Abstract:
A non-invasive method and apparatus are provided for treating orthostatic hypotension and for reducing the effects caused there from. An increase in blood and fluid flow in the lower extremities is achieved by vibrating the lower body of the individual at a frequency in the range of 10-120 Hz. The apparatus includes a strap for being secured to a body part of the individual's lower extremities, e.g., the sole of one's foot, and a displacement sensor which senses any movement of the body part. The displacement sensor continuously sends signals to a processor of the apparatus which indicate whether there was any movement of the body part. If the displacement sensor did not sense any substantial movement of the body part for a predetermined period of time the processor sends a signal to a vibrating mechanism. The signal activates the vibrating mechanism causing vibration of the body part for increasing blood and fluid flow in the lower extremities. The vibrating mechanism causes vibration for a predetermined period of time.
Abstract:
Exercise apparatus, comprises a first support means for the user's legs, a platform mounted on the support means to support a user's legs, there being a hinge connecting the platform to the support means and defining a generally horizontal hinge axis to allow pivoting of the user's trunk about a generally horizontal axis as the user relatively bends his body and his legs means, and extending in spaced, a second support means for the back of the user's body, and means for indexing said second support means at selected angularity relative to the hinge axis.
Abstract:
Inflammation of the muscles of the posterior thoracic spine can lead to a number of physical ailments. This inflammation can have a number of causes, one typical cause being overuse in a work environment leading to stress or tension within these muscles. Although many related physical ailments can be treated with medication and a properly prescribed and maintained exercise program, at present, an effective, simple-to-use and inexpensive means for correcting the position of the thoracic spine is not available. Embodiments of the present invention provides a resilient pad that is adapted to be interposed between the upper thoracic spine of a user and a substantially hard surface.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a massaging and reflexology system for an article of footwear comprising a core body generally configured in the shape of a shoe insole, a plurality of cups disposed on a top surface of the shoe insole, and a respective bump or pressure nub disposed within each of the cups. The cups may be disposed on a bottom surface of the core body. The shoe insole may define toe, intermediate, heel and arch portions, or any combination thereof. Each cup may define a substantially concave surface projecting outwardly from the top surface with the cup perimeters being generally circular. The pressure nubs may be centrally disposed on the concave surface of each one of the cups on the top surface. The core body, the cups, the cup spacers and the pressure nubs may be formed as a unitary structure of resilient, elastomeric material such as silicone gel.
Abstract:
An exercise device for promoting the natural movement and agility of facet joints in the spinal column. The device is an exercise surface formed by pairs of spherical elements arranged along a longitudinal axis. The spheres are dimensioned such that, when a user lies supine on the exercise surface, the spheres protrude up into the areas near the facet joints along both sides of the spinal column and massage the supportive muscle and ligament tissue that supports the posterior spine. The spherical elements may be freely rotating spheres mounted in a frame or partial spherical elements molded into a base material.
Abstract:
Bathing systems and corresponding methods featuring a multi-position support apparatus. In one non-limiting embodiment, the multi-position support apparatus is accepting a user in a standing position, moving the user into a predefined reclining position, bathing the user in the predefined reclining position, and returning the user to a standing position.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a massaging and reflexology system for an article of footwear comprising a core body generally configured in the shape of a shoe insole, a plurality of cups disposed on a top surface of the shoe insole, and a respective bump or pressure nub disposed within each of the cups. The cups may be disposed on a bottom surface of the core body. The shoe insole may define toe, intermediate, heel and arch portions, or any combination thereof. Each cup may define a substantially concave surface projecting outwardly from the top surface with the cup perimeters being generally circular. The pressure nubs may be centrally disposed on the concave surface of each one of the cups on the top surface. The core body, the cups, the cup spacers and the pressure nubs may be formed as a unitary structure of resilient, elastomeric material such as silicone gel.
Abstract:
A chair including a seat support pivotally attached to a back support and a leg support, wherein the back support, the seat support and the leg support are adjustable relative to one another such that the chair is adjustable between reclining, sitting and standing positions, wherein in the standing position the back support, the seat support and the leg support are all generally vertical. The supports may be formed with liquid conduits for passing a bathing liquid therethrough, and may further include massage elements adapted for applying a massaging motion to a person.
Abstract:
Passive resistance musculo-skeletal manipulation massage devices with a set of three portable devices, each capable of being hand held and each specifically designed to allow users to effectively manipulate specific areas of the musculo-skeletal system. The portable devices are made of rigid or semi rigid material. The first portable device is oblong in shape and has a pair of protrusions directed upward and spaced to allow room for a person's larger muscles. The second portable device being wedge shaped. The third portable device having an approximately circular plan view shape and including a single centrally disposed raised protrusion. The portable devices are placed between a flat surface and the user's back and neck area. A preferred embodiment includes that the the first portable device has a radiused under portion to allow the user to rock on the device.
Abstract:
A foot massaging device includes two shoe-shaped pedals, and a plurality of massaging members each retractably mounted on each of the two pedals. Thus, the massaging members are retractably pressed on the user's feet to provide a massaging effect, thereby enhancing the massaging effect of the foot massaging device. In addition, each of the massaging members is selectively mounted on a determined position of each of the two pedals to massage a determined position of the user's feet so as to satisfy the user's practical requirements.