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  1. Theracycle Reviews: Real Stories of Triumph and Well-Being

Theracycle Reviews: Real Stories of Triumph and Well-Being

No one knows the transformative power of the Theracycle better than our users with Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, spinal cord injuries, arthritis, and their healthcare providers. Read on to see for yourself!

Theracycle Users with Parkinson’s Disease

The Theracycle has made every day easier!

Prior to my Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, I was a surgeon and dedicated to a fitness regime to offset a strong family history of cardiac disease. My wife doesn’t remember who told her about the Theracycle, but we are so glad they did. Even before my balance deteriorated enough to prevent on-road cycling, I was feeling a benefit from using the Theracycle, especially a reduction of the overall stiffness in my muscles. Periodically I have to give up various other forms of exercise due to weakness and stiffness, that’s when I appreciate the Theracycle most. I always feel better when I am able to exercise, and most often I get it on my Theracycle. It’s the first thing I do every morning. The helpful staff at Theracycle even went out of their way to ensure that I could access one when I had a prolonged stay away from home. Whenever I need advice on minor adjustments I just call and get a friendly and timely answer. I couldn’t be happier that I purchased one and I wish health clubs would too so that I wouldn’t have to give it up when I travel.” Dr. Alan Fredland
Chicago, Illinois
I first discovered this bike about two years ago, and I acquired it last year. I was doing a lot of research on Parkinson’s, and one thing people can do to slow down the progress of the disease is exercising. I was blessed to discover this, and I would be glad to help anyone who has any questions about the impact of a Theracycle and what it has meant for my life.” Jim Schaefer
Lancaster, New York
I have a Theracycle at home and use it in the evenings. You can apply as much resistance as you want for a more intense workout (upper and lower body), or let the Theracycle exercise for you. In fact, my wife and kids enjoy using it to (the seat is adjustable). It is ideal for those PWP who are less mobile but who want to fight back against bradykinesia, and for those more active people with PD who want to augment their training and even for rehabilitation after injury (as my son Scott can testify after crashing on his road bicycle!). I am impressed 1) as a former mechanical engineer with the quality of the Theracycle, 2) as a Neurologist with the nervous system ‘sensorimotor’ pathways stimulation of passive and voluntary cycling offered by the Theracycle, and 3) as a person with PD, the empowerment the Theracycle offers in fighting back against the disease.

The Theracycle is able to provide steady high cadences that I (Dr. Heydrick) advocate for Parkinson’s training. Passive exercise via cycling or ‘forced exercise’ causes surprisingly similar sensorimotor cerebral activation as voluntary cycling, implying that motor (from the brain) and sensory pathways are being stimulated. The Theracycle offers an efficient machine which allows any combination of voluntary and forced exercise.” David Heydrick, M.D., M.S.
Ellicott City, Maryland
I’m a retired woman of 75 years and a Parkinson’s patient for the past six years although I know I’ve had it for the past twelve years. I simply didn’t go to the doctor until I had so many symptoms that I was diagnosed immediately. I also have a severe arthritic right knee that causes me pain. I use a cane to get around. I used to enjoy walking outdoors, but can no longer do so. My husband saw an ad for Theracycle and thought it sounded like something that might help me. I had tried stationary bikes but I’m short with very short legs and we just couldn’t find one that fit me.

I can honestly say that without the Theracycle I don’t believe I would be walking today. The bike keeps me moving and my daily ride is many times the best part of my day. My knee stays limber when I ride daily. Surprising to me was that my mood and ability to think properly improves after I ride. It helps with depression and with that fuzzy-minded feeling I deal with if I don’t ride.

I would encourage anyone with Parkinson’s or arthritis to purchase a Theracycle. It will definitely keep you on your feet and moving. There are other machines out there that help you pedal, but they are cheap and fall apart. Theracycle is well-built, requires little maintenance, and is easy to use.

My husband was the one who dealt with the company in the ordering process, etc. I know everyone must have been very nice and easy to deal with as he is easily frustrated by incompetent sales people. He said the folks he dealt with knew their product.

