 |
||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
||
|
|
|
 |
||
 |
||
|
|
|
 |
||
|
|
|
 |
||
|
|
|
 |
||
|
|
|
 |
||||
|
|
|
|
|
 |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
EMAIL:info@impleo.biz The Impleo, Woodfalls, Hythe Road, Marchwood, Hampshire SO40 4WU, United Kingdom Tel 02380 849 074 (+44 2380 849 074 from outside the UK) |
|
|
|
Impleo, simple yet effective device, relieves back, neck and shoulder pain and discomfort. Designed to gently decompress the spine, relieving discomfort caused by work, travel, shopping or exercise. Invented in the UK by an engineer and fellow back sufferer, the Impleo is an ideal solution to back problems. Designed like a piece of furniture, the Impleo does not use belts or harnesses, is gentle and provides immediate relief. Lie back and unwind your spine. Do you suffer from back pain, lower back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, back pain relief, neck pain relief, stress, stress management, muscle spasm, pain, back, back care, spine problems? Do you use a chiropractor, osteopath, physiotherapy, physiotherapist, Alexander technique? Have you purchased a backstretcher, back stretcher, shiatsu, shiatsu massager, inversion, inversion table? If you answer yes to any of these you will be interested in the Impleo, a back relaxation device made in Britain, British and available in the UK. Sponsors of Backcare. |
|
|
|
AN INTRODUCTION FROM THE INVENTOR
The product began a few years ago when, having a variety of back pains, I sought relief. My back pain was not singular as some of it came from old accidents, other from the extensive traveling that I do and a lot from playing with the kids! Therefore it was not just a bad disc but also stress, muscle spasms and tension. Having progressed through a variety of medical disciplines and therapeutical products, I discovered that simple and GENTLE “decompression” or traction helped massively yet there were no products offering the combination of elements I sought.
Remember, the stress and tension caused by today’s lifestyles demands that you look after yourself! The Impleo® helps relieve the discomfort and pain in the back caused by work, travel, shopping and even exercise, by letting the spine gently decompress. This, in turn, aids in relieving muscles, nerves and joints from pressure, while improving circulation to those same areas.
I also discovered that therapy SHOULD NOT BE PAINFUL! Anything with straps, harnesses, BUMPS or KNOBBLY bits are not good – they can’t “massage” if they are uncomfortable. Also aggressive treatments like hanging yourself upside down are generally not good for you, nor can they help your back as it is just too much (unnecessary) traction and your back cannot relax and decompress unless your knees are bent and above the plane (level) of your back. I have been asked whether clinical trials had been done with the Impleo®. My reply is simple. The Impleo was developed based on already proven and SAFE therapies, mainly:
1) GENTLE traction,
2) NO PAIN at the ankles, knees, neck or other areas caused by straps, harnesses, belts or knees over edges (how can you relax your back if you create additional pain!?!),
3) knees bent and ABOVE the plane of the spine,
4) some curvature aimed at the UPPER BACK, not the lumbar area and
5) Stretch along the ENTIRE length of the back – this is critical!
Therefore the proof is in clinical studies already done (which formed part of our research). Ironically however, NONE of the other products on the market (whether clinically trialed or not) fulfill this well proven criteria! The Impleo is simple and portable meaning you can use it AS AND WHEN YOU ARE IN DISCOMFORT or just to keep your back and posture in good condition.
My wish is that everyone gets relief as back pain is debilitating and robs your life force. All the best with your future!
Yours sincerely
Jeff Callander
Inventor & Managing Director
www.impleo.biz
Can I order the Impleo over the telephone?
Call our customer service on 02380 849 074 or country code 44 2380 849 074 from outside the UK
Can I try the Impleo before I buy?
We are limited only to our 2 offices near Southampton (02380 849 074) or Aberdeen (01224 658 695) where we would be happy to receive you!
However, there is a 7-day money back guarantee and we are confident that once you try it you will see the benefits.
However, a strong supporter has also offered their location for viewing:
- Mrs Julia Di Domenico, The Physio & Pilates Centre, 3 Hawthorn Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 1AA (01625 252 767) www.physiopilates.co.uk
- Finally, you are welcome to contact us directly to see what can be arranged (02380 849 074 ask for Jeff Callander)
What are the weight and dimensions of the Impleo?
