The application of heat to assist in the prevention and cure of injury is a widely accepted practice that has been used throughout the world for a long time. There are many ways of delivering heat, from simple massage and warm clothing to potions and liniments containing ingredients to generate heat.

All of these are quite effective but all rely on specialist skill and/or expensive equipment or consumables.

Mirotec's 'space blanket' technology requires neither. Here is what customers have to say:

Mirotec case studies for:
Horse and Vet
Dog and Greyhound
Human

- Sport

- Medical

Blanket soothes muscle injuries
Nick Mills is a vet but like many eccentric Englishmen he is also an inventor in his spare time. While nursing a horse with a chronic muscular back problem, at his practice near Rye, East Sussex, he came up with the idea of using ''space blanket'' technology to treat the condition.

Last week, he won the South East Invention of the Year award for Mirotec - a ''miracle'' blanket. It consists of two foil sheets of metalised-polyester that are micro-perforated to allow moisture out, but keep heat in. By reflecting heat, the blanket boosts blood circulation, relaxing and warming muscles and accelerating the flow of tissue-repairing nutrients.

The foil blanket is being used to treat muscle injuries in animals but preliminary tests have also begun on humans. Mirotec can be ironed on to vests, shirts and socks to help treat shoulder and neck strains, lower back pain and chilblains.

Greyhound owners may also be cashing in. By ironing Mirotec on to the underside of the dogs' blankets, their muscles can be warmed up before a race, significantly improving performance.

Mills is now looking beyond medical applications. He is negotiating with the army, which could use the blankets to protect soldiers from severe cold. Mills believes the blanket would help ward off frostbite.

Sunday Times, 3 October 1993
Copyright 1993 Times Newspapers Limited

Mirotec equine products heavily utilised at the Sydney Olympic Games
Mirotec equine products were some of the most heavily utilised "tools" from a physiotherapy point of view at the Sydney Olympic Games. In particular the rugs were in high demand for their obvious benefits in reducing post-treatment soreness by creating warmth and promoting blood flow through the back muscles. Most noteworthy however were the tendon wraps for their dramatic effect on windgalls when left on overnight.

Champion Arabian Warmblood and FEI Dressage Horse Hollybrook Boston - Owner, Berni Saunders says...

"Show preparation has never been so easy and Boston has never looked better, than when I started to use Mirotec as a part of my daily routine. I now use only one under rug (not several) which is very light and comfortable, and the neck rug only on cold nights. I have no hesitation in recommending these products to all discerning performance horse enthusiasts, looking for effective products that represent excellent value".

Kate Hesse - B.Phty Member APA
Equine Physiotherapist for Veterinary Services - Olympic Games Sydney 2000

The Mirotec TecRug provides a low-cost bit of magic for performance horse owners
There is no such thing as magic in the horse training business, and most things that come close to magic, cost millions! The Mirotec TecRug provides a low-cost bit of mini-magic for performance horse owners.

My best results from Mirotec products have been on horses with a bit of age, stiff horses or horses that are going through a tough stage in their training. These types tend to come out with softer backs, which are more functional after a session with the Mirotec. The TecRug is a cost effective absolutely problem free physiotherapy aid which should be part of every stables repertoire of horse-health helpers.

What is Mirotec?
Well for me it is an inexpensive but truly effective form of physiotherapy for horses, which can only help and poses no danger even to the uninitiated.
Costs Little,   Can't Hurt,   Helps Horses

Christine Doan
Australian Olympic Representative - Barcelona Dressage

Putting Mirotec to the test
A chestnut gelding with physical lameness in the near side hind leg. After examination showed a large amount of scarring in the gracilis and also the deep digital flexor. This was producing a shortened walk. A trucking accident several years earlier had produced these injuries. We put Mirotec to the test on what results it could produce.

