Backpod(R) by Bodystance is a physiotherapy innovation specifically designed for home treatment and ongoing care of the commonest upper spinal problem - a hunched upper back causing neck pain and headaches. The Backpod also enables straighter posture and freer breathing to the user.
The Backpod is an international award-winning spinal fulcrum device and home programme, it was designed by Steve August, a New Zealand physiotherapist with 35 years' experience in treating back and neck pain.
Nowadays, it is very common that three out of four people will get upper back or neck pain, including headaches. A hunched forward upper back underlies most neck problems. This hunching has further increased with new technology like laptops, tablets and smartphones, which have small screens that cannot detach from their keyboards. ARTG No.: 337116
The user guide that comes with the Backpod detailing the stretches, strengthening exercises, massage and posture you need to look after your own back and neck at home with
The Backpod can be used on its own or with treatment from your doctor, physiotherapist, osteopath, chiropractor, massage therapist, personal trainer or other health professional.
The Backpod(R) has won several New Zealand and international design and innovation awards, including an international Red Dot and one of the invitations only German Council Design Awards.
How to use the Backpod?
- To start: Lie back on the floor with your knees bent and your head resting on three pillows.
- Position the Backpod(R) lengthwise under your spine between your shoulder-blades. Add a towel over the Backpod(R) for more comfort if desired.
- Place your hands under your head and relax onto the Backpod(R) for 30 seconds. Repeat this stretch several times, repositioning the Backpod(R) up and down the middle back and slightly out to the sides of the spine.
Specifications Size: approx 20cm (L) x 12cm (W) x 6cm (H) (at highest point)
FAQ of Backpod
Q: How will the Backpod(TM) help me?
A: It's the underlying tight bent-forward upper and middle back that drives most neck problems. So you have treated this part of the spine too, or the neck won't come right. The Backpod(TM) is a logical, practical means to let you stretch out the very tough, tightened material of the upper and middle back. This usually means lying back on the Backpod(TM) for several minutes at home.
Q: Can I use the Backpod(TM) if I'm already receiving treatment?
A: In almost all cases, yes. The Backpod(TM) and its programme fit in really well with all the usual treatment approaches to backs and necks - physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy, Pilates, gym strengthening, yoga, anti-inflammatory medications, etc. However, health professionals are often too busy or too specialized to cover all of the elements needed for a lasting cure. The Backpod(TM) and its strengthening exercises, stretch, massage and posture advice provide what is usually needed to get most necks working properly, and keep them doing so. If in doubt, just ask your health practitioner. Q: Do I need a Backpod(TM)? Why can't I just use a sock with two tennis balls?
A: You can push a couple of tennis balls into a sock and lie back on that, and it's a step in the right direction. But it can't give anything like as strong a stretch on the spine as the Backpod(TM), and usually, you'll need that strength. Also the Backpod(TM) can give a specific stretch to the rib joints just out to the side of the spine, and the sock won't. Q: Should I use the Backpod(TM) behind my neck?
A: No. The Backpod(TM) is intended to stretch out a bent-forward upper and middle back. Problem necks are usually already too hollowed, and the Backpod(TM) will make this worse. What will help it are the other elements of the Backpod(TM) programme, especially the massage.
Q: Should I use the Backpod(TM) on my low back?
A: It depends. If your low back problem is of the common sort with a bulging disc, then the Backpod(TM) will act as a lumbar support to increase the hollow in your low back and lessen the bulge of the disc. But if it's of the other common sort, where the low back is already too hollowed, then it will make that worse. Ask your health professional. Q: Can I use the Backpod(TM) for my children? A: It won't harm them to just play on the Backpod(TM), but it shouldn't be used as a back treatment for children. Their bones and ligaments are still growing and still wonderfully flexible, so they don't need the strong spinal stretching the Backpod(TM) can provide. Q: Are there any risks in using the Backpod(TM)?
A: Hardly any at all. When used sensibly, the Backpod(TM) is safe to use for almost all common musculoskeletal conditions involving the upper back, middle back and neck. It is a passive device and entirely under the user's control. The only force applied comes from the user's own upper body weight which they can lower gently to lie on the Backpod(TM). They can get off again if there are problems. See Section 3: 'Warnings and precautions' in the Backpod(TM) user guide. Q: Does the Backpod(TM) have other uses?
A: Yes. The Backpod(TM) delivers a superb stretch for the calf muscles. Also, you can use the Backpod(TM) as a wobble board to build up the strength around a sprained ankle. Q: Will the Backpod(TM) break?
A: It's tremendously unlikely. The inner transparent electric-blue core of the Backpod(TM) is made of polycarbonate, and is so strong you could probably drive a small car over it. The apple-green flexible outer is made of Santoprene which is a surgical rubber-type material approved for use in hospitals - it will just bounce back again from any impact
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