THE “BACK TO NORMAL” TM (B2N) MASSAGER - A DESCRIPTION

The Back to NormalTM (B2N) massager, one doctor advised, should really be called a muscle stress or tension reliever. It is simply two balls a finger apart on a special synthetic rod through them, forming a symmetrical massager with respect to its use on the spine. At 160g, 32 cm long and 66mm wide it easily fits into a briefcase or sports bag.
It is amazing that such a simple object produces such a consistent stream of expressions of pleasure and soothing with its use on the back, neck, stomach, thighs, hamstrings, calves and the balls of the feet. The B2N is ideal for pre-sport muscle relaxation followed by a post-sport rub-down to assist detoxification. It has been extensively medically tested since 1999 by recognized institutions and specialists for any deleterious effects.
Although it is a DIY massage tool, or may be administered by a friend, it is only a supplement to the physiotherapist / biokineticist / chiropractor / massage therapist / osteopath’s exclusive range of treatment, touch and experience.
Three types of B2N are currently available – “Old Faithful” - a red one made from slightly used tennis balls (physios say the pressure is spot on), a harder yellow one made from new tennis balls for those who prefer that harder feel and a slightly softer, smaller one from two–tone rubber balls. Although all three perform the same function, the two-tone one is more specifically suited to the hollow of the neck and cranium where it can get to a seat of headaches. Believe it or not, the B2N easily supports heavyweight rugby prop forwards.
The B2N is packaged with a brochure containing basic usage notes, though alternative uses continue to surprise – one uses it on the stomach to assist compromised peristalsis, another behind his back on his tractor and yet another on her horses! One thing is certain – if you have need of muscle massaging or spinal mobilization, you are in need of consistent exercise to strengthen your muscles, especially those around the spine. Should you need more detailed exercise notes than those supplied on the B2N leaflet, please let me know. Of immediate interest is a physio’s suggestion that the B2N should be used for cellulite treatment. Consult http://www.answers.com/ then enter cellulite in the space bar. Your opinion?
The B2N appears to operate in two main ways. It relaxes and lengthens, tensed up, spasmed, “knotted” muscle fibre, essentially making the fibres run parallel to one another. Because of its symmetrical action, it also helps to re-align and mobilise the spinal facet joints, thereby helping to ease osteophytes (bony outgrowths) which may impede nerves. This in turn leads to action on referred-pain symptoms such as sciatica. In addition it helps to increase the blood supply to areas where there are muscle injuries such as tears and bruises, thus speeding up the healing process considerably. Its immediate effect is amazingly relaxing, with healing resulting from continued use and exercise.
In my case, the B2N cleared up in five weeks what had put me out of sport for two years, despite attention from chiropractors and physiotherapists: sciatica, sore hip and sacroiliac and an audible click in my back with each step. I lay down on my back on the B2N, placed in the position where the “click” was. With legs vertical and shins horizontal, the knees were rotated until the clicking diminished over five weeks. Since then, coupled with a set of exercises, my back, legs and hips have remained free of discomfort and sport is back to normal. I believe its symmetrical shape has helped to restore both the natural symmetry of the back muscles and to realign the spinal facet joints, thus eliminating the referred pain from the spinal nerves.

Ed Blignaut 083 399 3081
blignauts@absamail.co.za