speed Gel works.

Will Speed Gel work for me?  As with any intervention, results will vary.  Generally speaking, if you have tried over-the-counter gels or creams and found them greasy, smelly, or irritating to your skin, it is worth trying the homeopathic products.  Speed Gel is odorless, its consistency is somewhere in-between a cream, a gel, and a lotion.  It goes on quickly and is easily absorbed by the skin, leaving a smooth feeling.  It only takes a very small amount to cover the area.

To try Speed Gel, follow this link to the Speed Gel website store and purchase a tube.

Call to find out how Speed Gel is helping with Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, La Verne, San Dimas and Claremont physical therapy and personal training!

Now you will have a personal trainer to take with you wherever you go in Claremont, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, La Verne or San Dimas.

We need to have a balanced foundation for our bodies so what is above [...]]]> Your favorite Upland Personal Trainer describes how foot problems can play a role in knee, hip or low-back pain during training, so be aware of common injuries and learn what to do when pain occurs.

We need to have a balanced foundation for our bodies so what is above can be balanced and symmetrical. Since the foundation of our body is our feet injuries, tendon tightness or alignment issues to the feet can potentially cause problems up the kinetic chain to other bodyparts. According to Brad Katzman, DPM, owner of the Family Foot Centers in Ontario and Fontana (CA), there are foot problems that have the potential to cause hip, back or knee issues in weight trainers.  These include: an Achilles tendon that is tight, (stemming from the gastrocnemius and/or soleus) plantar fasciitis, pes planus (flat feet) and pes cavus (high arches).

Katzman says a shortness of the Achilles tendon is common among bodybuilders. The tightness may result from lack of flexibility in the gastrocnemius (the more visible muscle on the posterior lower leg) or the soleus (the deeper calf muscle). If youare not able to keep your heels flat on the floor during leg press or squats is a strong sign that you may have tightness in the Achilles tendon.  Another sure sign of a tight Achilles tendon is pain along the forefoot.

Another painful problem that we see in some bodybuilders, says Katzman, is plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the long tendon sheath that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel forward. This condition is often very painful in the morning when you take your first step out of bed. The sensation is usually described as a sharp stabbing pain (much like stepping on a thumb tack) beginning at the heels and moving toward the balls of the feet. Factors that may contribute to plantar fasciitis include shoes that are worn out or need repair, pushing your aerobic program too hard too soon, lack of flexibility to the plantar fascia/calves, or overtraining the calves with resistance exercises such as calf raises without adequate rest between training sessions. Since plantar fasciitis usually occurs to only one side at a time, it can throw the body’s foundation off balance as the bodyweight will usually be shifted to the pain-free side during weight-bearing activities such as squats, deadlifts and bent-over barbell rows. When you have the tendency to shift to one side and have more pressure and use onthat side, those forces can be transferred to the hip, knee or lower part of your back.

Pes planus and pes cavus, otherwise known as flat feet and high arches, respectively, are relatively common foot malalignment problems that may not be detrimental initially; however, over time Katzman believes bodybuilders with these issues can develop some compensatory problems to other bodyparts. As with plantar fasciitis weight-bearing exercises can create problems for these two conditions. Flat feet, for example, can create excess forces on the inside portions of the ankles and/or knees that can put unnecessary stresses on the medial ligaments and/or tendons of these joints. Over time the excess stress can lead to medial knee pain (pain on the inside of the knee) or to another condition known as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (pain along the shin down toward the ankle). Contrarily, high arches are usually classified as rigid feet. Katzman says a rigid foot doesn’t absorb shock well and commonly leads to low-back pain.

Your Upland personal trainer can give you recommendations and advice on how to avoid some of these problems with your feet and continue to progress in your fitness goals.

Here’s what you do.  Get a hold of this instant and reusable heat pack.  Press the activator button inside.  Watch the magic show and feel the [...]]]> Lower back pain go you down?  We’ve got the instant reusable heat pack for that!

Here’s what you do.  Get a hold of this instant and reusable heat pack.  Press the activator button inside.  Watch the magic show and feel the heat wash away the stress and aches from your back.

Use it over and over again.  Never buy another heat pack.

A safe and gentle reaction (a liquid salt solution turning into soft flexible crystals) warms these packs up to a perfect 130 degrees. Perfect for easing away your nagging arthritis pain.

Save money: No more wasteful throw away chemical packs!

Handy Convenience: Take them with you anywhere. Instant heat on the go!

