Thumper Equine Pro, Maxi Pro User Manual

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Thumper and Massager with Muscle are registered trademarks ofThumper Massager Inc. Printed in Canada version 1.7
Printed on Recycled Paper
TM
THUMPER MASSAGER INC.
Markham, Ontario L3R 4B4
CANADA
USA & CANADA: 1-800-THUMPER (848-6737) INTERNATIONAL: 905-477-5222 Fax: 905-477-5329
Website: www.thumpermassager.com
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Contents
2 Introduction
3 Safety
5 Thumper Components
7 Understanding Thumper
12 Product Features
14 For Professionals
15 Beneficial Effects of Massage
17 Self Treatment
18 Treatment of Others
23 Trouble Shooting
24 Equine Professional Thumper
25 Professional Massagers...
for Your Performance Horse
26 Key Massaging Areas
27 Benefits of Thumper Horse Massager
28 Tips for Use
29 Warranty
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Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of what we believe to be the most up to date adjunct to professional hand massage. Thumper represents a combination of modern engineering and materials with ancient principles of health and massage.
It is not our intention in this manual to furnish a complete outline on massage or list indications for Thumper use, but to give you the basics, as we know them, and allow you to develop your own approach and technique of Thumper massage.
We fully support our products in the field and would be pleased to provide additional technical assistance beyond the scope of this manual if requested.
Thank you for choosing Thumper.
Keep well,
Thumper Massager Inc.
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Important Safety Instructions
When using an electrical appliance like Thumper, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:
Read all instructions before using Thumper.
To reduce the risk of electric shock:
Always unplug Thumper from the electrical outlet immediately after using and before cleaning.
Do not use while bathing or in a shower.
Do not move or store Thumper where it can fall or be pulled into a tub or sink. Do not place in or drop into water or other liquid.
Do not reach for an appliance that has fallen into water. Unplug immediately.
To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock or injury to persons:
Thumper should never be left unattended when plugged in.
Unplug Thumper from outlet when not in use and before cleaning.
Never operate Thumper if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has been dropped, damaged, or immersed in water. Contact the factory for examination and repair.
Do not operate under a blanket or pillow, or any place where ventilation may be insufficient.
Close supervision is necessary when used on, by or near children, invalids, or disabled persons.
Danger
Warning
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Important Safety Instructions
Use Thumper only for its intended use as described in this manual. Do not use attachments not recommended by the manufacturer.
Do not carry Thumper by the cord or pull the cord sharply.
Never drop or insert any object into any openings.
To disconnect, turn off switch and remove plug from outlet.
Connect Thumper to a properly grounded outlet only.
Never operate Thumper with the ventilation openings blocked. Keep the ventilation openings free of lint, hair, and the like. Never operate on a soft bed or soft couch where air openings may be blocked.
Keep the cord away from heated surfaces.
Do not use outdoors.
Do not operate where aerosol products are being used or where oxygen is being administered.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
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Thumper Components
rotary speed dial
ventilation holes
Side View
Back View
1-apply the large massage spheres on the area to be massaged, ignore the small spheres as they are for gliding only.
on/off switch
power cord
impact adjuster
small massage spheres
on/off switch
large massage spheres
1
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Thumper Components
Bottom View
Top View
on/off switch
power cord
impact adjuster (4 settings)
Rotary speed dial
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Thumper is the only massager that works with percussive, rather than orbital action. Ordinary massagers exert their force in a horizontal direction (like an electric sander) and do nothing more than ‘rub’ your skin. Thumper directs the action of its anatomically positioned massage spheres vertically - downwards into your muscles. Eight massaging spheres pivot up and down a full 1/4 inch. Its action penetrates deep down into all muscle layers. You feel Thumper massage throughout your body, not just on the skin surface.
Thumperʼs unique action — a steady, comfortable, pulsed acupressure — delivers a more thorough and effective massage. Its vibration frequency penetrates even large body parts without having to ʻdig deeperʼ as one does with hand massage. Thumper is easier on both the patient and the operator. Self-balancing, its own 7 lb. weight supplies all the needed force. Adding weight by pressing is less penetrating, in fact, not more. Do not stroke Thumper. Instead, "PARK" it at least 10­15 seconds before moving to another area and repeat.
