is it good for tight muscles? its hard for me to stretch all my back muscles so will this be a way to loosen them up
1122059
I have found this mat gets rid of the tight back and pain I acquire from typing at my computer all day, as well as help me fall asleep (I'm an insomniac). So yes I do highly recommend it for a tight back.
1122060
It did seem to help but it is very strange and a little painful at first. I have stopped using it because my symptoms are gone with this and the techniques in The Trigger Point Workbook.
565776
Yes, it strengthens and targets the core muscles. A stronger core will help the back.
2244467
Ah-ha! Maybe that's why I don't really get relief!! LOL. The muscles in my upper back are a mess . . . car accident many yrs ago. I'm always looking for a new gadget that actually helps. And this one does. I love this contraption! I just use it while I'm watching tv and it feels great.I was really impressed, also, when I went in to my chiropractor and saw that he sells it! And uses it! :-)
600856
It is for the neck only. Which might relieve some pain down the spine depending on your physical issues, but it will only stretch the neck.
367773
I use this to stretch (leg up, fold over, chest to thigh) and practice barre on. I don't have any issues with it. You can adjust the bottom part by moving it forward or backward depending on how you'll be using it and where your weight will be distributed, this can help if you feel it's unstable.
2037454
This is a back stretching device,,,the first time i used it, It was a little painful, but after three or four days it got better. It took years to mess up our backs,,it takes time to get them correct. All spines are different. :-) good luck.
1146101
Depends on what you mean. You can tighten your core muscles, but not like exercises made just for that.
1526485
I feel like it worked for me pulling my shoulders back and strengthening my postures muscles. The first day or so my muscles were sore, after that I got used to wearing it the whole day. Give a try, if it doesn't work for you then just return it. Just one note, is if you like sitting where you are leaning against the backrest, wearing this will not work and it would be worse than not wearing it at all because the sandbag in the back will pin all the pressure in one area in your back. It's meant for you to wear sitting straight up, without lying against any backrest.
212847
The studies have consistently found it will not make you weaker. But I would recommend you strengthening your lower back multifidus muscles (see Treat Your Own Spinal Stenosis for more on that) - current research shows strong multifidus muscles can also prevent back problems.
1717070
Yes it does, I wouldRecomend this 100%, it's not only a matter of just stretching your back but know how to use it. Stretch your back for one min then rest for 2, then do it again 3- 4 times in a row and if you can do it 2 times a day but dont just star with one min, i would say, start with 30 sec then rest for a min and increase the time progressively untill you feel confortable. This is a great machine. Good luck
1439681
It distracts your spine, which stretches tight structures (like muscles) and can help reduce disc herniations. It does not strengthen your multifidus muscles which have been shown to be weak in people with back pain (see Treat Your Own Spinal Stenosis for a few good exercises).
912280
If you have any compressed disks or poor posture, this will help to properly align your spine, which would technically make you taller... However, it is not designed to stretch your body. If you're content with you're height, everybody else will be too, confidence is key.
1260812
Maybe. It depends on what you are trying to achieve. My PT wants a really good stretch laying on my back with my arms out stretched.
440504
Note I am not a personal trainer, but here is my experience. I keep my body straight at all times when using this. I find especially for pull exercises it does work the lower back. Really it gives a great all-over core workout. However, for lower back bodyweight training i find nothing comes close to back extensions.
599067
I am not a specialist but do know anatomy and physiology. I use it for release of tight muscles. Hip and sciatica represent a mechanical problem. I would youtube using one of these or ask a physical therapist for specific target areas for your condition. I love it but you have to know what you are doing.
76464
I don't think it's more effective at all. There are many techniques for helping to stretch hamstrings and if I knew then what I know now I would not have purchased this device. Muscles should never be forced to lengthen; they should be RELEASED to lengthen and this product wont do that. In fact you really don't need to buy anything to do the job safely.
1645192
It is good exercise to really stretch your spine. Results in better flexibility & easy to use.