It weighs about 5kg and is a metre long but the box it comes in has a total weight of 7kg and dimensions of 100cmx30cmx20cm
What is the Impleo made of? Are there any weight limits?
The design strength was important. We are basically an engineering firm that had a lot of back problems. Between us we had tried most of the solutions on the market and they were all either ineffective or downright dangerous so we developed something simple yet effective. However, don’t be fooled by simplicity. A lot of work went into the design and goes into the construction.
The Impleo Original is made entirely of high quality wood which is intentional as it provides the strength needed for safe use, a natural warmth when used and the pleasing aesthetics which we hope means people won’t need to hide it under the bed but leave it out and be encouraged to use it often. The Impleo Original has the advantages of taking weights up to 18st / 110kg.
The Impleo 2 is made of a laminate wood and acrylic surfaces. Due to its design it also requires a tensioning bar which is steel covered with aluminium. This does however limit the usable weight to 14st / 90kg.
The Impleo Original uses the same wooded surface as the Impleo Original and has a specially developed lightweight foam plastic support. This also has a weight limit of 14st / 90kg.
Is there a cheaper alternative?
There is now – a choice of solid wood (Impleo Original) and the Impleo 2. The Impleo 2 is cheaper but then you would expect that is it is not made of solid wood.
The cost is of course relative, I myself am a long-term back sufferer and found that I spent more than the cost of our product on only 3 or 4 visits to a physio or osteopath and I didn’t have access to the immediate relief. That is not to say it necessarily replaces these professionals (it actually compliments their treatment and will lead to faster recovery – professionals see this as a great addition to their treatments) but the Impleo is there AS AND WHEN YOU NEED IT without having to make an appointment! My intention is to help people with back problems, not to get rich.
Both Impleos are approximately 110cm long X 20cm high off the ground X 30cm wide (43in X 8in X 12in) when being used. The Impleo Original stands upright for storage against a wall and both are generally low enough to be stored under, for instance a bed.
How often should I use the Impleo?
Whenever you need relief. That is the beauty of it! You don’t have to wait to see your physio. We would advise 10 minutes on the morning (yes – your back actually can have problems starting from sleep) and 10 minutes in the evening. However, we would also advise that you have an Impleo at your place of work particularly if you sit or stand for long periods and use it when your back is stressed.
I have a serious back problem – is the Impleo right for me?
Everyone’s back condition is different. The Impleo can provide relief and also act as a preventative but this will depend on your circumstances. If you have any doubt or you are in severe pain, you should consult your Doctor. There is a 7-day money back guarantee so you can try the product.
Is the Impleo only for people with bad backs?
No, the Impleo is for anyone with back, neck or shoulder discomfort. This may be from an injury or condition but it also may be just from stress or poor posture from deskwork, driving, gardening – even sports, It is a wonderful way to ‘UNWIND YOUR SPINE’.
To date we are pleased that the Impleo is attracting people and organisations from all walks of life. Lately we gained our first sales into the Health Service. We have also sold to many professionals that help us all with our backs including Physios, Chiropractors and Osteopaths. Companies who are interested inn the health of their employees have also shown an interest by purchasing Impleos.
Are there any safety precautions?
Yes, like anything, it should not be used for anything other than for what it is intended. That means DO NOT STAND ON IT. It is slippery and not a stool or ladder. Also, there is a weight limit, depending on which model you have. The Impleo Original holds up to 18st / 110kg and the Impleo Traveller holds up to 16st / 100kg. As it is quite long, we would advise you to stand it up against a wall out of the way so that no-one trips on it.
Please also take medical advice if you are worried about your back, you are pregnant or have high blood pressure etc.
Is it a medical product/medically approved?
The Impleo is not considered to be a medical device. It is solely a relaxation device designed to provide relief from back, shoulder or neck discomfort and stress, using the effects of gentle and natural traction. This is a well-established practice for these conditions. As such, there are no clinical trials but if you would like the relevant papers on the effects of traction we would be happy to obtain them for you. If you have any concerns over the use of the Impleo you should consult your GP or, if you wish, you can contact the Osteopath we consulted – Darcy Jones on 01256 352 241.
The Impleo is patented and therefore a novel inventive solution worth trying!
