WO2025120324A1

WO2025120324A1 - Body realignment device

Info

Publication number: WO2025120324A1
Application number: PCT/GB2024/053043
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chris BARTRAM
Original assignee: Spine Realign Ltd
Current assignee: Spine Realign Ltd
Priority date: 2023-12-06
Filing date: 2024-12-06
Publication date: 2025-06-12
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-06
Also published as: GB202318651D0; GB2636210A

Abstract

A body realignment apparatus comprises a neck support, a sacrum support and a pair of foot supports. The neck support includes a curved support surface which is shaped and dimensioned to correspond to the shape of an optimal human cervical curve. The sacrum support includes a substantially flat support surface which is shaped and dimensioned to be smaller than the sacrum of a user. Each of the pair of foot supports includes a channel for receiving a heel portion of a user's foot, and each channel comprises a base and a pair of side walls extending from the base such that, in use, the side walls prevent movement of a user's feet in a direction substantially normal to the side walls. A method of realignment of a body using the apparatus is also disclosed.

Description

Body Realignment Device

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a body realignment device, and in particular to a body realignment device which produces an effect on the whole of the body.

Background of the Invention

The human body is designed to function optimally when it is in proper alignment. When this alignment is disrupted, it can affect various systems and lead to several issues including musculoskeletal issues resulting in chronic pain or reduced range of motion; headaches, and even mood and mental health issues. Manual joint mobilization techniques are commonly used by physical therapists, chiropractors, and other healthcare professionals to realign joints in the body, including the spine. These techniques aim to improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall function.

The dural sheath is a protective membrane which surrounds the spinal cord. This can also sometimes become twisted or torsioned, leading to discomfort or pain. Gentle spinal traction can be employed by experienced healthcare professionals to release tension in the dural sheath, allowing it to unwind naturally.

Cranial and sacral support devices are known which apply stretching, massaging and traction of various parts of the body at one time. For example, US11,129,764 describes a device marketed as the Craniocradle™ which can be placed under various joints of the body to encourage decompression of those joints. Restcloud™, a device described in USD974078, is a cervical traction device for cervical spine alignment. GB2536045 describes a massage device which includes a neck cradle and triangular shaped element for placing under the sacrum. Each part includes a plurality of ‘massage elements’ which are a series of different sized rounded protrusions. US2017/0119624 -describes a leg pillow for use in physiotherapy. The leg pillow includes a pair of grooves into which a user’s feet, calves and lower thighs are placed. Sidewalls prevent the feet from moving outwards, or away from each other. Wooden Tibetan meditation pillows are also known for promoting a natural alignment of the spine.

Prior art devices are aimed at relieving tension in a particular local area. However, tension or injury or stress on one area tends to affect the body as a whole. It would therefore be desirable to provide an improved device which produces an effect on the whole of the body.

Summary of the Invention

A first aspect of the invention provides a body realignment apparatus comprising a neck support, a sacrum support and a pair of foot supports.

The neck support includes a curved support surface which is shaped and dimensioned to correspond to the shape of an optimal human cervical curve.

The sacrum support includes a substantially flat support surface which is shaped and dimensioned to be smaller than the sacrum of a user.

Each of the pair of foot supports includes a channel for receiving a heel portion of a user’s foot, each channel comprising a base and a pair of side walls extending from the base such that, in use, the side walls prevent movement of a user’s feet in a direction substantially normal to the side walls.

Each of the parts of the device: the neck support, sacrum support, and foot supports are designed to be used by a supine individual simultaneously.

In use, the neck support is configured to provide traction of the occipito-atlanteal joint of a user’s neck, the sacrum support is configured to provide traction of a user’s sacroiliac joint, the sacrum support, and each of the pair of foot supports is configured to provide traction of the talocalcaneal joint of each of a user’s feet. Traction of the joint means that the bones forming the joint are slightly distracted to create space between them. This allows the joint capsule to stretch and decreases intra-articular pressure within the joint.

Preferably, each of the supports is fabricated from a polyurethane foam. More preferably, the polyurethane foam has a hardness of from 36 to 45 on the Shore A scale.

The curved support surface of the neck support may be defined by a pair of side walls.

