The Stick & Zealous Vitality Inc.

Massage Sticks for Healthy Muscles. Ideas for optimal muscle health.

Peolpe With Diabetes Can Benefit From The Stick.

A couple of weeks ago, I had a display booth at a Diabetic forum in Calgary, Alberta.  There were vendors from all over the place offering information and products to those who have diabetes or are interested in learning more about diabetes. 

I was there with The Stick and related specialty products.  You may be wondering why diabetics would be interested in massage products and devices?   As you may or may not know there are 2 types of diabetes – type 1 and type 2.  Basically type 1 diabetics rely on insulin therapy to control their blood sugar levels.  Type 1 is also known as Juvenile Diabetes.  Type 2 diabetes is mostly controlled by diet and exercise as well as insulin therapy.  I knew there would be more type 2 people than type 1 people because my wife (who has type 1) has been to many of these forums and she mentioned to me that the clientele at the forum would be primarily type 2 diabetics.  Typically, type 2 diabetics have challenges with circulation and nerve pain.  The Stick is the perfect device to increase circulation and help people live a more comfortable life.  As far as nerve pain goes, The Stick can help with that too by allowing the muscles that surround the nerves to become less restricting.  With more blood flow, comes more compliant muscles.  With more compliant muscles, people should feel better!  Nerve pain can also be alleviated by massage therapy.  Again, The Stick is great for massage therapy.

It turns out that the people at the forum loved the idea that they could massage their own muscles in the comfort of their own homes.  They also loved the fact that they did not have to go to the ground to use The Stick or plug it in.  Most people who purchased a Stick liked the Travel Stick or Marathon Stick.  They liked that those sticks offered some flexibility are were not overly rigid. 

Travel Stick

Marathon Stick

People with diabetes can have complications with circulation and nerve pain specifically in their feet.  As a result, people were thrilled to learn that FootWheel could possibly help them.  In fact, by the end of the day, people walked away with more FootWheels than Sticks.  That is right, people purchased more FootWheels than Sticks!!

FootWheel

I am thrilled to be offering products that have so many applications!!

November 22, 2009 Posted by Ken | Information about The Stick | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments Yet

The Stick is in Men’s Health Magazine….Too!

I got a tip from one of my professional people who make The Stick available for his clients in Edmonton, Alberta that The Stick is in this months issue of Men’s Health magazine.

Men's Health - Nov cover

You can see the information about The Stick on page 96 of November, 2009.  It is at the bottom of the page where there is tips on making sure you have a proper warm-up.  Men’s Health suggest that before your work-out or work on flexibility that you roll the device up and down your muscles for 20 seconds increasing the pressure of each pass.

The Stick has also been featured in many other publications.  Click here to find out more!!

November 15, 2009 Posted by Ken | Information about The Stick | , , , , , , , | No Comments Yet

Comments About The Stick

Here is another blog post (with comments) that talk about The Stick.  The blog belongs to chicrunner!  Here is a little about her:

“I reside in a lovely beach town in Southern California. Running has become a passion of mine and I love to share life stories, running stories and pictures on my blog. I’m an ex high school cross-country/track/soccer player and ex coach for a small high school program where I coached track and cross country. That is how I fell back in love with racing and running. I recently became a college graduate and now I’m working, and loving it, in the advertising world as an account coordinator.”

Here is what her readers had to say about The Stick (Testimonials):

25 Responses to “The Stick…”

  1. *aron* said

    December 19, 2008 at 5:56 pm LOVE the stick… definitely a good present for runners

  2. With Love from New Orleans said

    December 19, 2008 at 6:00 pm Aww I am here if you need a gchat… feel better!!! It is Friday!! We <3 you!!

    XO

  3. The Happy Runner said

    December 19, 2008 at 6:18 pm The stick is THE BEST! I love it.

  4. Julianne said

    December 19, 2008 at 6:32 pm I got the Stick for my brother in law last year for Xmas (he runs ultras and does Ironmans) and he LOVED it. I think I need one for myself!

  5. Denise said

    December 19, 2008 at 6:38 pm Love the stick! Another great idea!

