“Recovery.” This is a word I’ve used for most of my adult life, especially in coaching others. But honestly I’ve always done a really bad job of actually embracing recovery myself because I never allowed enough time for it. After I turned 40, things began to change and I could see how much harder an active lifestyle was on my body. Something that was easier 10 years ago was suddenly (very) painfully obviously not so anymore. Recovery was no longer just a word, but an action.
I still don’t have a lot of time, and I feel that gets harder and harder to find. I read about the CTM Band a year or so ago, and though I wasn’t 100% sold on whether or not I needed to add yet another recovery tool to my arsenal, it fascinated me a bit because it was not only super portable but it was a quick fix to alleviate pain. 2-3 minutes with this band around a tight muscle is all you are advised to employ. Who doesn’t have 2 minutes? Especially if it makes the pain go away? I was certainly game to try it.
The CTM (Compression, Tension, and Movement) band was designed by a sports injury specialist and doctor, Dr. Kyle Browning. It’s purpose is to increase flexibility and to decrease muscle pain with compression and massage. The combined effect of all three factors mentioned in the CTM name are necessary for myofascial release to be effective. You won’t be able to address all of those components in any one massage tool alone.
The CTM band is made out of sturdy latex rubber, similar to a flat band you’d use at the gym for a workout. The band has four holes drilled onto one end which hold detachable trigger points. The triggers, hard half circular shapes with screws on the back, easily come on and off the band, and you can choose to use all 4, less, or none. These trigger extensions are meant to target tight muscles and sore areas of your body before and after exercise.
How does it work? You simply align the band with the desired area on your body that you want to provide relief to and wrap the band directly over the attachments. You want the band to be very tight, as you’re looking for an ischemic response to limit blood flow like a tourniquet would. This is why you only want to use this tool for 2 minutes! The tight band and trigger points will send a flush of blood to the area in pain. While you are wrapped, you should move around throughout the functional ranges of motion and when you take the band off, that’s where the magic really happens. You’ll feel fresh blood rush to the area you had restricted previously and it will feel like new life is charging through your muscles. The CTM will reduce soreness, tightness, and swelling so you’ll recover for your next adventure that much quicker. It’s amazing, truly. Check out the “how to” videos to see it all in action.
There are several conditions that the CTM Band can help you with, including Plantar Fasciitis, shin splints, Runner’s Knee, ITB Syndrome, Patellar Tendinitis, and many more. Not to mention it just feels great after a long run! This band arrived in my mailbox the same day as a particularly hard half marathon run and two days after a hard leg workout. My legs were hurting. After 2 minutes with the CTM Band wrapped around my left leg, I felt a noticeable difference between it and my right leg. After I wrapped each side of my hamstrings, I could reach my toes again. I hadn’t been able to reach the ground at all earlier that day.
The CTM Band can be used for warm-up as well as recovery. You’ll increase your blood flow and prepare your body for the movements associated with running or working out in a more effective way than just stretching or foam rolling.
There is a guaranteed lifetime warranty and a 30 day return policy on the CTM Band, and the company has generously offered to replace any broken or damaged parts should something happen. Even better, it’s only $29.99 which is totally worth trying, right? I’ve already recommended this tool to several clients and I’m finally going to make time for my own recovery.
Company:
Products & Price:
Specs (from website):
- Width: 2in (Blue, Green, Yellow)
- Length: 7ft
- Thickness: 1.3mm
- Material: Natural Latex Rubber
- Max Stretch: 150% of length
More about CTM Band:
My name is Dr. Kyle Bowling, and I’m the creator of the CTM Band. I’m a practicing sports chiropractor and competitive distance runner based out of Louisville, Ky and I’m so incredibly excited to share my invention with you!
I’ve developed the CTM Band after years of seeing athletes come into my office with injury and mobility issues. Many of which could have been completely prevented with a little more quality and functional self maintenance. Here’s an example of the conversation I’ve had so many times:
Me: “Your (foot/ankle/knee) hurts due to tightness or restriction in your calves. Do you foam roll, stick roll, or stretch?”
Patient: “Yes, all the time! I don’t feel like I can get deep enough into the muscle with my roller to make a lasting difference though.”
There’s something to this! Check out the latest research on myofascial release and you’ll see that a foam roller can indeed work, but only when combining it with sustained pressure and stretching AT THE SAME TIME. Now give it a try. It’s very difficult to do, right? Here’s where the light bulb went off in my head for the CTM Band. This very simple tool combines these factors and can get the necessary work done to prevent injury.
Here’s another thing. I personally hand make every single one of these bands. After I go for a run, get done with patients for the day and get my 3 kids tucked into bed, I make the bands and fulfill orders out of my home. In short, I work hard to make sure you’re getting a quality product.
Any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out anytime! Find me at Kyle@CTM.Band
Thank you so much for taking a minute to read about our story. I’ll look forward to hearing from you soon!
Thank you to CTM Band for providing us with samples. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
