A Victoria University study showed the
CoolXChange wrap reduced skin and deep
muscle temperature by an average of 18 percent
for up to two hours. Also, CoolXChange reduced
deep muscle temperature (4 cm below surface),
by an average of 11 percent after two hours,
according to the research.
For many providers, succeeding in retail sales lies in capitalizing
on niches that leverage their considerable expertise. If a provider can identify a
related market that lets it leverage its knowledge and access to the right products, it can
cement solid relationships with that client segment.
One of those niches is sports therapy. Many of sports therapy offerings are items
providers already supply, or are related to items, and are often very much in line with
providers existing staff expertise. Some clearly related sports therapy “cousins” include
compression garments and especially stockings; braces, supports and other orthopedic
offerings; and both stock and custom orthotics.
Also, The sports therapy market lets providers upsell with much needed items, such
as cold and heating packs, and pain management, which also appeal to other DME
patients.
One such product is CoolXChange, a special type of two-in-one bandage/wrap from
Orthozone Inc. that is designed to help provide simultaneous cooling and compression.
To treat various sports injuries, The RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method is
often prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation. CoolXChange aims to advance that
method by providing concentrated compression and cooling.
“CoolXChange is designed for advanced recovery for pain and inflammation by
providing both cooling and compression therapy in one easy step,” says Tom Traver,
president of Orthozone. “The CoolXChange Gel Bandage accelerates the common first
aid treatment method of R.I.C.E by combining the cooling and compression stages for
effective relief from muscle strains and pain, without requiring refrigeration.
“CoolXChange works through evaporative cooling together with the elastic compression
to reduce the amount of blood flow and heat in the injured area,” he continues.
“The Gel Bandage absorbs heat energy from the body and the absorbed heat is then
removed by evaporation allowing for hours of targeted cool and compression therapy.”
And the approach seems to work. Victoria University conducted a study that showed
CoolXChange reduced skin and deep muscle temperature by an average of 18 percent
for up to two hours. CoolXChange also reduced deep muscle temperature (4 cm below
surface), by an average of 11 percent after two hours, according to the research.
“The same study also highlighted lower levels of inflammation, better muscle
recovery and participants being more physically ready for exercise following use of
CoolXChange,” Traver added.
All told, participants using the CoolXChange wrap had a 47 percent better muscle
recovery rate (measured via peak torque) versus participants with no intervention at
day seven.
“CoolXChange can be used in both the acute phase of a soft tissue injury (0 to 72
hours) to minimize pain and inflammation, and also with chronic injuries and to reduce
general muscle soreness,” Traver explains. “CoolXChange is ideal for first aid kits at
home, schools and sport groups, in the workplace or for clinical use. The Gel Bandages
are perfect for kids, adults and athletes of all levels.”
In terms of composition, the CoolXChange is pretty straightforward: the gel bandage
consists of nylon, polyester and spandex with a hydrogel embedded into the fabric and
leaves no mess or smell. It contains no medicines, menthols or latex. CoolXChange is
self-adhesive so it can be used on any part of the body.
To apply, users simply wrap the area with the CoolXChange and the temperature of
the area begins to drop within minutes. The wrap can then be worn continuously for
extended periods of time. Once the user is done, he or she simply puts the CoolXChange
back into its sealable pouch and adds 3 teaspoons of water, so that the CoolXChange
will rehydrate so that it can be used again.
So how did such a simple, but innovative approach to relieving the pain of sports
injuries get developed? It was a basic necessity, according to Traver.
“Our team developed CoolXChange out of frustration to conveniently apply ice evenly
around an injured area,” he explains. “The market research highlighted consumers were
sick of reaching out for bags of frozen peas and ice packs that had limited application
with time, ability to contour to the injured area and lacked convenience to apply
anytime, anywhere. The focus was on enhancing the user experience to get better
compliance when it came to injury management. Getting customers back to doing what
they love best.”
From that point forward, CoolXChange was two years in development, but it wasn’t
always smooth sailing. Some challenges popped up along the way, but the were teachable
moments that ultimately refined the product, according to Traver.
“There were certainly challenges trying to embed the gel into the compression
bandage,” he recalls. “With our supplier we had to custom build a machine to get the
functionality right. It was also trial and error working with our research partners on
what the best evaporative set-up would be to maximize the cooling process.”
In terms of funding, CoolXChange is a cash sale product, and it’s one that Orthozone
is targeting specifically for the HME provider marketplace.
“In today’s HME Dealer environment mire cash sale products are a necessity,” Traver
says. “CoolXChange is an excellent cash sale product for any patient who may benefit
from cold therapy. And we do not sell to mass merchants so you are not competing with
a chain drug store down the street.”
To start offering Orthozone, providers can contact Orthozone in order to become an
authorized dealer, or to find a distributor in their area.
CoolXChange
Orthozone Inc.
(844) 656-5500
www.orthozone.com