“What I saw demonstrated at the show booth was a more precise and portable way to get the type of massage I was enjoying with the foam roller, but with more versatility.  I purchased one [The Stick], brought it home, and basically switched to The Stick over the foam roller for leg massage. I use it after rides and on days I do not ride as part of my evening routine.  I sit on the edge of a low foot stool that allows my knee to be bent slightly and my foot to be on the floor.  I divide the leg into sections:  top and sides of quads (including IT), the hamstrings and back of the thighs, and the calves.  I begin with easy pressure and quicker strokes and then move through the zones one at a time with increasing pressure and a slower rolling motion, finally focusing on trigger points.  Oh, did I mention I have trigger points?  I do and they hurt when I work on them, but it is a good kind of hurt.  I have found that I am getting a feel for what works well and what does not.  I think The Stick is going to remain an integral part of my training and recovery routine.”

The Stick is a revolutionary medical device to treat muscle pain and trigger points. With proper use, a user of The Stick can dramatically improve: Flexibility, Recovery, Performance, Injury Prevention, Injury Therapy.

Stick products are made of a space-age plastic that will allow necessary flexibility of the tool, providing maximum compression of the muscles. The center rod also has “memory” which will always return to its original position. The center rod is surrounded by spindles which roll over the muscle. The handles provide maximum comfort in the grip. The Stick contains no rubber or wood. The Stick comes with a 30 day money back guarantee. With proper use, The Stick should last a lifetime.

The Stick converts non-compliant muscle to compliant muscle by means of a non-motorized, biomechanical, self-use device composed of a semi-rigid core around which independent spindles freely revolve. The Stick performs what Dr. Travell calls stripping massage. In fact this noted medical physician relates that, “deep stripping massage of the tender spot in the muscle was generally the treatment of choice for muscular rheumatism (myofascial trigger points) long before the turn of this century, and for fibrositis afterwards.”

The Stick allows a working athlete to self-perform general as well as segmental therapeutic procedures with a high degree of precision. These procedures remove the barriers to peak work performance. It is the unassisted rolling, stretching, twisting and compressing of the muscle that diffuses barrier trigger points and converts non-compliant muscle to compliant muscle.

You can read Michael’s full article here at The Cyclist Site.

Acute Effects of the INTRACELL STICK on Muscle Strength, Power and Flexibility

Conducted by A.E. Mikesky, R. Bahamonde, K. Stanton, T. Alvey, and T. Fitton

Indiana University

The Intracell Stick is a non-motorized device used to stretch and massage muscle. It is basically a semi-rigid rod around which independent, smooth, one inch spindles rotate. The Intracell Stick is being increasingly used by athletes to improve performance. The purpose of this project was to assess the acute effects of the Intracell Stick on muscle strength, power and flexibility in a group of athletes.

Thirty well-conditioned male and female collegiate athletes from the sport of soccer, volleyball and basketball, were selected for the study. During each testing session, athletes performed four measures in the following sequence: hamstring flexibility, vertical jump, flying start 20 yard dash, and isokinetic knee extension strength at 90 deg/sec.

Two minutes of intervention treatment [visualization (control), mock insensible electrical stimulation (placebo), or stretch & massage using the Intracell Stick (experimental)] was performed immediately prior to each performance measure. Only one intervention was used per testing session.

Concentric muscular strength was assessed by using a KINCOM III isokinetic dynamometer to measure maximum knee extension . . . . Muscular power was assessed vertically by the vertical jump using a Vertec jump apparatus. Horizontal power was tested in the flying start 20 yard sprint using a Brower Speedtrap II photoelectric timer . . . . Muscular flexibility was assessed by measurement of the hamstring using a Leighton flexometer. Results are shown below.

According to the principal investigator, Alan E. Mikesky, PhD, “If the 20 yard sprint improvement carries over to longer distances, it could mean the difference between winning and placing in a race. Personally, I was surprised at the findings since the double blind study design removed any chance for study bias.”

A. A chronic pain disorder characterized by diffuse, muscular aching and stiffness. Non-restorative sleep is thought to contribute significantly to this complicated syndrome that is in evolution. There are [3] types: primary [idiopathic], secondary [associated with another disorder] and post-traumatic [onset initiated following bodily injury].

