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Professional Products Endorsed by Professionals - Consumer

"In the past I’ve used several different brands of resistance bands without putting much thought into which brand I was using. But recently I started using the real Thera-Band exercise tubing with handles and new resistance loops and I realized that there was a big difference. Sometimes you forget how superior Thera-Band is to the competition.  It is worth the extra pennies to go for the real Thera-Band products. There is no comparison to the feel and quality of resistance that they provide."


Michael M. Reinold, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC, CSCS           Head Athletic Trainer, Boston Red Sox
Coordinator of Rehabilitation Research & Education, Massachusetts General Hospital            
www.MikeReinold.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Active Recovery Kits

Available in 3 configurations, these kits provide the tools needed to perform clinician-prescribed home exercise programs. Each kit contains Thera-Band products that patients would use to perform exercises and Biofreeze® Pain Reliever to help patients stay compliant with their programs.


Latex Free Bands


The new Thera-Band® Latex Free Professional Resistance Bands were formulated to match the pull forces of our existing Latex Resistance Bands! The new formula also delivers no scent and no powder for ultimate comfort and satisfaction.

• Meets the needs of patients and practitioners with latex allergies.
• By far the best option for facilities and hospitals with a “no latex” policy.

Thera-Band FlexBar

This product has received a lot of press lately as a result of the research presented by Tim Tyler at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine's Annual Meeting. Tim's study showed that the "Tyler Twist," a novel exercise using the Thera-Band® FlexBar®, was found to be effective in reducing pain and increasing strength in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis, (a.k.a. tennis elbow). Tim's study has been featured in numerous consumer journals, such as the Reader's Digest, New York Times, international journals, and on radio and TV.


To find out who sells Thera-Band® & Biofreeze® in your neighborhood,

Click here to visit our "Where to Buy" website or call 800-321-2135

What resistance or force is produced by the bands and tubing?
What color band or tubing should I use?
How much do your products cost?
Why do the bands or tubing break, and what precautions should I take?
When should I replace my bands or tubing?
How do I connect the bands or tubing for exercise?
Do you have a manual of exercises for bands and tubing?
Can I purchase single lengths of bands or tubing to replace the one I have?
What is the history of the Thera-Band Brand?
How long can I stretch the bands or tubing?
How many repetitions will the bands or tubing withstand?
How do bands and tubing compare to free weights (such as dumbbells)?
How do I clean the Thera-Band elastic bands or tubing?
How do I purchase your products?
What exercises should I do with your bands or tubing?
What length of band or tubing should I use?
Why and under what circumstances is it better to use latex-free Thera-Band bands over standard latex Thera-Band bands?
What is the Thera-Band System of Progressive Resistance?
Do you have Frequently Asked Questions for other Thera-Band products?
What are the bands and tubing made of?

 What resistance or force is produced by the bands and tubing?

Thera-Band® bands and tubing produce similar forces between similar colors. The force produced by bands and tubing is directly related to elongation. Each color will provide a specific amount of resistance at the same percent elongation, regardless of initial resting length. For example a 1-foot piece stretched to 2-feet (100% elongation) will have the same force as a 2-foot piece of the same color stretched to 4-feet. The force slowly increases as the band or tube is stretched.
Average Force (pounds) for Thera-Band Elastic Bands
% Elongation
Yellow
Red
Green
Blue
Black
Silver
Gold
50%
2
2.5
3
4.5
6.5
8.5
14
100%
3
4
5
7
9.5
13
21.5
150%
4
5
6.5
9
12.5
17
27.5
200%
5
6
8
11
15
21
33.5
250%
6
7
9.5
13.5
17.5
25.5
40


 What color band or tubing should I use?
Thera-Band® bands and tubing are color-coded to identify the level of resistance. The color band or tubing you use depends on the results you want to achieve with your strengthening routine. The lighter resistance levels (tan and yellow) are good for persons in the early stages of rehabilitation. Medium levels of resistance (red and green) are good for those persons starting a strengthening program, or for persons increasing muscular endurance. Higher levels of resistance (blue, black, silver, and gold) are for more advanced exercisers needing more resistance. Consult with an exercise or healthcare professional to determine which resistance is best for you.


