New Partnership Integrates Vibration Therapy Into Stem Cell Procedures

Main Category: Stem Cell Research
Also Included In: Bones / Orthopaedics
Article Date: 06 Oct 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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Two leading companies in their respective industries are joining forces to integrate vibration therapy into the stem cell harvesting process.

SpineSmith Partners LP, an orthopedic biotech company based in Austin, Texas, has signed an exclusive national and global distribution agreement with WAVE(R) Manufacturing Inc., of Toronto, Ontario. The partnership between the two companies grants SpineSmith the exclusive rights to sell WAVE's pre-surgical vibration conditioning technology - effectively introducing the approach to the orthopedic and neurological marketplace.

The WAVE system, which stands for Whole-body Advanced Vibration Exercise, allows patients with medical conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and arthritis to improve their fitness at a cellular level before spinal surgery.

Recent scientific research indicates the type of vibration process WAVE technology produces, which is similar to vigorous exercise, can improve circulation, reduce pain, and increase flexibility, with minimal stress to joints - and in a fraction of the time of conventional therapies. Increasing circulation helps prepare the surgical site by stimulating the body's natural healing response and also promotes revascularization and recovery after surgery. WAVE technology can also stimulate and produce growth factors to recruit regenerative cells that play an important role in healing and recovery.

"This is all about creating the best healing environment for the patient, and WAVE technology makes that possible," said Kevin Dunworth, SpineSmith founder. "The most recent scientific literature indicates an up regulation of stem cells, hormones, and growth factors when a patient undergoes vigorous exercise. We believe the up regulation of stem cells will stimulate better surgical outcomes."

"SpineSmith is about regenerative medicine, and this is just the beginning," Dunworth said. "We're all about keeping our surgeons on the cutting edge of medicine, and we're excited to embark on this new frontier."

According to Dr. Larry Leigh, Director of Research and Training for WAVE, the company's vibration therapy helps speed up a patient's recovery time by recruiting more muscle fibers - thus increasing strength and circulation prior to surgery. Additionally, he says: "Vibration exercise pre-op may help elevate the quality of cells that are harvested, thus further aiding the body's healing process."

"The possibilities are endless and WAVE is proud to be the platform of choice," said Harmeet Kuner, CEO of WAVE Manufacturing Inc.

The WAVE system uses vibration plates to simulate the body's natural stretch reflex, recruiting more than 90 percent of muscle fibers to push the body upwards against gravity. WAVE advancements include bringing revolutionary vertical controlled vibration (VCV) technology to the market. Physiological effects on the body include an increase in muscle activity, bone density, and circulation. WAVE whole-body advanced vibration therapy allows patients to achieve the therapeutic benefits of vibration-assisted exercise - but with less stress and friction on joints, ligaments, and tendons than with existing vibration devices.

WAVE has introduced innovations to the market that are quickly making it the preferred vibration platform technology for pre-surgical and post surgical conditioning. Its commitment to providing consistent dosimetry, VCV, and large platform surface area ensures optimal patient safety and product reliability, while maximizing protocol implementation.

About SpineSmith Partners, LP

SpineSmith Partners, LP is dedicated to creating better ways to facilitate and accelerate the healing of spinal disorders through integration of innovative medical devices and biologic technologies. Our dedication to a collaborative approach between scientists, engineers and spine surgeons results in the development of truly innovative biological and hardware technologies. WAVE is an addition to the SpineSmith portfolio of devices with protocols in development to complement regenerative cell technologies. SpineSmith, an Austin, Texas-based company, distributes WAVE.

SpineSmith Partners, LP

About WAVE Manufacturing Inc.

Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario - with technology manufactured in Windsor, Ontario - WAVE Manufacturing Inc. focuses on the manufacture, education, and training of vibration exercise technology. WAVE was created by a physical therapist and a chiropractor to help their patients achieve the therapeutic results of vibration-assisted exercise.

WAVE Manufacturing Inc.