A commute on a busy day in downtown Hartford, Connecticut, birthed an innovative idea that has revolutionized the therapeutic product industry. This idea was none other than the brainchild of Joe Tolman, an insightful entrepreneur who valued creativity and elegant solutions to everyday problems. Known today as HurtSkurt®, this invention was initially conceived as something entirely different—an accessory to a luxury cooler bag.
It all began in Spring 2018 when Tolman decided to upgrade his wife’s disappointing cooler bag experience with an exquisite high-end women’s fashion cooler bag—Hula Cula®. The bag wasn’t just beautiful; it was a hybrid of fun, function, and fashion (FUNCSHION™). Yet, aesthetics weren’t its only selling point. The key was inside, where Tolman imagined custom-printed stretch-to-fit ice packs that would coordinate with the bag’s vibrant Polynesian prints.
The prototypes came out perfect—or so he thought. However, every person who beheld these cool yet odd accessories had a different interpretation. They didn’t just see a drink chiller—they saw an unmistakable therapeutic tool. This unexpected observation spurred Tolman to pivot, resulting in the birth of HurtSkurt®, a game-changing therapeutic product that has altered the industry’s landscape.
Tolman’s vision resonated with his childhood friend, Jay “Digger” Clarke, who shared an equal passion for Polynesian style. Together, they breathed life into HurtSkurt®, creating a company that prioritizes innovation and effectiveness.
Unlike other products, HurtSkurt® defies the norm in every aspect. It uses no antifreeze chemicals—only removable gel packs that freeze solid and stay cold for prolonged periods. This is all thanks to the patent-pending design of stretch-to-fit fabric that allows HurtSkurt® to flex and maintain a therapeutic temperature for more than an hour.
HurtSkurt’s design also accounts for sustainability and cleanliness; the gel packs are removable, while the sleeves, made of lightweight Lycra material, are laundry-friendly. Versatility and adaptability are key features—gel packs can be arranged for targeted treatment or swapped out with SoftGel or Aromatherapy packs for a different experience. The construction distributes pressure across multiple seams, reducing wear and tear and making HurtSkurt® an investment built to last.
Travel-friendly, fashionable, and versatile, HurtSkurt® teems with unique attributes that make it stand out. Its allure resonates through an array of vibrant, fun patterns, underscoring its innovative style that goes beyond conventional blue and black therapeutic products.
HurtSkurt®’s dedication to convenience and comfort is unmistakable. From the Small with its thumbhole feature that can be worn as a glove to the game-changing ZipSkurt for easy on and off access, this product line stands unrivaled in convenience and aesthetics. The SkullSkurt headband provides treatment without compromised vision, offering elegant solutions for various body parts.
In Tolman’s words, “HurtSkurt® is a revolutionary hot/cold therapeutic sleeve designed to make pain management more effective, efficient, convenient, and FUN!” It serves as a testament to the power of innovative thinking and unanticipated discoveries—an embodiment of an ever-evolving and continuously improving idea. The anticipation of further advancements is great, yielding the question: What’s next for HurtSkurt®?
As HurtSkurt® continues to redefine the therapeutic product industry and the Hula Cula™ eagerly waits for its moment in the spotlight, there is no doubt that this groundbreaking brand’s future is bright.
Published by: Khy Talara