The BodyBridge has been used by massage therapists and bodyworkers for almost a decade and is still growing in popularity. What makes it so popular among therapists is the dual function of the BodyBridge: passive traction for personal use and an alternative worktable with clients. Read Testimonials.
When the BodyBridge is utilized for personal use, the therapist can benefit from passive traction by lying on it (in extension, flexion or sideways) between sessions to keep their body stretched and open; or at the end of the day to release any built up tension and stress. Its effectiveness for decompressing the spine and bringing relief to back pain is well known to many massage therapists and bodyworkers.
The "extension" position is one which Robert Martin, M.D. recommends specifically to counter the bending forward position so prevalent in our society. In his own words, "Complete extension practiced with complete flexion aids the spine to become properly positioned for balance. Equally, it strengthens the muscles which do the balancing. When you bend backward, each segment of the spine rotates on its transverse axis. Shifting direction of the spinal discs and the vertebrae allows physiological differences of function and effect to safeguard the body's structural health and form". Dr. Martin called extension an "uncommon position" which "helps to correct the basic structural faults produced by excessive partial flexion".
Recently we had a massage school purchase 13 BodyBridges for their curriculum. The owner, who had studied with Dr. Martin, is a believer in the extension position not only for students to maintain their structural health but also to teach students how to utilize the BodyBridge as a viable alternative worktable. What this school is doing with the BodyBridge is what many therapists and bodyworkers have discovered about the BodyBridge: it is an excellent tool to use with clients.
Rather than exclusively using a standard flat massage table, the introduction of a curved top table creates a new and exciting option for effectively releasing your client's tension. Since the BodyBridge is a non- horizontal surface the client can be placed in passive traction for effective stretching of tight areas whether it be low back, mid back or neck. The ability to open these areas with relative ease assists the client in the release of tension. Because the BodyBridge is a curved top table, therapists have an advantage by using their body weight to release tight areas; this enables the therapist to expend less physical energy. The positions for working on clients are face up (extension), face down (flexion) and the side position. Even a short routine of 1O minutes as a pre-massage modality will increase the overall therapeutic benefits of the session.
Professionals who are using the BodyBridge in their practices are: Rolfers, Trager Practicioners, Shiatsu Practicioners, Neuro-muscular Therapists, Polarity Therapists, Feldenkrais Practicioners, Swedish Massage Therapists, Reflexologists, Physical Therapists and Chiropractic Physicians. Our vision with the BodyBridge for massage therapists and bodyworkers is to create a certification course in what we call "BridgeWork", that is, work done specifically on the BodyBridge. A protocol will be created which would set a professional standard for this type of bodywork. We would like to see BridgeWork taught in massage schools so students would be educated in the proper use of the BodyBridge and how to make it an integral part of their practice.
Ivan Thompson, who uses a BodyBridge in his practice, will be our initial trainer and seminar leader. Ivan is an instructor at the Utah School of Massage and teaches deep tissue work. His expertise and enthusiasm for our vision has enabled us to come closer to achieving our goal of creating a, certification program for BridgeWork.
If you would like to be a part of this vision or are a therapist who owns a BodyBridge, please contact us at bridge@bodybridge.com. If you are currently using a BodyBridge in your practice we would like to know how you are utilizing it. Your feedback is important to us. Also we will be looking for instructors in the future so contact us if you are interested in teaching this new system.
The benefits of the BodyBridge are:
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Testimonials" I recieved your table in September and, upon using it, felt a dramatic stretch in my rib cage, psoas and abdomen. It's wonderful! I'm a full time massage therapist and my upper back is flexed all the time.Your table is the best thing I have found to really stretch the thoracic area, as well as the abdomen. P. Laurin, LMT
What a joy! What a new me. And better yet, a new back. As a busy massage therapist, the BodyBridge has saved me and my career. it is such a delightful relief to my poor back. I don't know how I survived without it. I first saw the BodyBridge in my Massage magazine and knew I had to have one... I used to lean my body previously over a chair. No more chairs for this girl. I have put several clients on it and they have always been surprised at what a powerful tool it is. And yet it looks so simple. Don't underestimats the BodyBridge, I tell them and when they get off of it they know exactly what I mean. A. Fowles, LMT
I am very enthused about using the BodyBridge. I use it at least twice a day in my own office. We make sure that every person that comes into our massage office tries out the BodyBridge. F. Shulman, LMT
I was always having problems with my back and by the end of the day I felt that if I could lay and stretch, I would feel better. Several times I even leaned over the sides of my massage table. When I started using my BodyBridge, I found that it satisfied my desire to "lay and stretch". Not only did it relieve back pain, it has relaxed muscles in my left leg that were so tight I could not bend the leg very far. BodyBridge has been a real friend. A. Stewart, LMT