I have inspected and tried out the VertaStretch. I feel that this is a device that can be used in my practice for some of my patients. I intend to prescribe it to whom I feel it would be indicated. I think the VertaStretch would work well for patients with low back pain, with or without leg pain as an alternative step to negate the need for surgical procedures."
William C. Meade, M.D., F.A.C.S. Member of the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine.
"I have personally used the VertaStretch for the last six months. Traction has helped my constant low-level back pain. Incline crunches have strengthened my abdominal area and helped me get back into shape following years of not staying physically fit. My clothes are now fitting me properly and my energy level has been enhanced. I recommend the VertaStretch for patients with back pain. I feel that it is an integral part of the return-to-work process. Therapists find that it improves pain levels and spinal range of motion quickly.
Sincerely,
Stewart Russell, D.O. Medical Director, Occupational Health Clinics
We have used the VertaStretch for approximately two years. We have found it to be amazingly effective in providing passive lumbar traction while performing soft tissue mobilization, or with other modalities. We have also found it useful in performing some of the Nordic Medical Exercise Therapy Techniques using free weights. It is a welcome postural treatment alternative in our department.
Barry Butler, PT, OCS. University of New England
I am incredibly happy with the decision to purchase a VertaStretch. It will be a great addition to my Alternative Healing Therapies Practice, both professionally and personally. I have suffered with chronic pain and spinal misalignment due to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Scoliosis. I am extremely excited to continue to learn new ways to help myself and others by integrating the VertaStretch with Reflexology. I truly support this companies’ vision to help clients get relief from chronic pain and to gain range of motion. Spinal health is so important to maintaining overall and optimum health.
The VertaStretch is a great tool to build and maintain core strength that most will find it quite easy to use. Full core workouts can be achieved in as little as 15 minutes.
I look forward to furthering my education and exploring new ways to use this amazing equipment.
Julia Mathieu, RMT. Alternative Healing Therapist & Holistic Counselor
To Whom It May Concern,
I have spent considerable time with Mark Rouillard. I am extremely impressed with the apparatus and his ability in treating and assisting people with low back problems. I would highly recommend the use of this equipment.
Erica S. Noble, DC.
I was involved in a deadly accident that took fire and rescue teams several hours to extract me from the vehicle that I was a passenger in. I was transported to Southern Maine Medical Center in grave condition. Doctors and nurses worked hard to stabilize my vitals. The neurosurgical unit induced me into a coma for the next three months to heal from massive head trauma. When I finally left the hospital, my progress with walking was terribly slow. I had several broken bones and fractures that included a severely broken right femur. At first, it was many days of bed rest before I began getting around in a wheelchair. After a few weeks, I graduated to a walker. A month later, I was using crutches with a brace to stabilize my leg. I eventually graduated to using a walking stick. I was taken to River Ridge Brain Trauma Center in Kennebunk Maine to begin rehabilitation to relearn a few essential skills. During my recovery, I was fortunate enough to have had the use of a VertaStretch. This proved to be a powerful force in helping me to regain my strength, flexibility, and range of motion. All my muscles were very tight due to the lack of use. I had two abdominal surgeries that left a 10-inch scar on my stomach. My ab muscles were very weak. By using the VertaStretch for my ab workouts, I was getting much stronger faster without having to lie on the floor. I was able to perform both forward and reverse leg raises to target my waist and lower back muscles. I even used the VertaStretch to recover from rotator cuff tears in both shoulders. What I liked most about this equipment was the fact, I could get fast relief of pain with both shoulders at once and perform therapy while building strength in my back. I believe a lot of people can benefit from this bench. I am proof that the VertaStretch works.
Sincerely,
Robert Bourque
To Whom It May Concern,
I am a police officer for a local town here in Maine. I was power lifting at my training facility. During this session, I fell to the floor while performing squats because I was slightly off balance. The doctor's report stated that I had ruptured two discs in my lower back. For the next three weeks, my treatment was complete bed rest and drug therapy. Due to my age and athletic ability, surgery was out of the question. I was introduced to the VertaStretch and started passive lumbar stretching. I used this equipment three times a day. Within three weeks, I was back walking and bending pain free. The nerve damage to my left leg was gone. By mid-September, I started back to my full training schedule. I continue on occasion to use the VertaStretch to keep my injury in check. I have nothing but the highest recommendations for this apparatus. My own ability to want to heal myself from this injury and not have to change my lifestyle was the driving force behind seeking an alternative treatment.
