Nubax TRIO User manual

TRIO USER’S GUIDE
Please Read Thoroughly Before Use
Version 3.3
ENG
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CONTENTS
WHAT IS THE NUBAX®TRIO? 2
THE CONTENTS OFYOUR PACKAGE 3
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS 4-10
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE 11-13
MONITORINGYOUR USE OF THE NUBAX®TRIO 14
PATIENT SPECIFIC FUNCTIONAL SCALE 15
BACK CONDITIONS AND CAUTIONS 16
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 17
WARRANTY 19
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY 19
page
1
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WHAT IS NUBAX®TRIO?
The Nubax®Trio is a patented device
that provides a gentle but strong and
effective traction to the spine. Clinically
proven, the Nubax®Trio provides
beneficial therapy for a range of back
conditions that cause pain and suffering
[see Back Conditions and Cautions
Pg 16].The Nubax®Trio is also useful for
maintaining a strong and healthy back as
part of a normal fitness regime and can
be a useful adjunct to other treatments
provided by healthcare professionals.
The Nubax®Trio offers the advantage of
being portable, suitable for a wide range
of body sizes and shapes, lightweight and
extremely easy to use.Tests conducted
have shown that the traction force that
the Nubax®Trio can apply to the spine
is comparable to larger, more expensive
machines normally found in clinics.
About this manual.
This manual accompanies the Nubax®
Trio in order to provide correct
assembly instructions, operational
instructions and hints and tips on how
to get the most from your Nubax®Trio.
Please ensure that you read this manual
in its entirety before commencing use
of the device.
Under no circumstances should you
attempt to use your Nubax®Trio if all
the parts have not been supplied. If you
find that there are missing parts, please
contact your local distributor. Relevant
contact information for users outside
Australia is located on the back cover
of this manual.
Nubax®recommends the regular
inspection of fixtures and eyelets to
ensure against wear and tear. Please also
make certain that the fixtures are in tact
and securely fastened before use.
If, while using your Nubax®Trio you
experience severe pain and/or
discomfort you should desist from using
your Nubax®Trio and contact Nubax®
or consult your healthcare professional
for advice.
Under no circumstances should you use
the Nubax®Trio in any manner other
than that described by Nubax®.
page
2
ENG
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THE CONTENTS OFYOUR
PACKAGE
Your Nubax®package should contain the
following components:
Outer frame (front section)
Outer frame (mid section)
Rear leg
2 x hand grips
Inner frame with hammock
1 x chest pad with Velcro straps
Two padded shoulder pads
Illustration 1
Waist belt
4 x locking pins
2 x long bolts with quad handles
2 x short bolts with tri-handled nuts
4 x black curved washers
1 x DVD & manual
page
3
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ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Preparation
Step 1
Objective
Attaching Handles to inner frame
Match up the 'L' & 'R' labels on the tube
ends of the hand grips with the identical
'L' & 'R' labels on the front of the inner
frame. Attach hand grips to inner frame.
Secure with locking pins and ensure clips
are fully inserted. page
4
Lay out all the components of your Nubax® Trio as shown in Illustration 1.
Check the list of components and locate all of the listed components. If you have any
missing or damaged components, please contact your local distributor. Relevant
contact information is located on the back cover of this manual.
ENG
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page
5
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Step 2
Objective
Connect the 3 outer frame segments.
Match up the 'L' & 'R' labels on the two
mid sections of the outer frame to the
'L' & 'R' labels on the ends of the 'U'
shaped front section of the outer frame.
Then insert the ends of the mid sections
into the ends of the 'U' shaped section.
At this stage the mid sections will move
freely in the tubes. Do not be concerned
about this as they will be secured in
the next step.
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ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Step 3
Objective
Insert and secure the inner frame into
the outer frame.
First locate the holes where the mid
section and 'U' shaped section of the
outer frame have been joined. Place one
concave washer onto a long bolt. Push
the bolt through one of the holes in the
outer frame tube from the outer side,
until the bolt protrudes through
sufficiently for the second washer to be
placed over the protruding bolt on the
in side of the frame. See example picture
(A) below. Repeat this step for the
opposite side. When this is done, place
the inner frame in the outer frame and
line up the tube ends of the inner frame
with the protruding bolts. Secure the
inner frame into the outer frame by
screwing the long bolts into the
threaded ends of the inner frame tube
ends.
page
6
(A)
ENG
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page
7
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Step 4
Attach the rear leg to the outer frame
and secure with retaining clips. Ensure
the retaining clips are fully inserted.