Q. What causes Fibromyalgia Syndrome? [FMS]

A. FMS is a very complicated condition that appears to have more than a single cause. FMS can be activated by a physical or emotional injury or can follow an illness like the flu. To date, the underlying true etiology remains a medical mystery.

Q. Is FMS inherited or contagious?

A. Recent studies suggest genetic predisposition could play a role in the condition. There is no evidence to suggest that FMS is contagious.

Q. Who does FMS target?

A. The condition strikes 8 times as many women as men and mid-life is the targeted age group, but it can occur at any age to either sex.

Q. How severe is the pain?

A. A medical research team from Finland has reported that the pain intensity from FMS is twice that of rheumatoid arthritis.

Q. How is FMS diagnosed?

A. Laboratory or x-ray findings are not needed to diagnose FMS, however, often times numerous tests are conducted to rule out other conditions. According to the American College of Rheumatology the 1990 criteria requires a history of widespread pain [minimum 3 months]. The pain pattern must include both right and left sides of the body, be located above and below the waist and also include the axial skeletal region. On digital examination pain must be noted in at least 11 of 18 characteristic tender point sites.

Q. What aggravates FMS symptoms?

A. The symptoms of pain, stiffness and soreness are often aggravated by cold or damp weather, anxiety or stress, over-use or repetitive activity and poor sleep. Long periods of inactivity will also activate symptoms.

Q. What treatment is recommended?

A. Treatment is aimed at reducing symptoms not curing the underlying condition because the etiology at present is not known. FMS has no well defined or universally accepted therapy regimen. A combination of massage, exercise, stress manage- ment techniques and medication are considered the most effective treatments now available.

Q. How about exercise?

A. When muscles are inactive they become shorter and weaker. Also, tendons, ligaments, bones and cartilage are more prone to injury. FMS patients MUST get at least a few minutes of exercise each day despite the pain. Stretching, strengthening and cardiovascular are 3 forms of needed and recommended exercises.

Q. Does stretching help?

A. The muscles of FMS often feel tight, stiff and ropelike. Both stretching and massaging the involved muscles brings relief. The Intracell Stick provides the benefits of stretching and massage. I use it before and after exercise. It is extremely helpful during sudden flare-ups.

Q. What about nutritive supplements?

A. I know of no controlled studies evaluating a nutritive supplement’s effectiveness for FMS. Yet there is a metabolic hypothesis that MIGHT offer relief. This includes CO-Q-10, Magnesium and Malic Acid . . . ask your doctor.

Q. Does massage help?

A. Research suggests that fibromyalgic muscles fail to receive adequate oxygen. Massage increases circulation and augments the uptake of oxygen. It is better, however, to have several short massage sessions than to have a single extended session. When it comes to therapeutic massage the answer is MORE OFTEN not just more. This is why I prefer the Intracell Stick muscle device.

Q. How is sleep involved?

A. Most people with FMS fail to achieve restful, restorative sleep. If you feel sore, stiff, tired and unrefreshed upon waking, you have typical symptoms of FMS. The quality (depth) of sleep is more important than the quantity (hours) of sleep. Most FMS people are deprived of an adequate number of deep [Delta] sleep stages.

Q. What about FMS research?

A. In 1993 the US government spent 3 cents per patient on FMS research but lobbying efforts increased that figure to 28 cents per patient in 1994. Recent Senate Subcommittee testimony estimated fiscal impact on the US economy to be $9.2 billion per year.

Profile

This report relates to a Stick To Wellness evaluation program which occurred in a manufacturing plant in Northern Georgia. The participating facility specializes in the manufacture of Monroe automotive shock absorbers. The vast majority of workers chosen by management to participate in the study are required to stand full-time at the various work sites. Job requirements consist of a myriad of upper body movements which contain variations in lifting and weight requirements.

The Procedure

The 30 day Stick To Wellness evaluation program commenced, following an in-service which explained concepts and protocols to the assembled workers, on April 2, 1997. The workers chosen by management numbered 98 taken from two shifts of a single department. A generic Pain Index Questionnaire containing 60 questions was completed and identified with signature by each participating worker. The participants were advised that an identical questioning would follow the evaluation program.