(stroking is optional for back of legs.....see page 21)
Understanding Thumper
percussive orbital
How Thumper Works
What Thumper Does
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Understanding Thumper
Thumper has 2 different controls for adjusting the strength of the massage. (1) Variable Speed Dial (2) Impact Adjuster Dial.
As occurs with any massage, you may sometimes find the reaction "It didnʼt hurt until you started to work on it," as though the tension was created by the massage itself. The same principle applies to a massage with Thumper.
Thumper is designed for massage of soft tissue (muscle) not hard tissue (bone) using direct drive percussive stroke that travels downward into your muscles. These pulsations can be seen as a double image (1/4" in size) on the large massage spheres.
The muscle Thumper massages should be at least 1/4" thick or Thumper may feel too strong, bounce or shake. You can see this by placing Thumper on a floor, where the hard surface, instead of absorbing the vibration wave, reflects it back to Thumper, producing a most inharmonious rhythm. The solution is to stay away from bony projections (knees, elbows, tip of shoulder, hip projections, spine of shoulder blade, head or neck, etc.).
The strongest settings should be used on larger muscles.
On children, elderly, very thin people or over a thin muscle, massaging with the lowest speed and impact settings or massaging through a folded towel will make the massage more comfortable.
ã Turn Thumper off before changing the Impact
Adjuster Dial.
Power Settings
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Understanding Thumper
No attachments are needed with Thumper. Its massage spheres are positioned to let you treat all areas effectively. For large area massage, Thumperʼs four large massage spheres are designed to massage both legs, calves or feet simultaneously. Small areas can be reached by tilting Thumper, using only one of the spheres.
(beginning on page 17, you will find diagrams showing you how to use Thumper for specific body areas)
Thumper contains a built-in safety buffering mechanism which prevents you from hurting yourself or others, even if you inadvertently apply extra pressure. If that should occur, the added pressure is absorbed and Thumper actually vibrates less. Thus, you cannot receive more force than the highest setting.
Thumper should not be used over:
ã Swollen or inflamed area or skin eruptions (bruises,
cuts, fractures, etc.)
ã Testicles, ovaries, breast tissue, eyes, ears, head,
neck or kidneys
ã Directly on bone
ã Varicose veins
ã Do not use on unexplained calf pain.
Consult your local physician for further advice.
(Stroking the legs is described as an option on page 21. If stroking the legs, ALWAYS
stroke toward the heart and
only after massaging the legs in stages.)
Massage should be pleasant and comfortable. If you feel pain or discomfort, discontinue use immediately and consult your physician.
No Attachments
Safety
IIMMPPOORRTTAANNTT
When Not To Use Thumper
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Understanding Thumper
Massage should be pleasant and comfortable and especially so with Thumper. You should be aware, however, of the following possible reactions and their cause:
• ITCHING Because Thumper does not "rub" the skin, itching usually does not occur. It may appear, however under the following conditions:
a) if one has poor circulation
b) if irritable material or clothing is used between
Thumper and the skin (eg: synthetic materials)
c) if left in one spot too long (over 60 seconds) and is
due to increased circulation
d) if the relative humidity of the atmosphere is quite
low, during the dry winter months, for instance. This causes hyperirritability of the skin to all forms of stimulation.
• TICKLING
In the legs, tickling is a normal reaction to stored muscle tension. Laughter helps release the tension and should be encouraged. Tickling will subside after approximately 5-10 seconds with Thumper "PARKED," while stroking will accentuate the tickling. The feet will not tickle if Thumper is used in self treatment, but may tickle when an operator places it on a patientʼs feet. The reason is that you cannot tickle yourself (try it sometime).
How Thumper Feels
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Understanding Thumper
• NUMBNESS Occasionally patients will comment that the area being massaged with Thumper feels "numb." This sensation is created by rapid stimulation of nerve endings in the skin. It can assist with pain control in longstanding muscle tension and otherwise has no significance.
