TheraCane®( for Deep Pressure Massage . )

OWN E R 'S MAN UA L

Thera Cane is a self mas-sager used to apply pressureto sore muscles. The uniquedesign of the Thera Canelets you apply deep pres-sure massage to hard - to -reach areas of your body onyour own.

THE THERA CANE WAS DEVELOPED BY Achronic pain patient to help relieve hisown discomfort resulting from necksurgery and a herniated disc in hisback. By using the Thera Cane alongwith a daily stretching routine he hasobtained long-lasting relief

THE LEVERAGE MAKESIT EASY TO USE!

Position your hands and Cane as shownin illustration#1, with the ball' in placeon top of your shoulder. Next, pushboth your handsstraight downwhile at thesame timepushing out-ward with yourright hand 1 to2 inches. Yourleft arm is held IIin close to your side and remains mo-tionless. Once sufficient pressure is at-

tained moveyour left armback and forthso the applica-tor ball, alongwith your skin,slides across themuscle. Thispressure should Ube contained within an area the size of aquarter. The more concentrated the pres-sure, the more effective the response.Now look at illustration #2. By restingyour forearm on the upper handle youare able to relax your left arm musclesand achieve the same pressure. Properleverage reduces excessivehand and armmovement and makes the Thera Caneeasier to use. The technique of usingleverage is easy to learn after some prac-tice. Be patient and follow the illustra-tions and instructions.

KEEP THE BALL IN CONTACT WITH YOURbody in order to maintain control of theThera Cane and prevent it from slippingoff the muscle. You will have controlwhen your skin isdepressed enough fromthe pressure to follow the movement ofthe ball across the muscle.

BEGIN WITH LIGHT PRESSURE AND SHORTperiods of use as your muscles willrequirea breaking in period. A few minutes ofwork on one or two troublesome points issufficient. People enjoy using the TheraCane so much that they tend to overdo it atfirst. If you do you may temporarily hurtmore than you did to begin with. Thisadded discomfort willgo away after a rest-ful sleep and certainly within 12-36 hours.The following day it will be helpful andsoothing to work on the same area using alighter touch. In addition, gentle stretching,and ice pack or perhaps a hot bath willmake you feel better. With experience youwillbe able to use more pressure and enjoy

Prior to using the Thera Cane,stretch your muscles to help locateareas of tenderness. When usingthe Thera Cane try to place astretch on the muscle you are ap-plying pressure to. This will assistyou in defining the specific area oftenderness in the muscle. Also,soaking in a hot bath before usingthe Cane will allow deeper pressurewithout the residual soreness.

By using the Thera Cane from the threebasic positions (standing, sitting and lyingdown), for one particular point, you areable to access the muscle from the mostangles possible. This thorough approachwill increase the likelihood of obtainingthe proper angle of pressure to relievethe trigger point.

THE UVEL OF PRESSURE WILL DEPENDupon the application. For example, backmuscles need more pressure than fore-arm muscles. A level of pressure midway .between painful and pleasurable ("hurtsso good") is suggested after the breakingin period. Apply pressure gradually in-creasing it as you work the ball into themuscle. If the tenderness decreases whilepressing, press harder or move the ballslightly to relocate the most sensitive partof the trigger point. If a muscle is extratender, work on the surrounding area be-fore zeroing in on the more sensitive spot.

• _ While applying adequate pressureslowly move the ball back and forthacross the trigger point. A gentlewiggle helps to burrow into themuscle.

• Press directly on the trigger pointand hold for five to ten seconds, re-lease and repeat a few times. It isadvisable to avoid this technique forthe front and side of the neck mus-cles since this area is very easy tooverdo (use your fingers for theseareas).This method is more suitedfor areas of thick muscle mass andonly after becoming familiar withyour own pressure limits.

• A systematic approach will heightenyour awareness and give you thebest results.

STRETCHINGIT FEELS GOOD...NATURALLY!

It is never too late to start stretching. In fact, the older we get, the more important it

becomes to stretch on a regular basis. The basic method of stretching is the same

regardless of differences in age and flexibility. Stretching properly means that you do

not go beyond your own comfortable limits.

HIP r. GROINMove leg forward until the knee of theforward leg is directly over the ankle.Your other knee rests on the floor.Next, lower the front of your hipdownward for the stretch. Hold ~ __ ....-for 30 seconds, alternate andrepeat.

BACK r. LEGSKeep your head down and your lower back flat.Pull your knee to your chest and hold for 20seconds. Variation: Pull your knee across yourbody toward opposite shoulder. Hold for20 seconds, alternate and repeat.

Stretching for 10-30 minutes in the evening is a good way to keep your muscles well

tuned, so you feel good the next morning. If you have any tight areas or soreness,

stretch these areas before retiring and feel for yourself the difference in the morning.

If you don't have much uninterrupted time available, use short periods of stretching

(5 minutes) every few hours. This will help you to feel good throughout the day.

IT IS BETTER TO UNDERSTRETCH THAN TO OVERSTRETCHAlways be at a point where you can stretch further, and never at a point where you

have gone as far a you can go. Learn to stretch your body without force.

