Pharmacy

Therapeutic Massagers

Principles and Benefits

The operational principle of many roller massagers and similar devices is often based on the long-standing experience of traditional therapeutic practices, such as Chinese medicine, where acupressure (targeted pressure on specific body points) is a key element. It is believed that by providing a correct and appropriately dosed effect on biologically active points (acupoints), these massagers can actively influence the body's bioenergetics and physiological processes.

The use of therapeutic massagers can reflexively contribute to:

• Stabilization ("soothing") of the autonomic nervous system, which can be beneficial during episodes of anxiety or panic attacks.
• Improvement in local blood circulation.
• Regulation of endocrine gland activity (indirectly, through improved systemic balance).

Applications of Massagers

Therapeutic massagers allow individuals to perform various types of massage at home, contributing to:

• General wellness and toning massage.
• Anti-cellulite massage (for specific types of massagers).
• Elimination or reduction of muscle pain and soreness.
• Supplementation of treatment for musculoskeletal conditions such as osteochondrosis of the spine, arthrosis (osteoarthritis), and radiculitis associated with disc protrusion or herniation.
• Alleviation of migraine attacks (for some individuals, through muscle relaxation or trigger point therapy).
• Relief from emotional fatigue and stress.
• Assistance in the prevention of excessive body fat accumulation (as part of a broader healthy lifestyle).
• Correction or improvement of body contours (related to muscle tone and cellulite reduction).

Orthopedic Products: Corsets, Braces, and Orthoses

A wide array of modern orthopedic products serves as essential tools for rehabilitation, health maintenance, and the treatment or prevention of various musculoskeletal diseases. These devices should ideally be selected and used under the supervision or guidance of a doctor, although some may be used independently for preventative purposes or minor support. Key categories of orthopedic supports include:

• Corsets and bandages for the thoracic and lumbar spine
• Corsets and bandages for the cervical spine (neck braces)

Corsets and Bandages for the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine

Wearing a semi-rigid lumbosacral corset (lower back brace) can significantly help in managing various spinal conditions by limiting the range of motion in the lumbar spine. This restriction can reduce pain associated with inflammation of the intervertebral (facet) joints in conditions like spondyloarthrosis and alleviate excessive protective muscle tension and spasms in the lumbar muscles.

Indications and Benefits of Lumbosacral Corsets

In cases of lumbar disc herniation and protrusion, wearing a semi-rigid lumbosacral corset helps to reduce the intensity of radicular pain (pain radiating down the leg) by stabilizing the lumbar spine and potentially reducing pressure on the affected nerve root. Such a corset allows the patient to maintain mobility for daily activities at home and on the street, and to manage sitting in a car or at a workplace with greater comfort. The need to wear a semi-rigid lumbosacral corset typically diminishes as the acute back pain subsides.

Extension Corsets for Spinal Fractures

Wearing an extension corset (hyperextension brace) is indicated for certain types of spinal fractures, particularly stable compression fractures of the vertebral bodies in the thoracic or lumbar spine. This type of brace helps to:

• Maintain the spine in a degree of extension, which can help to straighten or unload the fractured vertebral body.
• Provide additional axial fixation and stability to the spine, promoting healing and preventing further collapse or deformity.

Duration of Use for Extension Corsets

The duration for wearing an extension corset following a spinal compression fracture typically averages from 1.5 to 2 months from the time of injury. However, this duration can vary based on the severity of the fracture, the rate of healing (monitored by follow-up imaging), and the presence or absence of neurological symptoms in patients. The decision is always made by the treating physician.

Several types of lumbosacral semi-rigid corsets are available. They are all selected based on individual patient measurements (size) and can be used repeatedly if back pain recurs.

Corsets and Bandages for the Cervical Spine (Neck Braces)

Wearing a cervical brace (often called a cervical collar or Shants' splint) is indicated for conditions causing neck pain, such as cervical degenerative disc disease or trauma to the cervical spine (e.g., whiplash injury). Its functions are to:

• Limit the range of motion in the cervical spine, preventing painful movements.
• Provide support and unload the cervical structures, which can help relieve defensively spasmed and tense neck muscles.

By wearing a cervical brace, neck pain can be eliminated or reduced much faster, leading to a quicker restoration of the previous range of motion in the neck for individuals with cervical osteochondrosis or cervical spine injuries.

