"A.J.R. Tool" Massage Therapy Tool

Abstract

The AJR Tool is used to safely apply pressure to specific areas during massage therapy. The tool's unique shape, combination of rigid and yielding surfaces and lightweight construction distinguish it from any other massage therapy tool.

Claims

1: A uniquely-shaped multi-functional tool primarily for but not limited to use in the field of massage therapy.

2: A tool with rigid and semi-rigid surfaces capable of applying pressure to specific areas of the human body.

3: A tool for massage therapy utilizing rigid and semi-rigid materials.

4: A tool for massage therapy designed with a curved back, and a flexible tip.

5: A massage therapy tool with a flexible ribbed surface.

6: A massage therapy tool utilizing a ribbed surface of rigid or semi-rigid materials for skin scraping, stimulation and circulation therapy.

7: A tool with a combination of features and surfaces which can be used in a therapeutic way toward the management of swelling and inflammation.

8: A single tool that assists with compression therapy, petrissage therapy, percussion therapy, cross-directional stretching therapy, and deep transverse friction therapy.

9: A tool with a semi-rigid tip that can be used in a therapeutic way to manipulate muscle tissue.

Description

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

[0011] FIG. 1 Top View of the invention

[0012] FIG. 2 Back View of the invention

[0013] FIG. 3 Side View of the invention (Iteration 1)

[0014] FIG. 4 Front View of the invention (Iteration 1)

[0015] FIG. 5 Isometric View of the invention from base end (Iteration 1)

[0016] FIG. 6 Isometric View of the invention from tip end (Iteration 1)

[0017] FIG. 7 Front and Side View of iteration two of the invention (Iteration 2)

[0018] FIG. 8 Isometric View iteration two of the invention from base end (Iteration 2)

[0019] FIG. 9 Isometric View of iteration two of the invention from tip end (Iteration 2)

[0020] FIG. 10 Side View of Tip flexing as pressure is applied

[0021] FIG. 11 Side View of Tip flexing while dragging

[0022] FIG. 12 Side View of Tip applying direct pressure or during percussion

[0023] FIG. 13 Side View of Tip flexing while pulling

[0024] FIG. 14 Treatment using the ribbed area

[0025] FIG. 15 Side View of rib deformation (Iteration 2)

THE INVENTION IS CONFIGURED AS FOLLOWS

[0026] The invention [1] consists of the following major parts or elements: (FIGS. 1-16)

[0027] A curved stiff body made of rigid material [2].

[0028] A curved yielding tip made of semi-rigid (yielding) material [3].

[0029] A curved back [4].

[0030] Curved sides [5].

[0031] A ribbed area which may be made of [6] rigid (Iteration One—FIG. 4) or [10] semi-rigid (Iteration Two—FIG. 7) material.

[0032] A flat base [7] with rounded corners [8].

[0033] The Invention works as follows:

[0034] The invention [1] is applied directly to the patient by the massage therapist. By utilizing the various surfaces of the invention in accordance with various massaging techniques, a favorable outcome may be achieved.

[0035] Compression therapy is the compression of tissue or muscle against the bone. The invention is designed so that compression can be assisted by utilizing the back surface [4] of the invention. The curvature of the back surface of the invention is designed to separate the muscle fibers as the compression is applied. The same surface is used for Petrissage therapy which involves the kneading of the muscles. In this therapy, a rocking motion may also be applied. For some areas, facial massage for example, the tip [3] may be used for compression and petrissage. [FIG. 10]

[0036] Cross-directional stretching and deep transverse friction therapies can be achieved using the tip surface [3] by dragging it against the direction of the fibers [FIGS. 11, 13]. Additionally, the edge surface [5], the ribs [6], and the base [7] can be used in a scraping manner for tissue stretching.

[0037] The semi-rigid tip [3] and the balance of the tool allows percussion therapy to be applied with great precision [FIG. 12] while reducing fatigue for the therapist. Additionally, it permits direct pressure or acupressure to be applied to a specific pressure point [FIG. 10]. The semi-rigid material of the tip helps to minimize the possibility of injury as pressure is applied.

[0038] The ribbed area of the invention in both rigid [6] and semi-rigid iterations [10] may be used for skin scraping and for treating scar tissue as well as for stimulating tissues. The flat base [7] may also be used for this. Additionally, these surfaces may be used to help treat problems of circulation and inflammation.