Shoulder Pain

In an innovative step towards combating chronic pain, Bestqool, a leader in therapeutic devices, unveils a new range of red light therapy products designed to provide relief from back, waist, neck, and shoulder pain. This breakthrough approach harnesses the power of red and near-infrared light wavelengths, offering a drug-free alternative to traditional pain management techniques. Back pain affects about 80% of adults at some point in their lives. This widespread problem may have a big influence on our everyday lives and health. Bestqool's latest offering is inspired by centuries of phototherapy research, from the ancient Egyptians' use of sunlight to the latest scientific findings on the benefits of red light therapy (RLT). Light’s therapeutic potential has been studied for centuries, starting with the ancient Egyptians, who used sunlight to treat a variety of ailments and continuing into modern scientific research. In phototherapy, red light therapy is an emerging miraculous therapy. It works by penetrating the skin and accelerating cellular processes with particular red and near-infrared light wavelengths. According to studies, this therapy can help relieve pain in the back, waist, neck, and shoulders by reducing inflammation, promoting tissue healing and not requiring the use of drugs. How Red Light Therapy Works Red light therapy operates by delivering specific wavelengths of light (660 - 850 nm) deep into the skin, stimulating cellular processes that facilitate pain relief. The therapy enhances mitochondrial function, thereby increasing the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is crucial for healing and reducing inflammation. Furthermore, it accelerates tissue repair and regeneration, making it an effective treatment for musculoskeletal pain. Increased Cellular Energy Production (ATP) Increasing the production of cellular energy (ATP) is one of red light therapy’s primary mechanisms of action. The “powerhouse” of the cell, the mitochondria, are activated to bring about this effect. These mitochondria boost the synthesis of ATP, the main energy source for different biological processes. Higher levels of ATP promote better cellular function, which lessens pain and promotes tissue healing. Reduction of Inflammation Red light therapy also works by reducing inflammation which is a major contributor to pain. Studies suggest that it can promote the activity of immune cells and other factors involved in the inflammatory response. By reducing this inflammatory response, red light therapy contributes to pain relief and accelerates tissue healing. Stimulation of tissue repair and regeneration Various studies indicate that red light therapy also stimulates tissue repair and regeneration. It promotes collagen production, an important protein for building and supporting tissues. Also, it enhances the activity of growth factors involved in tissue repair. This stimulation of repair mechanisms leads to faster healing and pain reduction in affected areas. Scientific Research Supporting RLT for Pain Relief More than 4000 scientific studies on pubmed.gov concluded that red light therapy has a positive effect on acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain. A notable review in the MOJ Orthopedics & Rheumatology journal highlighted its benefits for musculoskeletal discomfort, emphasizing its safety, cost-effectiveness, and role in enhancing the quality of life without the need for medication. st-effective therapy for pain could elevate quality of life while reducing financial strains. Red Light Therapy for Back and Waist Pain A study published in the European Journal of Scientific Research suggested that if infrared therapy is applied on the affected area (back or waist) with appropriate dose, exposure time and wavelength, it helps in relieving pain without any side effects. In 2020, another study on light-emitting diode photobiomodulation therapy for non-specific low back pain in working nurses was published in the journal “Medicine”. Patients received 6 LED red light therapy sessions (with wavelengths of both 630 nm and 850 nm) in two weeks. This study examined that LED therapy could be an effective alternative treatment for reducing non-specific back pain. Red Light Therapy for Shoulder Pain In a study published in 2022, ten adults with shoulder pain received LED red light therapy (wavelength 780 nm) for 3 minutes on the affected