U.S. patent application number 11/199728 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-23 for shoulder stabilizing and strengthening method and apparatus.
Invention is credited to Domenic J. Pompile.
Application Number | 20060040799 11/199728 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37836322 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060040799 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pompile; Domenic J. |
February 23, 2006 |
Shoulder stabilizing and strengthening method and apparatus
Abstract
A method and adjustable apparatus for stabilizing and
strengthening the shoulder muscles and rotator cuff provides an
active range of motion activities that can be performed with or
without resistance. In particular, the method and apparatus provide
for scapular retraction and protraction, shoulder flexion,
extension, adduction and abduction, as well as internal and
external shoulder rotation, performed horizontally and vertically.
All of these motions are beneficial to the shoulder joint because
they allow the joint to move freely throughout its normal range of
motion using natural mechanics of the rotator cuff and surrounding
muscles. The method and apparatus provide the essential benefit of
stabilizing the shoulder and rotator cuff throughout these motions
so that the user's range of motion and strength building is
optimized. The method and apparatus also provide for self
myofascial release techniques to decrease spasm.
Inventors: |
Pompile; Domenic J.; (Boca
Raton, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert M. Downey, Esq.;Suite #300
601 S. Federal Highway
Boca Raton
FL
33432
US
|
Family ID: |
37836322 |
Appl. No.: |
11/199728 |
Filed: |
August 9, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60599696 |
Aug 9, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/92 ;
482/148 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4047 20151001;
A63B 2208/0204 20130101; A63B 23/1209 20130101; A63B 21/0435
20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 23/03508 20130101; A63B
23/1245 20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 21/4049 20151001;
A63B 21/0557 20130101; A63B 21/4017 20151001; A63B 2225/093
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/092 ;
482/148 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00; A63B 23/00 20060101 A63B023/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for stabilizing, strengthening and optimizing range
of motion of the shoulder muscles and rotator cuff, said apparatus
comprising: a base for supporting said apparatus on a floor
surface; a vertical post attached to an extending upwardly from
said base; a sleeve slideably adjustable throughout a range of
adjusted positions on said vertical post; an arm assembly
adjustably fitted to the sleeve, said arm assembly being adjustable
throughout a range of rotated positions relative to said sleeve; a
motion assembly adjustably fitted to said arm assembly, and said
motion assembly being adjustable throughout a range of adjusted yaw
positions relative to said arm assembly; and said motion assembly
including a handle for grasping with one hand to perform a variety
of motion activities while the shoulder and rotator cuff
construction of the user remains in a stable orientation to allow
the user's shoulder joint to move freely throughout a maximum range
of motion for the particular individual user, thereby optimizing
shoulder range of motion and strengthening of the shoulder muscles
when performing the motion activities.
2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said arm assembly
and said motion assembly are structured and disposed to permit
movement of the user's shoulder and rotator cuff construction
throughout an active range of motion activities including: scapular
retraction and protraction; shoulder flexion, extension, adduction
and abduction; and shoulder internal and external rotation.
3. A method for strengthening the shoulder muscles and rotator cuff
comprising the steps of: stabilizing the shoulder and rotator cuff
construction of the user; and performing an active range of motion
activities of the shoulder and rotator cuff while the shoulder and
rotator cuff construction remain stabilized.
4. The method as recited in claim 3 wherein said active range of
motion activities include scapular retraction and protraction.
5. The method as recited in claim 3 wherein said active range of
motion activities include shoulder flexion, extension, adduction
and abduction.
6. The method as recited in claim 3 wherein said active range of
motion activities include internal and external shoulder
rotation.
7. The method as recited in claim 6 wherein said internal and
external shoulder rotation active range of motion activities are
performed horizontally and vertically.
8. The method as recited in claim 3 wherein said active range of
motion activities include; shoulder pressing in a horizontal motion
and a vertical motion.
9. The method as recited in claim 3 wherein said active range of
motion activities include; chest pressing in both horizontal and
vertical motion.
10. The method as recited in claim 3 further comprising the steps
of: providing resistance throughout said active range of motion
activities.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to shoulder
stabilizer apparatus and more specifically it relates to an
adjustable apparatus to stabilize the shoulder and rotator cuff,
thereby allowing an individual to optimize their shoulder range of
motion and strength, as well as to allow for self myofascial
release techniques to decrease spasm.
[0003] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0004] It can be appreciated that shoulder stabilizer apparatus
have been in use for years. Typically, shoulder stabilizer
apparatus are comprised of an exercise device that is used for the
development of the rotator cuff musculature of a user by isolating
the head of the humerus in the glenoid cavity during internal and
external rotation.