The duration for wearing a cervical brace depends solely on the presence and severity of pain symptoms in a patient. Some patients may find it comfortable enough to sleep in a soft neck brace. Various types of neck braces are available, all selected by size, and can be used repeatedly if neck pain recurs.

A more rigid type of neck brace, such as a **Philadelphia collar**, is used to provide greater immobilization. It limits movement more significantly in cases of sprained ligaments, injured cervical joints, or more unstable conditions like suspected dislocations or subluxations of the cervical vertebrae. This type of brace also creates additional relief for tense and protectively spasmed muscles resulting from a more severe neck injury.

Duration of Wearing Semi-Rigid Corsets and Cervical Braces

It is important to understand that semi-rigid corsets and most cervical braces, due to their design features, primarily function to support posture in a specific position and restrict gross movements. They help to relieve or reduce the tension on a person's own muscular corset (core muscles). Semi-rigid corsets effectively limit the mobility of a certain part of the body (neck, chest, lower back) when the patient performs movements.

However, semi-rigid corsets and soft/semi-rigid cervical collars are **not** able to completely immobilize deep spinal structures such as:

• Intervertebral discs when they are damaged (herniated or protruded disc)
• Vertebral bodies and their processes in cases of unstable dislocations or subluxations
• Bone fragments in unstable fractures of vertebrae and their processes
• Intervertebral (facet) joints in severe spondyloarthrosis
• Joints of the pelvic bones (e.g., sacroiliitis, severe arthrosis of the sacroiliac joint)

For conditions requiring true immobilization of these structures, more rigid orthoses or surgical stabilization are necessary. Therefore, for semi-rigid corsets (cervical, thoracic, or lumbosacral) used for pain relief and support, the duration of wear is primarily determined by the presence and severity of pain symptoms in the patient. In the absence of pain, or once acute symptoms have subsided sufficiently, there is often no continuing clinical necessity for prolonged wearing of the corset, as over-reliance can lead to muscle deconditioning. This should always be guided by a physician's advice.

Comparative Overview of Common Orthopedic Supports

Type of Support	Primary Function	Common Indications	Rigidity Level	Typical Duration of Use
Soft Cervical Collar (Shants' Splint)	Provide mild support, limit gross motion, remind patient to limit neck movement, provide warmth.	Minor neck sprains/strains, cervicalgia, mild cervical osteochondrosis, whiplash (early phase).	Soft/Flexible	Short-term (days to few weeks), as pain subsides.
Semi-Rigid Cervical Collar (e.g., some foam collars with plastic reinforcement)	Moderate motion restriction, support.	Moderate neck pain, stable cervical spine injuries, post-operative support (some cases).	Semi-Rigid	Weeks, guided by physician and symptoms.
Rigid Cervical Collar (e.g., Philadelphia, Aspen, Miami J)	Significant motion restriction, immobilization for suspected or confirmed unstable cervical injuries.	Cervical spine trauma (fractures, dislocations), post-operative stabilization, severe sprains.	Rigid	Weeks to months, as determined by injury healing and physician.
Semi-Rigid Lumbosacral Corset	Provide support, limit painful lumbar motion, reduce load on lumbar spine, improve posture.	Acute/chronic low back pain, lumbar strains/sprains, degenerative disc disease, spondyloarthrosis, stable disc protrusions.	Semi-Rigid	Intermittent or for specific activities; duration based on pain. Prolonged continuous use discouraged to avoid muscle atrophy.
Rigid Lumbosacral/Thoracolumbosacral Orthosis (TLSO)	Immobilize and stabilize thoracic and/or lumbar spine.	Stable spinal fractures, post-operative stabilization, scoliosis management (some types).	Rigid	Months, depending on fracture healing or treatment goals.
Hyperextension Brace (e.g., Jewett, CASH)	Prevent flexion, maintain hyperextension for stable anterior compression fractures of thoracic/lumbar spine.	Stable vertebral compression fractures.	Rigid (anterior frame)	Typically 6-12 weeks, based on fracture healing.

Consultation and Guidance

A diverse range of modern rehabilitation aids and health maintenance products can assist you, under the guidance of a doctor or for independent use, in the treatment or prevention of various diseases. If you require assistance or advice in selecting appropriate products, please do not hesitate to contact our medical professionals. In our online pharmacy, you can explore and choose from a variety of medical and orthopedic products, as well as medical equipment designed for home use, to support your health and recovery journey.