Apparatus and method for muscle strengthening and rehabilitation
OwnerRon P. Handshoeinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention provides a muscle strengthening and rehabilitation apparatus and a method for use thereof wherein multiple radii of curvature are used to provide a full three plane range of motion. The apparatus includes a first surface for receiving a patient's extremity and a generally hemi-ellipsoidal second surface for contacting a support surface. The patient applies a force to the extremity on the first surface, and can pivot the apparatus around the second surface in any direction to strengthen and rehabilitate the muscles of the extremity.
Claims20
A muscle strengthening and rehabilitation apparatus, comprising:
- a first surface for receiving at least one extremity;
- and
- a generally hemi-ellipsoidal second surface for contacting a support surface, wherein the second surface allows for pivotal movement of the extremity in any direction, and the radius of curvature of the movement varies depending upon the direction the extremity is pivoted.
A one-piece muscle exercise apparatus, comprising:
- an upper surface for receiving a user's extremity;
- and
- a convex lower surface for contacting a support surface, the lower surface having a plurality of different radii allowing the extremity to pivot about the lower surface in any direction, such that exercises utilizing the different radii can be performed without reorienting the extremity on the upper surface.
A muscle strengthening and rehabilitation apparatus, comprising:
- a unitary polyethylene foam structure having a density greater than about 2.5 pounds per cubic foot, wherein the foam structure has a generally flat first surface for receiving at least one extremity, the first surface having a length of approximately 13.5 inches, and a substantially hemi-ellipsoidal second surface for contacting a support surface and creating a contact point thereon,
- wherein pivotal movement of the extremity changes the position of the contact point to allow for movement in any direction, and the radius of curvature of the movement varies depending upon the direction the extremity is pivoted.
A method of muscle strengthening and rehabilitation, comprising:
- providing an apparatus having a first surface and a generally hemi-ellipsoidal second surface;
- disposing the apparatus between at least one extremity and a support surface, wherein the extremity contacts the first surface and the second surface contacts the support surface;
- and
- pivotally moving the extremity while it remains on the first surface, wherein the radius of curvature of the movement varies depending upon the direction the extremity is pivoted.
A method of increasing proprioception, comprising:
- providing an apparatus with a first surface and a generally hemi-ellipsoidal second surface;
- disposing the apparatus between at least one of a user's feet and a support surface, wherein the user's foot contacts the first surface, and the second surface contacts the support surface;
- and
- shifting at least a portion of the user's weight to the foot on the first surface, such that the user must at least partially balance on the apparatus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.