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For Immediate Release Simple, Inexpensive solution to wheelchair injuries and pain Vinton, Iowa Wheelchair design has advanced dramatically in recent years, yet those who rely on them for everyday mobility continue to suffer pain and discomfort from rough-riding chairs, and the threat of more serious injury when a user is thrown from a moving chair. “Wheelchair injuries and accidents occur during users’ everyday travels, both inside and outside the home and may be invisible to caregivers, relatives and the public at large,” says David Ruzicka, Director of Marketing for Frog Legs, Inc., of Vinton, Iowa. The company manufactures and markets shock absorbers for wheelchairs that significantly reduce bumps and jolts; a common cause of wheelchair-related discomfort and injuries such as low back pain and pressure ulcers. “Once wheelchair users try our product they simply won’t be without them. They improve the ride quality of the chair that much, “ notes Ruzicka. Medical studies confirm wheelchair vibration is an important source of patient discomfort, injury and expense. A University of Vermont study [June 1995, Weisman and Huston] identified wheelchair vibration as a major source of injury and discomfort. According to Gerald Weisman MS, who conducted the study, “Vibration is known to cause discomfort and decreased proficiency for those who are ‘able-bodied’. As there are definitely shock loads associated with movement in a wheelchair, chances are someone with limited trunk musculature would show an even greater effect.” Prescription drugs are commonly used to reduce the symptoms suffered by wheelchair users. A follow-up study completed at Iowa State University [June, 1998, Gregg and Derrick] compared vibration levels in chairs equipped with Frog Legs shock absorbers to a control group without them, finding vibration was reduced up to 76%. Clinical observation and trials scheduled this fall at a Veterans’ Administration hospital in Chicago are expected to further confirm these conclusions. While improvements in patients’ condition and comfort have been of first importance, an added incentive to use the new shock absorbers is financial. Medicare and Medicaid have assigned product reimbursement codes for the product, meaning some insurance companies and policies now cover at least some of the cost. “Doctors, therapists or other rehab professionals can now prescribe Frog Legs shock absorbers with confidence,” according to Ruzicka. “It’s easy to reason that these shocks could pay for themselves very quickly with even a minor reduction in the use of prescription drugs. That’s a savings for the healthcare industry in general.” The retail cost of Frog Legs is approximately $300 for manual wheelchair shocks and $400 for power chairs. They are guaranteed for the life of the wheelchair. Frog Legs, Inc. aims to improve comfort and utility for all wheelchair users through wider distribution and sales of its wheelchair shock absorbers. Wheelchair users should ask their doctor, physical therapist or medical equipment dealer about them. Doctors and therapists may check the Frog Legs, Inc. website www.froglegsinc.com or phone Frog Legs’ toll-free Professional Relations Hotline for further information, studies results and the location of a servicing dealer near them. 1-800-922-2129 [8:00AM to 5:00PM Monday to Friday]. For more information:
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