Issue 2015 | 1

magazine international

The successful classic

20 years of compression stockings VenoTrain micro

“Strengthen your ankle” to prevent sprains

Physiotherapists are bridging the gap

Dutch website veiligheid.nl compares ankle supports

ONEPhysiotherapy in the “Lion Motorcyclist Claudio Corti counts City” – Singapore  Page 22 on Bauerfeind products Page 29

Page 18

Exceptional means for exceptional situations

Lumbo Train® LUMBAR SUPPORT

PROVEN EFFECT ON BACK PAIN STUDIES CONFIRM A REDUCED NEED FOR PAINKILLERS AND A SPEEDIER RETURN TO WORK AND EVERYDAY LIFE

Rectus abdominis muscle

Erector spinae muscle (iliocostalis)

20.7%

Lumbar multifidus muscle

22.0%

15.1%

Percentage increase in muscle activity recorded by EMG when the LumboTrain is worn

For indications in the lumbar spine area, you want to offer the best possible treatment to your patients from diagnosis to completion of therapy, providing the maximum chances of recovery while using as few painkillers as possible.

Strictly controlled scientific studies have shown that with LumboTrain • the back and abdominal muscles are activated1 • the need for painkillers is reduced by 50%2 • 9 out of 10 patients can return to work more quickly2.

ACTIVATES THE TRUNK MUSCLES

1 Anders, C. et al. Jena University Hospital, Clinic of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Division for Motor Research, Pathophysiology and Biomechanics, “Prospective study into the trunk musculature under the influence of compressive lumbar supports,” Dec. 2013, unpublished data. 2 Valle-Jones J.C. et al.: “Controlled trial of a back support (LumboTrain) in patients with non specific low back pain,” Current Medical Research and Opinion 1992, 12 (9), pp. 604-613.

2

life magazine 2015/1

BAUERFEIND.COM

EDITORIAL

Dear readers,

awareness of the medical effectiveness of Bauerfeind products – it also wants to help inspire young people to participate in sports (page 30). I hope you enjoy reading Bauerfeind life! With warm regards,

Prof. Hans B. Bauerfeind

Pictures: Bauerfeind AG

even more treatment options available. 2015 is a special year: our most popular Read an interview with a hand specialist compression stocking, VenoTrain micro, is from Berlin who has already gained practical celebrating its 20th birthday. We were the experience of using the two new stabilizing first company in the industry to launch a orthoses (page 27). stocking on the market that really allowed people to experience the benefits of modern In this issue of Bauerfeind life magazine, microfibers. Tireless research and development work was the driving force behind this join us on a trip around the world: among innovation. Since 1995, VenoTrain micro has the apps being used in the Netherlands been part of successful and highly personal- is one that helps to explain ankle injuries (page 18). Find out why a Canadian back ized compression therapy. As well as being surgeon favors both exceptionally soft and post-operative and breathable, it is also “With VenoTrain micro, we conservative use of available in a wide were the first company in the supports as part of his range of designs and colors. This helps to industry to launch a stocking on treatment regime, and what he particularly boost patients’ accepthe market that really allowed likes about LumboLoc tance of the product. people to experience the benefits Forte (page 20). Find out more in our Learn more about an feature on page 12. of modern microfibers.” Australian who set up a physiotherapy When developing new products and refining existing ones, we practice in Singapore (page 22), and disalways keep in mind the needs of practicover what Brazil’s 2012 Olympic volleyball champion Adenízia da Silva dreams about tioners and patients. For example, we have recently expanded our range of products for (page 25). As the medical partner to the the wrist. With the long versions of ManuLoc Swiss water polo association, Bauerfeind Switzerland wants to do more than just raise and ManuLoc Rhizo, physicians now have

life magazine 2015/13

CONTENTS

20 years of VenoTrain micro: The successful classic – p. 12

IMPRINT: Bauerfeind life Magazine International Edition Printed on chlorine-free paper

page 12

The successful classic VenoTrain micro, launched by Bauerfeind in 1995, was the first durable compression stocking on the market to feature a high microfiber content. Thanks to its wearing comfort and versatile designs, it has been setting new standards in medical care for 20 years, significantly improving patient compliance.

Editor: Bauerfeind AG Triebeser Straße 16 07937 Zeulenroda-Triebes, Germany Tel. +49(0)36628-66-1000 [email protected] www.bauerfeind.com Responsible: Simone Gebler Publisher and editorial office: mk publishing GmbH Döllgaststraße 7–9 86199 Augsburg, Germany Tel. +49(0)821-34457-0 [email protected] www.mkpublishing.de

4

life magazine 2015/1

Title image Standard shades or fashion colors, monochrome or a two-tone batik print , patterned or plain: with the VenoTrain micro compression stocking, you’re spoilt for choice. The cover image with the new stocking details provides a glimpse of the variety on offer.

Pictures: Bauerfeind (Title), p. 4/5: Bauerfeind, Anika Büssemeier, Ray Chua, private, www.shutterstock.com/zhu difeng

Focus

CONTENTS

More options for the wrist – p. 27

Physiotherapists are bridging the gap – p. 22

Exceptional means – p. 29

Tai Chi Chuan: Everything flows – p. 32

Focus

15 Development of compression therapy from the physician‘s point of view “Where there‘s a will , there‘s a fitting stocking”

27 More options for the wrist “We can increase mobility not only more gradually, but more effectively too” 29 Italian motorcyclist Claudio Corti counts on Bauerfeind products Exceptional means for exceptional situations

Medical

30 Swiss Waterpolo Acute injuries are fairly rare, but overloading problems are fairly common

page 12

12 20 years of VenoTrain micro The successful classic

page 18

18 Dutch website veiligheid.nl compares ankle supports “Strengthen your ankle” to prevent sprains

In motion

20 Spine Therapy in Canada Comfort is essential

32 Tai Chi Chuan Everything flows

page 32

22 The “Lion City” – Singapore Physiotherapists are bridging the gap  3 Editorial  4 Imprint  6 Moments

25 Hope for Rio 2016 One Olympic gold medal is not enough 26 Expanded Hand Portfolio Long stabilizing orthoses for the wrist

 8 News 35 Service life magazine 2015/15

MOMENTS

A likeable role model

Picture: Bauerfeind

Ever since she won the gold medal with her team at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, volleyball player Adenízia Ferreira da Silva has become a star in Brazil. She would like to use her fame to get young people in particular interested in the sport. During a Bauerfeind photo shoot , the volleyball player was quickly surrounded by a group of children. They all wanted to see her gold medal. Read more about † Adenízia da Silva on page 25.

6

life magazine 2015/1

MOMENTS

life magazine 2015/17 7

NEWS 28th Turin Marathon

Bauerfeind products in high demand No less than four hours of live coverage in national sports channels underline the role of the Turin Marathon as one of most important running events in Italy. In terms of course records, it is one of the fastest marathons in Europe. During the 28th Turin Marathon on November 16, 2014, Bauerfeind Italy took part as a sponsor for the first time. “It really was a thrilling event , and we were overwhelmed by the huge response of runners and spectators at our Bauerfeind stand,” says Fiorella Buzzanca, Marketing Manager at Bauerfeind Italy. At the Bauerfeind stand, the Compression Socks Training and Performance as well as the ErgoPad sports foot orthoses attracted a lot of attention. “People were also very interested in our supports, primarily the GenuTrain knee support , the MalleoTrain ankle joint support and the LumboTrain back support ,” says Fiorella Buzzanca. “We were surprised how ‘hungry’ people were for information about orthopedic aids.” Spectators mainly asked about treatment options for existing problems, and the runners in particular showed a lot of interest in the Compression Sock Performance. The noticeable compression it exerts improves circulation in the legs, reduces muscle vibrations and speeds up regeneration. Bauerfeind Italy will take part again at the 29th Turin Marathon on October 4, 2015. † For more information on the race, visit www.turinmarathon.it. 

Great joy from the Italian racers Debora Toniolo (3rd place in 2h:31:35) and Anna Incerti (2nd place in 2h:28:58).

MalleoTrain supports

Now with a reinforced seam When Train active supports are pushed to their limits, such as when they are under extreme stress during sport , the joining seam is placed under particular strain. Therefore, the seam on the back of the ­MalleoTrain, MalleoTrain Plus and MalleoTrain S ankle supports is now reinforced with a fine, narrow tape. The tape is sewn into the outside just under the surface, which means it cannot be felt. It allows stronger pulling and centrifugal forces to be counteracted during movement. The supports provide a secure hold for longer. Their stimulating effect on the metabolism and muscles can now be pushed to the limit † through more action in another way – with a stable ankle.

AchilloTrain and AchilloTrain Pro

Size 6 for strong ankles Another size is being added to the standard size system for the AchilloTrain and AchilloTrain Pro ankle supports. The new size 6 is suitable for patients with wider ankle circumferences, from 27 to 29 centimeters. This particularly includes people with a larger stature and athletes with pronounced muscles. Both the AchilloTrain and AchilloTrain Pro stabilize the ankle and feature a pad that covers the painful Achilles tendon, guides it gently, and massages it during movement. The pad on the AchilloTrain Pro also has silicone dots that point inward, and comes up slightly higher to surround the Achilles tendon up to the calf † muscles.  8

life magazine 2015/1

New: AchilloTrain in size 6.

Pictures: Giancarlo Colombo/A.G. Giancarlo Colombo (Turin Marathon), Bauerfeind

A fine, narrow band reinforces the seam.