• CONTRACTION When intense tension is present, a strong contraction may occur in the muscle being massaged. This is called a tonic vibratory reflex or TVR and happens most frequently in the legs. It is of short duration (10-15 seconds) and can vary in intensity. The more tension stored, the stronger the contraction, if it occurs.
How Thumper Feels (cont’d)
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Product Features
Thumper operates with ordinary 120 volt household current. (230/240 Volt model available — contact Thumper Massager Inc. for availability.)
If the external surfaces become soiled, wipe clean with a cloth dampened with a mild cleanser. Do not use thinner, benzene, or any other solvents. Thumper is maintenance free, constructed with permanently lubricated sealed ball bearings. No additional lubrication is necessary. Thumper has no user serviceable parts inside.
With extended use it is normal for the housing to get warm. If temperatures exceed normal limits (such as when ventilation holes are blocked), a thermal breaker will shut off the power, resetting itself when cooled. It is recommended Thumper be used 20 minutes on / 20 minutes off to allow the unit to cool down, preventing overheating and shut off.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, Thumper has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install a proper outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.
weight: 7 lbs (3.2 kg)
dimensions: 10"L x 5.5"W x 7.5"H (20 cm x 25 cm x 19 cm)
volts: 120 V North America; 230 V Europe
amps: 0.7 A North America; 0.4 A Europe
frequency: 60 Hz North America; 50 Hz Europe
speed impact: 1200 rpm to 2100 rpm
(20 to 35 pulses per second) from low to high
Power Supply
Maintenance
Operation
Specifications
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Product Features
Thumper should not be stored for extended periods of time on its massage spheres as they may flatten over time. Tip Thumper over onto its side with cord up. Thumperʼs cord may be coiled and stored in the handle as shown on page 4.
In a double-insulated product, two systems of insulation are provided instead of grounding. No grounding means is provided on a double-insulated product, nor should a means for grounding be added to the product. Servicing a double-insulated product requires extreme care and knowledge of the system, and should be done only by a qualified service personnel. Replacement parts for double-insulated product must be identical to the parts they replace. A double-insulated product is marked with the words "DOUBLE INSULATION" or "DOUBLE INSULATED." The symbol (square within a square) may also be marked on the product.
Storage
Servicing of Double-Insulated Products
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We recommend Thumper use before digital massage, particularly in larger muscles, making hand massage easier. Length of Thumper use should be approximately 1/4 to 1/2 the total session time.
Again, we recommend using Thumper first, before any digital massage or manipulation. Thumper is fast and recommended usage is 3 to 6 minutes depending on the area(s) being massaged. Insurance billing is described as deep tissue percussive massage.
Extended use before athletic exertion is not recommended. Instead we recommend a complete and thorough massage only after athletic endeavors.
Massage Therapists
Chiropractors
Sports Massage Body Toning Sports Trainers
For Professionals
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Beneficial Effects of Massage
ã Massage dilates the blood vessels, improving
the circulation and relieving congestion throughout the body.
ã Massage increases the number of red blood
cells especially in cases of anemia.
ã Massage acts as a "mechanical cleanser"
stimulating lymph circulation and hastening the elimination of wastes and toxic debris.
ã Massage increases blood supply and nutrition
to muscles without adding to their load of toxic lactic acid, produced through voluntary muscle contraction. Massage thus helps to prevent buildup of harmful "fatigue" products resulting from strenuous exercise or injury.
ã Massage improves muscle tone and helps
prevent or delay muscular atrophy resulting from forced inactivity.
ã Massage can compensate, in part, for lack of
exercise and muscular contraction in persons who because of injury, illness or age are forced to remain inactive. In these cases, massage helps return venous blood to the heart and so eases the strain on this vital organ.
ã Massage may have a sedative, stimulating or
even exhausting effect on the nervous system depending on the type and length of massage treatment given.
(an excerpt from "Survival into the 21st Century," by
Viktoras Kulvinskas, 21st Century Publications, P.O. Box 64, Woodstock Valley, CT 06282)
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Beneficial Effects of Massage
ã According to some authorities, massage may burst
the fat capsule in subcutaneous tissue so that the fat exudes and becomes absorbed. In this way, massage, combined with a nutritious but calorie-deficient diet, can be an aid to reducing.