The following is a day-by-day list of results:
Day 1: 8 hours application, produced large sweat marks over gluteal and tendinous muscles.
Day 2- 5: 8 hours application, sweat was confined to semitendinosus, with loss of hair.
Day 6-11: 8 hours application, produced scabbing at the origin of the semitendinosus.
Day 12: 8 hours application, after removing the rug, to our amazement, a small metal fragment was removed from the muscle.
A few days after, the horse showed a more even pace at all gaits. Since these results, I have seen a large number of promising results on horses with muscle soreness. I would not hesitate to recommend Mirotec products to any horse owner.

Chris White - South Australia
Physical Therapies E.B.W.

Mirotec products assist in both pre and post massage procedures
Mirotec products were used in pre and post massage procedures and have been exceptional in their warming ability. The products are easy and efficient to use. I have found a significant change in the superficial muscles of the horse. The Mirotec product through its warmth, calmed and soothed the horses. Used pre-massage the product assists by warming the muscles so that the Equine Myofunctional Therapist is better able to apply their techniques. The recovery of deep tissue injury is better due to the exceptional warming capabilities.

Overall, the Mirotec products assist in both pre and post massage procedures and assists with deep and superficial muscles.

National College of Traditional Medicine - Victoria
Ms Sandy Rogers - Director NCTM
Head Lecturer - Equine Myofunctional Therapist Studies

Mirotec is a simple efficient product to use and results are very effective
We have been using the Mirotec range of products on our horses for approximately 12 months. Our experience is that these products greatly assist in the treatment of back and leg problems, particularly joint swelling and shin soreness.

Mirotec is a simple efficient product to use and results are very effective. You are aware we agist, spell and pre-train thoroughbred racehorses and as such, have to deal with a multitude of ailments and injuries. Mirotec is now one of the major products we use in the care of our horses.

CHERON Park, Victoria - Thoroughbred Horse Agistment
Ron Gower, Managing Director

Show Coats made easy
Because of Mirotec's exceptional warming capabilities the natural oils in the coat are enhanced dramatically. We have found our preparation for shows has been reduced greatly by using Mirotec products. Mirotec TecRug also has the added benefit of being able to reduce multiple rugs on horses in winter. TecRug is exceptionally warm for a rug of its weight - ideal for clipped horses.

Les Friend
Riding Academy, Goulburn NSW

User Feedback
Many animal owners and trainers along with the professionals that help them, have experienced the benefits of Mirotec rugs and wraps in day-to-day care of management, and to optimise performance.

Cut down the number of track injuries - Australian Champion Greyhound Head Honcho uses and recommends Mirotec
Imagine being able to cut down the number of track injuries, improve early speed, reduce the incidence of cramp, and hasten recovery from pain and Acidosis.

Think it can't be done - a company called Mirotec has - by developing a DogRug made from waterproof thermodynamic insulation, similar to that used for the protective covering of people suffering from hypothermia when lost in freezing conditions.

It is a clever piece of technology borrowed from the principles of human athletic performance. Ask yourself what these human athletes have in common - track and field, gymnastics and swimmers? The answer - they all warm-up in tracksuits, immediately before the event.

Athletes need this preparation in order to improve the blood flow to the muscles and thereby achieving a greater level of oxygen in the muscles of acceleration, and raising their temperature to increase elasticity, reduce stiffness and minimize damage to the muscle fibres.

Close examination of the Mirotec DogRug reveals a soft inner layer of reflective metallic material that reflects 'body heat' - boosting circulation. Micro-perforated breathing pores allow moisture to escape while infra-red radiation penetrates deep into the muscles. The outer layer is an attractive waterproof canvas material that is tough, durable and comfortable to wear.

The rug requires no special skill to apply, as it is really no different in use from the conventional greyhound rug - just slip it over the head and down over the body, attach the bands under the belly, and presto - your greyhound is as warm and as snug as the proverbial bug in the rug!