NEWS GloboTec comfort: new foot orthosis models with style

So versatile The GloboTec comfort foot orthoses are suitable for many shoe types thanks to the wide variety of models. They are very easy to modify and can therefore be adapted to each patient’s feet and shoes. Four new models are now available in the “Style” series with a modern look and variable cushioning. All models feature a colored insole, a carbon-style bottom coating, and a soft cushion under the heel. In terms of their construction, the range of foot orthoses comprises two particularly flat orthoses for narrow women’s shoes and men’s business shoes. A further solution is suitable for sensitive feet thanks to its long-sole cushion layer and extra-soft bedding under the forefoot and heel , while the open construction of the final version allows it to be modified to suit the individual.  †

The models in the “Style” series all feature a colored insole, a carbon-effect bottom coating, and a heel cushion.

VenoTrain micro fashion colors

From delicate, powdery pastels to vibrant , strong shades Particularly fashion-conscious women love variety and playing with color. The VenoTrain micro 2015 fashion color collection therefore has four new trendy colors in store once again. “Powder” covers the leg as delicately as its namesake and goes with every style. “Azure” a soft sky blue, adds a touch of light freshness to your look. “Royal” shines with a vibrant blue and “Burgundy,” a deep red, elegantly emphasizes your legs. Things get really colorful when you mix these shades with the batik print: The four fashion colors can be combined with black or navy. The Bauerfeind fashion colors also come in a double stripe or stripe and cable knit pattern for an elegant or † gently playful look. 

Eye-catching elegance: “Royal”, a rich blue, is one of the four fashion colors of the 2015 collection.

Train supports for the ankle joint

Now available with donning aid When the ankle joint is hurting, the MalleoTrain and AchilloTrain supports will help. They provide secure support and massage tissue during movement. That is why irritations clear more easily and swellings are reduced more quickly. In order to make donning of the Train supports as easy as possible, all versions with a closed heel are now supplied with a donning aid. This practical accessory not only saves time but also energy as the two smooth layers allow the foot to slide more easily into the

Pull the donning aid over the foot.

support. It will fit perfectly after a few simple actions. This helps doctors in acute situations during every-day therapy, health care professionals during consultation and patients during daily use. The donning aid has been designed for frequent use, always and everywhere. Its material is particularly tear-resistant and easycare. It is very thin and weighs only a few grams. Supplied from now on with every MalleoTrain, MalleoTrain S, MalleoTrain Plus, † AchilloTrain and AchilloTrain Pro.

The support goes over the top.

Pull out the donning aid on the toes. life magazine 2015/19

NEWS Bauerfeind and VfL Wolfsburg

Medical products for the “Wolves” German football league, DFB Cup and UEFA Europa League: The football club VfL Wolfsburg has equipped its players – The Wolves – with medical products to support them in their current challenges. Since the 2014/15 season began, Bauerfeind AG has been the new PoolPartner and supplies the Wolves with supports, medical compression stockings and orthopedic foot orthoses. Tassilo Bode, manager of the medical supply retailer Sanitätshaus Bode in Wolfsburg, handed over a Bauerfeind package to VfL Wolfsburg‘s medical team last November. Among other things, they had ordered knee supports and ankle joint supports from Bauerfeind to brace themselves for the coming months. Together with Sanitätshaus Bode, which also supports VfL Wolfsburg‘s ladies‘ team, Bauerfeind supplies the players in the car-manufacturing † city with medical products. 

German football league team VfL Wolfsburg on the prowl for points.

ViscoHeel heel cushion

Improved immediate pain relief

A bed for your heel: ViscoHeel with its new anatomical contours.

The ViscoHeel heel cushion now offers improved relief for acute chronic heel and ankle pain, in particular for achillodynia and Haglund’s deformity, when the pain originates from above the heel bone. The new anatomical contours provide the hindfoot with more support and facilitate a natural heel-to-toe movement. The heel is softly cushioned and gently guided, reducing pressure discomfort immediately and protecting your joints, tendons and ligaments with every step you take. Inflammations of the Achilles tendon can heal more easily. The heel cushion’s effectiveness, improved by precise relief, is visualized by the striking PowerWave design. Thanks to the new contours, ViscoHeel is now available in versions for the right or left foot , offering a flusher fit in the shoe. In order for the foot to slide in more easily, the surface has been slightly roughened. ViscoHeel is available in five new sizes † for shoe sizes 28 to 47. 

RhizoLoc Optimized wearing comfort for the RhizoLoc thumb orthosis: the strap with micro Velcro for adjusting the width at the thumb has been extended. This makes the Velcro closure more stable and it now sticks even better. The orthosis is primarily used for skier’s thumb or arthrosis of the first carpometacarpal joint. The RhizoLoc stabilizes the injured basal and carpometacarpal joints of the thumb with an individually adaptable aluminum frame. This allows for optimal regeneration of the affected collateral ligaments. The basal joint’s mobility can be fine-tuned for treatment purposes using another Velcro tab, which can be freely adjusted. The breathable material with its integral pores allows air to circulate, preventing the skin underneath from sweating or itching. In other words, the RhizoLoc sits securely in an anatomically correct and comfortable † position on the hand, permitting effective therapy.  10

life magazine 2015/1

RhizoLoc stabilizes the thumb ray.

Pictures: VfL Wolfsburg, Bauerfeind, private

Micro Velcro now sticks even better

DIARY DATES Dr. Lilia Figueroa from Mexico

Devoted to sports and supports

TRADE FAIRS AND EVENTS May 2015 May 27 – 29, 2015

16th EFORT Congress, Prague, Czech Republic. www.efort.org

June 2015 June 04 – 06, 2015

41st European Congress of Lymphology, Lausanne, Switzerland. www.eurolymphology.org/41st-europeansociety-of-lymphology-esl-congress

June 12 – 13, 2015

GOTS Kongress, Basel , Switzerland. www.gots-kongress.org

June 12 – 14, 2015 The LumboTrain back support gives Dr. Lilia Figueroa stability and security during training.

7. Wachauer Venensymposium, Melk/Donau, Austria. www.venensymposium.org

There is no doubt that Dr. Lilia Figueroa makes a fine role model: not only is she a June 19 – 23, 2015 qualified physician, specializing in sports 9th World Congress of the International medicine and physical rehabilitation, but Society of Physical and Rehabilitation back home in Mexico she is also mainly Medicine (ISPRM), Berlin, Germany. known for her success as a long-distance www.isprm2015.org runner. She broke the Nuevo León state record over a distance of 10 kilometers in 1996, and two years later she set another July 2015 new record in her home state at marathon level. To date she has competed in over 25 July 02 – 04, 2015 marathons, three ultramarathons and various 16th Congress of the European Venous Ironman contests. LumboTrain Lady: Active support for muscular Forum (EVF), St. Petersburg, Russia. stabilization of the female lumbar spine. She now teaches at the National Institute of http://europeanvenousforum.org/ Anatomy and Kinesiology, as well as teaching sports nutrition at the University of Monterarthrosis, and has also had bilateral surgery rey. She also has a private practice and has set on her Achilles tendons, yet she still conup a club of runners and triathletes with more tinues with her sporting pursuits – with the August 2015 help of orthopedic aids. “I use and recomthan 150 members (www.lilifigueroa.com). mend Bauerfeind products because I find Her dedication to sports medicine across August 27 – 29, 2015 they offer the security and variety I need a wide range of areas has given her the UIP Chapter Meeting, Seoul , South Korea. for my patients, athletes and myself,” she opportunity to meet athletes from many www.uip2015.org says. “Sport is a vital element in our physical disciplines. “I understand the needs of an and mental health, so I need to be sure that injured athlete perfectly; I’m always trying the products I recommend enable people to to make sure they miss as little of their November 2015 move safely and to do so as soon as possible training as possible and gradually reinstate after an injury. Athletes who are able to start them, but above all to help them to do so safely.” Dr. Figueroa speaks from experience: training again quickly and safely after suffer November 16 – 19, 2015 ing an injury are the ones who can achieve she has undergone surgery for a herniated MEDICA, Düsseldorf, Germany. † disc with partial resection of L5 due to facet excellence.” www.medica-tradefair.com life life magazine 2015/111

Picture: Bauerfeind

FOCUS

12

life magazine 2015/1

FOCUS

20 years of VenoTrain micro

The successful classic Bauerfeind started a small revolution in the industry in 1995: VenoTrain micro was the first durable compression stocking on the market to feature a high microfiber content. Thanks to its wearing comfort and versatile designs, it has been setting benchmarks for 20 years, significantly improving patient compliance. For less severe venous insufficiency in particular, when the discomfort is not yet at a high level , the acceptance of compression therapy may sometimes be rather low. As a result , doctors and specialist retailers are constantly challenged to convince patients of its beneficial effects. In addition to comprehensive information about the medical effectiveness, the product‘s properties are often crucial factors when it comes to patient compliance. As early as the mid-90s, Bauerfeind carried out intensive research on microfibers and their use for compression stockings to make sure that patients feel more comfortable than ever in their stockings. To this day, the company has always been at the cutting edge of the industry. Outstanding design development In 1995, Bauerfeind launched VenoTrain micro, the first durable compression stocking with a high microfiber content that was “fit for use”. “Our developers put in a great amount of effort until they reached their goal ,” remembers Dr. Hans-Jürgen Thomä, then CEO of Bauerfeind Phlebologie GmbH & Co. KG. The set mission was not only to select a suitable fiber material and the right thread size. Manufacturing and processing

considerations also played a key role: The designers had to keep in mind the product’s wearing properties, color fastness, durability and dimensional stability, i.e. the stocking must retain its shape even when worn for many times. “We developed a new dyeing technique and were the first to launch a silicone lace band as well as an anatomically shaped pant section for pantyhose. In short: we tackled everything at the same time,” says Dr. Thomä, who now supports Bauerfeind as a specialist consultant for Medical Affairs Phlebology. Their efforts have definitely paid off. The feel-good model VenoTrain micro has made a significant contribution to increasing the acceptance of compression stockings. This is mainly down to its premium wearing comfort – in the VenoTrain range, one could say it represents the “feel-good” model. The opaque, smooth stocking offers a microfiber content of more than 50 percent and is therefore particularly soft and gentle on the skin. In addition, V­ enoTrain micro is also breathable and retains its shape. When it comes to non-slip bands, wearers can choose from three designs – silicone lace band, silicone top band including silicone dots, with >>>

The Feel-Good Guarantee: VenoTrain micro in “anthracite”.

life magazine 2015/113

FOCUS

20 years of VenoTrain micro

>>> and without a pattern. The high level of wearing comfort offered by the V­ enoTrain micro begins right at the foot. The comfort sole is equipped with reinforced zones at the heel and ball of the foot , and elastic expansion zones in the center of the sole provide more stability in this area.