I ride my Theracycle at 15 mph for at least a half hour every day. I just turn on some music and pedal away. If I get tired, I let the machine do all the work for a while. It’s exercise at its best!” Sandra McKee
Blairsville, GA
Several months ago I was diagnosed as having Parkinson’s Disease. I was not able to use my treadmill due to the effects of Parkinson’s. Now with the Theracycle, I feel much stronger, find that I can walk and feel comfortable doing it, and the upper portion of my body has much more strength. I’m now firmly convinced that Theracycle is of great benefit to me and to anyone else who has Parkinson’s Disease.” Andy Bolduc
Framingham, MA
After many months of symptoms and tests, on July 30, 2009, I was officially diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. During this time my wife heard a Good Morning America special about Dr. Jay L. Alberts and his study on forced exercise with an exercise bike. This training was of great interest to me, so I began researching the equipment and found Theracycle, a unique exercise bicycle for those who have difficulty getting the exercise they need. Unlike conventional exercise bicycles, Theracycle has a whisper-quiet motor that moves the pedals with you, helping you get the gentle exercise you need. I took Dr. Alberts’ study to Falcon Physical Therapy and asked Marc to follow the same protocol for me as was done in the study. I have 45 minutes of therapy, and then ride the bike for 60 minutes. My Theracycle workout includes a 10-minute warm-up, 40 minutes at maximum speed, and a 10-minute cool down. After just four weeks I was re-tested. I had some improvements on the upper body and marked improvements on the lower extremities. Another great side benefit was a 20-point drop in my blood pressure! I also have more energy and feel better both physically and emotionally.” Phil Kroeker
Monument, Colorado
I purchased the Theracycle 200 to provide exercise therapy for Parkinson’s disease (PD). I am 71 years old and was diagnosed with PD two years ago.

I first became aware of the beneficial effects of forced exercise for relief of PD symptoms through a news program on TV. Then I searched the WEB and found your product.

I have used the Theracycle 200 nearly every day for three months and find that it does in fact provide significant improvement of my PD symptoms. Manifestation of PD in my case is with balance problems while walking resulting in a tendency to fall, and night leg cramps and reduced stamina. The balance problem compelled me to abandon my treadmill which was my primary source of exercise. The Theracycle 200 replaced the treadmill and seems to provide improvement of balance and coordination while walking. I have not fallen since I began exercising with the Theracycle 200. I find that I must exercise every day using the Theracycle 200 to realize the benefits. It is not a cure, but it clearly provides improvement of my symptoms.” Jerry Stern
Potomac Falls, VA

Theracycle Users with Multiple Sclerosis

My MS is really bad but I use my Theracycle five times a week for 45 minutes each time. When I use it, it keeps my legs from hurting and I never have spasms. I have to get on that bike. I can’t say enough about it. Believe me, there is no doubt in my mind that if I didn’t use that bike I would not be walking. It is the best investment I ever made. I love my Theracycle.” Michelle Mesi
West Seneca, New York
My wife Sarina has had MS for 25 years. She tried regular physical therapy exercise equipment, but she had no strength. She always feels better after she rides her Theracycle. She finds it very easy and very comfortable. What would I tell people? Do you have the will to go on? Or give up? Sarina is the type who is very willful. By all means, get this machine.” Joe Cardillo
North Stonington, CT
I’ve had MS for 20 years. I was a runner. Exercise was an important part of my life. Through regular use, I can now operate the Theracycle at its maximum speed and get a great all body workout. This is a very easy piece of equipment to use. It’s not going to sit around like other home exercise equipment I tried and collect a lot of dust.” Nina Lyvers
Harvard, MA
I’ve had MS since 1983. In the time I’ve had the Theracycle, it’s doing all that I hoped it would. You can’t find anything that will do the same things. It definitely keeps me limber.” James Hineman
Nobelsville, IN
My wife Ann has had MS for 27 years. She’s a fighter. She looks forward to exercise. She can step through the frame of the Theracycle safely and she feels stable on it. She likes the sense of well being and the ability to exercise at home. The Theracycle has really renewed her hope of being physically fit.” Ralph and Ann Russell
Lago Vista, TX
Everyone knows the physical and psychological benefits of exercise, but having MS it’s difficult to achieve them. I can now! The miraculous part of having a Theracycle is you can achieve this exercise in your home. Thank you, and I will keep you up with my progress.” Irene Walsh
Chalfon, PA
Theracycle has been great for me. I used to be very athletic. I was a 5K runner, and a downhill and cross country skier. My MS has stopped me from doing these things. After sitting in a wheelchair all day, Theracycle helps unstiffen my legs and reduce the swelling in my ankles. By using the Theracycle, I get that same feeling back in my legs I once felt by running and skiing. Also, it helps keep my blood pressure down. This machine has already given me more of a workout than I have had literally in years!” Mark Mathews
New Mexico
The Theracycle helps me to move my legs everyday. This exercise has lessened my circulation problems, loosened the stiffness in my thighs and calves, and reduced painful leg spasms.” Mary Smith
South Windsor, CT

Theracycle Users who are Recovering from a Stroke

I had a stroke 9 years ago. It caused paralysis in my left side, which also resulted in my being completely sedentary. I belong to a health club but none of the equipment was usable with my mobility issues.

