JT out of this world
A $3000 compression device using space-suit technology developed by NASA has emerged as the secret weapon to help injured Maroons champion Johnathan Thurston recover for Origin III.
A state-of-the-art icing machine will be a key plank in Thurston’s rehabilitation plan to ensure he is fit for his Maroons farewell in the Origin decider on July 12 at Suncorp Stadium.
Thurston was Queensland’s hero in Origin II on Wednesday night, kicking the winning goal to snatch a thrilling 18-16 victory at ANZ Stadium and keep the Maroons’ Origin series hopes alive.
But in the process, the Maroons five-eighth sustained a fresh injury to a right-shoulder problem he initially suffered six weeks ago when he tore his rotator cuff playing for Australia.
Thurston had scans yesterday with doctors at his club side, the Cowboys, to determine the full extent of the injury today.
But Maroons medicos swung into action immediately, with Thurston using the icing-and-compression device at 1am – three hours after Origin II – to begin healing his injured shoulder.
Known as Game Ready, the machine provides cold compression therapy.
It contains a timing device, enabling icing and compression to be applied to an injured athlete throughout the night as they sleep.
The compression garment was developed by scientists using NASA space-suit technology and is used by more than 100 American professional sporting teams.
The technology is now used by NRL clubs, with Queensland’s Origin doctors hoping the device will enable Thurston to be on deck for his 38th and final game in Maroon for the decider.
“It is a really good innovation,” Queensland doctor Matt Hislop said.
“It is a lot more scientific than the old ice bag. It is a combination of icing and compression and you can tailor it for different parts.”