UPPER AND LOWER BACKSit with your right leg straight. Cross your left leg over and restit outside your right knee. Bend your right elbow and rest it justabove the knee. Next, with your left hand resting behind you,slowly turn your head to look over your left shoulder and at thesame time rotate your upper body toward your left hand andarm. Hold for 15 seconds, alternate and repeat.

LOW BACK •• TOP OF HIP1. Bring your knees together and rest your feet on the floor.

Interlace your fingers behind your head and rest your armson the floor.

2. Lift the left leg over the right leg. Use theleft leg to pull rightleg to floor.

3. Pull downward until you feel a good stretch along the side ofhip or the lower back. Repeat stretch for the other side.

Variation: To create opposite tension, holddown the right leg with the left leg and attemptto lift the right leg. By resisting with the left legyou create a stretch using opposing tension.

Get used to doing variations of basic stretches. In each variation you will use your bodyin a different way. You will become more aware of all the stretch possibilities when youchange the angles of the stretch tension, even if the changes are very slight.

Reprinted with permission of Stretching, Inc., Copyright 1980.

NECKFOR ALL NECK P051110N5.Lean neck into ball,hands & Cane remain still.

Move neck side to side andup & down for pressure.

Also try these inthe supine position.Elevate head with pillows.

Use your fingers formuscles at the front andsides of neck.

#3 NECK

#1 NECK

Cross legs toadjust position.

#6 NECKPush R hand forward

for pressure.

#S NECK

#3 NECK

FOR BEST RESULTS LIMIT HAND & ARM MOVEMENT.

SHOULDERS

# 1 SHOULDERS

# 1 SHOULDERS

DFOR ALL SHOULDER POSITIONS.

# 1 SHOULDERS

II

#5 SHOULDERS

#1

EACHBAlL IS

NUMBEREDAS SHOWN

# 1 SHOULDERSCane leans against

front of leg.

Push down in the directionof the arrows for pressure.

Move upper armsback & forth 1-2 inches

for cross-friction massage.

Keep arms in close to side.

# 1 SHOULDERS

III

# 1 SHOULDERS

fOR MAXIMUM LEVERAGE l STABILITY REFER TO THE ILLUSTRATIONS

BACK

Loop over L shoulder towork on R shoulder blade.

. # 1 UPPER BACKPush L hand downward then

push R hand forward1-2 inches for pressure.

r=:#1 LOW BACK

Stabilize against chair& lean into ball.

\

Best back positionfor big bodies

Keep back & buttocks2-3 inches from theback of the chair.

Cane held off to side.

D

Alternatehand position.

Rotate R shoulderblade forward forhard-to-get points.

Move side-to-sidefor cross-friction massage.

#1 UPPER&. MID BACK

Tilt Cane upwardfor best leverage.

Push L hand downward1-2 inches for pressure.

R arm remains still.

#1 LOW BACKLean back in chairdirectly against the

ball.

Push R hand outward 1-2 inches for pressure,then move upper body side-to-side for cross-friction massage.

FOCUS YOUR ATTENTION ON THE MUSCLE YOU ARE WORKING ON

Back

#1 MID BACKLean back in chairdirectlyagainst ball.Keep R ann locked

in place.

#6 UPPER Pi MID BACKPush R ann forward for pressure.

Hook is upunder armpit.

Stabilize against chair& lean into ball.

Move side-to-sidefor cross-friction massage.

#1 BACKElevate your head with some pillows.

The supine position is the most versatile.Experiment on your own!

r>#S UPPER BACK

Vary hand grip;open palm is easy.

LEAN INTO OR AGA'INST THE BALL fOR PRESSURE

LEGS

#6 BACK OF LEGSMove leg side-to-side

for cross-friction massage . .---- --:..~---.

Sit sidewaysin chair.

Cane fitsover legs. Loop Cane

around L leg.

Push R handdownward

for pressure.

Push legsoutward

for pressure.

#3 OUTSIDE OF LEGSSlide R hand back & forth to

locate points and then up & downfor cross-friction massage.

Position L legslightly

forward tostabilize.

FOR ALL LEG POSITIONS.

Ann holding the hookportion of the Cane

remains still.

#6 TOP OF LEGS

EACHBAlL IS

NUMBEREDAS SHOWN

STRETCH YOUR MUSCLES BEFORE &: AFTER USING THE CANE

LEGS

Tilt Cane upwardfor leverage.

Pull L arm back to apply pressure.

#6 LOWER LEGSLoop Cane around R leg.

#S & #6 LOWER LEGSLower calf onto ball

then move leg side-to-side.

#S fEETStabilize against

the floor or R foot.

Position #2 ball insidecalf to stabilize.

Lean back against awall or a couch.

Position L leg slightlyforward to stabilize.

#4 INSIDE Of LEGSPlace #2 ball shaftunder armpit then

lean into leg.

Press footinto ball forpressure.

Also try while supine.

BE PATIENT WITH YOUR PROGRESS

ARMS

D

#5 UPPER ARMS

FOR ALL ARM POSITIONS.

