Activeforever The Original Backnobber II User Manual
The Original
Backnobber®II Tool
User Guide
Self Care
Deep Muscle Therapy
About the Author: Denise M. Miller, OTR
Denise
M. Miller is an occupational therapist, an independent consultant
and
a technical writer. She teaches, lectures and conducts seminars for
health
care professionals worldwide on topics in industrial therapy and
ergonomic applications. In addition, she has numerous written
contributions
in a variety of publications. Ms. Miller is active in the
American
Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and the
Occupational
Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation Society (OIPRS). She
is
a graduate of the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, MN and a native of
Southern
California.
About the Artist: Jill Ott
o
Jill
Otto received her B.F.A. in art from the University of Iowa, with a major
in
drawing and minors in printmaking and photography. She created all
of
the illustrations, layout and design of this handbook. Ms. Otto lives in
Eagan,
Minnesota with her husband, son and daughter.
Forward
Within all of us is a strong desire to be healthy and free of pain and toxic
stress. By using Pressure Positive products, you have taken a positive step
in that direction.
When used as intended, The Original Backnobber
II tool, in combination
with simple stretching and strengthening exercises, helps ease the
symptoms of muscle fatigue, back, neck and shoulder discomfort and
headaches. Such symptoms can result from injury as well as chronic
conditions including arthritis, tendinitis and fibromyalgia.
The natural shape and dimensions of The Original Backnobber
II tool
allow you to apply pressure for as long as required to achieve its
remarkable effects. The Original Backnobber
II tool is made of a highly
durable polymer composite molded in the shape of an "S." This shape allows
the user to hook it over the shoulder or under the arm so that one of the
two ends can be pressed into any of the posterior muscles of the neck and
shoulders, upper, middle or lower back and the hips, buttocks and thighs.
We hope our products will assist you in managing and reducing muscular
pain and discomfort, enhance your ability to function and contribute to
your goal of painless and stress free good health.
Bernard L. Gladieux, Jr.
President
The Pressure Positive Company
The Pressure Positive Staff Workshop and Offices
1
Table of Contents
1 What is a Trigger Point? 3
2 Self Care 4
3 Precautions 5
4 Using The Original Backnobber
Locking Mechanism 8
Storage 9
Techniques 10
5 Trigger Points and Exercises 14
Neck and Shoulder 15
Shoulder and Upper Back 18
Mid and Low Back 22
Hip, Buttocks and Lower Extremity 27
6 A Word from Satisfied Customers 31
7 Frequently Asked Questions 32
8
Resources 34
II Tool 6
About our Products 35
9
2
What is a Trigger Point?
.
Tender spots in taut bands of muscles are referred to as "trigger points,"
according to Janet G. Travell, MD, a noted pioneer in the field of
myofascial pain and dysfunction. These tender spots may actively occur
in the affected muscle, produce additional tender spots or refer pain to
other muscles in the body.
Throughout our lifetimes, we
all experience some
muscle pain and discomfort. This
pain and tenderness may be a
direct result of injury or disease
or it may have occurred
following a strenuous sport
activity, or as a result
of lifting or repetitive work.
Whatever the cause, most
of us are susceptible to
trigger points in our muscles.
A trigger point may feel
like a hard "lump", knot
or band in the muscle. Or
you may experience
broad muscle soreness.
Applying pressure to the
muscle almost always
alleviates pain, even though
the pressure itself can be
somewhat uncomfortable
when applied. If you do not
experience immediate results,
try applying deeper pressure
for a longer time and to the muscles
surrounding the most affected area.
Please note that the various diagrams throughout this book show only
common or typical trigger point locations. The exact sites of these areas of
soreness can vary widely from person to person
Typical Trigger Point Locations
3
Self Care
It is important to pay attention to the responses our bodies produce when
stressed or in pain and to follow-up with stretching, relaxation and other
exercises which help to reduce discomfort and tenderness. Be particularly mindful
when using The Orginal Backnobber II tool to keep your body as relaxed as
possible, especially in the area where you are applying pressure.
strengthening and resistance exercises to build and tone the muscles, along
with proper nutrition and sleep will produce noticeable benefits.
In addition,
The goals of trigger point therapy
function, increase range of motion and improve strength, posture and
balance. The Original Backnobber
achieve these goals.
to reduce pain and stiffness, restore
are
II tool and this guide will help you to
S
tart slowly until you are
familiar with the technique of
using The Original Backnobber II
tool.
4
Precautions
1 Only use The Original Backnobber II tool for its intended purpose.
This product is designed for use on all large and small muscles that can
be comfortably reached.
2 Do not use The Original Backnobber
consultation if (1) you recently experienced an injury or (2) suffer from
a serious medical ailment or (3) are currently under a physician's or
therapist's care.
