The Health Ministry Reviews of products by the Health Minister

Any superficial musculo-skeletal scanning

The main areas of use withus are as follows: Trans Abs, multifidus m., plantar fascia, meniscal bulges, suspected rib fractures, biceps tendon lesions, rotator cuff lesions, hamstring and calf tears. No…

See above

Hot & Cold Therapy – what more can I say? Do place a towel between ice pack and skin

Cools or warms the area that it’s applied to. Do place a towel between ice pack and skin to avoid thermal or ice burns.

Wasn’t sure whether to include this one as they are so ‘ordinary’. Who doesn’t use them? However, you may have opinions as to which is best, so let me know. Do some brands keep their cool longer,…

Indication: (1) Prophylactic support for prevention of low back strain and (2) support when recovering from moderate strains.

Overlapping main belt, with extra side-pull straps General purpose brace giving lumbar support, compression and warmth.  

THM Verdict: I know there are many conflicting opinions about the worth of low back belts and supports. I can only say that some people like them as a comfort and reminder not to do too much. Mechanically,…

Epicondylitis or Tennis Elbow, especially sport and work induced strains.

By applying mechanical pressure to the tendons, the direction of pull at the epicondylar attachments is altered and the forces are both reduced and come from a different angle, allowing tissues to ‘rest’.…

Reasonable value, especially effective for those who cannot, or will not rest from their work and hobbies. Acts as a good adjunct to on-going therapeutic treatment. If nothing else, it reminds the user…

Shoulder mobilisation following surgery or sporting injuries

Easily attached over a closed door by its ‘door anchor’, the patient uses their good hand to passively raise the injured limb. Especially useful for improving forward flexion, abduction and extension…

Inexpensive and does what it claims. Comes with instruction leaflet, but this is a little sparse.

Mild Sprains, Meniscal Tears, Early OA changes, Medial & Lateral Collateral Ligament Sprains.

Reduces medial/lateral instability, AP shift and patella translation.

Not cheap, but robust and doesn’t get too hot.

Patella tendonitis, (Jumpers Knee), Osgood Schlatter’s Disease

By mechanically reducing pressure on the patella tendon, the tendon origin and insertion can ‘rest’ and heal.

The best you can get. Most patients buy more than one once they have tried them.