ã Massage by improving the general circulation,
increases nutrition of the tissues. It is accompanied or followed by an increased interchange of substances between the blood and tissue cells heightening tissue metabolism.
ã Massage increases the excretion (via the kidneys) of
fluids and waste products of protein metabolism, inorganic phosphorus and salt in normal individuals.
ã Massage encourages the retention of nitrogen,
phosphorus and sulphur necessary for tissue repair in persons convalescing from bone fractures.
ã Massage stretches connective tissue, improves its
circulation and nutrition and so breaks down or prevents the formation of adhesions and reduces the danger of fibrosis.
ã Massage improves the circulation and nutrition of
joints and hastens the elimination of harmful deposits. It helps lessen inflammation and swelling in joints and so alleviates pain.
ã Massage helps to reduce edema (or dropsy) of the
extremities.
ã Massage disperses the edema following injury to
ligaments and tendons, lessens pain and facilitates movement.
ã Massage makes you feel good!
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Self Treatment
• lowest power setting
• on bed or couch
sitting
• high power setting
• rest Thumper on folded towel or small cushion
lying
• high power setting
• on bed or couch
• on bare skin Thumper is less likely to fall
• breathing deeply
sitting
lying
Shoulders
Feet
Low Back
Legs
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Treatment of Others
Shoulders
Shoulder Blades & Upper Arms
• tip Thumper headward applying most of the weight on the two large massage spheres closest to the head
• leave stationary or move slowly in a small
figure "8"
• for arms, position the arm in between the large massage spheres as Thumper has a
"wrapping effect"
• lower power setting on smaller people
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Treatment of Others
• the large massage spheres should contact the muscles on either side of the spine, being careful not to touch the bony tip of the spine
• glide slowly headward and footward
DO NOT USE ON HEAD OR NECK
• leave stationary and have patient breathe deeply
• stay below the lower ribs
Spine
Low Back
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Treatment of Others
• stationary positions for at least 15 seconds before slow stroking
• stroke inwards and upwards only
5 stages
at least 15 seconds in each stage without moving
Hips
Back of Legs
1 2 3 4 5
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Treatment of Others
• OPTIONAL & done only after massaging the legs in stages
• slowly gliding, one leg at a time
• always stroke headward (with the venous blood flow), never footward
• start on calf and end at the low back
• move feet apart to contact all 4 large massage spheres
• apply light pressure from behind with legs of the operator
• if feet are stroked, tickling may occur—if kept stationary, no tickling occurs after the first few seconds
• self treatment of the feet does not tickle
Stroking of Legs
Feet
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Treatment of Others
• hold stationary in each stage for at least 15 seconds
• stroking afterward and headward only
Front of Legs
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Trouble Shooting
Problem: pinching patient during massage
Solution: - when used correctly, Thumper does not pinch.
- do not press down, stroke with additional weight, or "dig."
Problem: hard to rotate impact adjuster knob
Solution: - use tissue paper for better grip
- grip sides without pressing downward
- rotate one stop at a time
Problem: no perceived difference between the different impact
settings
Solution: - a difference is not evident in normal to large sized
muscles.
- when in the low setting (small dot), Thumper will "give" or "flex" if contacting a bony area (i.e. thinner muscles)
- massaging near your knee cap in the high & low settings will illustrate this change
For your records: date of purchase
serial #
purchased from
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Equine Professional Thumper
Same design and features as the Professional Body Massager but more powerful, and the best machine for your horses, pets and livestock. This is the Thumper model that is used by professional equine training and competition.
Thumper was designed by a team of Chiropractors to use on their patients and has proven just as effective on Equines.
Equine Professional Thumper has been used with remarkable success on racehorses, hunter/jumpers, rodeo and reining horses, dressage horses, 3 day eventers, professional cutting horses, polo ponies, draft horses and chuck wagon teams.
Even if your horse is not an athlete, Thumper is great for horses that don't get enough exercise or those who just need some pampering.
Equine Professional Thumper is ideal for horses in training or competition, recovering from an injury and those who are nervous or "sour".
Thumper Equine Pro relieves muscle aches and relaxes improving the attitude of difficult horses.