These Mirotec "greyhound track suits" have enjoyed widespread use overseas and in Australia for their ability to improve comfort and performance in the colder months. Trials conducted by veterinarians with these Mirotec DogRugs have shown that, for racing greyhounds, the body temperature will be maintained at a constant comfortable level even in cold windy conditions - whereas those greyhounds that were left unrugged, or protected by the traditional light rug, sustained a fall in body temperature and a degree of muscular stiffness typical of muscle cooling.

This ability of the DogRug to preserve body heat was shown to be quite outstanding, far surpassing the results capable with the old Hessian or nylon/woollen blanket rug. So remarkable are the benefits of the Mirotec rug, that permission has been granted for greyhounds to wear these rugs at race meetings - either while in the race kennel if the trainer wishes, but more importantly, for all race contestants to parade in them, during the pre-race warm-up going to the starting boxes - a concept developed from observing the benefits of track suits for human athletes.

By maintaining a warm body temperature, especially in the muscles of the limbs and trunk, there has to be a reduction in the number and severity of muscle and joint injuries sustained during the helter and skelter of greyhound racing.

There is also an improvement in early speed from the boxes when the muscles of acceleration are warmed up and fully able to cope with the pressures and strains of rapid change of place and direction - which also means less soreness after the bumps and knocks of a hard run.

We are sure to hear and see a lot more about the Mirotec DogRug in the months to come as the more astute trainers realise the benefits to be gained financially, and in retaining fitter, sounder greyhounds in their racing kennel.

Champion Greyhound Head Honcho uses and recommends Mirotec
Dr. Jim Gannon
International Greyhound Consultant

Baseball sceptic won over by Mirotec wraps
Firstly, after 30 years of playing baseball and seeing hundreds of gimmick products over the last 20 years, let me say that I tend to be a bit of a traditionalist and sceptic when it comes to "new" things.

I was first introduced to Mirotec in November '98 at a local club game in Melbourne. One of my teammates had something wrapped around his elbow between innings. As I pursued the matter further, I came to realise that it was a Mirotec tendon wrap for a horse.

After thorough examination and trial of the product, I contacted Mirotec to further trial the wrap. While in discussions about design Mirotec Australia developed a one-piece Shoulder / Elbow wrap, to my specifications. Through trial and experimentation of the shoulder wrap throughout the ABL season, '98/'99, I have come to realise several benefits.

Reduced warm-up:
By wearing the Mirotec wrap during pre-game prior to pitching, I found that I was able to shorten my warm-up pitching routine by about 50%. Normally, this routine consists of 60-70 pitches prior to the start of the game. By using the Mirotec wrap, I was able to lower that number significantly to 30-35.

Rest period during a game:
Generally, a pitcher can throw up to 9 innings in a game, thus having 8 periods of rest during that game. The pitcher then returns to the field of play and receives a maximum allotment of 8 warm-up pitches prior to the games re-commencement. I found that by wearing the Mirotec wrap between innings, I am able to reduce my warm-up from 8 to 4, thus saving the energy from 4 pitches per inning.

After match recovery:
By wearing the Mirotec wrap post game for 30-45 minutes and subsequently for short periods in the lead up to the following weeks game, I have noticed virtually no muscle cramping and accelerated recovery time.

As a baseball pitcher, what does it do for me?
In game conditions, the 'fatigue factor' starts to set in at around 100 pitches. But lets not forget the normal 70 pre-game warm-up pitches and the normal situation (without wearing the Mirotec wrap), this actual pitching total is 70 (pre-game), plus 72 (pre-inning warm-up 8 x 9 innings), plus the 'fatigue factor' of 100 (in the game), TOTALLING 242 pitches in all.

By wearing the Mirotec wrap both during pre-game and between innings, I can save the energy required for 71 pitches per outing. That is about 30%. For me, those 71 saved pitches alone can enable me to virtually eliminate the games 'fatigue factor' of 100.