  6. joyRuN said

    December 19, 2008 at 6:51 pm I should get the stick for the portability. It’s not like I can jump on the foam roller at work or in the car.

    Good luck with the drama. This time of year seems to heighten that

  7. Steve Stenzel said

    December 19, 2008 at 7:09 pm Yeah, I think I need to get a stick…

  8. Kelly said

    December 19, 2008 at 8:00 pm I’m not sure what that is… but I don’t think I like it.

  9. Pink Pearls &amp; Muddy Sneakers said

    December 19, 2008 at 8:17 pm I hope things start looking up soon

  10. X-Country2 said

    December 19, 2008 at 9:10 pm I still have no idea what the stick even does, but I should probably get once since everyone else has one.

  11. Lacey Nicole said

    December 19, 2008 at 9:18 pm i have never tried this!!!! i think i might need it for my calves tho they are ROCKS and knots. i am going to look into it, thanks Danica!

    good luck getting things in order and running when/as much as you want to.

  12. P.O.M. said

    December 19, 2008 at 9:23 pm I’m hoping to get an 8 or 10er in this weekend. NOt sure if it will be Sat or Sun. Probaly tomorrow.

  13. The Running Knitter said

    December 19, 2008 at 9:42 pm Good luck on your long run this weekend. The stick is on my wishlist too!

  14. The Running Knitter said

    December 19, 2008 at 9:42 pm Good luck on your long run this weekend. The stick is on my wishlist too!

  15. Burger said

    December 19, 2008 at 10:05 pm Danica – hope whatever you’re dealing with works itself out. Keep up with the running though – it’s a great stress reliever!

    And it’s well-documented that I swear by The Stick. Every runner should get one!

  16. Stuart said

    December 19, 2008 at 10:22 pm Not sure I could ever look THAT happy, maybe he fell asleep with a coathanger in his mouth?

    But yes the stick is very good!

  17. D10 said

    December 20, 2008 at 12:15 am I really enjoy the stick. It is a great gift.

  18. chia said

    December 20, 2008 at 7:56 am Funny story actually…

    When I went to the almighty Mecca of running (a.k.a. “The Running Store”) the dude was like “ya, the stick works”

    I’m like “I’m getting this pain in my arse when I run, do you think it will work that out?”

    His response? “You might want to get a bigger stick if you’re using that on your butt”

    I think that brotha called me fat.

    Not quite sure.

    But yep.

    You’ll love it.

  19. N.D. said

    December 20, 2008 at 2:20 pm I got the stick last year for christmas. It is nice, but I like hand massages by the husband better!

  20. Laurel said

    December 21, 2008 at 4:44 am The stick is awesome on the calves.

  21. Adam said

    December 21, 2008 at 4:07 pm How does everyone actually use the stick? I’ve seen it at a lot of expos and it looks sort of gimicky.

  22. Adam said

    December 21, 2008 at 4:07 pm How does everyone actually use the stick? I’ve seen it at a lot of expos and it looks sort of gimicky.

  23. Tri-ing Fat Man said

    December 21, 2008 at 11:06 pm I LOVE the stick.

    Combine the stick with trigger point and you will be in heaven!

    Kick butt!

  24. Tri-ing Fat Man said

    December 21, 2008 at 11:06 pm I LOVE the stick.

    Combine the stick with trigger point and you will be in heaven!

    Kick butt!

  25. Bring it on. said

    January 31, 2009 at 9:48 am I finally bought the stick last week at the Miami Marathon after seeing them at tons of expos. I really like it! i just wish i had a full time stick person so i didn’t have to do it!

Her are some other posts you may like:

November 14, 2009 Posted by Ken | Discussions, Information about The Stick | , , , , , | No Comments Yet

Understanding Trigger Points – Hands on!!

I have to share this fantastic information with you.  I have been following Patrick Ward on Twitter and have found some awesome information he has posted on his website.  If you wan to learn more about Trigger Points, you should check out his to videos and the information in print.

