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About

Athletic trainer treating an athlete on a bodyCushion

The Original bodyCushion was invented in Ashland, Oregon by Tom Owens in 1986.

It is a full-body orthopedic positioning device that optimizes the unloading of the body in a variety of recumbent positions and serves to provide seated support as well. Now made in Medford, Oregon of the highest quality materials, the Original bodyCushion is now used in more than 100 countries, establishing itself as a world-class positioning device for medicine and the healing arts.

The Original bodyCushion is scientifically proven. EMG (Electromyography) studies indicate dramatic reductions in muscle tension when subjects are positioned on the Original bodyCushion. Treatment outcomes are optimized.

What makes the Original bodyCushion unique is an anatomically designed, high-tech construction that supports principally on bony structures in ways that unload the body, maximize comfort, improve access and provide more control over the treatment. The Original bodyCushion is fully adjustable and supports in prone, supine, lateral recumbent, as well as seated. The Original bodyCushion is the first and only orthopedic positioning device that provides full-body release, unloading the entire body in three recumbent positions. 

A variety of accessorizing tools for the Original bodyCushion are made available in order to optimize the positioning for a variety of unusual positioning challenges, including very large frames, large, lactating, or augmented breasts, and prone relief for late-term pregnancy.

Whether used in Hospitals for injury or surgery recovery, prevention of decubitus ulcers, improving patient hemodynamics and prone intubation, or for Pain Management, Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy, Sports Medicine, Athletic Training, Vitrectomy Eye Surgery recovery, or at Spas for massage and relaxation, the Original bodyCushion is the “go to” tool.

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The Original bodyCushion is also widely used for acupuncture, chiropractic, as well as a variety of massage approaches including Shiatsu, Rolfing, Myofascial Release, Craniosacral, and numerous other forms of bodywork. Many users find restful, relief lying on the Original bodyCushion at home.

Prone (Facedown)

In prone, the torso is elevated, supported principally on the clavicles, sternum, ribs, and anterior superior iliac spines (ASIS). There is no pressure on the breasts, abdomen, bladder, or male genitalia. The musculature of the torso and extremities is unloaded, joint structures released, the spine is decompressed.

Hemodynamics are improved; blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygenation all improve. [The weight of the heart is not imposing on the lungs, the aorta is free of pressure, and breathing is unrestricted.]

The patient’s face is comfortably supported in the Face Crescent, providing approximately 15 degrees flexion for the cervical spine, unloading vertebral junctures. Generous airflow to the face is provided by the “Fresh Air” Face Base, and intubation is thus accommodated with the space provided beneath the patient’s face. (See Photos).

Included with the 4-Piece Original bodyCushion is the unique Leg Bolster that, in prone, provides adequate elevation of support under the ankles to release the hamstrings and thus the hips and lumbar spine.

Supine (Face up)

In supine, the sacrum is supported by the prominence located medially at the lowest, sloping portion of the Pelvic Support, the chest and upper torso are elevated, breathing is enhanced, the spine unloaded, the head rests on the sternal area of the Chest Support, the arms are in comfortable repose alongside the body. Access to the subject’s spine is facilitated by the open space under the spine, allowing hands to work freely.

When using the bodyCushion, numerous benefits are derived, both for the patient, by unloading the body, and the practitioner, by increasing access and control over the treatment. The Leg Bolster elevates the knees providing sufficient elevation of the knees to release the lumbar spine.  (See photos).

Lateral-recumbent (Side-lying)

When side-lying on the bodyCushion, the lateral aspect of the ribs is hammocked in the medial recess of the Pelvic Support. The shoulder is free of supporting pressure, the spine aligned, the head resting comfortably on the Chest Support.

With the hips and knees flexed 90 degrees, the Leg Bolster is placed between the legs, thus balancing the pelvis, or can support under the upper leg with that hip and knee flexed 90 degrees and the lower leg extended. (See photos).

Seated

With the patient seated, the Face Crescent, Chest Support, and Pelvic Support are folded and placed on the patient’s lap, the patient’s chest rests against the Chest Support. The patient’s face rests in the Face Crescent which is placed on top of the head end of the Chest Support. (See photos).