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ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Step 5
Objective
To secure the chest cushion to the top
of the inner frame with attached Velcro
tabs.
Place chest cushion approximately mid
way over the square tube on the inner
frame. FoldVelcro tabs around the frame
attaching the tabs to the Velcro
attachments on the round tube
underneath .
Step 6
Objective
Attach loops of hammock over square
tube ends of inner frame.
Rotate the inner frame backwards
toward the rear leg of the outer frame
to a near vertical position.Then place
the loops of the hammock over the ends
of the square tube of the inner frame.
page
8
ENG
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page
9
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Step 7
Objective
Attach the shoulder pads.
Match up the 'L' &'R' labels on the ends
of the shoulder pad square attachment
tube with the matching 'L' & 'R" labels
on the ends of the square tubes on the
inner frame. Insert the shoulder pad
tube end into the inner frame tube end.
Depress the locating button on the
under side of the square tube of the
shoulder pad and push the shoulder pad
into the square tube of the inner frame
until the locating button locates into one
of the holes in the inner tube frame.
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ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
Step 8
Objective
Attach the waist belt to the main frame.
Place the waist belt across the top of
the rear end of the main frame.Take a
short bolt and place it through the single
eyelet on one end of the belt and then
placing the belt and eyelet over a hole
on one side of the frame, push the bolt
through the hole from the top side.
Secure the bolt from underneath with a
plastic handled nut. Repeat this process
for the opposite size, selecting an eyelet
close to the foam padding on the waist
belt. (When you first go to use your
Nubax Trio you should start with a
short belt setting and increase the length
of the belt gradually as you become
familiar and confident with its use.)
Step 9
Congratulations and welcome to your Nubax Trio.
Assembly should now be complete. However, before you commence using the
Nubax Trio for the first time, double check your assembly to ensure that all
fastenings are tight and secure. Then read the manual and watch the DVD so that
you are familiar with its correct use. Remember to check your Nubax Trio from time
to time for any fastenings that may have come loose and for signs of wear and tear
of the belt or fraying around the eyelets.
page
10
ENG
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
ADJUSTING THE NUBAX®TRIO
TO FITYOUR BODY SHAPE & SIZE
Adjusting the shoulder pads
Kneel upright into the Nubax®Trio and
lift the upper section to your chest so
that the shoulder pads are behind your
arms and to either side of you. Note
how much space there is between the
side of your chest and each shoulder
pad.Adjust each of the shoulder pads
equally using the click buttons on the
frame, closing the gap so that your chest
is held firmly, but is not restricted. Be
sure to adjust the shoulder pads to the
same hole on each side of the frame so
that your body is held symmetrically.
Adjusting the waist belt
The waist belt governs how far forward
you lean, which affects the amount of
traction you receive.A longer waist belt
is generally required for a shorter
person, while a shorter waist belt is
required for a taller person. It is advisable
to begin with the shortest waist belt
setting and lengthen the belt one hole at
a time until you have a setting that
provides a stretch you feel comfortable
with.* When you first use the Nubax®
Trio use a short belt setting until you are
familiar with the leaning forward motion.
The Nubax®Trio uses your own body
weight and its unique lever action to
provide a gentle, yet strong gradual static
traction to the spine. It is not necessary
to apply additional force by pushing
forward into the stretch position. Once
in the device simply relax and allow your
bodyweight and the Nubax®Trio
generate the stretch you require.The
traction is developed by the tension
between the waist belt and the shoulder
pads. It is normal to experience some
pressure at the back of the arms and
shoulders, and across the hips and pelvis.
If you are unable to find a comfortable
position when you first use the Nubax®
Trio, alter your position in the device by
adjusting the shoulder pads and the waist
belt or by adjusting where your knees
are positioned until you find a position
that is comfortable for you.*Follow the
instructions on the following page to
start using the Nubax®Trio.
How to extract yourself from
a stretch
To extract yourself from the Nubax®
Trio once in a stretched position:
• Place one hand on the floor, pushing up
to support your bodyweight, whilst
shuffling your knees forward one at a
time.This will alter your centre of
gravity and pull you against the waist
belt, allowing you to easily raise
yourself upward in the frame and into
a vertical position
• Do not try to extract yourself from
the frame before coming to a vertical
position, as this is too awkward
As you become more familiar with the
Nubax®Trio action, and more confident
with its use, you will be able to simply
lift yourself from a stretched position
with relative ease.