[0005] The main problem with conventional shoulder stabilizer
apparatus is not having the shoulder stabilized in the most optimal
position for strengthening the rotator cuff muscles. In particular,
existing apparatus do not allow for resisted scapular retraction as
well as adduction of the arm while fixated at 90 degrees, nor do
they provide for resisted shoulder internal and external rotation.
Also the prior art does not allow for scapular depression when the
arm is at 90 degrees of shoulder abduction. Further, the prior art
does not accommodate for resisted internal rotation which is
usually twice as strong as that of external rotation. The apparatus
is U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,943 allows for strengthening of the shoulder
muscles, but does not allow for mobility and stabilization of the
glenerohumeral joint which is essential in order to optimally
strengthen the rotator cuff. The apparatus disclosed is U.S. Pat.
No. 4,944,508 fails to teach the user to maintain a 90 degree angle
of the arm and also has to be stabilized to a solid surface, such
as a table. In addition, the prior art fails to provide proper
stabilization of the humerus and also the availability to stabilize
the shoulder blade, while strengthening the rotator cuff with
interchangeable levels of the resistances. The disclosure in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,058,574 is mainly concerned about fixating the position
of the lower arm, rather than allowing for the proper stabilization
of the scapula and the humerus which meet to form the shoulder
joint.
[0006] Another short coming in the various apparatus of the prior
art is the absence of a self myofascial release to the pectoral
minor or levator scapulae in order to allow for optimal movement of
the shoulder blade. This is essential to properly begin to scapular
retract and adduct the arm at 90 degrees of elbow flexion in order
to stabilize the glenerohumeral joint. Another problem with
conventional shoulder stabilizer apparatus is the failure to allow
for scapular depression with resistance of varying intensities in
order to stabilize the shoulder joint when placed in a vertical
position at 90 degrees of shoulder abduction.
[0007] While the numerous devices and apparatus of the prior ant
may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address,
they are not suitable for individuals to be able to optimize their
shoulder range of motion, strength building and stability, nor do
they allow for self myofascial release techniques to decrease
spasm.
[0008] The adjustable apparatus of the present invention is
designed to stabilize the shoulder and rotator cuff in a manner
that substantially departs from the conventional concepts and
designs of the prior art and, in so doing, provides an apparatus
primarily developed for the purpose of enabling a user to optimize
their shoulder range of motion and strengthening while maintaining
the shoulder stabilized. The invention also provides for self
myofascial release techniques to decrease spasm. The adjustability
of the apparatus allows the individual user to tailor his/her
activities to their specific needs.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A primary object of the present invention is to provide an
adjustable apparatus to stabilize the shoulder and rotator cuff
throughout a variety of active motion activities to thereby
overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
adjustable apparatus to stabilize the shoulder and rotator cuff to
allow for individuals to be able to optimize their shoulder range
of motion, strength and stability as well as to allow for self
myofascial release techniques to decrease spasm.
[0011] Another object is to provide an adjustable apparatus to
stabilize the shoulder and rotator cuff in the most optimal
position for rotator cuff strengthening.
[0012] Another object is to provide an adjustable apparatus to
stabilize the shoulder and rotator cuff while allowing for resisted
scapular retraction and shoulder adduction with varying
intensities.
[0013] Another object is to provide an adjustable apparatus to
stabilize the shoulder and rotator cuff and to maintain the
shoulder at a stabilized position on a variety of planes, by either
placing the arm in scapular retraction and adduction by one's side,
or by raising the shoulder to 90 degrees of abduction.
[0014] Another object is to provide an adjustable apparatus to
stabilize the shoulder and rotator cuff while allowing for self
myofascial release techniques for the chest and neck muscles which
it is imperative to make sure that the muscles are loose in order
to allow for proper stabilization the shoulder joint.
[0015] Another object is to provide an adjustable and portable
apparatus to stabilize the shoulder and rotator cuff, that and
wherein the device can be used in a sitting or standing position
for people of all ages, and wherein the apparatus is very user
friendly and is adjustable to many individuals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for
stabilizing and strengthening the shoulder and rotator cuff
construction. In particular, the method and apparatus provide for
stabilization of the shoulder and rotator cuff to optimize range of
motion, strengthening and stability when performing various motion
exercises. In addition, the method and apparatus provide for self
myofascial release techniques to decrease muscle spasm.