The medical community could only gain by investing in a VertaStretch
M. McGrath
Labor Day weekend will long be remembered as very painful. I was playing drums with a band during a holiday weekend at Old Orchard Beach. The first night was over and done with. I felt some discomfort down my right leg and lower back. I drove home that night to find that I had problems getting out of my truck. The next morning, I could not move. I had called everyone I knew who I thought could help me. I came upon the VertaStretch. With some careful instructions, I was on for the first time. It was wonderful! I finished the weekend without a problem. When I finally met with the chiropractor that following Tuesday, he examined me and asked? "How can I help you"? My range of motion was fine, and my pain was gone, totally! Thank you.
T. Narciso.
I own and operate a wolf sanctuary in southern Maine. I was one of the first females to join West Point Skydivers while serving in the military. Unfortunately, I severely injured my lower back when I had to make a hard landing onto a frozen lake because my chute only partially opened. Since then, I have suffered excruciating pain daily. I was introduced to the VertaStretch. I followed careful instructions and began to use it daily. It is the one and only thing that has brought me relief from my pain. I also use the bench for my early morning stretching routine. I highly recommend the VertaStretch.
B. Foster
After many years of ruck marching, contact sports, and snowboarding. I found myself in pain with limited sleep from back pain. The VertaStretch has allowed me to sleep more sound during the evening and to feel good enough to once again partake in the activities I most enjoy. The ability to have control over passive traction and the mobility to isolate where traction is applied makes this tool ideal for anyone seeking relief that cannot have stress on their lower extremities. I found this to be a big advantage over inversion tables because I did not like the pressure of rushing blood to my head and the feeling of being pulled apart at my hips and ankles. The versatility of the VertaStretch allows me to use it for basic bar and dumbbell workouts along with core exercises that standard traction machines cannot match. Thanks again for an easy and effective way for me to regain my active lifestyle, sound sleep and digestive health.
Sincerely,
W. Ryan
My back issues began in my late 40’s. It all started with small bouts of discomfort and pain that continued to get worse as time went on. I found myself shifting body positions every 10 minutes while riding in a vehicle. It was hard for me to perform household chores or stand in line at the store. My condition became constant and so unbearable that I made an appointment with one of the top Pain Institutes of New England.
An MRI revealed that I was suffering from stenosis, with 6 herniated discs from my lower back to my neck showing numerous bone spurs that were causing irritation and internal bleeding. My therapy began with leg raises. A therapist would bend my leg towards my chin and then have me lie on my stomach to stretch my legs up towards my lower back. This only inflamed my condition by making my toes go numb. Another MRI showed my condition had deteriorated from therapy. The next option was to try nerve block shots. I was given six shots, three on each side of my spine and neck. This gave me relief for about three years before the pain eventually came back. Another round of injections was administered, but this time the relief only lasted for one and a half years. The third time, they gave me twenty-one shots. I spent the next four hours in recovery because my legs would not wake up. I needed a walker to steady myself and my brother had to help me get back home. This round of shots only worked for three months. An epidural shot was the last-ditch effort before recommending surgery. During the 5 years that I was treated here, I saw three specialists. I was afraid if I continued with their recommendations that I would become paralyzed for life. I lost the trust in their ability to treat me.
I heard about the VertaStretch and was willing to try anything. I met Mark Rouillard, who brought over his bench for me to try out. He explained how the VertaStretch worked and what I could expect from using it. He then had me lie on the Bench face down to allow gravity to gently stretch my spine. This was a wonderful feeling because I could perform this at my own pace. I felt a noticeable difference with my pain level decreasing within moments. I continued my routine of stretching twice a day. The more I used it, the duration of pain relief I got increased. Five months later, I was not in pain anymore and felt great. I rode from Maine to Florida with no feelings of having to adjust body position for comfort. I took long walks in the park with no issues. I even got back into gardening and the activities I thought I would no longer be able to do.
I highly recommend the VertaStretch from personal experience. This has taught me how to care for myself naturally without the use of medication. I would recommend trying this before surgery because doctors are not always right about their decisions.
Sincerely
Connie B.