Tailor-made care It goes without saying the highly-elastic stockings also required a suitable sizing system: in 1998, V4+ was launched, the first system to be divided into the sizes S, M, L and XL. The next step was the current Perfect-Fit system. It is so finely adjusted that the standard sizes fit most patients – without any compromises in terms of the stockings’ premium wearing comfort. “VenoTrain micro is and will always be our flagship,” emphasizes Dr. Thomä. “We are mastering the entire repertoire with this † product.”  14

life magazine 2015/1

2013

Batik Edition

2012

Comfort bands

All standard and fashion colors can be combined with batik coloring in navy or black.

The new wider comfort band for knee-high stockings is particularly soft , features pressure-reducing edges and does not slip.

2011

Design Edition The “Design Edition” offers two patterns to choose from for the VenoTrain micro.

2007

Perfect-Fit-System Improvement of the V4+ sizing system: more than 250,000 legs have already been measured using Bauerfeind‘s measurement technology. These measurements form the basis for the Perfect-Fit system that enables Bauerfeind to provide considerably more customers with compression stockings in standard sizes.

1998

2005

VenoTrain micro balance Introduction of the first compression stocking with integrated skin care substances.

New sizing system (V4+) Specially developed for highly elastic stockings. Divided into the sizes S, M, L and XL.

Comparison of cross-sections Silk Microfiber

1996

Hair

1995

Market launch of VenoTrain micro Microfibers are finer than a hair, lighter than silk and they consist of many extremely fine, soft fibers known as filaments. Textiles made from microfiber are therefore pleasantly lightweight and soft to the touch.

VenoTrain micro fashion colors Four attractive fashion colors (here “Purple Rain” from 2011) that change every year complement the VenoTrain micro range.

Pictures: Bauerfeind, Udo Schönewald, private

Extra care and extra color In 2005, VenoTrain micro balance was added to the Bauerfeind product range. It was equipped with substances that provide proven, intensive care for the legs when worn to ensure that the skin is soft and smooth. A long time before that – in 1996 to be precise – Bauerfeind introduced the first fashion color collection. In fact , the customers‘ highly emotional demand for fashionable colors was literally celebrated in medical retail outlets in the mid-2000s, for example with fashion shows organized together with the manufacturer. The fashion colors are part and parcel of the VenoTrain range: in addition to nine standard colors, Bauerfeind offers four shades that change every year to match current fashion trends. All fashion and standard colors can be combined with navy or black, creating an attractive batik print. As tie dye coloring is custom-made by hand, each stocking is one of a kind. The “Design Edition” skillfully combines colors with different patterns – for example “Tango”, an elegant double stripe, and “Jive”, a stripe and cable knit pattern. The importance of esthetics was also confirmed in a representative survey by the Allensbach Institute for Public Opinion Research on behalf of the manufacturers‘ federation eurocom in spring 2014. Women in particular would like compression stockings not to look like something you wear because of an “illness”. And VenoTrain micro checks all the boxes.

FOCUS

Development of compression therapy from the physician‘s point of view

“Where there‘s a will , there‘s a fitting stocking“ Has acceptance of compression therapy changed over the past years? How can compliance be improved? These are the topics life magazine discussed with Prof. Dr. med. Anke Strölin, Head of the Dermatological Angiology/Phlebology Division at the Tübingen University Department of Dermatology, and Dr. med. Erika Mendoza, Head of Wunstorf Vein Practice. Both are in full agreement: information is the key to success. How has the significance of compression therapy developed over the past 20 years? Prof. Dr. Strölin: Compression therapy has gained greatly in significance. Nowadays, the general public is also much more aware of the clinical picture of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Patients are often well informed about surgical procedures; the versatile treatment options available using compression stockings, however, are mostly unknown. Dr. Mendoza: I have been active in the field of phlebology for 17 years. The spectrum has been extended from the pure varicose vein treatment to the treatment of all kinds of swellings of the leg. More and more patients would benefit from compression therapy. And in times of increasing BMI values, this number is sure to grow even more. I have added “obesity-related lymphedema” to my diagnoses. Prof. Dr. med. Anke Strölin from the Tübingen University Department of Dermatology.

Dr. med. Erika Mendoza, Head of Wunstorf Vein Practice.

What complaints do patients usually have when they come to see you? Prof. Dr. Strölin: In general , patients suffer from edemas or even statis-related skin changes. If there are no contraindications, they will all be treated with compression stockings. Many young women visit me, too, who have a family background of varicosis and want to have their veins checked. We

often find insufficiencies in the venous system before the patients start feeling any discomfort. Depending on the diagnostic findings, I prescribe compression stockings to them as well. Additionally, I am a huge advocate of compression therapy during pregnancy. Nearly all pregnant women complain about swellings, heaviness and tension pain in the legs, to different degrees. The majority of these symptoms can be improved with compression – and then there‘s the additional benefit of preventing thrombosis. That is still one of the most common causes of death during pregnancy.

compression stockings. Young patients: because they look “old and sick“; old patients: because they’re hard to put on; women: because they’re unfashionable; men: because they don’t really want all this nonsense. There are excellent counter arguments against each of these comments. Fashionable, color, patterns, or stockings that look like men‘s socks? No problem. Difficulties putting them on? Donning aids and, under certain conditions, Category I rather than II ... It‘s simply a matter of explaining it all , i.e. where there‘s a will , there‘s a fitting stocking!

Does acceptance of compression therapy differ between patient groups? Dr. Mendoza: Primarily yes, and each group has its own reservations when it comes to

Prof. Dr. Strölin: When patients suffer from great discomfort , acceptance of this treatment is high. For less severe vein problems, it is more difficult because a lot of >>> life magazine 2015/115

FOCUS

What clinical signs can be observed? How firm is the connective tissue? The specialist gets a detailed picture.

What makes a compression stocking good in your opinion? Dr. Mendoza: It needs to retain pressure and shouldn’t tear easily. Over the past years, stocking manufacturers have done a lot to improve compliance. For example, by offering different models or adjusting the band around the top – in particular for knee-high stockings – to improve the stocking’s wearing comfort. Even if these aspects don‘t primarily relate to medical effectiveness, they increase acceptance and therefore effectiveness after all. Prof. Dr. Strölin: A good stocking is easy to put on; it doesn‘t constrict and doesn‘t slip. The skin underneath doesn‘t dry out too much, but also doesn‘t sweat too much. The symptoms disappear or improve with compression. That means: pressure, material and stiffness ideally match the patient. Additionally, the stocking should be fashionable and easy-care. That is why VenoTrain micro is so popular. It is extremely soft , easy to put on and you 16

life magazine 2015/1

don‘t sweat so much underneath. What’s more – it looks good. Many patients can be treated in that way, but you have to know your limits.

“We are now able to provide treatment that is tailored to each patient , taking into account medical requirements as well as the patient‘s preferences.“ (Prof. Dr. med. Anke Strölin)

well-fitting stocking. Only dry skin remains, for which we can offer corresponding help through skin care. How do you explain the product to your patients? Dr. Mendoza: I explain in detail why I am prescribing the compression stocking and what I expect from it. Of course, putting on the stocking and skin care are also topics that should be covered.

In general , we can say that the quality of all compression stockings has improved significantly over the past years. The knitted fabric of the stockings is more pleasant , they are easier to put on and they leave virtually nothing to be desired in terms of quality, design and range of colors. What are typical problems that patients have with stockings? Dr. Mendoza: The most common problem is prejudice. “My neighbor was pinched by the band around the top,” “Granny didn‘t even manage to put it on,” “My family doctor said I should stop wearing it so I don‘t get used to it.” These problems usually vanish when the patient has the stocking on his or her leg, provided it is a custom-made,

Easy to recognize: spider veins.

Pictures: Udo Schönewald

>>> patients still think of the beige “granny stocking” when compression stockings are mentioned. For many, it‘s an actual epiphany when I show them the different stocking patterns. It is very helpful to have them handy during the consultation.

FOCUS By the way, compliance is greatly increased if the physician demonstrates what such a stocking actually looks like on the patient’s leg. “Oh, the material isn‘t so tight ,” or “It doesn‘t really restrict at all” – these reactions clear up prejudice within seconds. But also physicians’ comments like “Competitive athletes such as marathon runners wear these stockings during exercise. If compression stockings were bad for the leg muscles, athletes would definitely not wear them” are useful – it‘s one of the most compelling arguments in my consultations.