It Hurts Right Here: The Mystery of Pain
By
Keats Snideman BS, CSCS, RKC, LMT
&
Patrick Ward MS, CSCS, LMT

Patrick and Keats write and talk about:

  • Development of Pain in the Myofascial Tissues
  • Are All Painful Spots Trigger Points?
  • How Do You Know if You’re Dealing with TrP’s?
  • Soft Tissue Techniques
  • Applying Trigger Point referrals to myofascial lines
  • Linking science to practice
  • Practical Applications
  • Conclusions

Credit goes to:

Keats Snideman is the owner of Reality Based Fitness.  Patrick Ward is the owner of Optimum Sports Performance.  Together they own the Reality Based Fitness/Optimum Sports Performance Training facility in Tempe, AZ, where they offer sport conditioning and soft tissue therapy to athletes and clients of all levels and abilities.  In addition, they both host the Reality Based Fitness Podcast.

Here are the videos:

Here is the direct link to the article : It Hurts Right Here: The Mystery of Pain

Remember, The Stick can help to take care of your soft tissue, the same way a therapists hands roll over your muscles.  As always, I do not claim that The Stick should replace human touch.  The massage device provides excellent support for your muscular heath.

November 3, 2009 Posted by Ken | Information about The Stick | , , , , , | No Comments Yet

Causes and Treatment of Trigger Points

In my last series of learning about Trigger Points, I would like you to watch the video below.  Dr. Kuttner, does an excellent job explainging what causes Trigger points and how to treat them.

The Stick is an excellent tool for managing trigger points.  

The compressing, stretching and fluid exchange provided by The Stick helps restore and maintain normal muscle tone, function and memory.  Also, it is not necessary to hurt the muscle in order to help the muscle.  Treat with “good” pain not “ouch” pain.  Typically a full body rollout before and after sleep, plus before and after bouts of physical activity, will provide utmost management in the individual’s search for enhanced muscle hygiene. – Dr. Belcher

November 2, 2009 Posted by Ken | Information about The Stick | , , , , , , , , , | No Comments Yet

Explaining Trigger Points and How They Work

Trigger points can really inhibit the daily performance of your muscles.  Watch this excellent video to understand more about Trigger Points, muscles and tendons.

 

The Stick is excellent for identifying and working on Trigger Points!!

October 31, 2009 Posted by Ken | Information about The Stick | , , , , , , , | No Comments Yet

Comments on Massage Products!

Here is an awesome and funny article written by Cathy on her blog fourwhite feet.  She uses very creative words for massage devices!!

Cathy and her dogs!

Cathy and her dogs!

Massage Gizmos

Of all the massage gizmos in my possession, more than I wish to enumerate here, there are two (maybe three) I would buy again.

First is the Theracane. I got one just before Tejas 500 and I think it contributed to my finishing in good shape. I usually get neck and shoulder pain after a few hours of riding. At other races Jen has leaned an elbow into my trapezius (trapezii ?) periodically. At Tejas I left the Theracane hanging near my food table. Between laps I’d grab it, inflict a few seconds of torture to my neck, traps, and rhomboids, and return to riding with significant relief.

(Another note on this subject: I noticed after about 30 hours of riding that I got a lot of neck/shoulder relief by moving my arms way back on my aero bars, so my wrists were practically resting on the pads. In other words, I was too stretched out on my bike. Not saying this is always the case, but you might try moving closer or farther away if you’re having neck/shoulder pain.)

So why did I wait so long to get a Theracane? I’ve known about them for years. Well, I have a stick; like go in the forest and pick up a stick, that approximates the same functionality so I didn’t think I needed one. I can say now, that besides being more portable, the Theracane is capable of more precision and generally works better than a stick.

Speaking of sticks, the other thigamajig I’d buy again is the Original Body Stick. Unfortunately you can’t find these laying around in the forest. The Body Stick offers a kinder, gentler neck massage than the Theracane. Not to say it can’t hurt like H-E-2*L if you’re sore. The Body Stick is simple, and portable, and you can use it standing up, or sitting down to massage neck, back, arms and legs.

Which brings me to all those other whatchamadoozies. It’s not that I don’t use them. Well, the ones that require another person really don’t get used, but I do use the other self-massage doohitchies. The problem is, 85% of the time it’s either not convenient, or I just don’t feel like rolling around on the floor. While body weight inflicted torture is unique and works well for some areas; i.e. piriformis, the strength and contortion required usually make the floor models less relaxing.