Preferably, the sacrum support is substantially triangular in shape.

Preferably, the sacrum support has a depth of not more than 2.5 cm. More preferably, the depth of the sacrum support is between 1.8 and 2.5 cm. Still more preferably, the depth of the sacrum support is 2 cm.

The side walls of each of the foot supports have a height, and preferably, the height of the side walls is tapered such that in use, the height of side wall increases in a direction away from the user.

The channel of each of the pair of foot supports comprises a base onto which a user’s heels are seated and preferably the base of the channel is substantially horizontal.

A further aspect of the invention provides a method for realignment of a person’s body using the body realignment apparatus as hereinbefore defined, the method comprising the steps of: placing the heels of the feet of the person into the foot supports, the foot supports being spaced apart to approximately the width of the person’s pelvis; placing the sacrum support underneath the person’s sacrum and causing the person to lie supine: and placing the neck support underneath the person’s neck and allowing the person to relax in a supine position for a period of time. Preferably the period of time is at least 5 minutes. More preferably, the period of time is between five and seven minutes.

Use of the device of the invention provides simultaneous traction of the occipito-atlanteal joint of the neck; the sacroiliac joints and the talocalcaneal joint of each foot and ankle. This has an effect on the whole of the body, allowing for whole body realignment and unwinding of any torsions to the bones or soft tissues.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings, which illustrate the relevant bones and joints of the human body, along with preferred embodiments of the invention, and are by way of example:

Figure 1 is schematic side view of a human spinal column in neutral alignment;

Figure 2 is a schematic front view of a human pelvis;

Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the bones in a human foot;

Figure 4a is a perspective view of a neck support;

Figure 4b is a side view of the neck support of Figure 4a;

Figure 4c is a plan view of the neck support of Figure 4a;

Figure 5a is a perspective view of an alternative neck support;

Figure 5b is a side view of the neck support of Figure 5a;

Figure 5c is a plan view of the neck support of Figure 5a;

Figure 6 is an illustration of a person with their neck and back of the head supported by the neck support of Figure 4a;

Figure 7a is a plan view of a sacrum support;

Figure 7b is a perspective view of the sacrum support of Figure 7a Figure 8a is a plan view of an alternative sacrum support;

Figure 8b is a perspective view of the sacrum support of Figure 8a

Figure 8c is a side view of the sacrum support of Figure 8a;

Figure 9a illustrates positioning of the sacrum support of Figure 7a; Figure 9b is an underneath view of the sacrum support in use, located under the sacrum of a supine person.

Figure 10a is a perspective view of a foot support;

Figure 10b is an end view of the foot support of Figure 10a;

Figure Ila is a perspective view of an alternative foot support; Figure 11b is an end view of the foot support of Figure Ila;

Figure 11c is a side view of the foot support of Figure Ila;

Figure 12a is a side view of the foot support of Figure 10a in use;

Figure 12b is an end view of a pair of foot supports of Figure 10a in use; and

Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of a supine person’s body being simultaneously supported by a neck support, a sacrum support, and a pair of foot supports.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The device of the invention comprises three parts which are used together to provide whole body re-alignment.

A first part of the device of the invention is for placement under the neck of a supine individual, and in particular the occipito-atlanteal joint of the neck. The occipito-atlanteal joint, illustrated by numeral 1 in Figure 1, is the joint between the occipital bone 2 at the back of the skull, and the first spinal vertebra, or atlas vertebra 3. The occipito-atlanteal joint 1 allows for several essential movements in the neck, such as nodding the head up and down (flexion and extension), as well as tilting the head from side to side (lateral flexion). Figure 1 illustrates the natural gentle ‘C’ shaped curve of the upper part of the spine, known as the cervical spine, indicated by arrow at letter C. This is the optimal neutral position for the cervical spine. An example of a first part of the device of the invention is illustrated in Figures 4a, 4b, and 4c and comprises a neck support 10. Figures 5a, 5b, and 5c illustrate an alternative example of a neck support 10’. Fike features are labelled with like reference numerals. The neck support 10, 10’ includes a substantially central elongate curved channel 12, the curve shape corresponding to this optimal, natural cervical curve. The curved channel 12 is preferably bounded by curved side walls 14, 16 which improve comfort and can help to stabilise the neck when the device is being used. The side walls are not essential to provide the desired traction of the occipito-atlanteal joint, this is provided by the curved support surface. Traction of the joint means that the occipital bone and atlas vertebra which form the joint are slightly distracted to create space between them. This allows the joint capsule to stretch and decreases intra- articular pressure within the joint.

As illustrated, the neck support is wider at the end 18 which faces away from the body, and narrower and the end 20 which faces towards the body in use. In the first example neck support 10, the dimensions of the support measure 18cm wide at the end which supports the back of the head, NW’, and 12.5cm wide at the side which supports the neck, NW”, with a length NL of 21 cm. In the second example neck support 10, the dimensions of the support measure 15.5cm wide at the end which supports the back of the head, NW’, and 12.5cm wide at the side which supports the neck, NW”, with a length NL of 13.9cm. The curved support surface of the neck support 10’ illustrated in Figure 5a is provided with a plurality of raised bumps 13, and grooves 15, the function of which is purely aesthetic. The curved support surface of both example neck supports provides the desired traction of the occipito-atlanteal joint.

Figure 6 illustrates the neck support 10 in use, underneath the occipito-atlanteal joint 1 joint of the neck of a supine person 22. The dotted line 24 is indicative of the position of the person’s cervical spine.

A second part of the device, the sacrum support, is for placement under the sacro-iliac joint and lumbo-sacral junction. The sacrum, or tail bone, illustrated by numeral 4 in Figures 1 and 2, is a bone at the base of the spine which is shaped like an inverted triangle. The sacrum articulates with the two pelvic ilium bones 5 on either side of the sacrum, at the sacro-iliac joints 6, and with the lower end of the spine, known as the lumbar spine, at the lumbo-sacral junction 11.

Figures 7a and 7b illustrate an example of a sacrum support 26. This support is substantially flat, and is preferably substantially triangular in shape, mirroring the shape of the sacrum. Figures 8a, 8b, and 8c illustrate an alternative example of a sacrum support 26’. Like features are labelled with like reference numerals. This example sacrum support 26’ has a slightly curved upper surface 17 and is provided with a plurality of raised bumps 13, the function of which is purely aesthetic.

Figure 9a illustrates positioning of the sacrum support 26 when the user is in a seated position, with the pointed tip 28 touching the floor and the widest part of the support 30 level with the user’s pelvis. Figure 9b is an underneath plan view of the device in use underneath the sacrum of a supine person 22. The sacrum support 26 locates underneath the user’s sacrum and provides support to the sacrum whilst the user’s own bodyweight provides for suspension of the sacrum, separating both the sacro-iliac joints and the lumbo-sacral joint.

It is important that the sacrum support is sized such that it does not encroach beyond the sacrum and is therefore shaped and dimensioned to be smaller than the average sacrum. It is also important for the sacrum support to be flat to help disengage the sacrum from the iliac bone. In the illustrated examples, the width SW of the sacrum support is 9cm, the length, SL is 11.8cm, and the depth D is 2cm.

A third part of the device, the foot supports, are for placement under each talocalcaneal joint of the foot and foot. The talocalcaneal joint, illustrated by numeral 7 in Figure 3, is the joint between two bones in the foot: the talus bone 8, and the cancaneal bone 9. This joint plays a significant role in the movement and support of the foot and ankle.

Figures 10a and 10b illustrate an example of a foot support 32. Figures Ila, 11b, and 11c illustrate an alternative example of a foot support 32’. Fike features are labelled with like reference numerals. Each foot support includes a channel 34 into which a user’s heels are placed. Each channel has a base 36 and sidewalls 38, 40 which extend from the base. The sidewalls prevent the user’s feet from rolling inwards or outwards.

The side walls 38, 40 are preferably tapered such that the edge of the support facing the body is smaller in height that the edge of the support facing away from the body. As illustrated in Figure 12a, this tapering of the side walls aids user comfort since the ankle joint 44 of the person’s foot 42 locates above the side walls.

