Patent Publication Number: US-11648173-B2

Title: Physical therapy massage ball device

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of International Patent Application Serial Number PCT/US17/19335 filed Feb. 24, 2017 and which published as publication WO2017-147409 on Aug. 31, 2017, which application and publication are incorporated herein by reference. International Patent Application Serial Number PCT/US17/19335 claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/299,647 filed Feb. 25, 2016 entitled “Physical Therapy Massage Ball Device,” invented by Christy Peachey and Kristie Gagliano. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to physical therapy massage ball devices. 
     Background Information 
     Massage is one of the oldest and simplest forms of medical care. Egyptian tomb paintings show people being massaged. A Chinese book from 2,700 B.C.,  The Yellow Emperor&#39;s Classic of Internal Medicine , recommends ‘breathing exercises, massage of skin and flesh, and exercises of hands and feet” as the appropriate treatment for—complete paralysis, chills, and fever.” Massage therapy was one of the principal method of relieving pain for Greek and Roman physicians. Julius Caesar was said to have been given a daily massage to treat neuralgia. “The physician must be experienced in many things,” wrote Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, in the 5th century B. C., “but assuredly in rubbing . . . for rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose, and loosen a joint that is too rigid.” Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, places great emphasis on the therapeutic benefits of massage with aromatic oils and spices. 
     Doctors such as Ambroise Pare, a 16th-century physician to the French Court, praised massage as a treatment for various ailments. Swedish massage, the method most familiar to Westerners, was developed in the 19th century by a Swedish doctor, poet, and educator named Per Henrik Ling. Dr. Ling&#39;s system was based on a study of gymnastics and physiology, and on techniques borrowed from China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Physiotherapy, originally based on Ling&#39;s methods, was established with the foundation in 1894 of the Society of Trained Masseurs. During World War I patients suffering from nerve injury or shell shock were often treated with massage. St. Thomas&#39;s Hospital, London, had a department of massage until 1934. Massage is now used in intensive care units, for children, elderly people, babies in incubators, and patients with cancer, AIDS, heart attacks, or strokes. Most American hospices have some kind of bodywork therapy available, and it is frequently offered in health centers, drug treatment clinics, and pain clinics. 
     A variety of massage techniques have also been incorporated into several other complementary therapies, such as aromatherapy, sports performance massage, reflexology (concentrating on application of pressure to areas on the feet, hands and ears), Rolfing (a form of alternative medicine originally developed by Ida Rolf (1896-1979) as Structural Integration), Hellerwork (a system involving deep tissue massage and exercise, designed to help correct posture, improve mobility, relieve pain, etc.), acupressure (based life energy flowing through “meridians” in the body with physical pressure applied to acupuncture points to clear blockages in these meridians), deep tissue massage (deeper pressure focused is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia), trigger point massage (alleviates the source of the pain in trigger points through cycles of isolated pressure and release), Myofascial release (or MFR—soft tissue therapy for the treatment of skeletal muscle immobility and pain), neck curve restoration, and osteopathy. 
     A number of devices have been developed to assist in massage therapies. One commonly utilized physical therapy device is known as a massage ball.  FIG.  1    illustrates a set of AEROMAT® brand Massage Balls  10  designed for massage and sensory therapy, representing conventional massage balls  10 . These balls  10  are configured “to ease away tension and release muscles throughout the body” using various methods. The massage balls  10  offer stimulation feedback while relaxing a subject&#39;s fingers, legs, feet, neck and back. This brand of moderately firm sensory balls  10  come in a variety of sizes, namely 6 cm (2.4″), 7 cm (2.8″), 8 cm (3.1″), 9 cm (3.5″), 10 mm (4″), and 15 cm (16″). Similar balls  10  are sold under the AKU™ mark, the CANDO® mark, the FITBALL® mark, the GAIAM® mark, the GOFIT® mark, the JOLLYGEAR™ mark, the MANDALA YOGA™ mark, the PRO-TEC® mark, the SKLZ ACCUPOINT™ mark, the SPRI® mark and the TRIGGERPOINT™ mark. These brands collectively represent an overview of the state of the art of massage balls  10 , which knowledge is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art of this application and evidence such balls  10  come in a variety of sizes (diameters) with a variety of surfaces (smooth, ribbed, projections) and weights or densities/durometer (generally references as ranging from soft to firm or hard). 
