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Innovative Therapists: Putting PT knowledge to work
Who knew that a little idea between friends would turn into a second place finish at the 2008 New Venture Idea Competition held at the MU Trulaske College of Business. Christi Imgarten and Maggie Kramer, graduate students in the MU School of Health Professions’ physical therapy department, played with the idea of combining a pre-existing therapeutic device that helps muscle relaxation, known as “The Stick,” with hot and cold sensations. The result is a winner!
Maggie Kramer, left, and Christie Imgarten, DPT Class of 2010, won second place at the 2008 New Venture Idea Competition held at the MU Trulaske College of Business for their innovative take on an existing therapeutic device. Photos by Cheri Ghan.
The innovative idea came about after a marathon run Imgarten and Kramer took part in. Imgarten had recently purchased a marketable item, The Stick that was treating her sore muscles. However, both Imgarten and Kramer thought the device could be improved.
“We thought that if we could make The Stick hot and cold via the removal of a certain part that could be warmed up in the microwave or cooled down in the freezer, then the device would be more therapeutically beneficial. We also discussed having the device extend in various lengths, making the product more versatile,” say Imgarten and Kramer.
The idea was quickly put into action when Kramer saw information about the Robert J. Trulaske College of Business New Venture Idea Competition. Both Imgarten and Kramer brainstormed together on their design and gave a three- minute presentation in the “For Profit” category of the competition. One judge in particular was impressed.
“The judge was a marathon runner and found the idea very intriguing,” says Imgarten. “What’s so great about the device is that it is extremely versatile. It can be used on various areas of the body such as the neck and lower body extremities,” says Kramer. They both agreed that the best aspect of their adapted stick is that it is self-administered.
Both Imgarten and Kramer are proud of their accomplishment in the competition, “It got us out on campus, using skills we had learned in class and applying them to the business world,” says Kramer. Department of Physical Therapy faculty, staff and other students are proud of Imgarten and Kramer as well. Marian Minor, the department chair, was particularly impressed.
“The fact that they would recognize an opportunity to apply their PT knowledge in an area not identified with the PT department is impressive in itself. Then the fact that they felt comfortable enough in their knowledge to be apart of an invention competition is extremely impressive,” says Minor.
Kramer and Imgarten plan on writing a formal business plan for the “Thera-Stick” and plan on re-entering the New Venture Idea Competition next year. If the idea goes to market, the girls plan on using the adapted stick in the MU physical therapy clinics.
— Caitlin Dawdy
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Maggie demonstrates how “the stick” is used to treat tired muscles after exercise.
Maggie and Christie suggested adding heat and cold capabilities to enhance the device’s effectiveness.
Page last updated on: August 25, 2009
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