“Compliance is greatly increased if the physician demonstrates what such a stocking actually looks like on the patient’s leg.“ (Dr. med. Erika Mendoza)

Prof. Dr. Strölin: I often explain the course of the disease to patients, without frightening them. I usually draw the veins and demonstrate the function of the venous valves and the muscle pump. Then I draw a picture of what effect the stocking has. This makes a lot of sense to most patients. Depending on the stage, I tell them about times when the stocking doesn’t have to be worn, about advantages and disadvantages of different versions, about putting it on with gloves and about skin care with creams and ointments containing urea. I normally check the patients‘ mobility when they‘re putting on and taking off the stocking. This usually allows me to assess which, if any, donning aid the patient may need. For most patients, a simple donning aid like the ­VenoTrain glider is enough. Patients with very restricted mobility benefit from systems such as the VenoTrain glider plus. I would like to emphasize again: informing the patients is the key to therapeutic success. Only a patient who knows about the positive effects of the stockings will wear them consistently. And that’s the responsibility of the prescribing physician. How do you ensure further treatment by subsequent physicians? Dr. Mendoza: As the person first prescribing the stocking, I always try to explain, in a letter to the family doctor, why I am choosing knee or thigh length, as well as whether the stocking has to be worn daily (for example for thrombosis therapy) or as required (such as to reduce discomfort), and what I am expecting from this course of treatment. Of course, it‘s down to the patient whether

Important for compliance: VenoTrain micro is easy to put on.

the recommendations are implemented. In a follow-up prescription, it should be considered whether the patient got on well with the available compression stocking. Were there problems putting it on or taking it off? How did the patient react to the siliconized edge? Would he or she possibly need another version of the siliconized edge or a different model altogether (for example pantyhose instead of thigh length)? Is the material too soft and does it constrict the ankle? In this

70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

Therefore you have to do everything possible to ensure the patient finds the stocking comfortable. And this is not just the responsibility of the person treating the condition but also of the person prescribing the treatment. Prof. Dr. Strölin: Explanations for colleagues continuing the treatment are in fact very important. It‘s detrimental if a stocking is ordered again simply based on the measurements of the initial treatment

Adults between 18 and 79 years

59,1%

14,3%

9,6%

C0

C1

C2

13,4%

C3

2,9%

0,6%

0,1%

C4

C5

C6

Bonn vein study: according to the CEAP classification, most CVI sufferers have a relatively mild form of the condition. Only 9.6 percent of the test subjects exhibited no venous changes (C0); more severe forms of CVI are rare.

case – even if this may seem contradictory to the patient – a “harder” material should be used as this is generally less constrictive on the ankle or the back of the knee. After all: the stocking only works when you wear it.

without checking during follow-up. In general , measurements, whether digitally or by hand, carried out by experienced specialists, are crucial. If the stocking doesn‘t fit well , it † won‘t be worn. life magazine 2015/117

MEDICAL

Dutch website veiligheid.nl compares ankle supports

“Strengthen your ankle” to prevent sprains

Sports physician Kasper Janssen was heavily involved in studies looking into the prevention of recurring sprains in the ankle.

“Enjoy life without any unnecessary constraints, a life full of vitality and freedom.” This is the message conveyed on the home­ page of veiligheid.nl , which loosely translates as “Safety in the Netherlands,” and it is a motto that those behind this initiative take seriously. The website is run by a private 18

life magazine 2015/1

company that mainly serves customers from the public sector. Thanks to its communityoriented goal of making people’s living and working environment safer, it has proved extremely popular in the Netherlands. The website offers sound facts and well-founded information, so it is no surprise that it boasts

high in visitors and click-through rates. The continuously high number of ankle sprains occurring during sporting activities, and the high level of recurrent injuries in particular, made the company decide to tackle this issue in greater depth and encourage the general public to take preventive action.

Pictures: Stefan Durstewitz, Bauerfeind

In 2013, 680,000 athletes in the Netherlands suffered ankle injuries, the second most common type of injury after those in the knee. One in three of these sportrelated injuries was a relapse of previous problem. This is what prompted the Dutch Consumer & Safety Institute (VeiligheidNL) to launch a brace selection scheme with the help of sports physician Kasper Janssen, aimed at raising awareness of preventive brace use in sports through an app based on medical studies. The MalleoTrain S is one of the featured brace options.

MEDICAL

After all , prevention pays off, since the provision of medical treatment for ankle injuries and the resulting absence from work cost the Dutch state around 200 million euros a year. New information on this topic was published on veiligheid.nl in the summer of 2014 as part of the ankle sprain prevention scheme, which has also launched an app called “Versterk je enkel” (“Strengthen your ankle”). The online publications followed on from extensive studies carried out at the VU university medical center in Amsterdam. Footballers prefer the MalleoTrain S Kasper Janssen, a sports physician, was heavily involved in the studies looking into the prevention of recurring sprains in the ankle. “After an ankle sprain, there is a higher risk of a recurrent sprain for about one year,” he explained. “With the help of a large number of test subjects, we investigated ways of restabilizing the ankle and thus helping to prevent sprains.” The focus of the main study was on home-based strengthening exercises using a balance board and the use of semirigid ankle supports. The results from simply wearing the ankle supports were remarkably good compared to the training group, whose treatment consisted purely of home-based exercises. A second study compared subjective evaluation of various ankle supports by athletes from different sports. A closer look at the supports used reveals some distinct differences between them. For example, the test subjects rated the MalleoTrain S as outstanding in terms of comfort: “Footballers in particular prefer this support based on this criterion,” Kasper Janssen pointed out. “But the MalleoTrain S also came out on top in terms of subjective stability, which is somewhat surprising given that the other supports in the comparison actually have a more rigid structure,” he added, raising his eyebrows slightly. A training partner for your ankle The reason why the MalleoTrain S combines stability and flexibility so successfully lies in its distinctive properties and the effects associated with them. As an active support with a strap system, it gives the ankle support even during movement. It works like a functional tape bandage, with the strap wound around the foot in a figure-of-eight pattern, thus securing the connection of the mid- and hindfoot with the lower leg. This

prevents the foot from twisting outward. Unlike a tape bandage, however, the strap is applied under tension and the protection it provides can be individually adjusted. This method of stabilization is supported by the anatomically contoured knit of the MalleoTrain S, which produces a compressive effect

“For me, the MalleoTrain S offers a good balance between stability and elasticity, which naturally makes it more comfortable to wear.“ (Kasper Janssen)

that stimulates circulation and activates the surrounding muscles. This also stabilizes the ankle without restricting its mobility. The support does not have any pads in the ankle area and fits into any sports shoe, which is really useful for preventing further injury during training or competition. Supports activate the musculature “For me, the MalleoTrain S offers a good balance between stability and elasticity, which naturally makes it more comfortable to wear,” said Kasper Janssen, speaking from his own experience. “Of course, the other supports have their advantages too. In some cases, rigid structures offer more stability, often at the expense of comfort. Ultimately, it is up to individual athletes to decide which type of preventive sup-

port works for them. Our study results may make it easier for them to choose.” Without wishing to brag, the “Strengthen your ankle” app is clearly very popular, as shown by the current level of demand: it is downloaded up to 80 times a day. In addition to advice for ankle support selection and helpful tips, the app features exercises to help people strengthen their ankle muscles. Kasper Janssen, an athlete himself, researcher as well as a physician, also hopes that the awarenessraising campaign will dispel some strangely persistent prejudices: “As a general rule, ankle supports do not weaken your ankle ligaments. Quite the opposite, in fact! They protect your ankle during high-risk activity” he remarked, making his opinion clear. As for whether the “Strengthen your ankle” app is making an impact , “Ongoing research at the VU university medical center will show if the app is an effective preventive tool. Personally, I expect that this app will add in the declining sprain numbers for the Netherlands.” †... is his confident assessment. 

The active support with its individually adjustable strap system gives the ankle reliable support even whilst in motion and protects against the lateral twisting of the foot.

For further information please visit: www.veiligheid.nl http://slhamsterdam.com/ankle-app-gaining-ground/ “Ankle” app with an exercise program, for iOS and Android on cell phones or tablets. (Also available in English.) http://blogs.bmj.com/bjsm/2014/04/07/easy-to-use-mobile -app-for-ankle-sprains-prevention-and-rehabilitation/ life magazine 2015/119

MEDICAL

Spine Therapy in Canada

Comfort is essential Dr. Edward Abraham, Associate Professor of Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Saint John Campus, Dalhousie University, has been treating all spinal pathology in adults and paediatrics for more than 25 years. Bracing is an integral part of his therapy regime – both for post-operative and conservative treatment. Dr. Abraham, you see spine patients from all over the province of New Brunswick, which indications prevail and how do you treat them? Dr. Abraham: I see the whole scope of spine disorders such as deformity, trauma with or without spinal cord involvement , degenerative conditions, infections, as well as malignancies, both primary and secondary. However, the most common disorder among my patients is a spinal stenosis, a typical problem in seniority. Symptoms are difficulty in walking with pain, weakness and numbness in the lower extremities due to a narrowing of the spinal canal as a result of ligamentous and bony tissues thickening on a degenerative and arthritic basis. These patients require decompression and, at times, a concomitant fusion with instrumentation. Mostly surgical , especially if their symptoms have persisted beyond six months, then conservative measures can be taken again.

The Canadian spine surgeon Dr. Edward Abraham trusts in LumboLoc Forte for rehab.