Stabilize Cane securely on legs.

Lean into or againstthe ball for pressure.

Shift body weight into ballfor added pressure.

#3 UPPERARMS

#6 FOREARMS& HANDSPush legs outward

to stabilize.

#6 MID ARMSLean into ballfor pressure.

CONCENTRATED PRESSURE WILL GIVE THE BEST RESULTS

-------:-------------_._-----

OTHER

Lean forwardto apply pressure.

#2 CHEST & ABDOMENPush in from

the wristor forearm.

#4 CHEST

Lean intoball for pressure.

Sit sidewaysin chair.

#1' RIBSL arm is wrapped around hook.Push L arm inward & back &

forth to apply pressure.#1 HIPS

Stabilize firmly againstback of chair.

Cane is tilted upfor leverage.

~w 1Vary hand grip.

Lean L buttock back & intothe ball.

To adjust positionraise or lower

R arm.

#8 BUTTOCKSAlso try #1 ballwhile supine.

Hold R hand & arm againstR leg at all times.

READ & REREAD THIS MANUAL

TRIGGER POINTS DEVELOP AS A RESULT

of muscular injuries, strains and trauma. Additionally,structural imbalances, improperbody mechanics, poor nutrition and mental or emotional stress are all factors. Whenmuscle fibers, fascia, ligaments or tendons become weakened, overstretched or in-flamed, tiny tears in the associated soft tissue can occur. As the tissue heals it contracts,becoming twisted and knotted. These knotted fibers restrict the fresh blood supplyneeded by the muscle cells. In addition there is often a shortening of the muscle fiberto protect itself from further injUIy.In effect, the muscle learns to avoid pain andguards against it by limiting its movement. This results in a loss of range ofmotion of the joint and the probability that the muscle and associatedstructures willdevelop trigger points.

Skeletal muscle, the largest single organ of the human body accountsfor 40% or more of body weight. As reported there are 200 pairedmuscles, anyone of which can develop myofascial trigger points.

The circleson the outline of the body form represent points locatedon the side of the body.

ACUTE PAIN RESULTS FROM ONE TIME

\•

•••

•

••sudden physical trauma including auto accidents (whiplash), falls, :\improper lifting, sudden twisting or turning movements and excessive orunusual exercise. These types of injuries if minor, will usually resolvethemselves with a few days of rest and avoidance of further aggravation.Once the injuries have healed, stretching and strengthening excercisesare necessary to recondition and restore the strength and flexibilityof theinjured muscle or joint. The associated trigger point(s) must also be inactivated oncethe injury has healed. If not treated effectively, a cycle of increasing pain, musclespasm and loss of function can occur and develop into a chronic condition.

Body form outline reprinted with permission of Williams & Wilkins.

TRIGGER POINTS ARE FOUND WITHIN Ahard, ropelike or knotted band of muscle. You will know when you have found one as it

will be very sensitive to the touch. By sensing this tenderness you are given an

opportunity to become aware of it and to consider its cause. Muscles involved in past

surgeries tend to have painful trigger points as do muscles located around the joints.

Some points, particularly those between the shoulder blades will be instinctively

located, while others may require a bit of detective work on your part. Gentle

stretching of your muscles on a regular basis will provide you with the clues

needed to help you help yourself. Make the necessary commitment topersonal wellness today.·t·~:• • •••• •••••••••

Most muscles and trigger points are paired.A point on the right side of your body has acorresponding point on the left side. Nor-mally the most tender of these parallel pointsor muscles will be on the same side that'spainful. Pressure applied to this side willusually give the most relief. For best results,however, pay equal attention to points onboth sides of your body,

CHRONIC PAIN RESULTS FROM PASTinjuries and from numerous, uncorrected and underlying causes. Ususally it is the

initial trauma that initiates trigger point activity in a muscle, while other factors

work together to prolong it. Poor sitting and standing posture, nutritional inade-

quacies (often vitamins B1, B6 and B12), and postural and mechanical stress allow

pain to continue for months and even years. The description of chronic pain is uni-

que to each individual and may be described as burning, throbbing, stabbing, deep,

dull and achy with varying intensities of discomfort. Evaluation and treatment by your

medical practitioner will be necessary to help unravel chronic cycles of pain.

PRECAUTIONSDo not use the Thera Cane to attempt treatment of serious medical ailments or injuries. TheraCane Co. will not be held liable for misuse of the Thera Cane in attempted treatment ofunknown origins. Consult with your medical practitioner for treatment of any medical condi-tion and before initiating any therapeutic massage or exercise program. In addition, theseprecautions should be followed:

Limit your sessions to short periods when you first begin use of the Thera Cane.Overuse may result in soreness for a-day or two.

Do not press directly on or against the spinalcolumn or sciatic nerve.

Do not allow children to play with or use the Thera Cane. 7 JIIJl~~19Avoid massaging areas of inflammation.

Discontinue use if bruising occurs.

GUARANTEEThis product is guaranteed against breakage for two years from date

of purchase. This warranty does not cover damage from negligent useor misuse or use contrary to instructions. Some restrictions apply.