Psoas Stretching Apparatus with Adjustable Leg Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with anterior pelvic tilt and compressed psoas muscles face challenges in performing the advanced kneeling lunge stretch due to limited flexibility and difficulty in maintaining balance, which restricts effective stretching and relief from lower back pain.
Innovation Solution
A psoas stretching apparatus with a ground-engaging base and adjustable support structures that cradle and stabilize the leg, allowing for a deeper and longer psoas stretch with reduced effort and improved comfort, enabling users to access the benefits of the stretch regardless of their flexibility level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the advanced kneeling lunge stretch is performed to effectively stretch the psoas muscle, then the stretch depth and effectiveness are improved, but the difficulty and pain increase due to substantial flexibility requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stretching apparatus as an intermediary tool between the user and the psoas muscle. The apparatus includes a base with support structures that provide external stabilization, allowing users with limited flexibility to achieve effective psoas stretches without requiring substantial innate flexibility or balance skills
Solution Approach 2:
The stretching apparatus is divided into functional segments: a base for stability, support structures for leg positioning, and handholds for support. This segmentation allows each component to address specific aspects of the stretching challenge, making the overall stretch more accessible while maintaining effectiveness
2Duration of action of moving object
If the stretching duration is extended to lengthen compressed psoas muscles and improve blood flow, then the therapeutic benefit is improved, but the pain and difficulty increase making it unsustainable
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus provides pre-positioned support structures and handholds that cushion and distribute the user's weight before the stretch begins. This prior support structure prevents pain from developing during extended stretching sessions, allowing users to hold stretches for longer durations therapeutically beneficial for lengthening compressed psoas muscles and improving blood flow
3Ease of operation
If the traditional kneeling lunge stretch is performed with parallel legs, then the procedure is simple and accessible, but the stretch effectiveness is reduced due to improper alignment with psoas anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus enables parameter changes in leg positioning, specifically allowing the back leg to be rotated perpendicular to the torso rather than kept parallel. This parameter change in leg orientation aligns the lesser trochanter more effectively with the body, optimizing the stretch on the psoas muscle while the apparatus maintains simplicity and accessibility
Data Source
AI summary
A psoas stretching apparatus allows a user to release their tight psoas muscles. To help the user target difficult to reach psoas muscles that are otherwise ignored in conventional stretching regimens, the psoas stretching apparatus includes a ground engaging base connected to a pair of upwardly extending support structures. The pair of support structures, padding, and pin elements are configured to adjust the angle and height of a convex leg stabilization structure that supports and cradles the user's leg while providing leverage for the psoas stretch.