[0017] The apparatus includes a base, a vertical post, an
adjustable sleeve on the post, an arm adjustably attached to the
sleeve and a motion assembly. The motion assembly includes a bottom
plate, a middle plate and a top plate. A handle for grasping with
either the left hand or right hand, while performing various motion
exercises, is adjustably fitted to the top plate. A self myofascial
release device removably attaches to the motion assembly.
[0018] The base of the apparatus supports the entire structure on a
floor surface. The vertical post is attached to the base and allows
for adjustment of the height of the motion assembly. The sleeve
slides up and down the vertical post and is adapted to be locked at
any one of a range of fixed, vertically adjusted position. The arm
adjustably connects to the sleeve and is rotatable relative to the
sleeve to orient the motion assembly in any one of a range of
adjusted pitch directions. The bottom plate attaches to the arm
assembly and is moveably adjusted throughout a range of yaw
positions. This motions allows for selectable resistances which
maybe created or enhance with the use of one or more elastomeric
cords connecting between the bottom plate and middle plate, as well
as the top plate and fixed structure on the apparatus. The middle
plate slides relative to the bottom plate along its longitudinal
axis. This motion allows for selectable adjusted resistances
created by the one or more elastomeric cords connecting between the
bottom plate and middle plate. The handle on the top plate is
grasped in order to perform motion exercises, moving the top plate
in either a longitudinal linear direction relative to the bottom
plate and/or in a rotating motion. The distance between the handle
and the rotational axis of the top plate is adjustable to
accommodate for variations in arm lengths of different user's. The
self myofascial release device includes a rubber tip that is
mounted at the end of an adjustable arm. Motion of the top plate,
while grasping the handle, moves the rubber tip against various
muscles to relieve spasm.
[0019] The method of the present invention provides for optimize
shoulder range of motion and strengthening of the shoulder muscle
and rotator cuff while performing an active range of motion
activities. In particular, motion activities include horizontal and
vertical motion shoulder pressing, horizontal and vertical motion
chest pressing; scapular retraction and protraction; shoulder
flexion, extension, adduction, and abduction; and shoulder internal
and external rotation, both horizontally and vertically.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present
invention, reference should be made to the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0021] FIGS. 1 and 1A illustrate a sequence of movement of resisted
external rotation (at 90.degree. degrees) of left shoulder
abduction along with resisted scapular depression;
[0022] FIGS. 2 and 2A illustrate a sequence of movement of a
vertical row exercise;
[0023] FIGS. 3 and 3A illustrate a sequence of movement in
performing a resisted natural grip row with scapular retraction and
adduction;
[0024] FIGS. 4 and 4A illustrate a sequence of movement in
performing a natural grip shoulder press;
[0025] FIGS. 5 and 5A illustrate a sequence of movement in
performing an abduction active range of motion exercise of the left
shoulder;
[0026] FIGS. 6 and 6A illustrate a sequence of movement in
performing a self myofascial release activity to the levator
scapulae muscles;
[0027] FIGS. 7 and 7A illustrate a sequence of movement in
performing a self myofascial release activity to the pectoral minor
muscles;
[0028] FIGS. 8 and 8A illustrate a sequence of movement in
performing a resisted scapular retraction with resisted shoulder
internal rotation activity;
[0029] FIGS. 9 and 9A illustrate a sequence of movement in
performing a resisted row with scapular retraction at a reverse
incline;
[0030] FIGS. 10 and 10A illustrates a sequence of movement in
performing a resisted row with scapular retraction at a reverse
decline;
[0031] FIGS. 11 through 11B illustrate a sequence of movement in
performing a resisted scapular retraction along a horizontal row
with both resisted internal and external rotation;
[0032] FIGS. 12 through 12B illustrate a sequence of movements to
perform a resisted scapular depression with resisted internal and
external rotation at a 75.degree. degree incline;
[0033] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus of
the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 14 is a partially exploded perspective view of the
support and adjustment assembly of the apparatus including a base,
post and arm member;
[0035] FIG. 15 is a perspective of the arm member of the
apparatus;
[0036] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a bottom plate of the
apparatus;
[0037] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a middle plate of the
apparatus;
[0038] FIG. 18 is a perspective of a top plate of the apparatus;
and
[0039] FIG. 19 is a self myofascial release device that removably
attaches to the middle plate of the apparatus.
[0040] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0041] Referring to the several views of the drawings, and
initially FIGS. 13-19, the apparatus of the present invention is
shown and is generally indicated as 10. The apparatus 10 is
adjustable to perform various motion activities, as well as to
accommodate individuals of varying height and size. The apparatus
10 is specifically structured to stabilize the shoulder and rotator
cuff while simultaneously allowing the individual user to perform a
variety of motion exercises (activities). Stabilizing the shoulder
and rotator cuff throughout the exercises enables the individual
user to optimize their shoulder range of motion and muscle
strengthening when performing the exercises. The apparatus also
allows for self myofascial release techniques to decrease muscle
spasm.