“With my growing approval for the LumboLoc Forte, I would recommend that my colleagues take a serious look at it.“ Another frequent spinal disorder is mechanical low back pain, either of the flexion or extension variety, occurring at any age. I always recommend conservative treatment to this group of patients. Rare exceptions are for instance young athletic people with a one-level degenerative disc or a spondylolisthesis without radiculopathy. However, even in cases of multilevel degenerative issues a surgical treatment is likely to result in chronification and this is not very satisfactory. Your internationally well-known colleague Prof. Dr. Jürgen Harms said that there are too many spine operations in Germany. Is Canada rather a domain of conservative treatment? 20

life magazine 2015/1

Pictures: www.darrowmultimedia.com, Bauerfeind

(Dr. Edward Abraham)

MEDICAL

Dr. Abraham: There are certainly distinguishing features between the spine surgical communities of different countries depending on the indication. Coming back to mechanical low back pain, Canadian doctors traditionally tend not to perform surgery. With all due respect for giving people in pain a ray of hope

LumboLoc Forte

Stabilizing and relief of the lumbar spine In cases of lumbar vertebral syndrome or severe muscular weakness of the spine, LumboLoc Forte acts as a fixed support on the lumbar spine. It incorporates anatomically contoured corset stays made of aluminum which provide effective support for the painful area of the lumbar spine. The corset stays can be individually shaped for a perfect fit. An adjustable function belt at the front exerts a variable degree of compression on the abdomen and thus relieves the lumbar spine. Adjusting this belt also increases or reduces the massage effect of the pad at the back of the stabilizing orthosis. Depending upon which pad is used, either the lumbar region or sacrum is massaged, allowing tension to be released and pain to †... abate. 

with surgery, the success rate of ideal back pain candidates for operations is 70 percent in the short term. That is the best ­scenario noted in literature at this time, leaving 30 percent of patients being no different or worse. In Canada that is considered an unacceptable number. So one might say, conservative therapy is our dominant paradigm of treatment. How can Bauerfeind medical aids help in spine therapy? Dr. Abraham: I recommend soft bracing for treatment following most operations of the lumbar spine in order to support the rehab process. Bauerfeind has a nice range of such braces for the back that help to reduce pain and allow for controlled muscle activity while being applied. The most common brace I use is the LumboLoc Forte. This lumbar brace is made of a semi-rigid elasticized material providing comfort , yet being not too restrictive as to inhibit necessary muscle functions. Since my focus for post-operative patients is more on pain management than on stability management , comfort is essential. The brace

is designed that it does not have any negative effect on the surgical wound and my patients’ response is also very positive. They like its uncomplicated instructions and that it can be easily applied and removed.

to maintain a deformity correction and prevent subsequent instability. Non-surgical patients, for instance with a spinal fracture, also need more rigid versions for further stability.

What are the advantages of Bauerfeind soft braces compared with others? Dr. Abraham: There are a number of great braces all having their advantages and disadvantages. I think the major advantage of the soft braces from Bauerfeind is in fact their material. The knitting seems to be a lot more comfortable, it gives my patients a real chance to activate their back muscles and reduce the danger of losing muscle mass over therapy.

How open-minded are Canadian spine specialists when it comes to innovative products? What does it need to attract their attention? Dr. Abraham: In Canada we tend to be a little more cautious when it comes to using new technology. But appropriate comparative studies, measured outcomes or the advice of internationally renowned experts in the field will encourage to get more involved. I find the Bauerfeind braces very ­innovative. With my growing approval for the LumboLoc Forte, I would recommend that my colleagues take a serious look at it – and I will definitely be looking at †... ­Bauerfeind’s other back braces. 

Do you use rigid braces as well? Dr. Abraham: It takes more rigid brace versions when there is the short-term need

For further Information please visit www.saintjohnortho.com/Dr-Edward-Abraham/ life magazine 2015/121

MEDICAL

The “Lion City” – Singapore

Physiotherapists are bridging the gap

A major city-wide event takes place in Singapore almost every weekend. These varied events are usually sports competitions, which see participants and spectators alike flocking to the different venues. The range of activities is diverse, with everything from Ultimate Frisbee to badminton and

that are quite simply unique, taking runners between sky scrapers and pagodas, churches and mosques, temples and shrines, through a vibrant center of trade and industry that is not only diverse but steeped in history too. Narrow, spotlessly clean alleys open out into expansive boulevards, and spacious run-

The physiotherapist Rick Falken is the Managing Director of ONEPhysiotherapy.

football. A particular discipline, however, which is now passionately practiced across the globe, also unites people from different cultural and social backgrounds in Singapore: running! The simplicity of the exercise, surely one of the main reasons for the unlimited spread of running around the world, is combined with a special aesthetic dimension in the boomtown of Singapore. The waterside city offers running routes 22

life magazine 2015/1

ning paths through parks and alongside the water provide frequent glimpses of the junks and container ships navigating Singapore’s waterways. Manual therapy and specific strength exercises Rick Falken knows the city’s breathtaking running routes like the back of his hand. He and his business partner Ernie Lim often

complete long training runs along routes that take them between tower blocks and places of worship. Naturally though, their clients are out and about a lot more frequently. Rick is a musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapist and the managing director of ONEPhysiotherapy, Singapore’s first physiotherapy practice, to operate concurrent practices in both Australia and Singapore and with plans to expand further into Asia in the near future. The organization originated in Australia. All therapists working at ONEPhysiotherapy completed their training “down under” in accordance with the stringent guidelines of the professional associations there. The Australians have been working in Singapore since September 2013. “It’s a really fascinating place,” says Rick Falken enthusiastically. “In a single day here you can treat people from all over the world.” For Rick and his team, it is the right place and the right time to open a successful physiotherapy business and win customers. “Physiotherapy is not as widespread in Singapore, and is therefore also not as well established as it is in Australia,” explains Rick. “Nevertheless, we are seeing more and more young physicians with a more Western outlook who are moving away from traditional methods of treatment. They are becoming more open-minded to the possibilities of modern physiotherapy.” Rick credits much of ONEPhysiotherapy’s success to his business partner Ernie and their close working relationship and personal friendship. Rick states emphatically that “indeed everything that has been achieved in Singapore has only been possible due to our extraordinary friendship”. And this success may also have something to do with ONEPhysiotherapy and its collaboration with Bauerfeind. Injuries or symptoms that are caused by running can be successfully treated by physiotherapists us-

Pictures: Ray Chua

Although the city-state of Singapore is small , it attracts many people, even from outside Asia. People come to the vibrant metropolis to work, live and run. Sport is something enjoyed by the masses in Singapore. So it is great that there are also physiotherapists from Australia working there – supported by Bauerfeind products.

MEDICAL Manual therapy is the Australian physiotherapist’s speciality. In ONEPhysiotherapy’s state-of-the art clinic, manual therapy is supported by purpose-built training apparatus.

ing a wide range of methods combined with medical aids. Manual therapy is a particularly important method in ONEPhysiotherapy’s treatment range, and it is a key aspect of the Australians’ training program. Stretching and strengthening exercises also play a pivotal role. In addition, Rick and his team are on hand to give their patients advice and expert tips. What are the actual causes of the symptoms? What can I change about the way I run? The therapists’ experiences with regard to the supportive effect of supports, foot orthoses and medical compression stockings are also discussed. Singaporeans like “slim-fitting knee supports” When treating their clients, most of whom are actively involved in sport , ONEPhysiotherapy relies on an extensive range of Bauerfeind products. These two companies have already been working together for one and a half years and the patients are reaping the benefits. “Depending on the type of injury, we see three main types of problems for runners in the rehabilitation phase,” says Rick, “pain, swelling and instability.

“The aim is always the same: a pain-free, stable joint.“ (Rick Falken)

Bauerfeind supports and orthopedic foot orthoses can really help us with all three of these problems. The aim is always the same: a pain-free, stable joint.” According to Rick, the range of “slim-fitting knee supports” is particularly popular with patients. By this, he means supports that stabilize the knee without restricting its movement , that are not bulky and, with an anatomic fit , just feel like part of the body. “For example, the GenuTrain is ideal for addressing all three of these problems,” he explains, referring to probably the best-known active knee support. The compression it exerts helps to alleviate pain during movement , reduce swelling more quickly and provide neuromuscular stabilization of the knee. >>> life magazine 2015/123

MEDICAL “It’s a really good product that can also be used for prevention,” concludes Rick. The “Lion City” is forging ahead Thanks to ONEPhysiotherapy’s work, the physical condition of the runners in Singapore is set to improve. Based on the recommendations of Rick and his colleagues, for example, the circulation-stimulating VenoTrain sport compression stocking is now becoming an increasingly frequent sight on Singapore’s running routes. There is also another more fundamental step: Rick is planning to initiate talks with the Ministry of Health to improve Australian immigration and work opportunities for Australian physiotherapists. “By the end it should be easier for both Singaporeans and Australians to work,” said Rick, explaining his idea. The reason: “Physiotherapy does not yet have the same status in Singapore as it does in Australia or America. For this reason, there is a lack of knowledge about what it can offer,” says the managing director. “We want to make it more popular and are relying on the importance of personal responsibility in the local health system.” In actual fact , Rick and his team have already made some headway in bridging the gap to physiotherapy. Some patients are already beginning to consider other solutions when they have problems with their locomotor apparatus, and do not

>>> That is also true of the entire GenuTrain product range. According to Rick, they also use the special models such as the GenuTrain A3 to treat complex knee complaints, which are typically the result of osteoarthritis of the knee, or the GenuTrain P3 to center the kneecap. The pain relief offered by these products leads to fast rehabilitation and a return to training. The products have therefore proved extremely effective when combined with manual therapy – and this is clearly of great benefit to the patient. “When it comes to another problem area, namely chronic heel and ankle pain, I set great store by Bauerfeind’s ErgoPad redux heel foot orthosis,” continues the physiotherapist. Background information: the ErgoPad redux heel is a foot orthosis for

For further information please visit: www.onephysio.com.sg 24

life magazine 2015/1

combating chronic heel and ankle pain. It supports the treatment of plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, and Rick believes that it can be used in a wide range of applications for many patients. The orthopedic foot orthosis relieves pressure on the muscles, tendons and ligaments, thereby reducing pain below the heel. It cushions the heel region and supports the foot arches with its synthetic core. The synthetic core has a special notch in the heel , which diverts and redistributes pressure peaks away from the plantar tendon attachment point. This focused pressure relief combined with the correction of the foot position treats the cause of the pain and thus has a long-term effect. The foot orthosis is suitable for use in leisure and business shoes thanks to its slimfit design.