So what’s number (maybe) three you ask? Don’t get too excited. It’s the Travel Stick. Nice if you need a shorter version to fit in a smaller suitcase, but generally the length is not as good as the Original, and mine has had a funny plastic smell for years that makes it less pleasant to use.

I love Cath’s comments of not having to roll around on the floor and not having to use your body weight to get results.   The Stick is 100% controlled by the user!  You apply as much pressure as you like in any position.  If you are out my way in Alberta, Canada, you should look me up @ The Stick.ca.

October 25, 2009 Posted by Ken | Information about The Stick | , , , , , , , , | No Comments Yet

“The Stick” for IT Band Issues

I often look at my stats of my blog and my website.  To date, the most popular posts here on my blog is IT Band Syndrome and Choosing The Right massage Stick.  The most popular FREE DOWNLOAD on my website is Specific Techniques for the IT Band

 

This tells me that people are looking for information about IT Band Syndrome.  Please click on the links above to get more information and watch this great video below for more information about how to take care of your IT Band.  There are stretches for your IT Band as well as strengthening exercises for the IT Band.

By the way, when I speak with people about their IT Band issues, almost all of them end up grabbing a Sprinter Stick.  It is because the Sprinter Stick is stiff and can really roll out the IT Band.

The Sprinter Stick

The Sprinter Stick

 

I will be creating more resources such as videos and blog entries about this subject so check back often!!

October 18, 2009 Posted by Ken | Information about The Stick | , , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments Yet

Muscle Sport Magazine Likes The Stick

I found the below article written by Joe Pietaro for Muscle Sport Magazine: (Click Here to go to the original article)

We have all hit that proverbial wall or sticking point in our training. No pun intended on the latter, but get past that with The Stick, which is a device “used to segmentally compress and stretch muscle.” Treat your muscle pains and trigger points comfortably and safely with this product made of space-age plastic.

By using The Stick, you can self-administer therapeutic procedures such as unassisted rolling, stretching, twisting and compressing of the muscle. After just a few strokes, you will begin to feel the release of the build up from your strenuous training routine.

The Stick provides the following benefits:

*Prevent and predict muscle injuries

*Dramatically improve strength, flexibility and endurance

*Rapidly prepare muscles for physical activity

*Disperse the effects of lactic acid following activity

*Accelerate muscle recovery

You know you’re doing something right when the United States Olympic Training Centers in four states (Colorado, New York, Michigan and California) are using The Stick as a training tool.

The Stick comes in a variety of sizes (long, medium, short) and prices range from $53.95 (30-inch Big Stick) to $27.50 (17-inch Travel Stick). For more information and to order your own, please visit www.thestick.com.

Of course, if you are in Alberta,Canada, you can find ordering information through me @ www.thestick.ca.

October 13, 2009 Posted by Ken | Information about The Stick | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments Yet

The Stick For Sleep Hygiene – Get A Better Nights Sleep!

First of all, what is “Sleep Hygiene”.  To me, sleep hygiene is everything you do to make your night’s sleep a healthy one.  It can be as easy as eliminating all distractions such as sounds and light or the pre-bedtime routine that you do before you go to bed.  I have friends who swear by ear plugs and sleep masks. 

For people with restless leg syndrome or body jerks, you should really try rolling out your body before you go to bed.  It will relax you, increase blood flow(circulation) and stretch out your muscles, allowing them to get to a resting state faster.   When you are more relaxed, you can sleep better and longer. 

 Here is a quick routine: 

  • Rollout your feet
  • Rollout your calves
  • Rollout the muscle on the front of your shin (Tibialis Anterior)
  • Rollout your hamstrings
  • Rollout your quads and IT Band
  • Rollout your lower back
  • Rollout your upper back and shoulders
  • Rollout you Neck
  • Rollout your arms

For specific techniques of rolling out each body part, visit my website that has FREE DOWNLOADS of real pictures and real people rolling out their bodies.

 Have a Good Night!

October 10, 2009 Posted by Ken | Information about The Stick | , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment