North Coast Medical

What North Coast Medical does

North Coast Medical, Inc. is a second-generation, family-owned manufacturer and distributor of rehabilitation products serving occupational therapy, physical therapy, and hand therapy markets. Founded in 1976 by Lori Biehl and the late Frank J. Biehl and now led by their son Mark E. Biehl as President & CEO, the company is headquartered in Morgan Hill/Gilroy, California and operates with 101-250 employees. It sells a portfolio that combines its own proprietary brands — Norco, Achieva, Comfort Cool, Exacta, Progress, Liberty, Blue Diamond, GripWare, FootWave, ActivaPatch, Eco-Stim, EpiFlex, Quik-Knot, Grippy, OrthoThermic, and Dema Grip — with distributed third-party brands such as Hyperice, Theradot, Vasyli, Stopain, Touch Test, and Pill Pal. The catalog spans electrotherapy devices (TENS/EMS, iontophoresis, 6-channel needle stimulators with microprocessor-controlled dosing and configurable waveform modes), dry needling needles, hot/cold therapy, orthotic insoles, splinting materials and pans, treatment tables, adaptive dishware, resistance and balance equipment, and consumer recovery devices, with ASPs ranging from roughly $30 to $1,900 per unit.

The business operates a hybrid go-to-market model: an inside sales team with assigned account representatives serves professional wholesale accounts (hospitals, rehabilitation centers, skilled nursing facilities, clinics, and private practices) at professional pricing; a B2C e-commerce site (myncmstore.com) plus a retail showroom serve consumers at 30-40% higher suggested retail pricing; a dealer program provides 30-40% discounts to DME/HME dealers and pharmacies; and an authorized Canadian distributor network plus an International Division handle cross-border and global accounts. Pricing is one-time/perpetual across the catalog, with tiered shipping (free over $79 consumer, free over $299 wholesale) and volume-based dealer discounts. North Coast also runs proprietary digital tools — RxCart for product recommendation, the Control-Panel B2B platform, and a 3D Virtual Showroom — and maintains longstanding partnerships with the American Hand Therapy Foundation, the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, the Evelyn J. Mackin Fellowship, and the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station.

The company's revenue mechanics rest on three streams: wholesale distribution to clinical accounts, direct-to-consumer sales through retail and e-commerce channels, and proprietary brand manufacturing. Customer concentration is dispersed across thousands of clinicians, facilities, resellers, and consumers rather than a few anchor accounts. North Coast also disclosed no external funding, no M&A activity, and no public financials, operating as a cash-financed, family-controlled enterprise.

Name

North Coast Medical

Legal name

North Coast Medical, Inc.

Website

https://ncmedical.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1976

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

North Coast Medical is a second-generation, family-owned manufacturer and distributor of rehabilitation products serving occupational, physical, and hand therapists, hospitals, clinics, dealers, and consumers across the US and Canada with proprietary and distributed brands.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Rehabilitation Medical Equipment and Supplies

NAICS

Medical, Dental, and Hospital Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (423450), Medical, Dental, and Hospital Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (42345), Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing (3391), Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing (339113)

SIC

Orthopedic, Prosthetic & Surgical Appliances & Supplies (3842), Wholesale-Medical, Dental & Hospital Equipment & Supplies (5047), Electromedical & Electrotherapeutic Apparatus (3845), Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841)

akta.pro primary industry

Medical Supplies & Consumables Wholesale (Non-Device) (CRAOAHAE)

Keywords

• Rehabilitation medical supplies
• Hand therapy products
• Physical therapy equipment
• Occupational therapy devices
• Medical rehabilitation supplies

Headquarters

HQ city

Morgan Hill

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Medical Division (Wholesale): Wholesale distribution of rehabilitation products, equipment, and supplies to healthcare professionals, hospitals, rehab centers, skilled nursing facilities, clinics, and private practices. Offers professional wholesale pricing with volume-based dealer discounts of 30-40%.
2. Consumer Division (Retail): Direct-to-consumer sales through myncmstore.com and ncmedical.com e-commerce platforms. Products available in retail packaging with suggested retail pricing (typically 30-40% higher than professional wholesale).
3. Proprietary Brand Manufacturing: Manufacturing of proprietary rehabilitation products under Norco, Achieva, Exacta, Comfort Cool, Progress, Liberty, and Prelim brands.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

North Coast Medical manufactures and distributes a broad range of rehabilitation medical products for hand therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy applications. Its portfolio includes proprietary brands (Norco, Achieva, Exacta, Comfort Cool, Progress, Liberty, Blue Diamond, GripWare, FootWave, Eco-Stim, EpiFlex, Quik-Knot, OrthoThermic, Dema Grip, Grippy) and distributed third-party brands (Hyperice, ActivaPatch, Theradot, Vasyli, Stopain, FEPSim, Gripmaster, Pill Pal, Touch Test), spanning splints, orthoses, treatment tables, electrotherapy devices, dry needling equipment, hot/cold therapy, percussion massagers, adaptive living aids, and exercise equipment. The company sells through a Medical (wholesale) Division to healthcare professionals, hospitals, clinics, and skilled nursing facilities, and a Consumer (retail) Division through e-commerce and a physical showroom.

Product overview

North Coast Medical is a distributor and manufacturer of rehabilitation products, equipment, and supplies serving the hand therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy markets. The company operates a multi-brand portfolio combining proprietary brands (Norco™, Achieva™, Comfort Cool™, Exacta™, Progress™, Liberty™, Blue Diamond™, GripWare™, FootWave™, EpiFlex™, Quik-Knot™, Eco-Stim™, Dema® Grip, Grippy™, OrthoThermic™, Stopain®) with distributed international brands (Hyperice, ActivaPatch, Theradot, Vasyli Medical). The product range spans electrotherapy devices including TENS/EMS units and iontophoresis patches, dry needling equipment, hot/cold therapy products, percussion massagers, orthotic insoles and splints, adaptive dishware, exercise equipment, splinting materials and pans, treatment tables, and mobility aids. The company also operates internal digital platforms including Control-Panel for business solutions, RxCart™ for product recommendations, and Virtual Showroom for 3D product visualization. Products serve healthcare professionals, hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing facilities, pharmacies, durable medical equipment dealers, and consumers across rehabilitation medicine.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Norco: Proprietary brand for rehabilitation equipment including exercise putty, splinting materials, tables, and therapy supplies.
• Achieva
• Exacta
• Comfort Cool
• Progress
• Liberty
• Prelim
• GripWare
• FootWave
• Blue Diamond

Products and services

• Norco Brand Products Primary proprietary brand covering a wide range of rehabilitation products including exercise putty, tables, splinting materials, cold packs, wheelchairs, and therapy equipment for hand, physical, and occupational therapy.
• Achieva Brand Products Proprietary brand featuring rehabilitation and adaptive living products including SMART-Mirror therapy tools, Sock-Assist, writing aids, and exercise equipment.
• Comfort Cool Brand Products Proprietary brand offering orthotic products including thumb CMC restriction splints, wrist orthoses, and thermal-resistant positioning devices.
• Exacta Brand Products Proprietary brand featuring measurement and evaluation tools including goniometers, inclinometers, and sensory evaluators for clinical assessment.
• Progress Splints Proprietary line of splinting products for hand therapy and upper extremity rehabilitation.
• Liberty Brand Products Proprietary brand including Liberty Thumb Spica and other orthotic products for upper extremity support.
• Blue Diamond 6-Channel Needle Stimulator Professional electrotherapy device with six output channels for controlled multi-site needle stimulation, supporting continuous, interrupted, and dilatational waveform modes with adjustable frequency and 1-99 minute timer.
• FootWave Dynamic Orthotic Insoles Line of dynamic orthotic insoles designed to support the foot through the gait cycle, with five condition-specific models for plantar fasciitis, flat feet, 1st ray support, everyday use, and sport/active use.
• GripWare Adaptive Dishware Adaptive dishware line designed to improve stability and self-feeding for individuals with limited hand strength or coordination, featuring non-skid bases, scoop edges, and vented dish covers.
• Eco-Stim TENS and EMS Electrical stimulation devices for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) therapy.
• Dema Grip Ergonomic gripping aid designed to assist with utensil handling and daily living activities for individuals with limited grip strength.
• Grippy Non-Slip Pads Non-slip positioning pads for wheelchair cushion positioning, dinnerware stability, and adaptive equipment use.
• OrthoThermic Gloves and Splints Thermal-resistant orthotic products including gloves and thumb CMC splints designed to provide additional warmth during therapeutic use.
• EpiFlex Resistance Bar Resistance exercise equipment for hand therapy and upper extremity rehabilitation.
• Quik-Knot Exercise Handles Easily adjustable exercise handles that accommodate exercise tubing for resistance training and rehabilitation exercises.
• Norco Splint-Form 2000 Professional splint pan with digital temperature control, accommodating full arm splints with interior dimensions of 25L x 12W x 4.5D inches, featuring 7-day programmable on-off and automated sanitization cycle.
• Norco 3-Section Hi-Lo Tables Treatment tables with adjustable height (Hi-Lo) functionality available in electric and manual hydraulic configurations for clinical therapy settings.
• Norco Beechwood 2-Section Table Sturdy treatment table with hardwood construction, adjustable backrest up to 70 degrees, 600 lbs weight capacity, and 5-year limited warranty.
• Norco Wheelchair Push Gloves Cushioned wheelchair gloves with non-slip grip pad, reinforced thumb webspace, tipless finger design, and breathable polyester/spandex construction.
• ActivaPatch Iontophoresis Products Self-contained iontophoresis patches including IontoGo 4.0, IontoGo 12.0, and IntelliDose 2.5, delivering calibrated electrical charge for drug ion delivery through skin with high dosage accuracy.
• Blue Diamond Dry Needles Professional-grade dry needling needles available in various sizes with sleeves, designed for trigger point therapy and musculoskeletal treatment.
• Hyperice Venom 2 Heat and vibration therapy wrap featuring HyperHeat technology with three heat levels (113F/122F/131F), three vibration patterns, 6x faster heating than standard pads, 3-hour battery life, and Bluetooth connectivity to Hyperice App.
• Hypervolt 3 Percussion massage device with 5 speeds, 5 redesigned attachments including heated head, 2 lb weight, built-in pressure sensor, Bluetooth connectivity, QuietGlide technology, and up to 4 hours battery life.
• Hypersphere Go High-frequency vibration ball for myofascial release and muscle activation with three speeds, designed for trigger point therapy and pre/post activity warm-up.
• Hyperice Dreamseat Relax Recliner Premium leather recliner chair designed for use with Normatec 3 Legs compression system for integrated recovery sessions.
• Hyperice X2 Knee All-in-one contrast therapy device delivering heat up to 121F, cold down to 40F with five precision levels, and compression up to 160 mmHg for comprehensive knee recovery.
• Hyperice X2 Shoulder Fully electronic contrast therapy device with deeper cold, more powerful heat, and built-in compression designed for shoulder warm-up and recovery.
• Theradot Deep Oscillation Therapy Device Deep oscillation therapy equipment using electrostatic fields for tissue treatment and rehabilitation.
• Vasyli Custom Orthotics Customizable foot orthotics and biomechanical support products for podiatric and rehabilitation applications.
• Norco Exercise Putty Therapeutic exercise putty for hand therapy, available in various resistance levels for progressive strengthening exercises.
• Norco Rainbow Latex-Free Products Line of latex-free rehabilitation products including exercise putty, tubing, and therapy supplies for patients with latex sensitivities.
• Hook Splint Sleek, low-profile relative motion orthosis for hand therapy, designed for easy assessment, custom molding, and specific fitting for various conditions.
• Comfortgel Hot/Cold Therapy Versatile gel packs for heat or cold therapy with flexible gel for maximum conformity, retaining temperature for 20-40 minutes, available as therapy wrap, mitt, or oversize pad.
• Touch Test Sensory Evaluators Professional sensory evaluation tools for assessing diminishing or returning sensibility in clinical settings.
• Gripmaster Hand Exerciser Isometric hand exerciser designed for grip strength development and rehabilitation.
• Norco Polyurethane Cold Packs Durable cold therapy packs with polyurethane construction for reusable cold application in rehabilitation.
• Stopain Topical Analgesics Topical pain relief gels for temporary relief of minor aches and pains associated with arthritis, muscle strains, and backaches.
• BodyTool Body positioning and support tools for therapy and patient care.
• Dressing Pal Adaptive dressing aid designed to assist individuals with limited mobility or dexterity in dressing independently.