The Theracycle has absolutely changed my life. The way it is designed with the area between the handlebars and the seat makes it is effortless to get on or off. Since the effort of the motorized pedals is adjustable, I can set the effort level to be as hard or soft as I feel up to as well as the amount of time I choose to have a bicycling session. I easily got into the schedule of doing 30 minutes a day beginning right after breakfast. The aerobic effort has made me feel so much better. And the added benefit of the serotonin rush produced has relieved the depression with which I have suffered since the stroke. An added benefit has been my ability to lose weight. It is practically impossible to get the benefits of a weight loss regimen without doing regular exercise. The Theracycle has made that possible with astounding results. I lost 20 pounds the first 6 months I owned the machine. I am grateful that it was invented by someone who definitely understands the limitations of a disabled person like me.”Susan Slavet
Wellesley, MA
I suffered a hemorrhagic stroke on December 31, 2016. I was bedridden for two months but have now recovered relatively well. However, I do still have some problems with ambulation, balance, and flexibility. I ordered a Theracycle to help with my recovery, and it’s been a Godsend. It helps with movement, it helps with motivation, and it’s fun. This was definitely money well spent, and I give my heartfelt thanks to Theracycle for a great product!”Chris Aubert

Spinal Cord Injury

I was paralyzed from the chest down in 1987. My doctor agreed I needed something to help my legs and circulation. I ride my Theracycle 3 times a day for 15 minutes. It’s pretty easy to get on and off, and made of heavy steel so it’s stable and very durable. As far as my mood and muscle tone, it’s helped me quite a bit.” Tony Richards
Bassett, Virginia
I’m 36 years old, and I was in an auto accident when I was 19. I am a paraplegic. Theracycle is the best thing I have found to exercise my legs. I have had other bikes in the past, but Theracycle is the best piece of physical therapy equipment I have found to meet my needs. Thank you for putting out a product that has truly been a blessing to me as well as to many others.” Robby Timmons
Mt. Airy, North Carolina