 How much do your products cost?
We sell our products through distributors. Prices for our products vary by each dealer. Contact our Customer Service department at 1-800-321-2135 for your nearest authorized Thera-Band® dealer


 Why do the bands or tubing break, and what precautions should I take?
With normal daily use, the exercisers should last for many months. However, they won't last forever. They may break if stretched beyond 300% elongation, or if they are used with small tears or abrasions. These small tears and abrasions usually occur at the "connection point" of the band or tubing to an attachment device. Therefore, always inspect the band or tubing (particularly near the connection) before use. It is recommended to use the Thera-Band Door Anchor, Exercise Handle, and Assist for connection. Be aware that jewelry, fingernails, and other sharp objects may cause small tears or abrasions. Always protect the eyes during exercise with elastic bands or tubing. Do not stretch bands or tubing beyond 3 times their resting length (300% elongation).


 When should I replace my bands or tubing?
Always inspect your bands or tubing for signs of wear, including small tears, abrasions, or cracks before use. Pay particular attention to the connection point. Always replace the bands or tubing with any sign of wear. With heavy use, such as in a physical therapy clinic, bands and tubing should be replaced every 1-2 months. The bands and tubing will not last forever, and will experience normal wear and tear with extended use. However, they should be safe to use as long as there are no visible signs of wear.


 How do I connect the bands or tubing for exercise?
Always secure the bands or tubing to a sturdy, non-movable object. The Thera-Band Door Anchor should be used to secure one end of the bands or tubing for exercise. It isn't advisable to tie the exerciser to a door knob or to "close" them in a door; this leads to early breaking. The Thera-Band Exercise Handles and Assist can be used to grasp the exercisers. To connect to the legs or arms, use the Thera-Band Extremity Strap.


 Do you have a manual of exercises for bands and tubing?
Yes. Visit our Product Manual at Thera-BandAcademy.com to download the instruction manual, or contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-321-2135.


 Can I purchase single lengths of bands or tubing to replace the one I have?
Yes. Replacements are available in light and heavy packs of bands or tubes. Contact Customer Service for a dealer or retailer near you (1-800-321-2135). You can also contact your healthcare provider to see if they can provide replacements for you.


 What is the history of the Thera-Band Brand?
Thera-Band® brand products comprise the world's leading line of progressive elastic resistance exercise products for professional rehabilitation, athletic training and home fitness. They are developed and manufactured by The Hygenic Corporation.

Thera-Band resistance exercise systems are used as tools for rehabilitating and restoring muscle and joint functions and for improving conditioning, balance and building strength. Thera-Band product lines include latex and latex-free bands, natural rubber tubing, exercise balls, hand exercisers, flexible bars, exercise mats, stability trainers, aquatic exercise products, specialized kits for athletes and enthusiasts, and paraffin heat therapy.

The Thera-Band brand name was first introduced by The Hygenic Corporation in 1976 and has since gained an international reputation with therapists and sports trainers for quality and effectiveness. The Hygenic Corporation, headquartered in Akron, Ohio, is a multinational firm with two divisions: OEM and Specialty Products, which produces a diverse array of non-therapy products for use in a wide range of industries from medical devices to fishing lures, and the Thera-Band division, which manufactures and markets the Thera-Band brand product line.

The Thera-Band division is the industry leader in new product development and supporting scientific research on the benefits of exercise in rehabilitation, strength building, injury prevention and fitness. In 1999, the company founded the Thera-Band Academy, an international organization composed of leading physicians, therapists, athletic trainers and university faculty to identify new research for funding and develop an international body of knowledge on treating and preventing injuries and disease through various types of exercise.

The Hygenic Corporation was founded in 1925 by Walter P. Keith when he acquired the Hygenic Dental Rubber Company. Today, the company has approximately 300 employees worldwide. In addition to its Akron headquarters and manufacturing plant, it operates manufacturing and distribution centers in Ipoh, Malaysia and Hadamar, Germany.


