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Halo Rejuvenator™
A healthy solution for alleviating upper body muscle tension pain.
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About the Halo Rejuvenator™
The Halo Rejuvenator is an easy to use, safe and effective product for alleviating tension headaches, muscle tension pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulder regions. The Halo is also an extremely effective rehabilitation tool for individuals who suffer from trauma related upper body muscle pain (whiplash or sudden impact injuries).
Many Chiropractors, Physical Therapists and Special needs Therapists have discovered the simplicity yet powerful effects the Halo Rejuvenator is having on their patients.How the Halo Rejuvenator™ Works
The Halo Rejuvenator is an easy to use, safe and effective product for alleviating tension headaches, muscle tension pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulder region. The Halo is also an extremely effective rehabilitation tool for individuals who suffer from whiplash and other sudden impact trauma.
The Halo Rejuvenator is a multi-purpose tool which works in three distinct ways:- Increases cranial blood circulation The Halo's balanced weight (1 lb) gently releases cervical muscle and tendon constriction and swelling resulting in improved cranial circulation.
Resulting benefits: Positive and immediate effect on tension headaches, musculoskeletal and myofascial pain. - Rehabilitates injured or weak cervical muscles and improves mobility. As a result of whiplash or sudden impact trauma, soft tissue surrounding the vertebrae is often injured and inflamed. This often results in extreme cervical immobility within days.
Resulting benefits: With daily use of the Rejuvenator (3-5 minutes initially), the damaged soft tissue is gently strengthened and mobility (range of motion) can be restored by implementing additional stretching exercises with the Halo. - Improves upper body posture Use of the Halo Rejuvenator activates the body's righting reflexes causing an involuntary reaction of the upper body and head to become more upright. Clinically, this involuntary response is known as neuromuscular re-education through proprioceptive balancing.
Resulting benefits: Immediately improves both sitting and standing posture.
- Increases cranial blood circulation The Halo's balanced weight (1 lb) gently releases cervical muscle and tendon constriction and swelling resulting in improved cranial circulation.
Practitioner Guidelines
Many Chiropractors and Physical Therapists use differing variations of head weighting. Therefore, we do not recommend any specific methodology. We would suggest reviewing the following information:
In consideration of the vast spectrum of people with cervical deficiencies, each patient has to be evaluated individually taking into consideration his or her physical stature.
Like any muscle strengthening program, starting with lighter weight is advisable. New patients should not wear the Halo Posture for more than five minutes.
If the patient does not complain of any immediate and sudden pain, then the patient should use it at home as directed.
Initial use for patients should not exceed 5 minutes a day for a week. The time for daily use should be increased to 10 minutes for 2-3 weeks and then 15 minutes for another 2-3 weeks. Activation of proprioceptors is encouraged by having the patient sit on a balance ball, stand, or walk while keeping their jaw-line parallel to the floor while wearing the Halo.
If your planning to use the Halo as a neck rehabilitative tool, follow the basic instructions on the package and start with no more than a couple minutes of use per day. Again, starting the patient with lighter weight is advised.
Again, only you "The Health Care Professional" can decide the best and safest course of rehabilitation for a particular patient.
If you would like to know more about the benefits of the Halo Posture, Please feel free to contact us. Our customer care specialists are available Monday-Friday 9am-5pm PST to answer your questions and take your order.Head Weighting Protocols
Before getting started with the HALO:
As with all other forms of active rehabilitation, in order for patients to qualify for active rehabilitation with the Halo system, they MUST be free of acute pain with activities of daily living (ADLs).
Ideally, they should have 25% or more of normal range of motion in the cervical spine, in all directions with little or no pain during movement, BEFORE starting Halo protocols.
It goes without saying that the Halo system is contraindicated with acute disc patients, acute sprain/strain injuries and anyone whose symptoms increase whilst performing the Halo protocol.
HALO sizing:
Halo Posture and Halo Rejuvenator head weights come in various sizes and range in weight from 1 pound to 5 pounds. There are a number of factors that will determine the proper weighting for yourself and your patients.