shoulder. After therapy, the symptoms of the neck with shoulder pain were improved. These symptoms improved further after 15 minutes of irradiation. It found that RLT is safe and effective for the treatment of shoulder pain. A systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of low-level laser therapy for shoulder tendinopathy published in the journal Physiotherapy Research International in 2014 shows that optimal RLT can offer pain relief and induce a more rapid improvement, whether it is used alone or in combination with physiotherapy treatments. Red Light Therapy for Neck Pain A 2016 study published in the Journal “Functional Neurology, Rehabilitation, and Ergonomics found that red laser therapy is safe and effective for temporary pain relief and improving the range of motion for patients with chronic pain in the neck and shoulder caused by osteoarthritis, muscle spasms and cervical and thoracic spine strain. It also suggested that when RLT is used in conjunction with physical therapy and chiropractic care, it may help patients live normal, active and healthy lives without the need for analgesics. A systematic review in the Journal of Lasers in Surgery and Medicine analyzed various randomized controlled trials and suggested that infrared laser therapy helps in the treatment of acute and chronic neck pain. Another research in the Open Orthopedics Journal showed that red light therapy can moderately reduce chronic neck pain. Red Light Therapy Parameters For red light therapy to be effective, the irradiation parameters (wavelength, power, power density, pulse parameters, energy density, total energy and time) must fall within specific ranges. The optimum penetrating wavelengths fall between 660–850nm, and at 5 cm depth, they can reach a light density of 5 mW/cm2 when the surface density is 5 mW/cm2, and the beam power is 1 watt. RLT has four clinical objectives: To promote healing, remodeling and reduce inflammation in the injured/affected area Lymph nodes to lessen inflammation and edema Nerves to induce numbness Trigger points to ease tenderness and relaxation of contracted muscles Treatment times per point range between 30 to 60 seconds on average. For simple cases, one point may be treated; however, for complex dysfunctions like lumbar radiculopathy or chronic pain, ten to fifteen points may be treated. Choosing the Best Red Light therapy If you are suffering from any chronic fatigue and pain, red light therapy devices like the ones offered by Bestqool can be a game-changer. It offers you a range of high-quality red light devices and portable devices to manage your pain with the benefit of lowering your reliance on pharmaceutical drugs. Whether you aim to get rid of chronic pain or to improve overall health, you can adjust treatment goals as per your needs. All Bestqool red light therapy devices are FDA class II cleared, and usage cannot directly cause any harm to the human body. Remember, red light therapy devices are not a substitute for professional medical treatment to cure diseases. Still, they can help people who are medically powerless and relieve their physical and mental discomfort. References Roche, G. C., Murphy, D. J., Berry, T. S., & Shanks, S. (2016). Low-level laser therapy for the treatment of chronic neck and shoulder pain. Functional Neurology, Rehabilitation, and Ergonomics, 6(2), 97. Cotler, H. B., Chow, R. T., Hamblin, M. R., & Carroll, J. (2015). The Use of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) For Musculoskeletal Pain. MOJ orthopedics & rheumatology, 2(5), 00068. Haslerud, S., Magnussen, L. H., Joensen, J., Lopes‐Martins, R. A. B., & Bjordal, J. M. (2015). The efficacy of Low‐Level laser therapy for shoulder tendinopathy: a systematic review and Meta‐Analysis of randomized controlled trials. Physiotherapy Research International, 20(2), 108-125. Lin, Y. P., Su, Y. H., Chin, S. F., Chou, Y. C., & Chia, W. T. (2020). Light-emitting diode photobiomodulation therapy for non-specific low back pain in working nurses: A single-center, double-blind, prospective, randomized controlled trial. Medicine, 99(32), e21611. Chow, R. T., & Barnsley, L. (2005). Systematic review of the literature of low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) in the management of neck pain. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine: The Official Journal of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, 37(1), 46-52.