What does Mirotec mean to the 37-year-old sceptic
In layman's terms: 'I can pitch longer and retain my power throughout the entire game.' Now I might still be pitching when I'm 90'. Thanks to Mirotec for this unique product.

David White, Baseball Pitcher
Australian Olympic Team (Sydney 2000)

Professional Playing History - USA:
Chicago White Sox ('84-'88)
Minnesota Twins ('95)

Professional Playing History - Australia:
Melbourne Bushrangers ('92) (ABL)
Canberra Bushrangers ('93-'94)
Perth Heat ('95-'96)
Melbourne Reds ('97-'99)
Victoria (Claxton Shield '99)

Mirotec shoulder wrap assists healing
I have recently used the Mirotec shoulder wrap and was impressed with the speed my shoulder strain healed. I attribute this to the reflective nature of this product to keep the injured area warm and thus healing the injury rapidly. I intend to use this product to warm-up before competition to avoid further muscular injuries.

Paul Pinkewich
13 time National Open Table Tennis Champion
Winner 19 National Veterans Title
Represented Australia 287 times

Mirotec recommended by professionals
Medical Mirotec products have been clinically trialed and found to be effective in the management of conditions affecting soft tissue and/or joint disturbances. Used pre-massage, Mirotec assists by warming the muscles so that Therapist's are better able to apply their techniques. The recovery through deep tissue injury is better due to the exceptional warming capabilities. Mirotec products are safe and convenient to use, and are recommended by professional practitioners in clinical practice.

Ms Sandy Rogers - Director NCTM, Head Lecturer EMT Studies
National College of Traditional Medicine - Victoria

Relief from Tendonitis
Just a short note to thank you for taking the time to make me the Mirotec armband, I really appreciate it. I'm unsure if you were told that I have tendonitis and cold weather affects my wrist and hand to the point that I lose a lot of movement in my wrist and particularly my fingers and my hand continuously aches. With the Mirotec wrist wrap, I have no pain and I have a lot more movement. This is the only product that I have tried that gives me any kind of relief. Thank you again and I highly recommend it for anyone with my problem.

Tammy Woodgate
Gippsland, Victoria

Mirotec works wonders for Arthritis
I have been suffering from arthritis in both knees for a number of years. I have tried many relief's without success. Recently, I heard about Mirotec being used on racehorses and greyhounds that had suffered injuries to limbs and muscular systems, with great success. I decided to apply for a knee wrap to see if I could obtain some relief from my aching knees. I am very pleased to report that the Mirotec knee wraps worked wonders. After a short period of time, it improved my mobility and gave me pain relief. I can fully recommend arthritis sufferers to try Mirotec wraps to ease arthritis pain.

M. Langford-Jones OHM
Frankston, Victoria

Sleep well with Mirotec!
I wish to advise the for the past 20 years I suffered from Post Shingle Neuralgia which caused constant pain in my right arm and I have had trouble getting to sleep at night. Since using a Mirotec wrap, approximately six months ago, I have not experienced any pain and now sleep comfortably. Because of my belief in the product, I have introduced Colin Gill to many horse trainers, both thoroughbred and standardbred, who have used his products and had good results.

Jack Collins
Werribee, Victoria

Reduce back stiffness
I have been using the Mirotec back wrap for a month now and found it to be excellent. This product has made working in cold conditions bearable and I have felt much warmer across my back. This has contributed to the easing of a recurring stiffness in my lower back. I would highly recommend Mirotec products for anyone working in cold conditions.

Ray Mason
Nunawading, Victoria

Keep knitting with Mirotec mittens
I am writing to let you know how pleased I am with the results I have had with the Mirotec mittens that I purchased from you. I am, and have always been, an avid knitter, but I have been hampered by arthritis to the stage of not being able to knit. I have used the mitten with great success and I am finding it a lot easier to knit and to continue with my other passion, gardening.

Mrs. D.M. Jaros
Frankton, Victoria