[0042] As best seen in FIG. 1, the apparatus 10 includes a base 12,
a vertical post 14, a sleeve 16 slideably adjustable throughout a
range of adjusted positions on the vertical post 14, and arm
assembly 18 adjustably fitted to the sleeve 16 so that the arm
assembly 18 is movable with the sleeve throughout the range of
vertically adjusted positions. A motion assembly 20 is adjustably
fitted to the arm assembly 18 and includes a bottom plate 22, a
middle plate 24 and a top plate 26. The top plate 26 is provided
with a handle 28 for grasping with either the left hand or right
hand to perform motion activities of the respective left or right
shoulder. The base 12 is formed in a U configuration with opposite
parallel legs extending from a central mounting portion to help
stabilize and support the entire structure of the apparatus 10 on a
floor surface. The vertical post 14 is attached to the central
portion of the base and is provided with a series of spaced
apertures for adjusted positioning of the sleeve 16 with the use of
one or more removable locking pins. The sleeve slides up and down
along the post for height adjustment of the arm assembly 18 and
motion assembly 20 and is locked into the adjusted position on the
post 14 using the removable locking pins which pass through
correspondingly aligned apertures on the sleeve 16 and the post 14.
The arm assembly 18 is removably attached to the sleeve by a knob
bolt 40 and interconnecting tube sections 46, 48 which are
structured to allowed adjustment of the pitch position of the
motion assembly 20. The bottom plate 22 attaches to the arm
assembly 18 by a pin which allows motion of the bottom plate 22 in
the yaw direction. This motion allows for selected adjustment of
resistance to movement of the top plate 26 when performing various
motion exercises. Elastomeric cords may be used to provide
increased resistance. The middle plate 24 slides relative to the
bottom plate 22 along a track 25. Motion of the middle plate is
along the longitudinal axis of the bottom plate. This motion allows
for further selected adjustment of resistances of movement of the
motion assembly 20 when performing motion exercises. One or more
elastomeric cords 50 connecting to the bottom plate 22 and middle
plate 24 and about a pulley 52, as seen in FIGS. 3,3A and 9,9A, may
be used to provide this resistance. The handle 28 on the top plate
is grasped by the individual user in order to perform motion in the
yaw direction. The distance between the handle and the rotational
axis of the top plate 26 is adjustable to the arm size of the
individual.
[0043] The self myofascial release device 30 is provided with a
rubber tip 32 on the end of an adjustable arm 34 that allows the
rubber tip to be positioned at the required location to make
pressure contact with either the levitator scapulae muscles or
pectoral minor muscles when performing various motion
activities.
[0044] In use, the user rests his/her arm on the top plate which
includes a padded area for the elbow and the forearm. While holding
the handle, the user adjusts the height of the motion assembly 20
by moving the sleeve 16 up or down along the post 14. When the
motion assembly 20 is at the desired height position, the user
locks the sleeve 16 into fixed, adjusted position on the post 14
with removable locking pins. Next, the pitch orientation of the
motion assembly is adjustably fixed into position. This is
performed using the knob 40 on the arm assembly 18. Next, the user
moves the top plate 26 and the middle plate 24 backwards along the
rail 25. Then, by rotating the bottom plate 22, the user can bring
the elbow as closes possible to their side. Lastly, the user
loosens knob 42, rotates the top plate 26 about its yaw axis and
fixes the yaw position by tightening knob 42. All three motions
(i.e. pitch, longitudinal sliding, and yaw) have selectable
resistance which may be created with elastomeric cords or other
tensioning mechanisms. In a different configuration, all three
plates (i.e. bottom, middle, top) can be mounted vertically by
rotating arm assembly 18 relative to the sleeve 14. Next, the user
pulls down both the top plate 26 and middle plate 24, with
selectable resistance against elastomeric cord 50, and performs
shoulder rotation by rotating the top plate 26 relative to the
bottom plate 22.
[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 1-12B, a series of shoulder motion
and strengthening activities are shown. Each motion activity is
shown in a pair of drawing figures with the first drawing figure in
the pair showing a start position and the second drawing figure
(labeled with a "A") showing a stop position at the end of the full
range of motion. After this stop position, the motion is returned
back to the original start position.