     The patent literature also has some relevant background information. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,796,616 discloses a physical therapy massage device comprising a plurality of balls mounted vertically and horizontally within a framework. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,456 discloses a wash cloth that cleans and massages with a plurality of pockets along the length for the insertion of soap or massage balls 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,996 discloses physical therapy massage device comprising a hand held ridged rod with two spherical masses mounted thereon. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,772 discloses a thermal and massage treatment therapeutic device comprising a pouch filled with a plurality of spherical balls formed of a “thermal transfer” material for primarily migraine sufferers to roll gently against their eyes. 
     U.S. Publication 2003/0144616 discloses a physical therapy massage ball device comprising an elongated sac with two freely moveable tennis balls therein. 
     U.S. Publication 2004/0243035 discloses a physical therapy massage ball device comprising a tubular sleeve housing a pair of tennis balls. 
     U.S. Publication 2004/0006292 discloses physical therapy massage ball device comprising a tubular sleeve housing one or more massage balls  10 . This publication fails to provide adequate handle mechanism for the device. 
     U.S. Publication 2007/0055187 discloses a physical therapy massage ball device comprising a carrier with two compartments each fixedly holding a massage ball  10  to address the deficiencies of a freely moveable massage ball  10  devices of the prior art. 
     U.S. Publication 2009/0192423 discloses a physical therapy massage ball device comprising an elongated strap carrier with spaced separate pockets for massage balls  10 . 
     U.S. Publication 2013/0085426 discloses a physical therapy massage device comprising first and second coupled rollers within a central sleeve component. 
     In some of the above discussed prior art relating to use of massage balls  10 , there has been some difficulty in maintaining the massage balls  10  in the desired location on the subject during a given therapy, particularly in certain back locations. In addressing this problem some have designed elongated roller configurations for massage devices to assist in device placement.  FIG.  2    illustrates a solution to this particular problem offered by the makers of the GOFIT® brand which describe this as “2 massage ball on a rope targets sore muscles for pain-relief. Part of GoFit&#39;s Muscle Pain Management system, the Trigger Ball relieves knots, trigger points and muscle soreness. Dual cords help to reach your back, shoulders, gluts, legs and other spots in need of deep-tissue massage while keeping the balls in place.” The handholds of this device of  FIG.  2    do assist in maintaining the working element (the two “balls”  10 ) in the desired location but this solution is limited to the particulars of the working element shape and size and is thus limited in its application. The, at least previously commercially available, mobility ball sac from Crossover Symmetry provides a central receiving pouch for attempting to properly locate massage balls  10 . 
     With this background it becomes clear that there remains to provide simple, effective efficient therapy devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention addresses the deficiencies of the prior art and provides an elongated member having a massage ball receiving cavity defined between the ends of the member, at least one massage ball received within the massage ball receiving cavity, and a pair of handles extending from each end of the massage ball receiving cavity. 
     Alternatively the present invention may be defined as providing a physical therapy massage ball device including a massage ball receiving cavity defined within an elongated elastic member with an opening for the user to selectively add or remove massage balls from the massage ball receiving cavity; between two and five massage balls selectively received within the massage ball receiving cavity; and a pair of elastic handles extending from each end of the massage ball receiving cavity. 
     These and other advantages are described in the brief description of the preferred embodiments in which like reference numeral represent like elements throughout. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a set of prior art massage balls; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a prior art massage ball device with handles; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of a physical therapy massage ball device according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  4    is an exploded schematic perspective view of the physical therapy massage ball device of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  are perspective views of the components of the physical therapy massage ball devices of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  are illustrate distinct uses of the physical therapy massage ball device of  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of a physical therapy massage ball device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  8    is a schematic side view of the physical therapy massage ball device according to  FIG.  7   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a top plan view of the physical therapy massage ball device according to  FIG.  7   , with the balls omitted; and 
         FIG.  10    is a top plan view of the physical therapy massage ball device according to  FIG.  7   , with the balls omitted. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Massage Ball Device  100   
     Referring to  FIGS.  3 - 10   , a physical therapy massage ball device  100  according to the present invention generally comprises an elongated member  20  having a massage ball receiving cavity  30  defined between the ends of the member  20 , with at least one massage ball  10 , generally 1-8, often 2-6, received within the massage ball receiving cavity  30 , and a pair of handles  40  extending from each end of the massage ball receiving cavity  30 . 