*Caution: when you first use the
Nubax®Trio you may experience some
pressure in the areas around the
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11
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shoulder pads, chest pad or waist belt.
This is normal.Try adjusting your
position following the instructions on
pages 12 and 13 until you find a position
that is comfortable for you. However,
if you experience severe pain or
discomfort please contact Nubax®or
your local distributor.
Using Nubax®
To begin using Nubax® Trio, start with
the belt in the shortest position:
1Place your knees well forward, right
under the hammock. You should be
kneeling in an upright position
(figure 1)
2Adjust the shoulder pads to hold you
firmly but comfortably.Test how far
forward you can lean. Check that
your knees are well forward,
underneath your hips (figure 2)
3With a short belt you should not be
able to lean very far forward. Return
to the upright position and lengthen
the belt to the next hole. Repeat this
until you reach the position that
applies the amount of traction you
require (figure 3)
4Adjusting the position of your knees
forwards or backwards will also
assist in finding a comfortable
position that will provide you with a
beneficial traction to your spine.
5Gradually increase the depth of your
stretch over time your stretch over
time.
6Gradually increase the duration of
stretch over time.An ideal stretching
time is 2-3 minutes, 2-3 times
each day.
page
12
figure 3
figure 2
figure 1
ENG
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INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
When to use
The Nubax®Trio is a therapeutic device
designed for the effective treatment for
back problems and for ease of use.This
product is most effective when used in
the morning after moving around for at
least 15 minutes, and at night
immediately before going to bed.
It is also beneficial to use the Nubax®
Trio immediately before playing sport
or undertaking a strenuous exercise
routine, as the stretch will aid the
mobility of your spine. Using it again
5-10 minutes after such activity will
also provide beneficial therapy.
People who work in physically
demanding jobs can also benefit by using
their Nubax®Trio before, after and
during work.
Using your Nubax®Trio immediately
prior to going to bed provides your
spine with the longest period of minimal
compression which aids in managing
painful back conditions and maintaining
a healthy flexible spine.
Healthcare professionals can use the
Nubax®Trio as an adjunct to their
treatments, for pre-stretching prior
to physical manipulation, postural
adjustments and for the patient’s home
treatments in between clinic visits.
Tips to achieve maximum
benefit
To get the most out of your Nubax®
Trio, it is necessary to relax your back
muscles so that your spine can be
gradually stretched.This will relieve the
pressure on interdiscal tissue between
your vertebrae, assist with hydration and
create separation between intervertebral
discs.
Take some time to experiment with the
adjustments to both the waist belt and
your starting position so that you can
find the most comfortable position for
you. Some people find it helpful to place
a pillow under their knees.Always
ensure that the waist belt is properly
placed across your hips, at the base of
the abdomen (similar to the positioning
of a car seat belt).
If you feel that your shoulders are not
being properly held.Adjust the shoulder
pads so that they fit snugly under your
armpits.
If you find discomfort from the chest
pad try re-adjusting your position in the
upper frame by returning to the kneeling
position and moving the position of your
upper torso between the shoulder pads
and the chest pad against your chest.
Alternatively, the chest pad can be
removed and a pillow can be inserted
in its place.
page
13
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MONITORINGYOUR USE OF THE
NUBAX®TRIO
All users will find that what works for
them may differ slightly from other
people. It may take time to discover
what works best for you.The amount of
times you use your Nubax®Trio per day,
the length of time you stretch and the
position that you use are all unique to
you. Practice until you find out what
works best for you.The Nubax®Trio is
also effective when used as an adjunct
to therapy treatment provided by your
healthcare professional.
By continuously monitoring your pain
and functionality while using the Nubax®
Trio, you will get an accurate indication
of your improvement.Please take note of
the following:
How many times a day you use the
Nubax®Trio
What time of the day you use the
Nubax®Trio
How many minutes you stretch for
Rate your level of pain and functionality
on a scale of 0-10
Alternatively you can use the Patient
Specific Functional Scale (PSFS).This is
a tool to help record and monitor
improvements to your functionality.
Often when improving back conditions
some find that although the amount of
pain that they have does not decrease
rapidly, their ability to partake in
activities may increase and therefore
quality of life is improved.
The idea of the PSFS is to write down
three activities that you are unable to or
are having difficulty doing as a result of
your back condition.These can range
from walking the dog, playing tennis or
lifting a box. Rank each activity on a
scale of 0 to 10 with 0 being unable to
perform the activity and 10 being able to
perform the activity at the same level as
before the back condition or injury.
