1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to sports towels, and more particularly, to a sports towel that can be used therapeutically.
2. Background Information
It is generally well known that performing muscle-stretching exercises has wide-ranging health benefits. For example, getting blood flowing to the muscles by stretching, or “warming up,” before participating in sports can prevent injury to the muscles as well as enhance athletic performance. Further, sore or tightened muscles often benefit from stretching exercises after activity. It is also generally known that the application of ice can be helpful in promoting healing and reducing the pain and inflammation that can sometimes accompany tired or injured muscles.
Often, many healthcare clinicians such as chiropractors and physical therapists prescribe stretching exercises and ice treatments to their patients. These clinicians may teach their patients to stretch using stretch tubing or stretch bands during a therapeutic office visit, to add resistance to the movement of the muscles in order to warm up the muscles properly. Many times physical therapists will schedule a series of muscle therapy sessions in which the patient uses the stretching devices, and then instruct the patient to continue to use the devices at home, in the gym, and on the sports field. Many office visits also include the application of ice, and the patient is often instructed to continue use of ice while at home.
Although the benefits of stretching and icing are well known, compliance by patients and athletes tends to be poor. Very few people actually carry a muscle stretching device or an ice pack when exercising. Generally, this is because the muscle stretching devices and ice packs that are currently on the market are inconvenient for the participant to carry. It some cases, the public image of carrying therapeutic devices is also a reason for an athlete to leave the beneficial therapeutic devices behind. These factors are true for any number of sporting activities, such as cycling, football, soccer, weight lifting, general conditioning, etc.
One example of a sport that can particularly benefit from stretching and icing is golf. Performing stretching exercises prior to playing golf is recommended by golf experts as a means to enhance golf performance by increasing flexibility and range of motion. Typically, however, golfers do not properly stretch prior to playing golf. Many golfers simply take a few practice swings before hitting their first golf shot. These individuals tend to not get “warmed up” until after playing a few holes of golf, and often report “tightness” in their golf swing. Further, while on the golf course they may often suffer injuries, such as muscle pulls or sore backs and shoulders that would benefit from the application of ice after the round of golf is completed.
There remains a need, therefore, for a device that promotes stretching and icing of the muscles for therapeutic patients and athletes and is convenient to carry. There is also a need for a device that healthcare clinicians and trainers can prescribe to their patients for stretching and icing that promotes a continued use of the device.