Abstract:
A system for producing mild traction on intervertebral discs by supporting a person in water in a deep spa or pool either by means of a soft neck collar supported by the water or a soft, flexible floating annular floatation device engaging undersides of the person's arms adjacent to the person's armpits without compressing the person's chest and constricting the person's breathing. The spa or pool is sufficiently deep that the person's feet cannot touch the bottom thereof. A submerged weight belt is supported on each of the person's ankles, the weight belts each having a buoyant weight in the range from one to two pounds. The temperature of the water in the spa is maintained at approximately 96 degrees Fahrenheit by conventional heating and thermostatic devices to allow adequate removal of the person's metabolic heat without causing tonicity of the person's muscles. The level of inflation of the collar can be adjusted to adjust the level of traction In another embodiment of the invention, contractions of neurologically disabled muscles are produced in a first limb of a person by supporting the person in water in the deep spa or pool either by means of a soft, flexible annular floatation device engaging undersides of the person's arms or by means of a soft neck collar supported by the water. The person is caused to extend an opposite second limb outward under voluntary control of muscles of that limb, and muscles of the disabled first limb automatically contract so as to counterbalance the opposite second limb.
Abstract:
A method for producing mild, symmetrical (or asymmetrical) traction on lumbar invertebral discs and sacroiliac joints. A patient is supported in water in a spa for approximately 30 minutes by means of an annular floatation device engaging undersides of the patient's arms a predetermined distance from the patient's armpits, the spa being sufficiently deep that the patient's feet cannot touch the bottom. A submerged, symmetrical weight belt is supported on the patient's hips, the buoyant weight of the belt being in the range from approximately 10-20 pounds. The temperature of water in the spa is maintained in the range from approximately 88-94 degrees F. Preferably, the patient remains relatively motionless in the spa for a warm up/relaxation period of approximately 5-10 minutes, followed by a sequence of slow extension and flexion exercise of the patient's back, following by a plurality of side bends.
Abstract:
Apparatus for supporting a user in a pool of water for therapeutic or training purposes. An overhead unit having tracks which guide and support the wheels of a movable trolley is provided. A cable having one end attached to the trolley and one end connected to a support jacket worn by the user allows the user to be fully supported in the water. The user may move through the water along the line of the overhead rail. A brake is provided which can create a drag requiring an increase it the force needed to move the trolley along the rail thereby making the user work harder. The rail may be supported by attachment to a ceiling above the pool or supported by stanchions adjacent to the sides of the pool if portability of the apparatus is desired.
Abstract:
An ice bath having a receptacle section and a temperature control element adjacent thereto and arranged to adjust the temperature of the receptable section. The temperature control element is connected to a refrigeration module that reduces the temperature of the receptacle. The temperature control element is further connected to a heating module that increases the temperature of the receptacle.
Abstract:
A device for therapy or exercise is provided that includes a frame, a base at least partially supporting and extending from the frame, a user support moveably coupled to the base and positioned adjacent the frame, a foot crank system coupled to the frame, a hand crank system coupled to the frame, and a motor coupled to at least one of the foot crank system and the hand crank system. The motor selectively powers the foot crank system and the hand crank system and comprises an active mode and a passive mode.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a hydrotherapy method suitable for diagnosis and treatment of a subject, as well as headgear suitable for use during hydrotherapy diagnosis and treatment.
Abstract:
A method for inducing a cellular or hormonal response includes using a wave-generating device to emit sound waves through an individual's skin and onto a target organ, and vibrating the target organ or a portion thereof at a frequency in resonance with the sound waves. The sound waves have a frequency of less than 200 Megahertz (MHz).
Abstract:
An adjustable flotation device is a device that is utilized to support the user's body in a variety of supported positions when the user is floating in a body of water. The device features an upper support member and a lower support member that are connected by a first adjustable strap and a second adjustable strap. The lengths of the first adjustable strap and the second adjustable strap may be adjusted to allow the user to utilize the present invention in a variety of supported positions. An at least one upper flotation aid and a lower flotation aid are utilized in conjunction with the upper support member and the lower support member in order to provide buoyancy to the device when in water. The upper support member and the lower support member may be separated from the first adjustable strap and the second adjustable strap for portability and storage.
Abstract:
A massage device, methods and apparatus are disclosed. Embodiments of a massage device are provided that include a first end configured to be held and manipulated by the hand of a user and a second end configured for application to a portion of the human body. The device firth includes a flexible portion connecting the first end to the second end. The flexible portion contains a source of vibrational motion and has a rigidity of an amount sufficient to transmit the vibrational motion from the source to the second end of the device. The second end may be constructed of a flexible material that allows the material to flutter and magnify the vibrational motion.