     The present invention is described as a physical therapy device  100 , but the category of treatment and associated device moniker may fall into other broad nomenclatures, some of which are described below for illustration. For example this may be called a massage device, a rehabilitation device, a mobility device, a pain management tool, a sports injury rehabilitation tool. The procedure itself may also have many names such as massage therapy, rehabilitation, pain management, and the like. 
     The general concept of the present invention is that the handles  40  allow for proper placement, control and/or manipulation of the balls  10  by the subject  10  or the administrator/therapist during therapy. For example with the device  100  the therapist may position the balls  10  in the desired location (on the back as shown in  FIG.  6 B  or under a foot as shown in  FIG.  6 A ) to work on the desired tissue/pressure point, and the subject may be given the handles  40  to hold onto and to pull sufficiently to maintain the balls  10  in the designated location throughout the therapy. 
     The desired location may move throughout the therapy, for example the subject may move the handles  40  along his/her torso during the therapy to move the balls  10  along a segment of the subject&#39;s back during therapy. The handles  40  may be utilized only at the beginning, for example when the therapist places the balls  10  in a desired location the subject may utilize the handles  40  to hold them in place only while the subject is moving into position against the ground or supporting wall in which position the balls  10  are firmly secured by pressure between the subject and the ground or wall. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6    the elongated member  20  is formed as a single tubular sleeve which may be effectively formed from spandex material, such as a poly-nylon spandex blend. Spandex, or elastane, is a synthetic fiber known for its exceptional elasticity. Spandex is stronger and more durable than natural rubber. It is a polyester-polyurethane copolymer that was invented in 1958 by chemist Joseph Shivers at DuPont&#39;s Benger Laboratory in Waynesboro, Va. When introduced in 1962, this material revolutionized many areas of the clothing industry, and is ubiquitous in the sports arena. The name “spandex” is an anagram of the word “expands”, and spandex is the preferred name for the material in North America, while in continental Europe it is referred to by variants of “elastane.” The poly-nylon spandex blend is a fabric incorporating polyester fibers, nylon fibers and spandex fibers. The nylon fibers yield the strength desired for the sleeve forming member  20  of  FIGS.  1 - 6   . 
     Nylon is a generic term for a family of synthetic polymers, technically aliphatic or semi-aromatic polyamides. Like spandex, nylon can trace its roots to Dupont as this synthetic material was originally developed by Wallace Carothers at the Dupont Chemical Company originally in the 1930s. Nylon fibers are now the second most common fiber used in the United States. 
     The tubular sleeve forming member  20  in  FIGS.  1 - 6    also forms each of the pair of handles  40  extending from each end of the massage ball receiving cavity  30 . This is easily accomplished by the provision of seams  50  extending across the tubular sleeve forming the member  20  in  FIGS.  1 - 6    at opposed ends of the massage ball receiving cavity  30  to define the cavity  30  and maintain the balls  10  within the cavity  30 . 
     The massage ball receiving cavity  30  includes an opening  60  for selectively inserting and removing massage balls  10 . The massage balls  10  utilized may be any known type desired by the user/therapist. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  3 - 4    the device  100  may be marketed with a set of four or six firm smooth surfaced 65 mm diameter massage balls  10 , generally the device  100  is designed for 1-8 balls  10 . With the receiving cavity  30  formed of an elastic material such as spandex, the opening  60  can be formed slightly smaller than the desired largest size of massage balls  10  contained within the cavity  30 . The opening allows the user (subject or therapist) to selectively add or remove massage balls  10  from the cavity  30 . 
     The physical therapy massage ball device  100  according to invention may be formed of a variety of sizes to accommodate a different maximum number of balls  10  within the cavity  30 , and of a different range of ball  10  diameters. However, the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  1 - 6   , has the massage ball receiving cavity  30  configured to selectively receive up to eight 65 mm diameter massage balls  10 . The 65 mm diameter massage balls  10  are effectively the size of lacrosse balls, which may and have been utilized as firm smooth surfaced massage balls  10  in the art. 