“Physiotherapy does not yet have the same status in Singapore as it does in Australia or America.“ (Rick Falken)

just consult their physician anymore, who generally only prescribes anti-inflammatory drugs. “People are realizing,” says Rick, “that our kind of physiotherapy really helps to treat common sporting injuries.” The prospects look good for physiotherapy in Singapore and the surrounding area. Singapore, or “Lion City” in Sanskrit , with its seven million inhabitants, is tiny compared with other Asian cities, yet has great appeal regardless of its size. This has only been the case since the time of Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. The commercial agent of the British East India Company founded the first British settlement in Singapore in 1819. With the help of Raffles, the former fishing port steadily increased its influence in the region. With this in mind, the address of ONEPhysiotherapy seems to represent its ambitious goals: Clifford Centre, 24 Raffles Place.  †

Pictures: Ray Chua, Bauerfeind

ONEPhysiotherapy’s patients benefit from Bauerfeind products in terms of a faster rehab.

MEDICAL

Hope for Rio 2016

One Olympic gold medal is not enough “I advise all children to set themselves a goal , be strong and never give up on their dream.” Volleyball player Adenízia Ferreira da Silva is also fighting for her dream: to win another gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in her own country.

Adenízia concentrates upon the ball instead of on her knee – also thanks to the active support GenuTrain P3.

Volleyball player Adenízia da Silva, Olympic champion in London 2012.

“I believe that every athlete should be aware of where he comes from, and what difficulties he will have to overcome to achieve his goal. And when you have reached the top you need to stay humble and continue to fight and to work at staying there.” Adenízia da Silva knows what she is talking about. Born in Ibiaí, a small municipality in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil , she got the opportunity to play at a volleyball club at the age of ten. “At that time we had no sports center, no proper sports shoes and no suitable balls,” she recalls. “And while my friends were playing with dolls, I was already making

a serious pact with myself to have a future.” Talent and willpower quickly led the 28-year-old to more renowned clubs and sporting successes. She won the World Championships with the Brazilian U20 team in 2005, for example, and made her debut for the “Brazilian women’s national volleyball team” national A team the same year. The crowning glory in this middle blocker’s career came in 2012 at the Summer Olympic Games in London, where she and her team won the gold medal. “A feeling of stability at last” Adenízia da Silva discovered Bauerfeind products in London too. She has suffered from cartilage damage to her knee for a long time, as well as intense pain when she moves her patella. She and her medical support team were introduced to the GenuTrain P3

knee support at the polyclinic in the Olympic Village. “It was love at first sight ,” remembers the volleyball player. “The support helped to stabilize the kneecap, which not only eased the pain but also gave me a feeling of stability. And I knew that from then on I could enjoy a better quality of life again while still playing sport.” Adenízia da Silva’s next big aim is to stay at the top: “I am an Olympic medalist. Many athletes will say that this is enough. Not I. I would like to win the second gold medal for Brazil in Rio de Janeiro.” The sports star knows that sportsmen and women cannot play competitively for long, so she would like to help get young people interested in the sport. For Adenízia, this is something close to her heart. “I would be glad if there were other ‘Adenízias’ to help † develop Brazil through sport.” 

For further information about the Summer Olympic Games, please visit www.rio2016.com and www.olympic.org/rio-2016-summer-olympics. life magazine 2015/125

MEDICAL

Expanded Hand Portfolio

Long stabilizing orthoses for the wrist Bauerfeind expands treatment options for the wrist by introducing the long stabilizing orthoses ManuLoc long and ManuLoc Rhizo long. The sizing system for hand orthoses was also revised. The new ManuLoc long and ManuLoc Rhizo long are about seven centimeters longer (proximal) than the ManuLoc and ManuLoc Rhizo standard versions. Their integrated stays are also longer and they feature four instead of three Velcro fastenings. The “long” versions are suitable for treatment from a forearm length of 21 centimeters, measured from the wrist.

Revised sizing system In order to make the extended therapeutic spectrum available to a wider patient clientele, the sizing system for hand orthoses was expanded from three to four sizes. The rescaled sizes from 0 to 3 enable tailored treatment of narrow to wide wrists with a circumference of 12 to 26 centimeters.  †...

Important for everyday activities: the fingers remain free whilst the wrist is stable – also when wearing the ManuLoc long. 26

life magazine 2015/1

Pictures: Bauerfeind, Anika Büssemeier

Reduced leverage forces The construction of both orthoses increases stability during immobilization: greater portions of the forearm rest in the orthosis, restricting movement and reducing leverage forces to a larger extent. Not only patients with longer forearms benefit from this treatment option, but also many patients with “normal” proportions who can be given a more tailored form of therapy. This is because stabilization degrees can be increased and (rotary) movements can be restricted more reliably. This in turn enhances the therapeutic spectrum for conditions and injuries of the hand, which are commonly caused by exercise, yet also during work and leisure Top left: ManuLoc, top right: ManuLoc long. Bottom left: ManuLoc Rhizo, bottom right: ManuLoc time. The ManuLoc long also enables follow- Rhizo long. With a total length of 27 centimeters, the new versions are currently the longest orthoses for the wrist and the wrist and thumb. up treatment of distal radius fractures, for example, and the ManuLoc Rhizo long can be used for scaphoid fractures, too.

MEDICAL

More options for the wrist

“We can increase mobility not only more gradually, but more effectively too” Early mobilization has long since been the principle of choice when it comes to dealing with hand injuries. In practice, however, it is often only applied with caution. The reason for this cautious approach is that , while it is good for the joints and muscle chains in the hand to start making gripping movements again soon, these fine structures also need particular protection.

Dr. med. Hubert Klauser, Head of the Hand- und Fußzentrum Berlin (Berlin Hand and Foot Center) has already gained some practical experience in using the ManuLoc long and ManuLoc Rhizo long orthoses.

A plaster cast is usually the method of choice for protecting the wrist immediately after surgery. After the cast has been removed, however, care is still needed, and Bauerfeind has now extended the range of options available for this: long stabilizing orthoses help to ensure more reliable treatment , especially after fractures, and open up various different therapy possibilities depending on stability requirements.

With the ManuLoc long and ManuLoc Rhizo long, Bauerfeind can now offer therapeutic solutions for a broader range of patients. One of the driving forces behind the use of the long orthoses is Dr. med. Hubert Klauser, Head of the Hand- und Fußzentrum Berlin (Berlin Hand and Foot Center) in Germany. As a specialist in treating hand injuries, he has already gained some practical experience in using the new “long” orthoses.

Dr. Klauser, why do you need long orthoses to treat the hand? Dr. Klauser: In our day-to-day work involving hand surgery, we very often deal with injuries to adult males, particularly athletes. These patients need long orthoses, to provide better care for their longer forearms. Different requirements in terms of stability can also be treated in different ways using short or long orthoses. This allows us to >>> life magazine 2015/127

MEDICAL >>> increase mobility not only more gradually, but more effectively too. What kind of indications require long orthoses? Dr. Klauser: Distal radius fractures, for example, are a very common type of injury in adult men. Around 90 percent of these

“Different requirements in terms of stability can also be treated in different ways using short or long orthoses.“ (Dr. med. Hubert Klauser)

The Velcro tab on the ManuLoc Rhizo long leaves the thumb basal joint free to move.

surgically is that the hand can be moved again relatively soon after the union. In most cases, the plaster cast can be removed around a week after the operation, as long as the swelling in the thumb ray and wrist has sufficiently subsided. That’s when the ManuLoc Rhizo long comes into play as part of the follow-up treatment , along with physiotherapy, ergotherapy and medical check-ups. This minimizes the negative effects of immobilization that can occur when a plaster cast is worn for a long time. A purely conservative treatment approach would involve six weeks in plaster, in which case the patient would have difficulty getting their wrist and thumb ray moving again when the plaster is first taken off. The long orthoses are also good for follow-up treatment for tenosynovitis conditions such as the well-known De Quervain syndrome, wrist distortions or arthrodesis to relieve osteoarthritis.