Smith+Nephew (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN), the global medical technology company, today announces full commercial availability of its AETOS Shoulder System in the US, along with 510(k) clearance for its use with ATLASPLAN◊ 3D Planning Software and Patient Specific Instrumentation for total shoulder arthroplasty. Total shoulder arthroplasty is one of the fastest growing segments in Orthopaedics with an estimated 250,000 procedures in the US by 2025.1 Developed to restore patients’ range-of-motion2-5 and help minimize arthritic shoulder pain, the AETOS Shoulder System features the Meta Stem which is designed for stability with metaphyseal fixation and an inlay collar, bone preservation, and to maintain patient anatomy.2,6,7 “After using the system for the past several months, I can say that the AETOS Shoulder System is a game changer,” said Dr. Charles Jobin, Orthopaedic Surgeon at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. “With the stability of its Meta Stem, the flexibility the system provides and streamlined instrumentation, it is a great solution not only benefitting patients but surgeons alike.” Indicated for both anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, the AETOS Shoulder System offers a compact yet comprehensive portfolio of solutions that enhance the surgical experience by enabling intraoperative flexibility. With fewer steps for conversion*8 and fewer instruments for primary anatomic and reverse,*8 the system is designed to simplify the operating room flow.8 This also allows for an efficient solution, particularly of value in an Ambulatory Service Center (ASC) environment where sterilization and space limitations may be of concern. “I’m thrilled with the stem fixation of the implant that the AETOS Shoulder System provides and believe it will be a noticeable, positive improvement for my patients,” said Dr. Matthew Ramsey, Shoulder and Elbow Specialist at Rothman Orthopaedics. “I’m also very pleased with the instrumentation - especially the glenoid reamer being so low profile and easy to use.” Smith+Nephew's AETOS Shoulder System ATLASPLAN 3D Planning Software and Patient Specific Instrumentation enables pre-operative case planning for total shoulder arthroplasty, and was developed in partnership with Materialise NV, who has over 30 years of experience revolutionizing personalized solutions. It features: A user-friendly online web-based planner for access from any computer or tablet.Fast turnaround time from image upload to planning.An optional 3D-printed glenoid guide, designed with the patented coracoid clip for stability, provides a reliable and accurate method to execute the surgical plan through conventional surgical techniques.9 The AETOS Shoulder System received 510(k) clearance from the United States Food and Drug Administration in June of 2023. It is the latest addition to Smith+Nephew’s expanding Upper Extremity portfolio and complements our market-leading Sports Medicine shoulder repair solutions to enable biological healing. To learn more please visit www.smith-nephew.com/aetos or visit the Smith+Nephew booth (#5469) at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2024 Annual Meeting from February 12-16 in San Francisco, CA. - ends - Enquiries MediaDavid Snyder +1 978-749-1440Smith+Nephew References SmartTrak Report, 2023Smith+Nephew 2023. AETOS Inlay Design Features. Internal Report. ER-04-0990-0017.Arenas-Miquelez A, Murphy R, Rosa A, Caironi D, Zumstein M. Impact of humeral and glenoid component variations on range of motion in reverse geometry total shoulder arthroplasty. A standardised computer model study. (8214). Swiss Medical Weekly. 2020;150(SUPPL 244):2S.Kalouche I, Sevivas N, Wahegaonker A, Sauzieres P, Katz D, Valenti P. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty: Does reduced medialisation improve radiological and clinical results? Acta Orthopaedica Belgica. 2009;75(2):158-166.Lädermann A, Tay E, Collin P, et al. Effect of critical shoulder angle, glenoid lateralization, and humeral inclination on range of movement in reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Bone Joint Res. 2019;8(8):378-386.Smith+Nephew 2023. AETOS Anatomic Humeral Head Design. Internal Report. ER-04-0990-0019.Harmer L, Throckmorton T, Sperling JW. Total shoulder arthroplasty: are the humeral components getting shorter? Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2016;9(1):17-22. Smith+Nephew 2023. AETOS Instruments & Trays. Internal Report. ER-04-0990-0020.Materialise 3D Shoulder Planner & Guides. Materialise nv L-103300-01 *Compared to a competitive shoulder system About Smith+NephewSmith+Nephew is a portfolio medical technology company focused on the repair, regeneration and replacement of soft and hard tissue. We exist to restore people’s bodies and their self-belief by using technology to take the limits off living. We call this purpose ‘Life Unlimited’. Our 19,000 employees deliver this mission every day, making a difference to patients’ lives through the excellence of our product portfolio, and the invention and application of new technologies across our three global business units of Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & ENT and Advanced Wound Management. Founded in Hull, UK, in 1856, we now operate in more than 100 countries, and generated annual sales of $5.2 billion in 2022. Smith+Nephew is a constituent of the FTSE100 (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN). The