Physical fitness, age, sex, frame size, strength, degree of dysfunction, symptoms, body awareness, balance and coordination must all be taken into account when making your clinical decision about what size Halo to use.
That being said, below you find a general guideline:- For children and small adults we start with a 1 lb. or 2 lb. Halo - head weight only
- For men under 170 lbs. and most women we start with a 2 lb. Halo and a 5 lb. anterior chest weight
- For men over 180 we start with a 3 lb. Halo and either a 8 lb. or 10 lb. anterior chest weight
When in doubt, USE LESS WEIGHT and/or time. You can always add more weight later but if the patient becomes very sore they will not be excited to try it again.
Most common "escape" patterns:- Neck buckling with chin jutting forward - head goes further into forward head posture (MUST reduce the weight - the patient is being crushed)
- Hyperextension of the lumbar spine – severe atrophy of antigravity musculature, usually with hip flexor and lumbar erector dominance (MUST cue patient into proper position)
HALO Timing:
The issue of timing is much more straight-forward than sizing. The frequency of treatment needs to be enough to force an adaptation while avoiding excessive wear and tear.- Almost all patients will begin at 2 minutes per day, two to three times per week.
- Treatment time is typically increased by one to two minutes per week. Some patients can handle greater increases in time and for others you'll have to back it down.
- The long-term time goal is 20 minutes per day, seven times per week (until forward head posture has been eliminated at which point the patient can shift to a maintenance schedule).
Keep in mind that we want to keep patient soreness to an absolute minimum or, better yet, avoid it all together. Most often, the patient will work up to 10 minute Halo sessions during his/her office visits (with the cueing that is sometimes necessary to achieve the correct position) before transitioning to daily use at home.
As the patient transitions to performing active care at home, their daily training time is typically cut in half while increasing the frequency. If they were up to 10 minutes per day, 2 times per week (for a total weekly training load of 20 minutes) and we go to 5 minutes per day, 6-7 times per week (for a total weekly load of 30 to 35 minutes). With this, their weekly training load has nearly doubled while giving them the feeling that they're getting a little break.
HALO Implementation:
The Halo protocol MUST ALWAYS be performed with bare feet. Not only will bare foot contact with ground increase proprioception but, elevated heels work against the patient by pushing the head further into forward head posture.
Within a typical session, soft tissue work is performed first, the patient is then adjusted, as only joints that are free from subluxation (substitute any word you prefer for "subluxation" if that word upsets you - it's the concept that matters) are able to provide the necessary afferentation to the cerebellum then, the Halo protocol which follows may be employed.
Most patients will begin with standing in place. As comfort level, body awareness, balance, strength and physical fitness increases, the patient can slowly progress up the proprioception continuum. These positions and movements drive increased proprioception to the brain and may be added PROVIDED the patient can maintain PROPER POSTIONING AT ALL TIMES.
The Proprioception Continuum:- Standing
- Standing on one foot
- Standing on a wobble board or inflatable balance disc
- Walking
- Walking backward
General Tips:- It is strongly recommended that in a addition to having the patient fill out and update the standard neck disability index questionnaires, that doctors video record (with the patient's permission , of course) the BEFORE and AFTER postural assessment, range of motion and functional testing with all patients using the Halo system. They will, no doubt, notice that daily tasks become easier for them as their posture improves and they become stronger but, it's very powerful to show them on video just how dysfunctional they were when they started (which they may not remember in great detail).
- If the patient EVER returns for a follow-up office visit complaining of soreness, simply cut the last time they used in half (and/or reduce the training weight by 1 pound). You can always go up again at another appointment.
- The MOST IMPORTANT skill for doctors to develop when starting a patient on the Halo system is OBSERVATION. If the weight forces the patient to buckle, or to try and "escape" out from under it AT ANY TIME DURING THE PROCESS, the weight (and, often times, the training time) will have to be reduced. That patient should also be monitored and cued THE ENTIRE TIME they are performing the protocol until they have built up a decent base level of body awareness and strength in their postural system.