When is the right time to use the orthoses? Dr. Klauser: It is always a tricky balancing act. If you want to take post-operative manMore security during treatment thanks to “long” agement seriously, you have to opt for early orthoses. mobilization. Advances in medicine, such as locking implants or, indeed, long orthoses, tantly with extension fractures. This orthosis offer us more security. For most patients, enables me to immobilize not only the wrist , keeping the immobilization phase short is a huge relief. However, it is also clear that a but the thumb ray too. joint cannot be moved until the swelling has gone down. After fusion operations to treat What other indications are there aside from osteoarthritis in the carpus, for example, it radius fractures? usually takes at least three weeks for the Dr. Klauser: Another common type of wrist swelling to subside to a sufficient extent. fracture is a fracture of the scaphoid bone. The advantage of treating scaphoid fractures From a medical point of view, it doesn’t 28

life magazine 2015/1

really matter whether the hand has been immobilized for one week or five. It is always interesting when the time comes to bring in the orthosis, as that’s when the functional rehabilitation can finally begin. To go from a plaster cast to absolutely nothing would not be a good idea. Can the orthosis be used as an alternative to a plaster cast? Dr. Klauser: In terms of immediate postoperative treatment , plaster casts provide secure immobilization and help swelling to subside more quickly. At this stage, there is no more effective solution. Of course, there are many disadvantages to using plaster casts too. They are uncomfortable and obstruct treatment. Constantly wearing a plaster cast changes a patient’s movement patterns and, due to the muscle chains ascending up the arm, it can cause problems in areas such as the elbow, shoulder and cervical spine. We should therefore aim to open up a window in the treatment process for early functional therapy. I’m a big fan of using compression gloves and motorized continuous passive motion devices to help reduce swelling and support mobility. Using either of these aids requires a plastic splint or an orthosis that works intermittently but can also be put on and taken off again as and when required for therapeutic reasons. Making these devices yourself out of thermoplastic material is time-consuming and expensive. Thanks to the new orthoses, I now have a genuine alternative option in a length that I would not otherwise be able to † get hold of.

Pictures: Anika Büssemeier, private, Bauerfeind

cases are typical “loco typico” extension fractures. After around a week in plaster, I can provide very effective post-operative follow-up treatment for these injuries with the long version of the ManuLoc orthosis. The ManuLoc long usually covers the fracture point with a significant proximal overhang, which is important. This virtually eliminates the risk of any harmful leverage actions. The ManuLoc Rhizo long lends itself to treating breaks in the radial styloid process, a very common injury that occurs concomi-

MEDICAL

Italian motorcyclist Claudio Corti counts on Bauerfeind products

Exceptional means for exceptional situations In Como city center, life magazine met the world superbike champion Claudio Corti. He was visiting orthopaedist Enzo Laino from Ortholab Centro Ortopedico, who has already supplied him several times with Bauerfeind products that have allowed him to continue racing. Claudio Corti (27) has been keen on motorcycling ever since: “When I was seven years old, my parents gave me and my brother our first mini-motorbikes. Already at that age, I won my first local championship and from that moment on I have never stopped racing.” In June 2010, Claudio took part in his 5th Grand Prix at the English Silverstone circuit and gained his first pole position. His passion for motorcycling is contagious: “I am fascinated by the thrill of the race. My adrenaline and heart beat reach the highest possible level. At the starting grid, when the starting light is still red, the tension is at a

tions, he opted for a more flexible solution. A doctor in the athletic team recommended the ankle orthosis AirLoc to him, which was provided by Enzo Laino. After three weeks Claudio Corti moved on to the ankle support MalleoTrain S in combination with VenoTrain compression stockings in Class 1 to reduce the swelling more effectively and facilitate controlled training. The use of the knee stockings was also a necessary compromise to give minimum stability to the ankle during competitions – they were just thin enough to fit under my motorcycle overall. “Of course this therapeutic approach is not

Addicted to motorcycling: Claudio Corti is fascinated by the thrill of the race.

maximum. In the Mugello race, I reached my record: 204 beats per minute, waiting for the green light.” Unconventional approach In April 2010, Claudio became acquainted with Bauerfeind products for the first time. During a race he broke his ankle bone. Of course he should have got a cast , but due to the pressure of the upcoming competi-

state-of-the-art and by no means suitable for normal patients,” stresses Enzo Laino. “Claudio was so determined to participate in competitions that he was willing to take the risk of minimal stabilization. And of course his physical prowess is different from normal people’s. His muscles respond much more readily to the slightest stimulation.” In May 2013, the prowess of the motorcyclist was again put to the test. And again medical

aids from Bauerfeind were used with the specific aim of accelerating his rehab. Claudio Corti tore a meniscus, the anterior cruciate ligament and suffered from a tibial plateau fracture. The qualification race was held on a Friday and the competition was scheduled for the following two days. “On Tuesday I went to Enzo with the crutches and my knee was really swollen. Following the recommendation of a team of doctors and the suggestions of Enzo, I got the GenuTrain S support with a protective pad around the kneecap and lateral joint splints to guide the knee securely. Together with tight-high VenoTrain

Enzo Laino (left) and Claudio Corti.

micro compression stockings, the swelling was reduced in no time. Unexpectedly, even to me, I was able to take part in the race on Sunday and against all odds I ranked a good place, stabilized only by the stockings under my overall.” Despite these unorthodox treatments, the outcome was overwhelming and resulted in Claudio Corti counting on Bauerfeind medical aids for preventing injuries as † well, both on and off the race track. life magazine 2015/129

MEDICAL

Swiss Waterpolo

Acute injuries are fairly rare, but overloading problems are fairly common Admittedly, water polo is more of a niche sport in Switzerland. Dr. Michael Badulescu, director and physician of the Swiss water polo association, is working to increase its popularity with the aid of Bauerfeind Switzerland, which has been the association’s medical partner since last fall.

Water polo is a challenging team sport. 30

life magazine 2015/1

Dr. Michael Badulescu, director and physician of Swiss Waterpolo.

or collateral ligament injuries still occur frequently. The shoulder as a weak point “However, chronic symptoms due to overloading, primarily affecting the shoulder joint , should not be overlooked,” emphasizes the association’s physician. Of all the joints in the body, the shoulder has the greatest range of movement. However, this

also increases its susceptibility to injury – particularly when it is placed under strain for many years. “The shoulder’s internal and external rotators usually have different levels of strength. This causes instability when swimming and unfavorable conditions for throwing. Occasionally, it can even lead to a rotator cuff tear.” The athletes are therefore urged to always warm up properly and work agonists and antagonists equally during strength training to achieve muscle tension at the joint that is as symmetrical as possible. “Another fairly common strain-related problem is epicondylitis, particularly in goalkeepers. And, of course, injuries also occur out of the water during general strengthening exercises, strength training, or basic endurance. Sprained ankles are just one example of this type of injury,” explains Dr. Badulescu.

Award for the winner of the Bauerfeind Trophy, Carouge Natation.

Pictures: Swiss Waterpolo, Bauerfeind

Dr. Michael Badulescu has been fascinated by moving in water since he was a child. But he soon grew tired of just swimming and, when he got the chance to try out water polo, he found his sporting passion. “For me, the combination of aggressive and tactical elements, of swimming and throwing, and the feeling of achieving something together as a team is what makes the sport so attractive,” says the Chief Orthopedic Physician at Spital Rorschach hospital and Head of Sports Medicine at Kantonsspital Sankt Gallen cantonal hospital , whose enthusiasm still bubbles over today. And, from a medical perspective, he is pleased that acute injuries are rarer in water polo than you might expect in this kind of contact sport. “One of the advantages is that kicks are less powerful under water, for example,” says Dr. Badulescu. Of course, bruising caused by impact , sprained fingers, and even meniscus

MEDICAL

Bauerfeind’s commitment to sport The company slogan of Bauerfeind AG is “Motion is Life” – a slogan that we actively put into practice in our commitment to sport on an international , regional , and local level. Marc Déverin, Managing Director of Bauerfeind AG Switzerland, explains why the company supports Swiss Waterpolo as a medical partner: “We want to make people more aware of our products and their medical effectiveness in the (amateur) sports world too. We are delighted to be able to help Swiss Waterpolo, not only by providing our orthopedic aids and compression Is the progression of rehabilitation in the event of an injury different from other sports? “In my opinion, water polo players have a slight advantage when it comes to injuries of the lower extremities. For example, if you suffer a sprain in football , you can’t get back on the field as quickly. You are under less strain in the water. If your foot or knee is injured, you can almost drag your legs behind you, enabling you to start gentle swimming training again quite soon.

stockings, but also through our expertise in the field of prevention and training. Close collaboration with the physicians and physiotherapists as a medical partner is also of great importance to Bauerfeind: the experience and knowledge we have gained from supplying elite athletes with our products is incorporated into the ongoing development and optimization of our products. And this benefits all athletes. Last but not least – true to our company slogan – we also want to get people, particularly young athletes, excited about the sport with the †... Bauerfeind Trophy!” However, water polo players with a shoulder injury have to heal completely first too.” Trust in the Bauerfeind brand Dr. Badulescu is happy to rely on orthopedic aids from Bauerfeind when treating both the athletes and his patients in the clinic. Whether it is the GenuTrain (for the knee), the MalleoTrain (for the ankle), or the EpiTrain (for the elbow), patients are pleased with the products: “Everyone has heard of them in Switzerland. The design and colors

are easily recognizable and my patients trust the brand fully.” The positive image also encourages patients to persevere with their treatment. “So I am also particularly pleased that Bauerfeind Switzerland is supporting our association as a medical partner, not only by providing medical aids, but also by educating our coaches and physiotherapists about the products.” And that’s not all: last fall , Swiss Waterpolo and its medical partner launched the “Bauerfeind Motion is Life Trophy” to encourage young people to participate in sport. Swiss water polo clubs that wish to recruit budding athletes and provide them with long-term support through innovative ideas and projects were rewarded. The “Carouge Natation” club in the canton of Geneva had the best idea. It is offering students an introduction to water polo during school swimming lessons in May and by organizing a swimming sports day with a school water polo tournament in June. ­Bauerfeind Switzerland is funding the project with a grant of CHF 3,000. One of Dr. Badulescu’s greatest ambitions is to help water polo in Switzerland achieve the status that such an attractive sport deserves. “Perhaps Bauerfeind Switzerland can provide a bit of support here ,” says Marc Déverin, Managing Director of Bauerfeind AG †... Switzerland. 