terms ‘Group’ and ‘Smith+Nephew’ are used to refer to Smith & Nephew plc and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise. For more information about Smith+Nephew, please visit www.smith-nephew.com and follow us on X, LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook. Forward-looking StatementsThis document may contain forward-looking statements that may or may not prove accurate. For example, statements regarding expected revenue growth and trading margins, market trends and our product pipeline are forward-looking statements. Phrases such as "aim", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "well-placed", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "consider" and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from what is expressed or implied by the statements. For Smith+Nephew, these factors include: risks related to the impact of Covid, such as the depth and longevity of its impact, government actions and other restrictive measures taken in response, material delays and cancellations of elective procedures, reduced procedure capacity at medical facilities, restricted access for sales representatives to medical facilities, or our ability to execute business continuity plans as a result of Covid; economic and financial conditions in the markets we serve, especially those affecting healthcare providers, payers and customers (including, without limitation, as a result of Covid); price levels for established and innovative medical devices; developments in medical technology; regulatory approvals, reimbursement decisions or other government actions; product defects or recalls or other problems with quality management systems or failure to comply with related regulations; litigation relating to patent or other claims; legal and financial compliance risks and related investigative, remedial or enforcement actions; disruption to our supply chain or operations or those of our suppliers (including, without limitation, as a result of Covid); competition for qualified personnel; strategic actions, including acquisitions and dispositions, our success in performing due diligence, valuing and integrating acquired businesses; disruption that may result from transactions or other changes we make in our business plans or organisation to adapt to market developments; relationships with healthcare professionals; reliance on information technology and cybersecurity; disruptions due to natural disasters, weather and climate change related events; changes in customer and other stakeholder sustainability expectations; changes in taxation regulations; effects of foreign exchange volatility; and numerous other matters that affect us or our markets, including those of a political, economic, business, competitive or reputational nature. Please refer to the documents that Smith+Nephew has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including Smith+Nephew's most recent annual report on Form 20-F, which is available on the SEC’s website at www. sec.gov, for a discussion of certain of these factors. Any forward-looking statement is based on information available to Smith+Nephew as of the date of the statement. All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to Smith+Nephew are qualified by this caution. Smith+Nephew does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in circumstances or in Smith+Nephew's expectations. ◊ Trademark of Smith+Nephew. Certain marks registered in US Patent and Trademark Office.

CLEVELAND, Feb. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SPR Therapeutics, a private medical device company focused on treating pain and improving the quality of life for patients managing acute or chronic pain, today announced that it has secured $85 million in financing including $25 million in Series D-1 insider equity and a $60 million debt facility. The equity financing was led by Revelation Partners, SPR’s lead investor of the Series D equity financing, and incumbent investors, RC Capital and Mutual Capital Partners. The debt facility is provided by SLR Capital Partners and Armentum Partners served as the Company’s financial advisor. The funds will be used to capitalize on commercial momentum, customer demand, and market opportunity to expand SPR sales representation in additional U.S. sales territories. “We thank our financing partners and are pleased to raise additional capital to support and accelerate our already significant growth,” said Maria Bennett, President, CEO and Founder of SPR Therapeutics. “We have seen strong adoption of the SPRINT System in the last two years resulting in nearly 200 percent growth of our team, and tremendous year-over-year revenue growth of more than 50 percent from 2022 to 2023.” In addition to sales expansion, proceeds will support continued product development and build upon the largest set of peer-reviewed published PNS data in the industry. “Supporting the effectiveness of SPRINT as a short-term, 60-day treatment with long-lasting results across multiple areas of pain including low back, shoulder, knee, as well as head and neck is at the core of our commitment to patients. We have recently shared economic assessments highlighting the efficiency and savings potential of SPRINT PNS versus traditional approaches and will continue to advance access to care,” added Bennett. “We are excited to lead this financing and continue our support of a high-growth MedTech company that is transforming the lives of those