3 If you recently underwent surgery, consult your physician and/or
therapist before initiating massage and exercises with The Original
Backnobber
4 If bruising occurs, or if you experience
residual pain, discontinue use until
symptoms subside completely.
Reduce the amount of pressure when
resuming application.
5 Following use, if the
area is swollen or red,
apply cold packs.
Consult a physician if
inflammation persists
more than two days.
6 Do not apply directly to the
bones of the spinal column.
II tool.
II tool without a physician's
7 Stretching the muscles after
using The Original Backnobber
reduces soreness and inflammation.
8 Remember to pay attention to the signals your body is sending you.
Only apply pressure that you can comfortably tolerate. Although you
may experience some soreness and discomfort after initial use, these
symptoms will subside as overall health improves.
II tool
5
Using The Original Backnobber II Tool
Trigger points can occur in any muscle. Remember that every person is
unique, and that you are the best judge of your pain and discomfort.
Regular use of The Original Backnobber
understand the source and nature of such problems and can be an
exceptionally valuable aid in your pursuit of a healthy, pain free lifestyle.
The guidelines listed below can be followed when using The Original
Backnobber
1 Isolate a trigger point by pressing firmly with your fingertips or The
Original Backnobber
upper, middle or lower back, buttocks or thighs.
2 When you feel a hard knot (like a lump) or soreness, apply pressure
to determine the level of tenderness in the area. Some sensation of
pain is to be expected from the pressure; although for many people, this
sensation is quite pleasurable and satisfying.
tolerable level of pressure.
3 Once you have located the trigger
point and know how it feels,
you're ready to begin using The
Original Backnobber
you become more accustomed to
detecting trigger points on your
body and how to apply pressure,
you can begin immediately with
The Original Backnobber
instead of performing the
preliminary search.
II tool on any muscle in the body.
II tool over a specific part of the neck, shoulders,
II tool. As
II tool
II tool can help you better
Experiment to determine a
4 The Original Backnobber
can be hooked over the shoulder
or under the arm. Apply direct, steady,
pressure to the trigger point in the muscle.
Pressure preferences vary widely among professionals and patients alike, but for
5
many, pressure can be effectivley applied for between 5 and 30 seconds. It often
takes time for muscles to begin to "trust" the pressure, so the first 20 seconds
may be a mere beginning. In general it is best to start slowly and gradually
increase pressure as desired following your own best intuition and feelings.
6
II tool
6 Apply pressure firmly to the affected muscle. Move along the muscle band
at one-inch intervals. Stop and apply longer or deeper pressure to any knots
or lumps
usually have some releasing effect, it is best to apply pressure along
the entire muscle from one end to the other, in approximately one inch
intervals, and then stretch before moving onto
another area.
7 Harmony and balance between both
sides of the body are vital to achieving
proper posture and function. It is best
to work both sides of the body, just in
case any pain is referred to the other side
after being "detriggered."
8 Remember to breathe! Sit back, relax and
take some deep breathes both before,
during and after using The Original
Backnobber
9 Specific concentration
on breathing can
enhance the desired
results of the trigger point
technique. Take a deep breath
and begin applying pressure
as you exhale. Continue deep
breathing as you perform this
trigger point technique.
as you work. Although almost any pressure
II tool.
on a muscle
will
10 In addition to using The
Original Backnobber
paying attention to healthy
lifestyle habits may also
produce noticeable and desired
results. Drink plenty of water,
participate in physical activity
at least 30 minutes a day, eat properly and get plenty of sleep. As you
notice improvement in function and movement, you may also find
yourself relaxing and enjoying life more than ever before!
II tool,
7
THE ORIGINAL BACKNOBBER II TOOL LOCKING MECHANISM
The Original Backnobber
II tool is equipped with a built in, patented
mechanism that allows it to be taken apart for easy transport and storage.
Press the buttons on each side of The Original Backnobber
II tool, located
directly in the center of the mechanism and gently pull apart.
To reassemble, just fit the two ends and push gently until they click
together. To ensure proper assembly of the parts and the locking
mechanism, pull on both ends after each assembly. The two ends cannot
be pulled apart, unless the buttons are pressed.
8
TAKING THE ORIGINAL BACKNOBBER II® TOOL WITH YOU.
It is ideal for travelers,
sports enthusiasts and
others on the go.
The Original Backnobber II
tool is made of a highly
durable, polymer composite
making it a reliable travel
companion.
The Original Backnobber
tool will easily fit into a
normal size briefcase,
overnight bag, or gym bag.
II
9
TECHNIQUES WITH ORIGINAL BACKNOBBER ® II TOOL
Working the muscles
around the neck and
shoulders can relieve
simple headaches.
10
The larger end of The Original Backnobber
tool can reach over the shoulder or under an
arm and into the middle back area.
Experiment with
different positions
until you find the
ones that work best
for you.
II
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