[0046] FIGS. 1 and 1A show a sequence of movement of resisted
external rotation, at 90.degree. degrees, of the left shoulder with
abduction and resisted scapular depression. The movement of
resisted external rotation helps to strengthen the external
rotators of the rotator cuff (infraspinatus) along with resisted
scapular depression which helps to stabilize the head of the
humerus in the shoulder joint (glenerohumeral joint). By performing
these two activities together, the user achieves optimal
stabilization and strengthening of the structures surrounding the
shoulder joint.
[0047] FIGS. 2 and 2A illustrate a sequence of movement of a
vertical row (i.e. shrug). This movement allows for strengthening
of the trapezius muscle that is vital for shoulder stabilization.
This movement also provides scapular elevation and active range of
motion.
[0048] FIGS. 3 and 3A illustrate a sequence of movement for
performing an resisted natural grip row with scapular retraction
and adduction. This activity allows the user to strengthen the
stabilizing muscles that surround the shoulder complex.
Additionally, this motion activity provides for mobility and range
of motion of the shoulder joint, scapula and surrounding
musculature.
[0049] FIGS. 4 and 4A illustrate a sequence of movement in
performing a natural grip shoulder press. Performing this movement
allows the user to safely and effectively strengthen the anterior
and medial deltoid muscles with variable resistance.
[0050] FIGS. 5 and 5A illustrate a sequence of movement in
performing in abduction active range of motion exercise of the left
shoulder. This movement allows the individual to perform left
shoulder abduction active range of motion with varying resistance
and degrees of range of motion.
[0051] FIGS. 6 and 6A illustrate a sequence of movement in
performing a self myofascial release (SMR) activity to the
levitator scapulae muscles. By performing an SMR activity to the
levitator scapulae muscles, the individual is able to relieve the
levitator muscles of any tension or tightness that may exist, along
with allowing the shoulder blade the ability to return to a resting
position. FIGS. 7 and 7A illustrate a sequence of movement in
performing a self myofascial release SMR activity to the pectoral
minor muscles. With the SMR to the pectoral minor, this movement
allows the chest muscles to ultimately relax, thus allowing the
shoulder blade to return to a normal resting position. Both SMR
activities, as shown in FIGS. 6-6A and 7-7A, will allow for
decrease tension to the cervical spine and cervical musculature
along with providing increased range of motion to the cervical
spine. The SMR activities also provide increased range of motion to
the shoulder blade, which is essential for optimal functioning of
the shoulder joint.
[0052] FIGS. 8 and 8A illustrate a sequence of movement in
performing a resisted scapular retraction with resisted shoulder
internal rotation. These two movements allow strengthening of the
rotator cuff (subscapularis) muscles. Resisted scapular retraction
allows for the proper alignment of the shoulder joint, thus
providing optimal shoulder orientation for strengthening of the
rotator cuff with resisted internal rotation activities.
[0053] FIGS. 9 and 9A illustrate a sequence of movement in
performing a resisted row with scapular retraction with a reverse
incline. FIGS. 10 and 10A illustrate a sequence of movement in
performing a resisted row with scapular retraction at a reverse
decline. Both of these movements illustrate the extreme flexibility
and variability of the apparatus 10, wherein the scapular
stabilizing muscles can be further strengthen with resisted growing
and scapular retraction activities while the arm and shoulder are
position at varying angles. This allows for strengthening the
shoulder complex and surrounding structure throughout the shoulder
and rotator cuff full functional capacity and active ranges of
motion.
[0054] FIGS. 11 through 11B illustrate a sequence of movement in
performing a resisted scapular retraction along a horizontal row
with both resisted internal and external rotation. This motion is
beneficial to the user because it allows for optimal alignment of
the shoulder joint along with resisted scapular
retraction/protraction, resisted shoulder internal and external
rotation, as well as resisted rowing and pressing activities. All
of these motions help to stabilize and strengthen the shoulder
joint particularly with resistance.
[0055] FIGS. 12 through 12B illustrate a sequence of movements to
perform a resisted scapular depression with resisted internal and
external rotation at a 75.degree. degree incline. This motion is
beneficial because it allows the user to depress the shoulder blade
(scapula) with or without resistance. With depression of the
shoulder blade, the shoulder joint is able to optimally glide and
spin as a ball and socket joint. With resisted scapular depression,
the user is able to properly and safely strengthen the muscles that
are needed for maintaining the shoulder blade in its proper
position for optimal joint function. Resisted scapular depression
will also allow decreased tension to the cervical spine, as well as
the cervical musculature.
[0056] While the present invention has been generally shown and
described in accordance with a preferred and practical embodiment
thereof, it is recognized that departures from the instant
disclosure are contemplated within the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
* * * * *