Excellence in Rehabilitation: The MAT Table, Brian Scherff
Around 10 years ago I spoke to a SCORE mentor. He expressed his thoughts and I remember the encouraging words and real-world advice. It was mentioned that the amount of work to successfully launch a business is almost always much more than anticipated. He was so right. Today, I continue to consult regularly with my mentors and know that I can always go to them with any questions or issues I'm facing.
I established Excellence in Rehabilitation 11 years ago to build and produce the MAT, Multiple Applications Table. The Multiple Applications table serves 5 functions in one:
- It’s a multiple-applications workout platform.
- It’s a mobilization/treatment table.
- It’s a traction table.
- It’s a pulley system.
- It’s a tilt /inversion table.
The MAT table provides stability and confidence when used by our heavier, older, and less mobile patients. It benefits the therapists and patients because it’s easier to get on and off this table. This reduces injury risk levels for all. The MAT improves outcomes by making it easier to exercise exercise and the inclinometer helps with feedback to limit weight bearing when needed. The MAT reduces costs as it has multiple functions with only one table
Just about 11 years ago, I had a dream to make a medical product that would not only provide an income but enable better patient care. I wanted to create a multiple applications table that was sturdier and more weight-bearing than the Total Gym, Moveo, Moveo XP, or other equipment designed for exercise but used for rehab and PT.
Over the past 15 years, the physical therapy industry has experienced a higher number of weaker, more debilitated, and heavier patients. These are the patients who have difficulty using the current products offered in PT and rehab clinics. Most of the products in OT outpatient clinics are borrowed from fitness centers. This works great for our young, healthy patients but not so well for the above audiences.
The MAT provides a stable surface from which to exercise...which translates to peace of mind for this changing patient population. Once patients realize the stability and comfort presented by the MAT Table and the subsequently reduced anxiety—they will achieve better outcomes and be more committed to complying with physical therapy exercises.
I am a Physical Therapist (MPT) who was continually frustrated with the lack of specific equipment for physical therapy practice. I established Excellence in Rehabilitation, LLC in 2011 to help create a new piece of equipment—designed by and made for physical therapists—that would be specific to physical therapy needs. Over the next three years, 25 engineers from many engineering firms spent at least 10,000 hours and helped me to refine and improve the MAT table. Prototypes were tested at Alamo Nursing and Rehabilitation and in two wellness and outpatient centers. Currently, we are working on generation IV of the MAT and selling them throughout the Midwest.
I am the inventor and builder of the Multiple Applications Table (MAT) in my garage. I realized that existing physical therapy equipment wasn’t suitable for some of my outpatient rehab clients.
In 2011, I started building different types of tables and exercise equipment to enable squats without the instability and fear people have of going on the total gym system. I started all this research and the desire to invent my own equipment after several patients in my clinic fell off the total gym!
I'm a physical therapist, not a business major, and in the last 10 years, I've had 6 different SCORE mentors contributing to my success. They have given expert advice and significant help in navigating the world of business.
There are many different SCORE advisers with different expertise. It is free! The organization is all based on volunteers, usually business people with tons of experience. My mentors have guided me through engineering, production, marketing, website design, moral support, and so much more. All you have to do is ask.
The takeaway message: whether you're a physical therapist, medical personnel, or anybody without a serious business background who has an innovative idea, SCORE is a great organization for advice.
SCORE is an organization to not only gets you started but also carries you through to success, with unbiased advice. As we approach our 10th table sale this year, I still depend on regular advice from my SCORE mentors.
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