The dimensions of a first example foot support 10 are: width (AW) 11cm, length (AL) 14cm, maximum side wall height (AH) 8.5cm, and angle of tapered side walls (AA) 30 degrees. The dimensions of a second example foot support 10’ are: width (AW) 13.9cm, length (AL) 14cm, maximum side wall height (AH) 7cm, and angle of tapered side walls (AA) 30 degrees. Both example foot supports provide the desired traction of the talocalcaneal joint of each foot and ankle.

Each of the three parts are preferably made from a material which is firm enough in order to support the joints, but also soft enough to be comfortable to lie on. A suitable material is a polyurethane foam, preferably with a hardness of from 36 to 45 on the Shore A scale.

All three parts of the device are used simultaneously with the body in a supine position, as illustrated in Figure 13. The first part 10, 10’ provides traction of the occipito-atlanteal joint of the neck; the second part 26, 26’ provides traction of the sacroiliac joints and the third part 32, 32’ provides traction of the talocalcaneal joint of each foot and ankle.

The device of the invention is preferably for use by an individual as follows:

1. The device is to be used on a flat surface 46, such as a carpeted floor or yoga mat. The foot supports 32, 32’ are placed on the surface with the distance between the outside edges of the foot supports approximately equal to the width of the pelvis of the user. This distance can be measured approximately by the user, for example by using their hands.

2. The user sits on the surface and places the heels of their feet into the foot supports 32, 32’ (as illustrated in Figure 12b).

3. Whilst sitting upright, the sacrum support 26, 26’ is then placed centrally against the sacrum with the pointed tip 28 located at the crease of the buttocks and the widest edge 30 aligned with the waist (as illustrated in Figure 9a).

4. The user then lies down on top of the sacrum support 26, 26’ with the heels still located in the foot supports 32, 32’.

5. Finally, the neck support 10, 10’ is placed under the neck and head, with the widest part at the top, roughly in line with the top of the ears (as illustrated in Figure 6). The user then lies in this supine position, with arms by their sides (as illustrated in Figure 13), for a period of approximately 5 to 7 minutes. This can be repeated daily. If required, a third party or therapist can aid with the positioning of the supports.

Various orthopaedic and kinesiological tests can be used to verify that changes have been made within the body, bringing the body back into alignment. Orthopaedic tests include:

1. The sacro-iliac standing test which assesses the integrity and stability of the sacro-iliac joint. It is performed with the subject in a standing position, while the examiner contacts the posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS) whilst the subject bends forward.

2. Lasegue’s test, also known as the straight leg raise test, is used to assess for lumbosacral radicular irritation. It is performed by raising the leg of a supine subject. The test is considered positive if the angle to which the leg can be raised before eliciting pain is less than 45 degrees. In a well or perfectly aligned subject this test will be negative, and the leg will be able to be raised to 90 degrees without eleciting any pain.

3. The Trendelenburg test is a test used to assess the strength of the hip abductor muscles, particularly the muscles that stabilize the pelvis when a person stands on one leg. To perform the test the subject stands on one leg and flexes the other hip and knee to a right angle whilst the examiner observes the position of the pelvis. In a normal or negative Trendelenburg test, the pelvis remains level and doesn't tilt downward on the side opposite to the standing leg. In a positive Trendelenburg test, the pelvis on the side of the raised leg drops or sags, indicating weakness in the hip abductor muscles on the side of the standing leg.

4. Adson’s test is a test used to assess for potential vascular compression and thoracic outlet syndrome. To perform the test, the subject extends and turns their neck to the side being tested whilst the examiner monitors the subject’s pulse in the same arm being tested. A positive test is recorded if the pulse diminishes at all during this movement. In a well or perfectly aligned subject this test would be negative, and there would be no change or diminution of the pulse.

5. The cervical compression test, or spurlings test, shows cervical nerve root compression causing cervical radiculopathy. The test is performed by compressing the cervical spine in a range of positions. Pain brought on by this test is considered a positive test and may indicate nerve compression or irritation in the cervical spine. In a well or perfectly aligned subject this test would be negative, and no pain would be elicited upon compression of the cervical spine.