Can I use the Impleo to exercise?
Yes, the following is from a qualified physiotherapist:
INTRODUCTION
To help you gain the most benefit from your Impleo and enable you to journey towards decreased pain and improved freedom of movement try the following basic exercises:
All you will need is you, your Impleo, 10 to 15 minutes of peace and quiet and possibly a couple of cushions or pillows. These exercises are best done when you have used your Impleo as instructed, for at least once a week and you are comfortable with how it feels to lie on. You also need to be confident in getting on and off the Impleo smoothly. If you feel any pain or discomfort, consult with your practitioner/therapist as appropriate. Most of all, relax and enjoy.
STARTING POSITION
Follow the instructions to lie on the Impleo. Put your feet in a comfortable position on the floor and try to line them up with your knees and hips. Place your arms on the floor or on cushions at the side of your body. Keep breathing as you exercise – be aware if you start to hold you breath!
THE EXERCISES
1. Start by being aware which parts of your spine, pelvis and upper body are touching the Impleo®. Try to imprint the whole spine gently into the Impleo® then try to feel the imprint softly rising off it. Then find somewhere in between where the weight is even through your body and you're not pressing or tensing to hold your position.
2. Place one hand on the front of the ribs, just below the breastbone and the other below your navel. Feel how your chest and stomach gently rises when you breath in and, as you breath out, your chest and your stomach sinks back down. Get in touch with this feeling and with your breathing for a few minutes as you relax.
3. Bring both arms up in front of you with your palms facing away from your face and start to make circles with your arms starting small then increasing them as you feel the arms connect with the shoulder blades and the mid-back. Try not to rock side to side on the Impleo®. When you have done 10 increasing arm circles move in the opposite direction in 10 decreasing circles ending up where you started. Then relax the arms down by your side again.
4. Slowly lift one foot off the floor and bring the knee towards the chest until you feel your small of the back gently pressing into the Impleo®. Lower the foot back to the floor feeling the lower back move back to where you started. Repeat 5 times with each leg and start to draw the muscles of your pelvic floor up and your lower abdominals in as you perform the exercise.
5. Repeat No. 4 adding on a side movement of the leg as the foot is lifted off the floor. Bring the knee back in line with the hip before it returns to the floor. Repeat 5 times on each leg.
6. With 1 foot lifted off the floor and the knee bent and positioned above the hip, slowly circle the thigh round trying to keep the body still by drawing the pelvic floor and lower abdominals up and in. Repeat 5 times in each direction on each leg.
TO FINISH
Go back to the relaxed breathing for a few minute before you carefully roll off the Impleo®. Spend a minute standing, still feeling the length and release in your spine, before you resume your normal activities.
Julia Di Domenico, MCSP MHPC MBCPA, Chartered physiotherapist/Pilates teacher, www.physiopilates.co.uk. Want to download Impleo Exercises? - click here!
I am quite short; will the Impleo work for me?
Yes, in worst case all you might need to do is put a phonebook under your feet. What are essential is that your knees are above the level of your spine and that your feet are flat on the floor.
As I am older, I haven’t found it easy to get off the Impleo – are there other techniques?
The photos on this website, on the Impleo itself and in the manual that comes with the Impleo all illustrate our model ‘rolling’ off the Impleo literally by rolling to one side (left or right) onto her knees and then standing up. Some users have commented that they prefer to first ‘slide down’ the Impleo by lifting their bottom off the seat and pushing back down the slop of the Impleo. THEN roll to the left or right onto their knees and stand up.
I am rather large (in the bust) and I find it difficult lying back on the Impleo – what can I do?
Under these circumstances you do need to wear a bra so that you are comfortable but ideally a sports bra, as this won’t dig into your back as much.
How do I stop from sliding down the surface of the Impleo?
This happens to most when they just get started. All that you need to do is sit further forward with your bottom on the edge of the Impleo before lying back so that your ‘bottom’ is properly on the seat (rubber area). If you are already laid back you can just pull yourself forward to get your bottom onto the rubber mat area.
Are you aware of any associations dedicated to back sufferers?
The one we are associated with is BackCare in the UK – http://www.backcare.org.uk - they also have a number of links on the site to other resources.
We use the phrase "Unwind Your Spine!"