Add up the scores out of 30 and keep a
record.After using the Nubax®Trio for
several weeks re-score the activities and
see if your score total has improved.
Keep reviewing your score on occasion
to keep a track of any increases in
functionality that you experience. See
page 15 for a copy of a PSFS.
page
14
ENG
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MONITORINGYOUR USE OF THE
NUBAX®TRIO
The Patient-Specific
Functional Scale
This useful questionnaire can be used to
quantify activity limitation and measure
functional outcome for patients with any
orthopaedic condition.
Initial Assessment:
Identify up to three important activities
that you are unable to do or are having
difficulty with as a result of your
_________________________ problem.
Look at the scale below and give each
activity a rating according to your ability
to perform that particular activity.
Follow-up Assessments:
Please ensure that you scale each activity
at regular intervals (weekly, fortnightly
or monthly). In order to accurately
record your progress, do not look at
your previous scores prior to making
a new assessment.
page
15 01 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Unable
to
perform
activity
Able to perform
activity at the
same level as
before injury or
problem
Activity Initial
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Additional
Additional
PSFS developed by: Stratford, P., Gill, C.,Westaway, M., & Binkley, J. (1995).Assessing disability and change on individual patients: a report of a
patient specific measure. Physiotherapy Canada, 47, 258-263.
Reminder: Each time you reassess and score each activity, do so without looking at
your previous scores.
Please visit the Nubax®website: www.nubax.com.au for a printable version of the PSFS
Patient-specific activity scoring scheme (Point to one number):
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BACK CONDITIONS AND
CAUTIONS
There are many causes and conditions of
back pain. Using the Nubax®Trio may
provide beneficial therapy to the
following back conditions. Please note:
The Nubax®Trio is also effe c tive when
utilised as an adjunct to other treatments
and therapies as specified by your
healthcare professional.
Scoliosis
When using the Nubax®Trio the
shoulders and hips are correctly aligned
with the spine.The Nubax®Trio allows
you to have an effective means of traction
in your own home, for use between clinic
visits, and combined with other
treatments and therapies specified by your
healthcare provider amounts to an
effective treatment regime for Scoliosis.
The tight muscles along the concave curve
of the spine are stretched and released
enabling the spine to obtain a more
neutral position. Once the stretch has
been completed is an ideal time to then
strengthen the weak longer muscles on
the opposite side of the spine.These
exercises can be provided by your allied
health professional.
Sciatica
Research shows that the application of
traction to the spine of the required force
creates a distraction between the
vertebra.This separation reduces pressure
on the spinal nerves and back extensor
muscles, which assists to reduce the
pressure on the sciatic nerve, the cause of
Sciatic pain.The Nubax®Trio is ab l e t o
provide the necessary traction to the
spine simply by utilising the bodyweight of
the user and its unique level of action.
Degeneration of theVertebra
The application of traction to the spine
of the required force creates a
distraction between the vertebra.This
increased space also increases the flow
of fluids around the discs between the
vertebra.This aids the re-hydration of
compressed discs, usually associated with
degenerative diseases of the spine and
aids their ability to maintain themselves
in a healthier state.The separation
between the vertebra created by an
effective amount of traction helps
reduce pain and helps to maintain the
separation if used regularly.This
separation also allows a greater
resolution of inflammation as facet joints
are not constantly irritated due to their
compression and that of the associated
spinal nerves.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Traction helps to increase the flow of
fluids around the discs and helps to
reduce pressure on the spinal column
and exiting nerves.The increased fluids
and reduced pressure assist in enabling
re-hydration of the discs, which aids
continued separation of vertebrae and
further pain relief.
Prolapsed / Ruptured / Bulged Disc
Traction can assist in the reduction of
pressure on injured discs, it may also be
of benefit for the long term maintenance
and possible reduction or alleviation of
page
16
ENG
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BACK CONDITIONS AND
CAUTIONS
its re-occurrence. However in the first
instance of the initial occurrence of
Prolapsed, Ruptured or Bulged Discs, the
use of the Nubax®Trio, or any form of
traction, should be considered with
caution.Any inappropriate movement or
excessive application of traction to an
injured disc could result in additional
discomfort or injury. Generally it is best
to wait until the initial acute state has
settled to a level that allows reasonable
movement and flexibility before
beginning to use traction as a method,
or part of a treatment to help manage
the ongoing condition. If use of the
Nubax®Trio is monitored by an allied
health professional it may be utilized in
the acute stage of a disk injury.