     The physical therapy massage ball device  100  allows the user/therapist to simply and easily alter the number of massage balls  10  used in any therapy, as well as altering the desired surface texture of the balls  10  used in any therapy and the hardness/durometer of the balls  10  for the desired therapy. In this manner the device  100  yields great flexibility and a large number of therapy applications. 
     As shown in  FIG.  4   , and in  FIGS.  5 A  and B, the balls  100  within the cavity  30  may optionally be held within their own holding sack  70 , such as a mesh bag. The sack  70  with balls  10  may be inserted into the cavity  30 , alternatively the desired balls  10  may be removed from the sack  70  to be inserted directly into the cavity  30 . The sack  70  may effectively increase the range of diameters of balls  10  associated with any one device  100  as the sack  70  can allow smaller diameters of balls  10  to be used with a given device  100  than would otherwise be practical. In certain embodiments of the device  100  the cavity  30  may be designed for a single ball  10  or a pair of balls  10  of a designated size, and when the balls  10  of this size are used with such a cavity  30 , there is no need for the sack  70 . 
     The length of handles  40  should be sufficient to be easily grasped by the user/therapist in all desired therapies and a total length of device of about 36″ has proven effective, however the elastic nature of the handles  40  allows this to be device  100  to effectively form an “exercise” or resistance band for the subject. Allowing the handles  40  to be long enough for the device  100  to form a conventional resistance band can add further flexibility to the device  100  increasing the therapies and exercises that may be accommodated with the device  100 . 
       FIGS.  7 - 10    illustrate an alternative construction of the device  100  in which the elongated member  20  having a massage ball receiving cavity  30  is formed as a sleeve only for the cavity  30 , whereas the handles  40  are formed from straps doubled over or looped around to connect to the cavity  30 . The opening  60  is formed between the looped straps forming one of the handles  40 . This configuration is designed to receive up to three balls. Although the manufacture of the device  100  of  FIGS.  7 - 10    is different the operation is essentially the same, however the looped handles  40  of this embodiment give improved holding options not available in the embodiment of  FIGS.  1 - 6   , and thus this embodiment adds some functionality to the device  100   
     The device  100  is particularly well suited as a massage tool for a number of distinct massage types and applications only some of which are discussed herein. 
     Deep Tissue Trigger Point Massage Device  100   
     The device  100  is effective as a deep tissue trigger point massager. Deep tissue massage therapy is similar to Swedish massage, but the deeper pressure is beneficial in releasing chronic muscle tension. The focus is on the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia (the protective layer surrounding muscles, bones and joints). A study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that people&#39;s blood pressure fell after a single 45 to 60 minute deep tissue massage. Additionally, a  2010  meta-analysis in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that massage modalities like deep tissue reduce stress hormone levels and heart rate while boosting mood and relaxation by triggering the release of oxytocin and serotonin. A trigger point is a tight area within muscle tissue that causes pain in other parts of the body. A trigger point in the back, for example, may produce referral pain in the neck. The neck, now acting as a satellite trigger point, may then cause pain in the head. The pain may be sharp and intense or a dull ache. Trigger point massage therapy is specifically designed to alleviate the source of the pain through cycles of isolated pressure and release. The results and benefits of trigger point massage are releasing constricted areas in the muscles thus alleviating pain. The balls  10  of the device  100  act to facilitate trigger point therapy as acting as points of isolated pressure, which if used regularly can help naturally manage pain and stress from chronic injuries. The advantages of the device  100  is the ability to 
     One particular example of deep tissue massage for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. There is a thick connective tissue that runs the entire length of the bottom of the human foot. It starts on the five toes and extends to the bottom of the heel. This tissue is known as the plantar fascia. While running, runners land on the heels of the feet and then raise themselves on the toes before shifting the weight onto the other foot. This causes the plantar fascia to come under strain and when the strain becomes too much, the plantar fascia is likely to tear. Even if there is no tearing the strain can be felt and is an indication of plantar fasciitis. Mountain climbers, aerobics practitioners, and hikers can also become afflicted by plantar fasciitis due to constant strain on the plantar fascia during their exertions. Plantar fasciitis can also be caused by using the wrong footwear. Deep Tissue Massage is a technique that concentrates on the deeper muscle tissues by applying deep pressure on the fascia, Achilles heel, and calf muscles through slow strokes. A ball  10  or ball pair within the cavity  30  of the device  100  allows for effective therapy and the muscle fibers can be followed or pressure can be applied across tendons. Deep tissue massage with device  100  can help to release the muscle tension, break scar tissue, and lead to its elimination. It concentrates on specific areas, leading to soreness before and after the massage, yet the results are definite and can be felt within just a couple of days. Deep tissue massage with the device  100  loosens the muscle tissues, remove muscle toxins, and ensure proper circulation of blood and oxygen which had been affected by plantar fasciitis. Deep tissue massage works because it physically breaks down the adhesions that are formed by muscle tissues in the muscles caused by over exertion or strain. 