 How long can I stretch the bands or tubing?
We don't recommend stretching bands & tubing beyond 300% elongation (4 times resting length; for example, a one foot length of band stretched to 4 feet). The bands and tubing are more susceptible to breaking with greater than 300% elongation.


 How many repetitions will the bands or tubing withstand?
Elastic bands and tubing can last for a very long time with proper care and use. Thera-Band elastic bands and tubing have been tested in laboratory settings at over 10,000 repetitions without any breakage.


 How do bands and tubing compare to free weights (such as dumbbells)?

Elastic resistance has different properties than free weights, in that elastic resistance doesn't rely on gravity to produce force. Both elastic and isotonic resistance provide similar strength curve patterns ("bell-shaped"), similar muscle activation levels (EMG), and similar strength gains. The main difference is that the resistance produced by elastics must be quantified by noting the amount of stretch in the band or tubing. For example, a red Thera-Band resisitve band produces 4 pounds of force at 100% stretch.

Average Force (pounds) for Thera-Band Elastic Bands
% Elongation
Yellow
Red
Green
Blue
Black
Silver
Gold
50%
2
2.5
3
4.5
6.5
8.5
14
100%
3
4
5
7
9.5
13
21.5
150%
4
5
6.5
9
12.5
17
27.5
200%
5
6
8
11
15
21
33.5
250%
6
7
9.5
13.5
17.5
25.5
40


 How do I clean the Thera-Band elastic bands or tubing?
Immerse the band or tube in fresh clean water in a sink or under a running faucet. Rub a small amount of mild hand soap over the wet band or tube and then rinse in fresh water. Lay flat to dry, or drape the band or tube over the back of a chair or similar object and allow to thoroughly dry. Once dry, rub a small amount of talcum, baby powder, corn starch, or similar powder over the surface of the band or tube to prevent sticking.


 How do I purchase your products?
Contact your healthcare provider or contact our Customer Service department at 1-800-321-2135 for your nearest authorized Thera-Band® dealer.


 What exercises should I do with your bands or tubing?
It's very difficult to answer that question online because everyone is different. Before exercising, you should consult a healthcare or exercise professional to guide you in developing a safe and effective program. We offer pre-made exercise programs you can search for by body part at Thera-Band Academy.


 What length of band or tubing should I use?
The most important consideration is to be sure your band is not too short. If your band is too short, you increase the risk of snapping. A general rule of thumb is to use a length of band or tubing equal to the length of the limb you are exercising. The pre-cut lengths of Thera-Band resistance bands are 5 feet long (1.3 m), which is typically long enough for most exercises.


 Why and under what circumstances is it better to use latex-free Thera-Band bands over standard latex Thera-Band bands?
The regular Thera-Band resistive bands and tubing contain natural rubber latex. Latex allergies occur in a small percentage of the population (about 5-10%). When patients indicate latex allergy or sensitivity, they should use the latex-free bands. Also, patients with spina bifida tend to be more at-risk for latex allergy. Anyone using the latex bands or tubing that experiences an allergic reaction (such as redness or swelling on the skin near the band) should use the latex-free bands.


 What is the Thera-Band System of Progressive Resistance?

The Thera-Band® System of Progressive Resistance consists of 8 color-coded resistance levels. The color of the band or tubing denotes its resistance level.
Tan = Extra Light Resistance
Yellow = Light Resistance
Red = Medium Resistance
Green = Heavy Resistance
Blue = Extra Heavy Resistance
Black = Special Heavy Resistance
Silver = Super Heavy Resistance
Gold = Maximum Resistance

In general, tan and yellow are used for early rehabilitation or very frail individuals. The most common resistances are red, green & blue. Black, silver and gold are typically used by athletes


 Do you have Frequently Asked Questions for other Thera-Band products?

Yes, visit the FAQ section at Thera-Band Academy for the list of products covered by FAQs here: www.thera-bandacademy.com/askanexpert/faq.asp


 What are the bands and tubing made of?
Thera-Band® resistive bands and tubing are made of natural rubber latex made into sheets and tubing. Latex-free Thera-Band resistive bands are made of synthetic rubber. The trademarked colors indicate the resistance levels.



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