What is the Armaid? Learn more about the history and the science behind this revolutionary therapy device below.
History of the Armaid
My name is Terry Michael Cross and I invented Armaid. I worked for many years as a Holistic Health Practitioner (H.H.P.) and specialized in treating sports and occupational injuries. I loved to find the right method of treatment and massage to efficiently help the client in as few sessions as possible. I preferred not to have “repeat customers” as I liked teaching people how to take care of themselves. In the early 90’s I began to see more occupational Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) in the upper extremity and my therapy practice soared with new clients.
After several very successful years in practice, I began to develop soreness in my thumb and finger joints and also tendonitis in my hands and elbows. It was ironic to me that I was developing some of the same problems that I was relieving in my clients. It became obvious that in order to continue to help others I would have to begin more self-care on myself and reduce the number of clients I was treating. I began to imagine a simple device and protocol so that RSI sufferers could work on themselves whenever and wherever they needed help without going to a therapist.
Over two years of trial and error, I still hadn’t come up with the right idea for a device. Nothing I tried was simple and effective enough to produce the results I was looking for. I thought I may just have to put the quest down and move on.
So I wasn’t thinking at all about any device design when I was driving to my son’s soccer game. However, half way there I had what could be called an epiphany, a rush of inspirational clarity. Of course, make it a lever design like a nutcracker. Intuitively I knew the idea would work very well- the simple design of a lever that exerts a small amount of pressure at the handle to multiply the pressure toward the middle where the arm is massaged. The pressure would be easily regulated by the user with little effort. Make the device large enough and adjustable for an arm or hand to fit inside and put a base on it to be supported on the thigh. After trying for so long, I knew this was it.
I had no previous experience with patents, lawyers, prototypes, manufacturing and all the major expenses involved. I therefore naively plunged in with no idea of the type of journey I would be on. Over time, the right support, money and people came together and a business was born. Though the path has been long and twisting at times, I now can look at thousands of satisfied customers that have been empowered to help themselves, to be arm and hand healthy again within their chosen occupations, activities and sports. The act of creating something truly useful is what I had hoped for and had been given through that moment of insight. I am grateful that Armaid has made such a difference to so many people.
If you have an idea and want to know more about patents and the long journey of making something come to life, contact me. I can give you some more information and direction that may be of help.
Email: tcross@armaid.com
Telephone: 1-800-488-5505