     Acupressure Device  100   
     Acupressure [from Latin acus “needle” (see acuity)+pressure (n.)] is an alternative medicine technique similar in principle to acupuncture. It is based on the concept of life energy which flows through “meridians” in the body. In treatment, physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points with the aim of clearing blockages in these meridians. Traditionally pressure may be applied by hand, by elbow, or with various devices. Some medical studies, the methodology of which has been questioned by some, have suggested that acupressure may be effective at helping manage nausea and vomiting, for helping lower back pain, tension headaches, and stomachache, among other things. Whether the provable medical claims of acupressure can extend beyond the known benefits of massage therapy is not critical for this implementation, as the device  100  of the present invention yields an effective device to pursue the advantages of acupressure. Traditionally the “acuball” is a small ball made of rubber with protuberances that is heatable. It is used to apply pressure and relieve muscle and joint pain. The energy roller is a small cylinder with protuberances. It is held between the hands and rolled back and forth to apply acupressure. The foot roller (also “krupa chakra”) is a round, cylindrical roller with protuberances. It is placed on the floor and the foot is rolled back and forth over it. The device  100  of the present invention effectively replaces all of these prior acupressure application devices. Further the balls  10  of the present invention may be heated in the same manner as the known acuball and deliver the same heat treatment from within the cavity  30  (they may also be cooled for cryotherapy treatment). A plurality of the balls  10  within the cavity  30  can replace both the energy roller and the foot roller for acupressure applications. 
     Reflexology Device  100   
     Reflexology is the application of pressure to areas on the feet, hands and ears. Reflexology is generally relaxing and may be an effective way to alleviate stress. The theory behind reflexology is that these areas correspond to organs and systems of the body. Several studies funded by the National Cancer Institute and the National Institutes of Health indicate that reflexology may reduce pain and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, and enhance relaxation and sleep. Studies also show that reflexology may have benefits in palliative care of people with cancer. Proponents believe that pressure applied to these areas affects the organs and benefits the person&#39;s health. Reflexologists use foot charts to guide them as they apply pressure to specific areas. Sometimes these practitioners use items, such as rubber balls, rubber bands and sticks of wood, to assist in their work. The device  100  is an effective tool for reflexologists to utilize as the balls  10  concentrates and isolates the pressure and the device  100  can assist in proper placement to the desired reflexology area. 
     Myofascial Release Device  100   
     Myofascial release (or MFR) is a soft tissue therapy for the treatment of skeletal muscle immobility and pain. This alternative medicine therapy aims to relax contracted muscles, improve blood and lymphatic circulation, and stimulate the stretch reflex in muscles. In 1976, Janet G. Travell, and American physician and medical researcher, began using the term “myofascial trigger point” and in 1983 published the reference  Myofascial Pain  &amp;  Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual . The phrase has also been loosely used for different manual therapy techniques, including soft tissue manipulation work such as connective tissue massage, soft tissue mobilization, foam rolling, and strain—counter-strain techniques. The device  100  can effectively operate in place of existing “back roll” device used in these techniques with balls  10  better concentrating the desired treatment pressure. 