Non Specific Lower Back Pain
Traction helps to reduce the pressure
often felt on this section of the spine. It
also helps to low to middle back muscles
that often tighten throughout the course
of a day as they try to support an
increasingly painful back.The Nubax®
Trio is effective in applying a strong,
gradual, then static stretch to the lower
back.
Pinched Nerve
Research shows that the application of
traction to the spine of the required
force creates a distraction between the
vertebra.This separation of the facet
joints reduces pressure on the spinal
column which in turn, reduces the
pressure on the exiting nerves in the
back that cause pain
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How often should I use my
Nubax®Trio?
We recommend 2 to 3 times per day, for
2 or 3 minutes at a time. However every
individual is different so experiment with
frequency and length to work out what
is best for you.Traction generally is most
effective when used regularly and
frequently, not for long periods of
duration at infrequent or long intervals.
What conditions is my Nubax®Trio
suitable for?
The Nubax®Trio is beneficial for :
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Ankylosing Spondilitis
• Increased Lumbar Lordosis
• Scoliosis
• Sciatica
• Disc ruptures, lesions, prolepsis
• Degeneration of the vertebra
• General Lower Back Pain
• Sacral Pain
Use of the Nubax®Trio is not
recommended for users suffering from
unstable Spondilolistheses, Lumbar
Hypermobility or shoulder and neck
pain. It is also recommended that users
refrain from using the device during the
latter stages pregnancy and in the early
stages of post operative procedures on
the back.
Is the Nubax®Trio suitable for the upper
back?
The Nubax®Trio is usually beneficial
from the shoulder blades( T3,T4 ) down
to the base of the spine.
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17
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I am experiencing slight discomfort
when using my Nubax®Trio.
What should I do?
If the discomfort is from the external
pressure being generated from either the
shoulder pads or the waist belt, this is
normal as the body is being held at these
points and drawn apart. However, if the
discomfort is more of an anatomical
nature then use caution and if necessary
stop using the Nubax®Trio device . It may
just be a simple matter of readjusting to
a more comfortable position, reducing
the frequency and/or duration of use, or
stop usage for a short period of time.
However if the discomfort persists, or
becomes increasingly painful you must
cease using the Nubax®Trio device and
seek assistance before proceeding with
its use.
I am experiencing severe pain when
using the Nubax®Trio.What should I do?
If you are experiencing severe pain
you must stop using the device and
seek assistance from Nubax®or your
healthcare professional before
proceeding with its use.
I have been using the Nubax®Trio but
my existing back pain is still there.What
should I do?
Sometimes a reduction in pain may not
be immediate. Continue using your
Nubax®Trio and monitor your pain by
use of the example on page 10.Also,
whilst pain reduction may not be
immediate, an increase in your
functionality or an increase in your ability
to perform everyday tasks may occur.
Tr y recording this by u s i n g t h e P a t i e n t
Functional Specific Scale on page 15.
Is the Nubax®Trio recommended and
endorsed by a medical body?
The Nubax®Trio is used by
Chiropractors, Physiotherapists,
Osteopaths and many other healthcare
professionals. It is a listed good with the
Therapeutic Goods Administration of
Australia
page
18
ENG
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WARRANTY
Your Nubax®Trio has been designed and
manufactured using the highest standards
of materials and workmanship.
Nubax®guarantee to replace or repair,
in whole or in part, any part or
component that is proved defective
through materials or workmanship for a
period of up to 12 months from the
date of purchase.
Warranty covers parts and labour only,
and does not cover shipping costs.
The warranty is void if:
Operating instructions are not adhered
to and the unit is operated incorrectly
The unit is abused and damaged though
actions other than normal operations
No Proof of Purchase is provided
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
We highly recommend that the Nubax®
Trio be used in conjunction with
professional advice from a qualified
healthcare professional.
Your Nubax®Trio is supplied complete
with an operating manual and DVD that
details correct assembly and operating
procedures.
The safe load limit of the Nubax®Trio is
150kg. Do not use the Nubax®Trio if
your weight is greater than 150kg.
Any person using the Nubax®Trio does
so at their own risk and with the
understanding that Nubax®and its
agents shall not be liable for any loss,
injury or damages arising from use of
the device.
Caution:
Any person with a pre-diagnosed
condition or under current treatment
should refer their use of the Nubax®
Trio to their healthcare professional
prior to use.The Nubax®Trio should
only be used as directed.
page
19
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