Kinesiological tests include:

1. Pitch, roll and yaw testing. Pitch refers to the forward and backward movements of the head; roll refers to the side-to-side movements of the head; and yaw refers to the rotational or twisting movements of the head about a vertical axis. Pitch, roll and yaw testing assesses an individual’s ability to carry out these movements whilst maintaining balance and stability. If a subject is well or perfectly aligned then there would be no restrictions seen on testing.

2. Muscle testing assesses the ability of the postural muscles to hold the body in the correct position. If a weakness is found, this means that there is a specific pattern of misalignment within the person’s body. If a subject is well or perfectly aligned then all the muscle tests would show as strong.

The effects of the device of the invention have been demonstrated in the following case study:

Subject A presented with issues of constant neck pain, intermittent tingling down the right arm, right shoulder pain and lower back pain. Subject A had previously suffered four instances of whiplash and an MRI scan of their cervical spine showed ankylosing spondylitis (an inflammatory condition of the spine) and severe stenosis of C5/ C6 (a narrowing of the spinal canal at the C5/ C6 segments of the cervical spine). Various orthopaedic and kinesiological tests were carried out prior to treatment with the device of the invention. Subject A was then treated with the device of the invention for a period of 7 minutes and the tests were then repeated.

The following table documents the various orthopaedic and kinesiological tests carried out, the results for subject A pre-treatment, and the results for subject A after one 7 minute session with the device of the invention. A subject with perfect body alignment would present negative results for each test.

As demonstrated by the test results, after one 7 minute session using the device of the invention, subject A showed a marked improvement in all areas. Orthopaedic tests (sacro-iliac standing test, trendelengburg and adson’s sign) were all shown to be negative after one session, and the kinesiological tests (pitch, roll, postural muscule weakness, and spine misalignments) were also all marked as negative. Subject A went on to use the device of the invention regularly (3-5 times per week) and has shown a marked improvement in symptoms. Regular use of the device of the invention has made a big difference to subject A’s lifestyle.

The inventor has surprisingly found that providing traction of these joints simultaneously produces an even weight distribution of the body, replicating weightlessness, and allowing the joints and the whole body to re-align. Positioning of the parts of the device underneath the joints described stimulates body proprioceptors and allows the body to unwind any postural torsions to both the bones, soft tissues and dural sheath. This results in relaxed and balanced muscles, alignment of the core of the body, reduced inflammation, reduced pressure on spinal nerves, and pain management.

The devices of the invention are lightweight and portable and can be used by an individual independently, without the need for a therapist.

Claims

1. A body realignment apparatus comprising a neck support, a sacrum support and a pair of foot supports; wherein the neck support includes a curved support surface which is shaped and dimensioned to correspond to the shape of an optimal human cervical curve; wherein the sacrum support includes a substantially flat support surface which is shaped and dimensioned to be smaller than the sacrum of a user; and wherein each of the pair of foot supports includes a channel for receiving a heel portion of a user’s foot, each channel comprising a base and a pair of side walls extending from the base such that, in use, the side walls prevent movement of a user’s feet in a direction substantially normal to the side walls.

2. A body realignment apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the curved support surface of the neck support is defined by a pair of side walls.

3. A body realignment apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the sacrum support is substantially triangular in shape.

4. A body realignment apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the sacrum support has a depth of not more than 2.5cm.

5. A body realignment apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the side walls of each of the foot supports have a height, and the height of the side walls is tapered such that in use, the height of side wall increases in a direction away from the user.

6. A body realignment apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the channel of each of the pair of foot supports comprises a base onto which a user’s heels are seated and wherein the base of the channel is substantially horizontal.

7. A body realignment apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the supports is fabricated from a polyurethane foam.

8. A method for realignment of a person’s body using the apparatus according to any of claims 1 to

7, comprising the steps of: placing the heels of the feet of the person into the foot supports, the foot supports being spaced apart to approximately the width of the person’s pelvis; placing the sacrum support underneath the person’s sacrum and causing the person to lie supine; and placing the neck support underneath the person’s neck and allowing the person to relax in a supine position for a period of time.

9. A method according to Claim 8 wherein the period of time is at least 5 mins.