     Sports Performance Device  100   
     Sports massage therapy plays a number of roles in improving sports performance and decreasing the risk of injury by increasing range of motion, assisting with soft tissue recovery, and increasing circulation and nourishment in muscle tissue. A 15-30 minute session before performing athletic activities will raise the body temperature and increase range of motion. If necessary, a therapist can focus on the area that will require exertion during the athletic activity. Therapeutic massage within an hour after the activity will help relieve muscle cramps, reduce edema by restoring the natural blood and lymph flow, and speed up the recovery process. A Sports massage is sometimes referenced as a combination of Swedish and deep-tissue with assisted stretching techniques to improve the range of motion of the joints used in a client&#39;s particular sport, however elements of trigger point massage (deep, focused compression with some stretching to release the injured segment of muscle fiber) are also present. The device  100  is particularly well suited to provide deep and focused pressure via the balls  10  for this application. The device  100  thus can be effectively incorporated into sports massage programs used for muscle maintenance and sports performance for athletes. 
     Neck Curve Restoration Device  100   
     A straight or even reversed neck curve is among the main reasons for neck pain signs and symptoms as well as degenerative changes in the cervical spine. Combined with forward head posture, the muscle groups in the neck as well as upper back need to contract gradually stronger as the curve of the neck gets worse. The elevated muscle force required to maintain the forward head posture will increase compression of structures in the neck, resulting in disc and joint deterioration. The device  100  with properly placed balls  10  may facilitate stretching for the straight or reversed cervical curve as well as simultaneously being capable of working the key muscle groups of the neck as well as upper back to strengthen and maintain the correction. This involves the discs, joints, ligaments, as well as muscles. The neck curve exercise with device  100  should be utilized every day to get the best results in neck curve restoration, making the affordability and ease of use of the device  100  a great tool. 
     Sleep Positioning Therapy Device  100   
     Snoring is known to cause sleep deprivation to snorers (and those around them!), as well as daytime drowsiness, irritability, lack of focus and decreased libido. It has also been suggested that it can cause significant psychological and social damage to sufferers. Multiple studies reveal a positive correlation between loud snoring and risk of heart attack (about +34% chance) and stroke (about +67% chance). Though snoring is often considered a minor affliction, snorers can sometimes suffer severe impairment of lifestyle. A U.S. study estimates that roughly one in every 15 Americans is affected by at least a moderate degree of sleep apnea. One method of treating the condition is having the subject sleep on their side to prevent the tongue from blocking the throat. Sometimes a device is coupled to the back of the subject to encourage the subject to maintain a side sleeping posture. In this context, the device  100  may be fastened around the waist of the user by tying handles  40  together, alternatively snaps or buckles may be added to or included with the handles  40  to facilitate the coupling. The balls  10  will be placed in the middle of the user&#39;s back and prompt the user to maintain sleeping on his side. The noninvasive device  100  yields a simple solution to facilitate this treatment that is effective for some persons. 
     Cryotherapy and Thermotherapy Device  100   
     The heating or cooling of the balls  10  allows the device  100  to be effectively used in thermal treatments, which represents some of the oldest muscle treatments known (as old as massage therapy). Thermotherapy consists of application of heat or cold (cryotherapy) for the purpose of changing the cutaneous, intra-articular and core temperature of soft tissue with the intention of improving the symptoms of certain conditions. Cryotherapy and thermotherapy are useful adjuncts for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and soft tissue injuries. Using cooling or heat as a therapeutic intervention decreases pain in joint and muscle as well as soft tissues and they have opposite effects on tissue metabolism, blood flow, inflammation, edema and connective tissue extensibility. Thermotherapy can be used in rehabilitation facilities or at home. The device  100  can combine thermotherapy or cryotherapy with other treatments discussed above making the device  100  incredibly versatile. 
     Alternative Applications 
     The above listing are merely a few application in which the device  100  effectively replaces existing devices (sometimes multiple devices) with the advantages described above relating to precise ball placement and precise application of the desired pressure (and application of heat or cold) at the designated position. This is not exhaustive of the applications of the device  100  which can be used for back rehabilitation, neck rehabilitation, preventative therapies and a host of other applications. 
     The preferred embodiments described above are illustrative of the present invention and not restrictive hereof. It will be obvious that various changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The precise scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereto.