Product History - A brief overview of the last 14 years of product development
The development of the product line that started with Tenease in 2010 and evolved into Plantarcure is not just a story of technological innovation, but also of a deep understanding of patient needs and a commitment to improving the quality of life for those suffering from various musculoskeletal conditions. This progression reflects a holistic approach to healthcare, where patient comfort, accessibility, and effectiveness of treatment are paramount.
Tenease: A Groundbreaking Start (2010)
Tenease, developed by Mr. Ranjan Vhadra, a UK surgeon, revolutionized the treatment of tennis elbow, a painful and often persistent condition. Winning the 2009 Schroders Innovation competition with its design, Tenease became the gold standard of treatment for tennis elbow.
Before Tenease, treatments like rest, injections, or even surgery were the norm, each with its drawbacks and limited effectiveness. Tenease's introduction provided a new avenue for relief: a portable, non-invasive device that used low-frequency vibration therapy.
The device was powered by 2 AAA batteries and was very sensitive to overuse but it was a breakthough in home treatment. Future developments have made it far more robust with an internal rechargeable battery and the latest version is still available. teniselbowtreatment.co.uk
Used by a Wimbledon tennis champion
Used by Richard Krajicwek 1996 Wimbledon's mens singles champion, to treat his golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) this innovation was not just in its effectiveness but also in making a previously hospital-bound technology accessible for home use.
Expanding the Scope: Addressing Other Conditions
The success and effectiveness of Tenease laid the foundation for exploring other applications of the same technology:
Adapted for the knee - version 2
Kneease: With the success of Tenease, the logical next step was to adapt the technology for other joints. Knee pain, often a result of conditions like osteoarthritis, was a perfect candidate as the experience of the medical team was primarily in knee and hip joint replacements. Kneease maintained the core principles of Tenease - vibration therapy, portability, and ease of use - while modifying the device to suit the anatomical and functional specifics of the knee.
The disadvantage of using the device on a condition like osteoarthrits was soon apparent - it gave some pain relief but could do nothing to help the underlying condition. This was due to the basic nature of osteoarthritis. A knee or hip replacement is the only solution. But, it did provide pain relief for patients pre and post operation.
Treating nerve pain from Sciatica - version 3
Sciaticalm: Sciatica, characterized by pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, can be debilitating. A version of the device was developed called Sciaticalm to target this specific pain. The device likely uses the same underlying vibration therapy technology but adapted to target the lower back and the path of the sciatic nerve more effectively.
Effective and providing relief from nerve pain for many, the device is still sold today under this brand name Sciaticalm.com
Adapted for foot pain - version 4
Plantarcure: The most recent in the line, Plantarcure, addresses plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain. Adapting the vibration therapy to the needs of the foot, particularly the plantar fascia, demonstrates the versatility and adaptability of the original technology developed for Tenease. Plantar fasciitis is a very similar condition to lateral epicondylitis in that it is caused by the lack of blood flow to a tendon or group of fibres. Ideal conditions for the device.
Version 5 - It is now rechargeable with a built in treatment timer and 80% more powerful than the original device with 10 modes of operation
Technological Advancements and Clinical Approvals
Each of these devices, while based on the same fundamental technology, underwent rigorous testing and adaptation to ensure they met the specific needs of each condition they aimed to treat. This process involved not only technical development but also clinical trials and regulatory approvals to ensure safety and efficacy. The MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) approval of Tenease, for instance, was a major breakthrough in the initial stages of the company.
Patient-Centric Approach
A key aspect of the success of these products is their patient-centric approach. They are designed keeping in mind the patient's need for a non-invasive, easy-to-use, and effective solution which is easy to use. The ability to use these devices at home, without the need for constant medical supervision, enables sufferers to treat themselves easily without expensive travel to a doctor or hospital. This is especially important in chronic conditions where long-term management is often more pragmatic and sustainable than short-term interventions.
The future...
The journey from Tenease to Plantarcure is more than just the evolution of a product; it's a reflection of how medical device innovation can profoundly impact healthcare. By providing effective, non-invasive, and accessible pain relief options, these devices have opened new avenues in the management of musculoskeletal conditions.
Looking forward, the potential for further innovations - perhaps in the form of smarter, connected devices or adaptations for other conditions - is vast. Version 6 ? Let us know what you need and we will aim to make it happen.