• Use at the game
• for your baby on a walk
• camping
• at the office
• in your safety kit in the car…

These instant reusable heat packs are great for easing the pains of:

• Muscle Strain
• Arthritis
• Rheumatism
• Cramps
• Tendonitis
• Headaches
• And more

Instructions for use

To activate:

Firmly press and release the activator button inside the heat pack. The solution will crystallize and you should massage the heat pack until it has fully crystallized.

To re-activate:

Place in boiling water (on a cloth or vegetable steamer so the pan does not burn it) and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, depending on the size of the pack. Remove and cool to room temperature before using again.  Keep the pack in a liquid state during storage periods of two or more months.
Do not freeze or microwave.

Need instant heat that will fit on the more narrow areas of your body.  A little longer and a little wider, this is the one!

Designed specifically to be applied to the neck, forearms, and calves.  This

Need instant heat that will fit on the more narrow areas of your body.  A little longer and a little wider, this is the one!

Designed specifically to be applied to the neck, forearms, and calves.  This instant reusable heat pack will be bringing you relief faster than you thought possible.

Simply pressing a button releases the magic show of gentle heat.

How do our instant reusable heat packs work?

A safe and gentle reaction (a liquid salt solution turning into soft flexible crystals) warms these packs up to a perfect 130 degrees. Perfect for easing away your nagging neck and shoulder pain.

Save money: No more wasteful and expensive throw away chemical packs!

Handy Convenience: Take them with you anywhere. Instant heat on the go!

• Use at the game
• for your baby on a walk
• camping
• at the office
• in your safety kit in the car…

These instant reusable heat packs are great for easing the pains of:

• Muscle Strain
• Arthritis
• Rheumatism
• Cramps
• Tendonitis
• Headaches
• And more

Instructions for use

To activate:

Firmly press and release the activator button inside the heat pack. The solution will crystallize and you should massage the heat pack until it has fully crystallized.

To re-activate:

Place in boiling water (on a cloth or vegetable steamer so the pan does not burn it) and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, depending on the size of the pack. Remove and cool to room temperature before using again.  Keep the pack in a liquid state during storage periods of two or more months.
Do not freeze or microwave.

If you need an instant and reusable heat pack that is just the right size to target your neck pain, then this is it!

Simply pressing a button releases the [...]]]> This instant reusable heat pack for neck pain is just the right size to target your neck! 

If you need an instant and reusable heat pack that is just the right size to target your neck pain, then this is it!

Simply pressing a button releases the magic show of gentle heat.  Just place the pack on your neck and feel the relief.

How do our instant reusable heat packs work?

A safe and gentle reaction (a liquid salt solution turning into soft flexible crystals) warms these packs up to a perfect 130 degrees. Perfect for easing away your nagging neck and shoulder pain.

Save money: No more wasteful and expensive throw away chemical packs!

Handy Convenience: Take them with you anywhere. Instant heat on the go!

• Use at the game
• for your baby on a walk
• camping
• at the office
• in your safety kit in the car…

These instant reusable heat packs are great for easing the pains of:

• Muscle Strain
• Arthritis
• Rheumatism
• Cramps
• Tendonitis
• Headaches
• And more

Instructions for use

To activate:

Firmly press and release the activator button inside the heat pack. The solution will crystallize and you should massage the heat pack until it has fully crystallized.

To re-activate:

Place in boiling water (on a cloth or vegetable steamer so the pan does not burn it) and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, depending on the size of the pack. Remove and cool to room temperature before using again.  Keep the pack in a liquid state during storage periods of two or more months.
Do not freeze or microwave.

The special cut of this heat pack makes it ideal for perfectly covering your neck and shoulders [...]]]> Let the neck and shoulder pain relief begin.  This is the perfect size instant, reusable heat pack to target both your neck and shoulders.

The special cut of this heat pack makes it ideal for perfectly covering your neck and shoulders at the same time.

Simply pressing a button releases the magic show of gentle heat.

How do our instant reusable heat packs work?

A safe and gentle reaction (a liquid salt solution turning into soft flexible crystals) warms these packs up to a perfect 130 degrees. Perfect for easing away your nagging neck and shoulder pain.

Save money: No more wasteful and expensive throw away chemical packs!

Handy Convenience: Take them with you anywhere. Instant heat on the go!

• Use at the game
• for your baby on a walk
• camping
• at the office
• in your safety kit in the car…

These instant reusable heat packs are great for easing the pains of:

• Muscle Strain
• Arthritis
• Rheumatism
• Cramps
• Tendonitis
• Headaches
• And more

Instructions for use

To activate:

Firmly press and release the activator button inside the heat pack. The solution will crystallize and you should massage the heat pack until it has fully crystallized.