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• American Hand Therapy Foundation (AHTF)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2022North Coast Medical has supported AHTF for decades and most recently pledged a second $100,000 to AHTF over 4 years. AHTF is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that funds clinical and scientific research and education to advance hand therapy practice and patient care worldwide.
• Warrior Foundation Freedom StationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2013In 2023, North Coast pledged $100,000 to support opening of Freedom Station III, bringing total contributions to $300,000 since 2013. The foundation provides transitional housing, educational and career guidance to injured and disabled military heroes transitioning to civilian workforce.
• American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1996Since 1996, North Coast Medical has provided scholarships annually to individuals enrolled in accredited occupational therapy programs. Recipients are chosen among hundreds of applicants through AOTF's selection process.
• HOPE Rehabilitation ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1983From 1983 to 2017, North Coast Medical was honored to have HOPE Rehabilitation Services integrated within operations. In 1983, North Coast became the first company in California to establish an onsite sheltered workshop for special needs individuals, built on shared founding principles of helping people flourish in everyday environments.
• Evelyn J. Mackin (EJM) Fellowship at Hand Rehabilitation FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNorth Coast supports the EJM Fellowship which provides scholarships for therapy students to develop competence through real world patient care, learning from surgeons during surgical operations, and attending conferences.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• AliMed: AliMed is a direct peer distributing rehabilitation, orthopedic, and clinical-care supplies to hospitals, rehab clinics, and consumers — overlapping substantially with North Coast's catalog and customer base.
• RehabMart: RehabMart is an online retailer of rehabilitation and medical equipment directly competing with North Coast's myncmstore.com consumer storefront in the rehab-supply category.
• MFI Medical: MFI Medical distributes medical, rehab, and physical therapy equipment and supplies to clinicians and consumers, with significant catalog overlap in modalities, treatment tables, and exercise equipment.
• Performance Health: Performance Health (parent of Sammons Preston and Rolyan) is the largest direct competitor in the rehabilitation products distribution space, offering a near-identical catalog of hand, occupational, and physical therapy products to clinicians and consumers.
• Dynatronics: Dynatronics manufactures and distributes physical therapy and rehabilitation equipment including modalities, tables, and clinical supplies — directly comparable to North Coast's Norco-branded modality and treatment-table lines.
• 3B Scientific: 3B Scientific distributes rehabilitation, anatomy, and physical therapy training products globally, with overlapping customer segments in rehab clinics, universities, and clinicians — comparable to North Coast's professional channel.

Emerging players

• Therabody: Therabody (Theragun) is a fast-growing D2C recovery and percussive-therapy brand that overlaps with North Coast's distributed Hyperice line and consumer-wellness positioning — a competitive and adjacent peer.

Broad incumbents

• Medline Industries: Medline is a major private medical-products manufacturer and distributor with rehab, durable medical equipment, and physical therapy product lines that overlap with North Coast's professional offerings at scale.
• McKesson Medical-Surgical: McKesson is the largest US medical-surgical distributor and a broad incumbent that competes with North Coast for hospital, clinic, and skilled-nursing facility supply contracts in the rehab category.
• Henry Schein: Henry Schein is a large medical/dental distributor that supplies rehab and physical therapy product lines as part of a broader portfolio — a broad incumbent against whom North Coast competes for institutional purchasing contracts.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/NorthCoastMed
• Facebookfacebook.com/ncmedical
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/north-coast-medical
• Instagraminstagram.com/ncmedical

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about North Coast Medical