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| One of my favorite tools for self-treatment is the Occipivot (Occipital Pivot). I find this an region. It is, essentially, a molded pair of hands, with fingers extended to reach into the sub-occipital space, releasing the occipital condyles. As a treatment tool, it is quite helpful for those clients with sub-occipital regions that feel like leather; let them lie on the Occipivot while you work elsewhere. It does much of the preliminary releasing for you, saving your fingers from the pain! For home self-treatment, it allows clients to be able to continue the work you've begun. Excellent for migraine and headache sufferers as well. Slight numbness of the scalp is normal for a few minutes after using this product. |
| A slightly different version of the Occipivot, the Cervical Pivot has smaller "nubs" that work the sub-occipital region, but also has a few additional features. The distal portion has bilateral ridges that provide a bit of soft tissue mobilization to the trapezius while countering the sub-occipital nubs with a slight tractional force on the cervical spine. The longer the client rests on the Cervical Pivot, the more gentle Cervical Pivot and the Occipivot.Cervical Pivot and the Occipivot. |
Third in the line of Pivotal products is the Thoracic Pivot. Uniquely
designed to allow opening of the thoracic region in both a longitudinal
and lateral direction simultaneously. Superior to foam rolls and half rolls,
which provide opening of only one plane at a time. When used as a
supine thoracic releases and allows for additional chest region opening
during cervical or sacral tractions, acting as a second set of hands. As a
home tool, clients find that lying on the Thoracic Pivot provides postural
opening as well as a springboard for unwinding.
designed to allow opening of the thoracic region in both a longitudinal
and lateral direction simultaneously. Superior to foam rolls and half rolls,
which provide opening of only one plane at a time. When used as a
supine thoracic releases and allows for additional chest region opening
during cervical or sacral tractions, acting as a second set of hands. As a
home tool, clients find that lying on the Thoracic Pivot provides postural
opening as well as a springboard for unwinding.
| Treatment Tools |
| The Mini Back Roller is a wonderful self-treatment tool for clients. Whether used on the floor, bed, chair or car, it helps to open and release the spine and soft tissue. A easy to carry tool, the Mini Roller is a hit! |
| The Theracane is a multi-purpose tool for self soft tissue release of restricted regions. A great help for tight shoulders, a multitude of other regions. The Theracane includes a booklet showing dozens of uses throughout the body. |
| The simple Yoga Strap is a powerful aid to opening up the quad/thigh region as well as releases of the quadriceps and lower pelvis and psoas. Very effective for use after a treatment session of thigh and pelvis releases. Available in singles (retail) or in quantities of 12 (wholesale). For singles, click one of the links on the left or right. For wholesale, with prices as low as $3.49 per strap, click the link below and, when re-directed to the YogaAccessories.com . website, click on "wholesale" for quantity pricing. |
| Would you like the latest word on new treatment tips, articles, treatment tools, books, and music? Sign up for my free MFRmail (below). You'll receive my monthly newsletter filled with useful information for your practice. If you're not happy, you can cancel your subscription at any time. MyofascialResource.com |
8 Foot Yoga Strap w/Anti-Slip Buckle (Blue) - $ 5.99
Retail Price: 9.99
You Save: $4.00
From: YogaAccessories.com
| Yoga supplies, including Swiss Balls, mats, bolsters, and accessories, click the above link. For wholesale (bulk) pricing, click the "Wholesale" tab once you reach the YogaAccessories.com Homepage. |
65 cm Physio Ball (Red) - $ 13.99
Retail Price: 19.99
You Save: $6.00
From: YogaAccessories.com
55 cm Physio Ball (Red) - $ 12.99
Retail Price: 17.99
You Save: $5.00
From: YogaAccessories.com
| The 55cm and 65 cm Swiss Balls are also available in bulk, at $9.99 and $10.99 in quantities of 12. Follow the wholesale pricing information above. |
The Back Roller is a well priced
product that covers the spine and ribs,
providing an effective means of releasing
soft tissue as well as osseous structures.
Available in singles and in bulk.
product that covers the spine and ribs,
providing an effective means of releasing
soft tissue as well as osseous structures.
Available in singles and in bulk.
(See Tips section for full description of uses)
Professional quality Pelvic Wedges in a wide
handling!
handling!
| Quality Treatment Tables from Oakworks, Stronglite, Earthlite, Earthgear, Custom Craftworks, and Healthmark, with free shipping on many tables and table packages. Great choices on wood and metal frame tables in all price ranges. Try both of the above links for best prices and choice |
Check out
www.bodyworkonline.com to
connect with a larger
community of MFR
practitioners, as well as a wide
range of body workers. I am a
frequent contributor there.
www.bodyworkonline.com to
connect with a larger
community of MFR
practitioners, as well as a wide
range of body workers. I am a
frequent contributor there.
| The Sacro Wedgy is a great tool to open up the sacroiliac region of the low back. It works well as a self-treatment tool and also as a second pair of hands during a treatment session. |
Walt Fritz, PT Copyright 2007
| It was interesting to follow up on the Cobblestone study, from the Research page of my website (reference #28). Amazon sells 6' long training mats with the cobblestone pattern built in, allowing one to follow the protocol set in the aforementioned study, or simply design one of your own. |
Having quality demonstration tools in the clinic can be a valuable asset. Here are a
few well priced options for skeletal and musculature displays
few well priced options for skeletal and musculature displays
| Also, an economy version of the Pelvic Wedges is available. |
| By far the best stool I've found for therapy is by Blickman. The lower ring allows you to raise or lower the stool without taking your hands off of your client. Well built and lasts forever. |
Changing long held holding patterns can be
difficult. With conscious awareness, we can
often create change, but when our attention is
directed elsewhere, the holding pattern often
returns. Clients of mine have had very good
success using the MotivAider™. You simply
set the unit for a certain time interval and attach
it to your belt, clothing, etc, and the
MotivAider gives off a subtle but noticeable
vibration. Using these cues to consciously
soften and relax, your clients will soon be able
to make lasting changes.
difficult. With conscious awareness, we can
often create change, but when our attention is
directed elsewhere, the holding pattern often
returns. Clients of mine have had very good
success using the MotivAider™. You simply
set the unit for a certain time interval and attach
it to your belt, clothing, etc, and the
MotivAider gives off a subtle but noticeable
vibration. Using these cues to consciously
soften and relax, your clients will soon be able
to make lasting changes.
ball of chalk could improve the ease of holding a
release to such a huge degree. Used by climbers to
improve their grip on a rock face, the chalk ball
really does improve your grip. Works well when you
start to perspire and works really well with those
I've been so surprised that something so simple as a
clients who forgot to skip the body lotion the
morning of their session with you.
release to such a huge degree. Used by climbers to
improve their grip on a rock face, the chalk ball
really does improve your grip. Works well when you
start to perspire and works really well with those
I've been so surprised that something so simple as a
clients who forgot to skip the body lotion the
morning of their session with you.