To re-activate:

Place in boiling water (on a cloth or vegetable steamer so the pan does not burn it) and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, depending on the size of the pack. Remove and cool to room temperature before using again.  Keep the pack in a liquid state during storage periods of two or more months.
Do not freeze or microwave.

Grab this instant and reusable heat pack.  Press the activator button inside.  Watch the magic show and feel [...]]]>  Can you already feel the gentle warmth from this instant reusable heat pack easing away the tension from your back?  Just wait!

Grab this instant and reusable heat pack.  Press the activator button inside.  Watch the magic show and feel the heat wash away the stress and aches from your back.

Use it over and over again.  Never buy another heat pack.

A safe and gentle reaction (a liquid salt solution turning into soft flexible crystals) warms these packs up to a perfect 130 degrees. Perfect for easing away your nagging arthritis pain.

Save money: No more wasteful throw away chemical packs!

Handy Convenience: Take them with you anywhere. Instant heat on the go!

• Use at the game
• for your baby on a walk
• camping
• at the office
• in your safety kit in the car…

These instant reusable heat packs are great for easing the pains of:

• Muscle Strain
• Arthritis
• Rheumatism
• Cramps
• Tendonitis
• Headaches
• And more

Instructions for use

To activate:

Firmly press and release the activator button inside the heat pack. The solution will crystallize and you should massage the heat pack until it has fully crystallized.

To re-activate:

Place in boiling water (on a cloth or vegetable steamer so the pan does not burn it) and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, depending on the size of the pack. Remove and cool to room temperature before using again.  Keep the pack in a liquid state during storage periods of two or more months.
Do not freeze or microwave.

This instantly warm heat pack for your “sittin’ parts” provides relief right where you need it, at the press of a [...]]]> This is the perfect Instant Reusable Heat pack to take with you to watch the game!  Watch out, everyone will want to borrow it.

This instantly warm heat pack for your “sittin’ parts” provides relief right where you need it, at the press of a button.

Everyone will want to borrow yours, but you tell them to just get their own!

A safe and gentle reaction (a liquid salt solution turning into soft flexible crystals) warms these packs up to a perfect 130 degrees. Perfect for easing away your nagging arthritis pain.

Save money: No more wasteful throw away chemical packs!

Handy Convenience: Take them with you anywhere. Instant heat on the go!

• Use at the game
• for your baby on a walk
• camping
• at the office
• in your safety kit in the car…

These instant reusable heat packs are great for easing the pains of:

• Muscle Strain
• Arthritis
• Rheumatism
• Cramps
• Tendonitis
• Headaches
• And more

Instructions for use

To activate:

Firmly press and release the activator button inside the heat pack. The solution will crystallize and you should massage the heat pack until it has fully crystallized.

To re-activate:

Place in boiling water (on a cloth or vegetable steamer so the pan does not burn it) and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, depending on the size of the pack. Remove and cool to room temperature before using again.  Keep the pack in a liquid state during storage periods of two or more months.
Do not freeze or microwave.

This instant soothing heat pack provides relief right where you need it, at the press of a button.

Your fingers will thank you and so will [...]]]> Shake off the Cold or Sooth Your Arthritis With This Instant Reusable Heat Pack!

This instant soothing heat pack provides relief right where you need it, at the press of a button.

Your fingers will thank you and so will your aching joints!

A safe and gentle reaction (a liquid salt solution turning into soft flexible crystals) warms these packs up to a perfect 130 degrees. Perfect for easing away your nagging arthritis pain.

Save money: No more wasteful throw away chemical packs!

Handy Convenience: Take them with you anywhere. Instant heat on the go!

• Use at the game
• for your baby on a walk
• camping
• at the office
• in your safety kit in the car…

These instant reusable heat packs are great for easing the pains of:

• Muscle Strain
• Arthritis
• Rheumatism
• Cramps
• Tendonitis
• Headaches
• And more

Instructions for use

To activate:

Firmly press and release the activator button inside the heat pack. The solution will crystallize and you should massage the heat pack until it has fully crystallized.

To re-activate:

Place in boiling water (on a cloth or vegetable steamer so the pan does not burn it) and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, depending on the size of the pack. Remove and cool to room temperature before using again.  Keep the pack in a liquid state during storage periods of two or more months.
Do not freeze or microwave.