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Shoulder stabilizing and strengthening method and apparatusRelated Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, User Manipulated Force Resisting Apparatus, Component Thereof, Or Accessory ThereforShoulder stabilizing and strengthening method and apparatus description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060040799, Shoulder stabilizing and strengthening method and apparatus. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
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: Continue reading about Shoulder stabilizing and strengthening method and apparatus... Full patent description for Shoulder stabilizing and strengthening method and apparatus Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Shoulder stabilizing and strengthening method and apparatus patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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