3
Learn how the two thumb catches work and make sure that they are both engaged. If you temporarily disengage one of the
safety catches when adjusting the height, you must re-engage the safety catch when you are done with the height
adjustment. If both safety catches are disengaged, the backrest will swing without safety stops and you may get injured.
When using Back-A-Traction lying face down, you should always be assisted by another person, who is familiar with its
operation.
Before stepping up on the foot plate, always make sure that the catch for the height adjustment is in a locked position.
If
you do not balance well when operating Back-A-Traction, re-adjust the foot rest to
obtain the best possible balance. (In
order to
make sure that the backrest will not rock back and forth when you do the stretching exercises, it
is usually
advantageous to have it adjusted so that the part where your upper body is resting weights a little more). Wiggle the
backrest slightly when you loosen the safety catches. If the thumb catches works stiffly
,
the height is not properly adjusted.
To
correct this, the foot
rest has to
be extended.
If your back is in a very bad condition when you start using Back-A-Traction, it will, for the first couple of weeks,
probably be enough for
you to
just hang in it, with your arms over your head. Then, as your condition improves, you can
begin to
do the stretching exercise program.
A BASIC STRETCHING EXERCISE PROGRAM
Follow the instructions you have received. Be cautious and sensitive to the signals from your body. For best result you
should relax and take some deep breaths between the different stretching exercises. It is also important that you relax as
much as possible during each stretching exercise.
The following instruction will tell you to repeat certain exercises. It is for you to decide if you want to repeat them, and
how many times. An easy start is recommended. Increase muscular stretching and relaxation with each repetition. Most of
the following stretching exercises should be done, if possible, with your arms over your head.
1. You must first adjust the balance of the back rest according to your height. Press to release the far thumb lock and
fasten it open by swinging the safety catch down. This allows all adjustments to be made from one side.
2. Next, press the near thumb lock and rotate the back rest to the horizontal position where it locks in place.
3. To adjust the balance, pull the height and balance adjustment knob and slide the bar according to the guideline
markings provided. Test the back rest and fine tune the balance to your height and weight as necessary.
4. Next, press the near thumb lock and rotate the back rest towards its vertical position. It will lock at a slight incline.
Now, return the far thumb lock to the operating position by pressing the button and releasing the safety catch.
You're now ready to use Back-A-Traction. As a first time user you should always have someone help you until you
feel comfortable using Back-A-Traction.
5. Remove your shoes, and then unlock the foot restraint, swinging the handle to the wide open position. Step into Back-
A-Traction, sitting against the back rest while placing your feet between the restraining pads. Secure your feet with the
foot restraint, moving along its ratchet until your feet are held, comfortably and securely between the pads.
6. Now, lean back onto the back rest and take hold of the hand grips with your thumbs on the buttons and press. Release
the thumb locks and push back to the horizontal position where the back rest will lock in place.
Before exercising, you should stretch by pushing against the hand grips. Throughout the session, remember to relax
and breath deeply and allow Back-A-Traction to work, stretching the tension from your muscles, tendons and
ligaments, the common causes of back pain.
7. After stretching, press and release the thumb locks and rotate further backwards to the first catch at 15 degrees, the
position you should use for your first few weeks with Back-A-Traction. Repeat the stretching procedure by pushing, as
before, against the hand grips. Now, raise your hands slowly over your head and prepare to exercise. First begin with a
few repetitions of bending your feet under the restraint pads.