For animals that are forced to remain inactive because of injury, illness or age, massage can be a mild form of exercise for their muscles and joints.
Your horse will enjoy being massaged just as much as you do!!
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Professional Massagers... For Your Performance Horse
It is easy to use and by following a few basic guidelines, you can give your horse a great massage. The Thumper Equine Massager uses a unique percussive action, and because of the speed of this percussive action, it only takes 10 minutes to give your horse a full massage, the equivalent of you manually massaging for around one hour. This makes a Thumper massage a very time efficient way to give your horse an enjoyable and therapeutic massage.
ã Before and/or after work
ã Before and/or after competing
The areas shown on the following page are the first to break down on a horse during strenuous activity and are the root of most lameness problems.
Most injuries on horses are a result of repeated stress and overuse. A physically fit horse has very strong, tight muscles that produce extreme resistance.
Keeping these muscles relaxed and working freely will enable your horse to perform at its best.
A daily maintenance program that includes Thumper massages will help prevent muscle injuries from developing, while allowing your horse to realize its full potential.
The Best Massage in Just 10 Minutes!
When to Use Your Thumper Equine Massager
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Key Massaging Areas
P
R
O
F
E
S
S
I
O
N
A
L
M
A
S
S
A
G
E
R
S
.
.
.
F
O
R
Y
O
U
R
P
E
R
F
O
R
M
A
N
C
E
H
O
R
S
E
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Benefits of Thumper Horse Massager
ã Increases blood supply &
nutrition to the muscles
ã Speeds up the recovery
process
ã Reduces fatigue
ã Dilates blood vessels &
improves circulation
ã Hastens elimination of
harmful by-products
ã Helps reduce inflammation
and swelling
ã Can compensate, in part
for lack of exercise in horses who are inactive due to age, illness or injury
ã Improves muscle tone
www.thumpermassager.com
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Tips for Use
Develop your horse's full potential and prevent muscle injuries using the Thumper Professional Equine Massager
ã Use on muscle only
ã Use your Thumper for one minute
or less in each area
ã Do not use on bone
ã Do not use a massage oil or liniment
ã Massage yourself and your horse
before and/or after exercise
ã Do not use on areas showing heat
ã If you or your horse are sensitive,
use less pressure, and/or put a sheet between the skin surface and the massager
The Thumper Equine Pro is sold with a GFCI (ground fault current interrupter) device.
This device provides additional protection against electrical shock in environments that are open to moisture such as stables and barns.
The GFCI must be connected on the electrical cord, between the massager and the electrical outlet, if it is used in such environments.
Tips for Use
Warning
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Warranty
This product is fully guaranteed to the original purchaser against defects in materials and workmanship for normal use and service, for a period of 2 years from the original purchase date.
This product warranty does not apply to any item, which has
(i) been subjected to misuse, neglect, accident or abuse;
(ii) been wired, repaired or altered by anyone other than
Thumper Massager Inc.;
(iii) been improperly installed, stored, handled or maintained by
anyone other than Thumper Massager Inc;
(iv) not been used in accordance with the instructional booklet
provided with the product;
(v) been subjected to abnormal electrical voltages or currents or other
abnormal environmental conditions;
(vi) had its serial number or dating altered or removed; or
(vii)does not apply to expendable components such as fuses, drives,
motor brushes and the like.
To obtain warranty service on your Thumper product, contact Thumper Massager Inc. by telephone at (905) 477-5222 or 1-800-THUMPER (848-6737) or by e-mail at [email protected].
Your Thumper product will be repaired, adjusted and/or replaced, as Thumper Massager Inc. considers appropriate.
Your Thumper product must be returned for service along with proof of purchase showing purchase date.
Units returned without proof of purchase will be repaired at service rates in effect at time of return.
In the event that the unit is replaced, the replacement unit will continue to have a warranty for the balance of the warranty term applicable to the original unit.
When returning Thumper products to the manufacturer under this warranty, the purchaser must pre-pay shipping charges.
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O P E R A T O R ’ S M A N U A L
T
M
•TH U M P E R M A X I P RO
•TH U M P E R E Q U I N E P R O
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