- Having the patient perform the Halo protocol in front of a mirror can be a tremendous aid in developing body awareness and can save the doctor a significant amount time which would otherwise be spent monitoring the patient.
- REMEMBER the key to the Halo system is CONSISTENCY OVER TIME. We are working against the unrelenting force of gravity and it’s affect on the human frame. Each minute spent using the Halo system is building up the body’s resistance mechanisms and moving the patient towards optimal function.
Copyright Wellness Works Chiropractic Yoni Whitten D.C., C.C.W.P. 2014Frequently Asked Questions About the Halo Rejuvenator™
Q. How does the Halo actually alleviate headaches and neck pain ?
Most tension headaches and muscle tension neck pain result from the restriction of Arteries and veins which carry blood to the fine layers of muscle which cover the skull. The weight of the Halo gently releases muscle constriction and allows for increased blood circulation; hence, headaches and muscle tension pain are reduced or eliminated.
Q. How long should I wear the Halo ?
For most individuals, five to fifteen minutes is adequate. When worn for The first time, some individuals may feel a slight sense of dizziness or feeling off balance. This sensation is normal and is the result of proprioception. Proprioceptors are sensors located in our eyes, ears, and spine and they control the body’s righting reflexes. The body is simply adjusting to the added weight placed on the head and should pass quickly.
Q. Could wearing the Halo have any negative effects ?
As a general rule, if you put the Halo on and feel any immediate or noticeable pain in the neck region, it is advisable to discontinue use and seek professional advice. There may be a pre-existing condition you may be unaware of.
Q. Could the Halo be beneficial for neck injuries or trauma like Whiplash ?
Yes. Many Healthcare professionals use the Halo as a tool for stretching and strengthening the soft tissue surrounding the vertebrae which may have been weakened as a result of whiplash or sudden impact injuries.
Q. Are there any restrictions on age as to who can use the Halo ?
No. The Halo has been used by individuals of all ages. We do manufacture a Halo Rejuvenator for small children which consists of less weight (1/2 lb).
Q. Does the Halo come in different sizes ?
The Halo is designed with a “one size fits all” adjustable strap which is located on the back of the headband.
Q. Are there any materials used in making the Halo which may pose any health risks ?
No. The weighted material used in the Halo is a non toxic material made from carbon steel micro-spheres. The headband is made of neoprene which is used in many health related products. The Halo Rejuvenator is made in the USA.
Q. How do I use the Halo to reduce neck and shoulder muscle tension pain ?
The Halo is very effective for alleviating pain in the neck and shoulders. There are simple exercise instructions on the back of the product package.
Q. If I don’t like the Halo, can I return it ?
Yes. We offer a 60 day, full money back guarantee excluding shipping. The purchaser is responsible for paying the shipping to return the product which is approximately $6.00- $8.00 depending on where you live in the US.Testimonials About the Halo Rejuvenator™
We’ve created this page as a resource to view some of the feedback from Halo users, doctors, health professionals and more. If you any questions about the Halo Rejuvenator or have feedback you’d like to share with us, please feel free to contact us.
“I love it! I can say goodbye to my headaches the heathy, natural way. I’m a wife, mother, trainer, runner, and basically an all-around active person. For years my neck and shoulders were constantly sore. NOT ANY MORE!”
-Moji Austell, Pilates Studio Owner
“After using the Halo Rejuvenator to help heal the tension in my chronic neck pain from sitting in front of the computer all day, I was amazed! I no longer go home and take a pain killer to help the tension go away. Now, I just put on the Halo during the day and it helps my neck stay loose throughout the day!”
-Dan J Smith,
“I love the Halo Rejuvenator. As a harpist, my neck, back and shoulders are prone to over use and injury, and used to be chronically painful. Now, with just a few simple movements, the Halo Rejuvenator has put my neck back on track and feeling wonderful! My shoulders are more flexible and relaxed, my arms do not get as tired…even when I play for hours.”
