Product Information CPR More Information
| 05 August 2009
Introduction
The CPR is a high quality soft tissue device that can help improve neck movement as well as reduce or eliminate muscle tightness, spasm, and pain. It is our hope that you will use this on a regular basis for both treatment and prevention of pain (or simply because it feels good). You can go ahead and start using the Cervical Progressive Ranger right away. However, we believe you will get more enjoyment and benefit if you spend some time reading through this manual.
What's Included
CPR Base Moist Heat Pack
Head Blockers Carriage Bolts Wing-nuts
How to use the CPR
The modern sports-medicine approach to rehabilitation emphasizes the importance of monitoring progress for both strength and movement. Monitoring your cervical movement allows health providers to gradually restore neck movement, thereby reducing the chance for injury. It also lets them know when progress is not occurring. The Cervical Progressive Ranger was designed specifically for this purpose. It provides a safe and effective means of improving neck movement while providing instant feedback on your progress.
To obtain the best results from a stretching program, the following principles should be adhered to:
1. Muscles must be relaxed.
2. Muscles and soft tissue should be pre-heated– the collagen fibers in the soft-tissue are more distensible when heated, thereby improving the amount of stretch.
3. Progress should be monitored.
The CPR was developed with the above principles in mind. The result is a product which allows one to safely stretch the neck muscles at home, and provide numeric feedback regarding progress.
Parts of the CPR
CPR Base Unit
This patented plastic base was computer-designed to achieve proper head position and maximize rotational stretching of the neck. It has a central channel where the moist heat pack is placed, and slots on each side for the adjustable head blockers. The surface slopes downwards to both sides which allows for gravity-assisted stretching during rotation. On each side of the base, is a slot for the attachment of the head blocker with a scale for measuring progress.
Moist Heat Pack
Designed to lie in the central channel of the CPR base unit. When lying on it, the heat pack warms the muscles over the back and side of the neck including the trapezius muscles. It is filled with special inert beads that hold water vapor. When the beads are heated, they gradually release the vapor, thereby providing even, moist heat. The covering material is Veltex which is permeable to the moist heat and is easily cleaned with household detergents.
Adjustable Head Blockers
These plastic blockers are attached to both sides of the CPR Base Unit with a carriage bolt and wing-nut. When using the CPR device, the head is rotated to each side until contact with the head blockers is made, thereby preventing further movement. Adjusting the head blockers further outwards allows more neck movement and stretching. At the base of each head blocker is a pointer which points to numbers on the CPR base, indicating the amount of progress.
Using the CPR
Using the CPR is simple and straight forward. By following the steps in this section, most people see improvements in neck movement within a week.
Where to use the CPR
While the CPR can be used almost anywhere, it is best to choose a quiet location, and lie on a firm surface such as a mat or carpeted floor.
Determine Proper Height of the CPR Base
Altering the height of the base unit changes the amount of neck flexion present during your stretching routine. The best way to change the height is to use a 1-1 ½ inch mat. When the base is placed on the mat, the neck is moved into a more flexed position, thereby stretching the back of the neck. When one lies on the mat, and the CPR base is on the floor, the neck is placed in more extension, thereby stretching the front of the neck.
Your health care provider will usually inform you as to which areas need more stretching. Frequently, the whole neck is tight, in which case it’s best to use all 3 positions– low, neutral and high. Knowing your medical diagnosis will help determine the preferred position. The following list offers general guidelines for CPR height based on several diagnoses.
1.Myofascial Pain Syndrome– Generally, MPS affects the muscles over the back and side of the neck. The preferred height would be neutral or high.
2.Whiplash– Usually involves the muscles on the side of the neck. The preferred height would be neutral.
3.TOS– This condition typically affects the muscles over the side and front of the neck. The preferred height would be low.
Determine Blocker Position
It is easier to have someone assist with this procedure. Loosen the wing-nuts slightly, so the head blockers slide easily along the slots. Now lie down on the CPR device as in fig. and rotate your head as far as it will comfortably go to one side. Have your assistant move the head blocker inwards until it makes contact with your head, then tighten the wingnut in this position. Repeat on the other side. The head blockers are now set to your maximal rotation.
Stretching with the CPR
Once you’ve set the CPR base unit at the appropriate height, and have adjusted the blocker position, your ready to start stretching.
1.Heat the moist heat pack– place in a microwave oven on high for 2-4 minutes, depending on power. Be sure to test the temperature of the heat pack to make sure it won’t burn you!!
2.Place the heat pack in the central channel of the CPR device as in figure___.
3.Lay down on the moist heat pack as in diagram____, and stay in this position for 1-2 minutes, until the muscles over the back of the neck are warmed up.
4.Now rotate your neck to the left side, until your head makes contact with the head blocker. Hold this position for between 1 -2 minutes. Repeat same procedure on the right side.
5.Stretch each side 2-3 times per session at least 2-3 times per day but preferably 5- 10 times..
How to Increase Neck Movement
At the base of each head blocker is a pointer, which points to a number on the scale. These numbers are used for monitoring progress. Write these numbers in the table at the back of this manual on a weekly basis. After you’ve been stretching with the CPR for a week or so, you’ll notice the stretching is getting easier. This means it is time to move the head blockers outwards, thereby creating more neck movement. Typically they are moved anywhere between 1/4 and ½ notch each time. How long to use the CPR
Most people will regain normal movement within 3-6 weeks. If your neck movement has been restricted for a long time, it may take longer (3-6 months). Once you have returned to your normsal movement, you can stop using the CPR unit. Many people, however, continue to use the device occasionally because it helps to relax the neck muscles, and can reduce stress.
Stretching for soft tissue pain:
As mentioned in previously, stretching is a very important part of the treatment for soft tissue pain. As we grow older, we should spend even more time stretching since flexibility decreases with age. Inflexibility is a frequent cause of chronic soft tissue pain. Over time, muscular imbalances can develop which leads to poor posture which then leads to the development of trigger/tender points. In addition, tight muscles are more prone to muscle aches. A minimum of 5-10 minutes of general stretching should be performed daily; preferably more. For additional resources on stretching, refer to the references section.
Guidelines for stretching:
1.Isolate the muscle to be stretched, then slowly and gently move into the stretch as far as it will comfortably go. Do not force the stretch beyond what is comfortable! Stretching should not be painful.
2.Hold each stretch for 20-60 seconds, and repeat each stretch at least 3 times.
3.Stretch slowly and gently; do not use bouncing or ballistic techniques, as these are less effective and can cause injury.
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