The Protocol

The company provided each participant with an Industrial Intracell Stick designed to perform Stick To Wellness exercises. The company safety director mandated that it be used both at work and in the home. At the work station, participants were given 2 minutes of company time to address priority muscles prior to commencing each work shift. Additionally there were two 90 second, strategically assigned, periods during each work shift. Each company-timed session was performed individually without the benefit of a group leader or controlled buddy system.

The Findings

On May 2, 1997 a follow-up generic Pain Index Questionnaire was completed and signed by each participant. The findings reflected a 26% cumulative decrease in the pain index. During the same session each participant completed a Stick To Wellness evaluation form. A surprising 96% stated that they had used the Stick at work as directed. Use of the Stick at home drew an 88% positive response. A total of 69% stated they felt less tired and sore at the end of the work shift, and 72% stated they could better perform their job duties. Of the 98 respondents, 91% wanted to continue the Stick To Wellness program. As an added bonus, company records documented an increase in production to an all time high during the test period.

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Compiled by RPI of Atlanta

The Profile

Gip’s Manufacturing Company is a contract maker of men’s and women’s clothing based in Northern Georgia. It’s aging female workforce always sits at the work station. The upper limbs constitute the priority work muscles, however all operators use a foot pedal. Each operator performs short, repetitive tasks. Individual speed is important because the team of workers are paid solely by production incentives.

The Procedure

A 30 day Stick To Wellness evaluation commenced on August 18, 1997. Concepts and protocols were explained to the eleven participating workers, who were selected by the company. The McGill Pain Questionnaire was completed by each participant. The group was advised that a second identical questionnaire would be expected upon completion of the evaluation period. Stick To Wellness exercises were explained and demonstrated with emphasis placed on priority muscle groups.

The Protocol

Gip’s Manufacturing Company provided each participant with an Industrial Intracell Stick used to perform Stick To Wellness exercises. The company allowed each worker to independently perform the exercises at individual work stations. Each worker was encouraged to perform the exercises each morning immediately before work commenced and, again, following the lunch period. A shorter exercise period was allowed during mid-morning and mid-afternoon work breaks. The total 4 periods of Stick To Wellness exercises amounted to 6 minutes. Company officials strongly urged the participants to continue Stick To Wellness exercises at home.

The Findings

A second McGill Questionnaire was completed on September 23, 1997. The findings documented a cumulative 54% decrease in the initial pain rating index. Concurrently a Stick To Wellness evaluation form was completed by each participant. According to the response, 100% of the workers followed Stick To Wellness exercises both at work and at home. A total of 91% stated that they felt less tired and sore at the end of the work day. Those wanting more time to perform the exercises at work numbered 73%, and 91% preferred to make the Stick To Wellness exercises part of their permanent work routine.

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Compiled by RPI of Atlanta

The Profile

ASR Manufacturing Company is a Northern Georgia based manufacturer of trampolines. It’s work force is primarily middle-aged females who sit as well as stand at the various work sites. Priority muscle use is directed mainly to the upper limbs except for a small percentage that also use a foot pedal.

The Procedure

A 30 day Stick To Wellness program was instituted on August 18, 1997 following an in-service explaining concepts and protocols to the participating workers. A total number of 19 workers were selected by company officials. Participants were gathered from departments that historically have suffered with the most physical complaints. The McGill Pain Questionnaire was completed by each worker and the form contained no worker identification. Each worker was advised that they would be asked to complete an identical form at the end of the 30 day evaluation.

The Protocol

The ASR Company provided each worker an Industrial Intracell Stick to perform Stick To Wellness exercises. Due to convenience, the workers were unequally divided into two groups. Both groups had a company appointed team leader who mandated whole body Stick To Wellness exercises before the work shift commenced and, again, following the lunch break. Each session was timed at 5 minutes with the initial 3 minutes of each session directed to self-use. The final 2 minutes of each session was utilized as a “buddy system” with each worker assisting his/her partner for 1 minute each.

The Findings

On September 23, 1997 another McGill Pain Questionnaire was completed by each participant. The findings documented an 8% decrease of the initial pain rating index. At the same time a Stick To Wellness evaluation form was completed by each worker. The findings indicated that 100% of the group used the Stick at work as directed by the team leader. Only 84% stated that they used the Stick at home. A total of 42% said they felt less tired and sore following the day’s work, and 53% stated that they would like to have more time at work to use the Stick. A total of 79% wanted to continue the Stick To Wellness program.