living with pain,” said Scott Halsted, Managing Partner at Revelation Partners. “We focus on investments in rapidly growing healthcare companies that are successfully addressing an unmet need, and SPR Therapeutics is a strong example of that given the accelerating adoption within the marketplace.” About the SPRINT PNS System The SPRINT® PNS System, by SPR® Therapeutics, marks an innovative shift in the treatment of pain. Our breakthrough, 60-day treatment is a First-Line PNS™ option uniquely proposed to recondition the central nervous system to provide significant and sustained relief from chronic pain — without a permanent implant, nerve destruction or the risk of addiction. The system has been studied extensively for low back pain, shoulder pain, post-amputation pain, and chronic and acute post-operative pain, is cleared for use up to 60 days, and is recognized by leading pain management centers. Market research indicates that this breakthrough neuromodulation treatment is a patient-preferred alternative to more invasive options. The SPRINT PNS System is indicated for up to 60 days for: Symptomatic relief of chronic, intractable pain, post-surgical and post-traumatic acute pain; symptomatic relief of post-traumatic pain; symptomatic relief of post-operative pain. The SPRINT PNS System is not intended to be placed in the region innervated by the cranial and facial nerves. Physicians should use their best judgment when deciding when to use the SPRINT PNS System. For more information see the SPRINT PNS System IFU. Most common adverse events are skin irritation and erythema. Results may vary. Rx only. For additional information regarding safety and efficacy, visit: SPR Safety Information. About SPR Therapeutics, Inc.SPR Therapeutics is a privately held medical device company, providing patients with a non-opioid, minimally invasive pain treatment option. Our SPRINT® PNS System fulfills a critical unmet need for a drug-free, surgery-free option for millions who suffer from chronic pain. Backed by the largest body of clinical evidence in peripheral nerve stimulation for the treatment of pain, SPR has demonstrated commercial demand in untapped peripheral (shoulder and knee) and back pain markets and built an incredibly strong foundation for commercial growth. Headquartered in Cleveland, OH with satellite offices in Chapel Hill, NC and Minneapolis, MN, SPR’s Senior Management team includes experienced industry veterans with nearly 200 years of collective pain market and MedTech expertise, all driven by our purpose – to improve the quality of patients’ lives by providing them with a minimally-invasive, drug-free, surgery-free solution to manage their acute and chronic pain. More information can be found at www.SPRTherapeutics.com. About Revelation PartnersRevelation Partners provides flexible capital solutions to the healthcare ecosystem. These customized solutions provide liquidity, align shareholders, and support the growth of privately held healthcare companies. The firm's long-term approach allows it to address the issues faced by a wide range of counterparties, including founders, company management teams, institutional investors (including general partners), and limited partners. For more information visit Revelation Partners. About SLR Capital PartnersFounded in 2006, SLR is a diversified middle market private credit solutions platform. The firm is an SEC-registered investment adviser and primarily invests in U.S. middle market companies in the form of cash flow, asset-based, and specialty finance senior secured loans. SLR manages public and private business development companies (“BDCs”), private credit funds, and separately managed accounts, including serving as the investment adviser to publicly-traded BDC SLR Investment Corp. (Nasdaq: SLRC). The SLR Capital Partners Life Science Finance business provides financing solutions for later-stage bio-pharma, MedTech, medical device, diagnostics, healthcare IT, and healthcare services companies, both venture-backed private and public, and from pre-revenue clinical to early commercial stage. For more information, please visit SLR Capital Partners. About RC CapitalRCC is a healthcare-focused growth equity firm partnering with high‐potential healthcare companies and healthcare executives. The company is dedicated to investing on the right side of healthcare, building companies that enable clinicians to improve the delivery of care and advance the experiences and outcomes for patients everywhere. RCC seeks to be a business partner first and a capital provider second, leveraging a network of deep healthcare relationships assembled over its 30‐year operating history. Visit www.rccapital.com for more information. About Mutual Capital Partners Mutual Capital Partners is Cleveland's premier venture capital fund investing in healthcare IT & medical device companies. We invest in rapidly growing, revenue generating, and highly differentiated technology companies. Management is a key focus for us and we work with the 100+ investors in our funds to assist us in due diligence, make customer introductions for our portfolio companies, and provide ongoing advice and counsel to our portfolio executives. For more information regarding Mutual Capital Partners, please visit www.mutualcapitalpartners.com. SPR Contacts:Michelle McDonaldVice President – Marketingmmcdonald@sprtherapeutics.com 844.378.9108 Dave FolkensPublic Relations dfolkens@sprtherapeutics.com 612.978.6547