Healthcare, Wellness, and Fitness Professionals who Recommend the Theracycle

As a practicing neurologist with twenty-five years of evaluating patients with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, and other neurological problems, I have taken an aggressive approach towards helping my patients receive the exercise they need. Patients who have used the Theracycle have shown increased range of motion and decreased spasticity, improved muscle tone, strength and balance control. Further, use of the Theracycle has increased the physical endurance and improved the psychological outlook of these patients. The Theracycle is motor driven, which enables users who cannot use their own energy to move their body. These patients have also shown improvement with digestion and other issues associated with immobility.” Thomas F. Morgan, MD
Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Neuroscience
Brown University School of Medicine
Providence, Rhode Island
Patients who have used the Theracycle have shown increased range of motion and decreased spasticity, improved muscle tone, strength and balance control. Further, use of the Theracycle has increased the physical endurance and improved the psychological outlook of these patients.” Thomas F. Morgan, MD
Assistant Professor of Clinical Neuroscience
Brown University School of Medicine
We have been using the Theracycle 100 in this rehab facility since March of 2007 with numerous success stories. We have been able to incorporate its use into a variety of diagnosis from total knee replacements to Alzheimer’s dementia patients. The uses are limitless. Just a few of the treatment diagnosis that have benefited are TKR, hip fractures, COPD, MS, contractures, cancer, pneumonia, CVA/TIA, and s/p surgeries. We have found a strong use in this facility for patients who have difficulty normal self pedaling machines. Patients enjoy the ability to ‘bike’ on the Theracycle 100, whether benefiting from the passive or resistive element. The variety of options, positions, and attachments offered with the Theracycle 100 allows you to adapt its fit to most patients and not have to worry about constantly checking to see if they are still properly positioned. During this time frame, we have had many patients request specifically to ‘go on’ the Theracycle 100 during their treatment session, ask to come use it at times outside of their regular treatment schedule and even enquire about purchasing a unit for their own home use. We have had no mechanical issues with the Theracycle 100 during the months that we have used it and it is very easy to operate. The Theracycle 100 has been a welcome addition in the Rehab Department for the therapists in complimenting their treatment, but most importantly to the patients who have progressed with its use to reach their goals.” Tracey Roy, Rehab Manager, MSPT
Peoplefirst Rehabilitation
Kennebunk, Maine
Twelve patients at our facility were able to trial the Theracycle. Disabilities included incomplete paraplegia, hemiparesis, decreased range of motion and general muscular weakness. Each patient was able to ride the bicycle successfully with resultant increases in range of motion, increases in strength, improved motor control and improved functional mobility. Many of these patients had not had success with other forms of passive exercise because of insufficient strength. However, with the use of the motorized Theracycle, the patients were able to ride independently for 15-30 minutes. This bicycle offered an endurance activity to those patients who in the past have been unable to access endurance or cardiovascular equipment. Our facility was pleased with the performance of Theracycle. It was easy for patients to use independently, and made significant difference in strength, tone, and overall functional mobility.” Amy Bjornson
Licensed Physical Therapist
Boston Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts
The Theracycle “offered an endurance activity to those patients who in the past have been unable to access endurance or cardiovascular equipment. Our facility was pleased with the performance of the Theracycle. It was simple to use, easy for patients to use independently and made a significant difference in strength, tone and overall functional mobility.” Amy Bjornson
Licensed Physical Therapist
Boston Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts
I highly recommend the motorized Theracycle to all orthopedic and neurological physical therapists. The motor of the Theracycle allows my patients to receive a forced exercise regimen which helps them to form new neurological pathways, improving gait and balance.” Marc Phillips PT, MPT, CSCS
Falcon Physical Therapy, Colorado Springs, CO
As an exercise physiologist who has been active in the field of sports medicine for over forty years, I strongly recommend the unique and safe characteristics of the Theracycle. The motor driven Theracycle provides for both passive and active exercise patterns under the complete control of the user. Thus, the Theracycle can help the user to attain increased muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, and aerobic capacity.” Edward Meyers, Ph.D.
Exercise Physiologist
Coral Gables, FL
The Theracycle offers our residents a wonderful alternative to traditional stationary exercise equipment. The Theracycle motor assists residents in moving both upper and lower body through a full range of motion, employing passive and active assistance.” Evelyn O’Neil, BS, CTRS
Manager of Outpatient Fitness
Hebrew Senior Life, Hebrew Rehabilitation Center Boston

Arthritis

My name is Linda, I am seventy-six years old and live in Assisted Living in Cedar Park, TX. I’ve had my Theracycle for almost two years. I ride six days a week for thirty minutes at fourteen miles an hour.

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and I’m in a wheelchair. I’ve had both of my hips replaced and several back surgeries, and my Theracycle allows me to exercise without pain.

My legs and arms have gotten much stronger and with the help of my physical therapist. I’m now able to stand for more than ten minutes and with some assistance, I can walk short distances. Because I have lost my rotator cuffs to Rheumatoid Arthritis, I’m not able to use a walker—but wanted to be able to walk away from my wheelchair and stand for pictures at my grandson’s wedding planned for August. My Theracycle has made this possible!

I love my bike and would recommend it to everyone! I am sure you will love exercising as much as I do.” Linda D
Linda D, Cedar Park, TX
I have had the Theracycle machine for several months and I am extremely happy with it. Since I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, and have had this condition for a long time, I started out pretty slow. At first my knees were really tight, but now I can ride the Theracycle for seven minutes per session at five miles per hour. My leg muscles are a lot stronger. I can tell because it is a lot easier to get up from my wheel chair and to get to my walker. The Theracycle definitely is helping with my circulation – I have a lot of edema and I can see the difference in my legs which are a lot less swollen. I know it sounds funny, but the Theracycle really helps with fatigue. I can be very tired and then get on the Theracycle. Even after seven minutes my body gets a surge of energy.” Carmen Quintana
Rancho Cordova, California

Obesity

I used to weigh close to 700 lbs., got down to 500+ prior to bypass surgery and now weigh just under 300 lbs. I am doing great. The Theracycle has vastly improved my quality of life.” Ann Looney
Tewksbury, MA
I use the Theracycle every day for approximately 30 minutes and ride 3.5 miles.

I feel great and have recently returned to work way ahead of schedule. My early return was a result of my Theracycle use.

I am walking much better – to the point that people are commenting on my improved mobility.

The wounds (skin ulcers) on my legs have healed.

I used to take 8–10 pills per day for pain management. I now take 2.

I very rarely use my compression machine now – I used to use it for 3 hours daily.

I now have no fear related to walking. I used to be very fearful of falling/walking.”
Ann Looney
Tewksbury, MA

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