For further information The shoulder joint comes under particular stress in this sport.

please visit www.swisswaterpolo.com You can find contact details for Bauerfeind Switzerland on page 35. life magazine 2015/131

IN MOTION

Tai Chi Chuan

Everything flows Whether to improve one’s health, for relaxation or even as a life style: the art of movement called Tai Chi Chuan has long been much more than just a part of the traditional physical culture in China – today it is being practiced by several million people throughout the world.

32

Pictures: Bauerfeind

Picture: Shutterstock.com/zhu difeng

It is a sunny Tuesday morning in Augsburg‘s Botanical Garden. On a lawn close to the Japanese Garden, a group of people in plaincolored track suits have positioned themselves evenly in rows. Following a short signal , they begin to move as a harmonious whole in a slow, flowing rhythm. >>>

life magazine 2015/1

IN MOTION

life magazine 2015/133

IN MOTION ments, or what are known as the postures. They usually merge seamlessly in a clearly described sequence and bear names that sometimes emphasize the use or the characteristics of the movement (e.g. “Heel Kick Right”, “Single Whip”) or ones that sound quite poetic (e.g. “The White Crane Spreads Its Wings“). There are short forms, such as the 24-posture form, also known as the “Beijing form”, or forms with more than 100 postures, such as the “Yang style long form” with 108 postures. Partner exercises and forms complement the Tai Chi range, as do many weapons forms. The most widely used weapons form is the sword form, but fans as well as short and long sticks are also used, among other things.

>>> “For me, Tai Chi is medicine for body and soul ,” says Tai Chi instructor Ursula Picard. “Weather permitting, we meet here in the Botanical Garden, rather than in the studio.” She started Tai Chi Chuan at the Augsburg Association for Holistic Respiratory and Medical Gymnastics (Augsburger Verein für ganz­ heitliche Atem- und Heilgymnastik (AGA) e. V.) about 25 years ago. Before that , she was an active ice dancer and skiing enthusiast , but a knee injury forced her to resort to exercises that were easier on the knees. “I liked the soft  flowing movements right away. And the fact that you need to be alert at all times, yet still feel calm and relaxed,” says the 72-year-old. Interplay between yin and yang Originally established in the Chinese Empire, Tai Chi Chuan is what is known as an internal martial art (nèijiāquán, neijia, in short) for armed or unarmed close combat.

“I liked the soft  flowing movements right away. And the fact that you need to be alert at all times, yet still feel calm and relaxed.“

(Ursula Picard)

Tai Chi could be translated as “great extremes”, or also as the “supreme ultimate”. In the art of movement that is Tai Chi Chuan (Chuan = fist or practicing the supreme ultimate), the differentiation and the constant interplay between the polarities yang and yin 34

life magazine 2015/1

Ursula Picard, Tai Chi instructor at at the Augsburg Association for Holistic Respiratory and Medical Gymnastics.

are practiced, between top and bottom, front and back, outside and inside, tension and relaxation. Very little is known about its early development as Tai Chi Chuan was passed on solely within very small circles, such as a family or monastery. Legend has it that the Taoist monk Zhang Sanfeng, who was probably born in the 13th century, watched a battle between a snake and a crane in the Wudang Mountains. Thanks to its circular movements, its smoothness and softness, the snake kept evading the bird‘s movements until it gave up and left the snake alone. Fascinated by the snake‘s tactics and its “soft fighting” while displaying inner strength, Zhang Sanfeng is said to have developed the principles of the internal martial arts. Of postures, swords and fans Today, there are different styles, including the five family styles Chen, Yang, Wu (Hao), Wu and Sun, as well as sub-styles, that focus on one or several so-called forms, in addition to basic exercises and individual movements. A form consists of several individual move-

World Tai Chi Day On April 25, 2015, Tai Chi and Qigong were practiced throughout the world between 10 and 11 am. (The idea was to let a wave of Tai Chi and Qigong flow from one time zone to the next and all around the globe within 24 hours.) The day was initiated by Bill Douglas, a Tai Chi instructor from Kansas City, USA. Nowadays, after the first local event in 1998, the World Tai Chi Day is observed in more than 80 countries – every year on the last Saturday in April. Short films about previous events can be found on YouTube, for example.

Pictures: Picture alliance/Luca Tettoni, AGA e. V.

Most people practice Tai Chi Chuan to improve their health, for relaxation or meditation. Only a few perform it primarily as a martial art.

Healthy body, mind and soul Today, the form with its anatomically natural movements is mainly carried out slowly and supports the flow of Qi, the energy of life, through the entire body, promoting a healthy body, mind and soul. That is why Tai Chi Chuan is said to have a positive impact on the cardiovascular system, the immune system and the perception of pain. Practitioners improve their balance, body control , proprioception, agility and strength. “When I started Tai Chi, I wasn‘t able to perform some of the movements correctly. For the ’Needle on the Seabed‘, for example, I couldn‘t get my hand close to the floor,” remembers Ursula Picard. “Today, this is not a problem at all – and I‘m 72!” Thanks to Tai Chi Chuan, she not only regained a significant degree of stability in her knee and straightened her spine considerably, she also developed a better understanding of her own body, says the instructor. And even after 25 years, there is still a lot to † discover in the “form”. 

SERVICE

Bauerfeind worldwide Bauerfeind AG Triebeser Straße 16 07937 Zeulenroda-Triebes Germany P +49 (0) 36628-66-10 00 F +49 (0) 36628-66-19 99 [email protected] Austria Bauerfeind Ges.m.b.H. Hainburger Straße 33 1030 WIEN P +43 (0) 800 44 30 130 F +43 (0) 800 44 30 131 [email protected] Benelux Bauerfeind Benelux B.V. Waarderveldweg 1 2031 BK HAARLEM The Netherlands P +31 (0) 23 531 94 27 F +31 (0) 23 532 19 70 [email protected] Belgium P +32 (0) 2 527 40 60 F +32 (0) 2 792 53 45 [email protected] Bosnia and Herzegovina Bauerfeind d.o.o. BIHAC El Gazalija 7 77000 BIHAC P +387 (0) 37 313 198 F +387 (0) 37 319 074 [email protected] Croatia Bauerfeind d.o.o. Goleška 20 10020 ZAGREB P +385 (0) 1 65 42 855 F +385 (0) 1 65 42 860 [email protected] France Bauerfeind France S.A.R.L. B.P. 50258 95957 ROISSY CDG CEDEX P +33 (0) 1 48 63 28 96 F +33 (0) 1 48 63 29 63 [email protected]

Italy

Slovenia

Bauerfeind AG Filiale Italiana Largo Francesco Richini 6 20122 MILANO MI P +39 039 6 08 12 52 F +39 039 6 08 26 68 [email protected]

Bauerfeind d.o.o. Dolenjska cesta 242 b 1000 LJUBLJANA P +386 (0) 1 4272 941 F +386 (0) 1 4272 951 [email protected]

Poland

Bauerfeind Ibérica, S.A. Historiador Diago, 13 46007 VALENCIA P +34 96 385 66 33 F +34 96 385 66 99 [email protected]

Bauerfeind Polska Sp. z o.o. Sky Office Center Ul. Rzymowskiego 31 02-697 WARSZAWA P +48 727 677 675 P +48 608 722 543 P +49 (0) 36628 66 1667 [email protected] Republic of Macedonia Bauerfeind Dooel Skopje 50 Divizija 24 a 1000 SKOPJE P +389 (0) 2 3179 002 F +389 (0) 2 3179 004 [email protected] Scandinavia Bauerfeind Nordic AB Roslagsgatan 24 113 55 STOCKHOLM P +46 (0) 774-100 020 F +46 (0) 774-100 021 [email protected] Serbia Bauerfeind d.o.o. 102 Omladinskih brigada 11070 NOVI BEOGRAD P +381 (0) 11 2287 050 F +381 (0) 11 2287 052 [email protected] Singapore Bauerfeind Singapore Pte Ltd. Blk 41 Cambridge Road #01-21 SINGAPORE 210041 P +65 6396 3497 F +65 6295 5062 [email protected]

Spain

Switzerland Bauerfeind AG Vorderi Böde 5 5452 OBERROHRDORF P +41 (0) 56 485 82 42 F +41 (0) 56 485 82 59 [email protected] United Arab Emirates Bauerfeind Middle East FZ-LLC GF-09, District 1, 71 MPC Building Dubai Healthcare City P.O. Box 505116 DUBAI P +971 4 4335 685 F +971 4 4370 344 [email protected] United Kingdom Bauerfeind UK Phyllis House 229 Bristol Road BIRMINGHAM B5 7UB P +44 (0) 121 446 53 53 F +44 (0) 121 446 54 54 [email protected] USA Bauerfeind USA, Inc. 3005 Chastain Meadows Parkway, Suite 700 MARIETTA, GA 30066 P 1 800 423 34 05 P (770) 429 83 30 F (770) 429 84 77 [email protected] life magazine 2015/135

VenoTrain® micro

MEDICAL COMPRESSION STOCKINGS

GREAT COMFORT FOR AN ACTIVE DAILY ROUTINE PLEASANTLY SOFT THANKS TO MICROFIBERS

Microfiber content of over 50 percent

FOR BETTER COMPLIANCE VenoTrain micro – the compression stocking in classes 1 and 2 for mild vein problems – is exceptionally comfortable to wear. With a microfiber content of over 50 percent, it is pleasantly soft, breathable and very gentle on the skin.

BAUERFEIND.COM 36

life magazine 2015/1