-Melissa Morgan, Professional Harpist
“The Halo Rejuvenator is helping my patients with chronic head, neck pain and upper body musculo-skeletal pain. It is the best home exercise unit that I have used to date for these specific patients. It is cost effective and requires minimal office time to demonstrate.”
-Dr. Peter L. Kopko, D.C, Mission Hills Chiropractic San Diego, CA.
“I love using the Halo because it makes me sit up straighter in my office chair. I am in my chair for 6 to 8 hours a day and the Halo helps make my posture straighter. I feel better and more refreshed after using the Halo! It’s kind of like a cup of coffee to keep you going. It’s a very simple idea that I am surprised no one has thought of before. At least it is finally here!”
-Dennis DeSouza,
“I’ve been using Halo everyday for about 15-30 minutes and it DOES WORK! I get pain when I work on computer for a long time (It seems the source of the pain is coming from my neck) but after using the Halo, the pain quickly goes away. It’s really amazing why a simple device like this can work like this.”
-Shinya Suzuki, Computer Engineer
“I often suffer from neck and shoulder pain due to tension and stress. For several years I have relied on medication such as Ibuprofen, Tylenol, and Advil to relieve the pain. The medication provided only temporary relief, to a permanent problem. I have finally found a way to control the pain without depending on medication.”
-Doris Charles, Business Owner
“The HALO works on many levels! As a holistic practitioner, I recommend it to my clients’ as a simple, effective stretching tool to release musculo-skeletal pain and stress.”
-Maury Liwerant, Structural Integration Therapist Balance Point
“Often my neck spasms when under stress and is compounded when sitting in front of the computer for hours. I have been using the Halo for a month. IT WORKS… the pain goes away within 10-20 minutes.”
-Kate Woods, Real Estate Broker
“When I start to get a headache, I try to treat it early. Not everything works for me and I’m always skeptical about new products. But, when I used the “Halo” for the first time, I felt relief right away.”
-Debbie Bischel, Digital Hold Systems, Inc.
“As a physician who works with many patients suffering from prior concussions or brain injuries, as well as chronic neck pain and headaches, I often find a relative deficiency of proprioceptive (position) awareness of the head and neck following prior trauma, which then impacts posture, breathing, and chronic muscle tension. For the proper patient, the Halo Rejuvenator helps to provide that normal and crucial feedback to the brain, and significantly improves the balance and postural re-training which we are performing. These functional improvements impact and reduce symptoms in a long-term and sustainable fashion.”
-Dr. David Lindemann, M.D.,Letter From the Owner of Halo Posture
The concept of utilizing or applying weight on the head for improvement of upper body posture is not a new idea. Human beings have been carrying weight on their heads for thousands of years as a means of transporting materials and goods such as water, food and firewood.
In the late 1800’s, a gentleman named John Corker observed the connection between upright posture and individuals who carried weight on their heads. In 1893, Corker patented the first modern device designed to improve upper body posture. In the early 1900’s, women of the social upper class were educated on the importance of postural etiquette.
As a teenager, my mother used to constantly remind me to stand up straight and stop “SLOUCHING”. In the early 70’s, slouching was a gesture of “COOLNESS” among many teen boys. Today I am the one constantly reminding my teenager to STAND UP STRAIGHT.
Like me, most people don’t recognize that they have poor posture but many of us do feel the effects of it as we age. The most common side effects are headaches, neck and shoulder pain also referred to as Myofascial or Musculoskeletal pain.
After decades of research on deficient posture and its contributory negative affect on the spine, there appears to be a general consensus among many healthcare professionals that poor posture has become epidemic, especially within the younger population. Could it be that lifestyle is to blame? How many of us use a computer or hand held devices? These work and social activities may be the greatest promoter of poor posture.
What makes the Halo Rejuvenator unique?
It performs multiple functions at once. Halo improves upper body posture by way of engaging the body’s righting reflex response and it alleviates the symptoms of poor posture by stretching constricted and angry muscles and tendons. There’s only one catch… you have to wear it in order to benefit!
You see, I am not the original inventor or creator of a product which improves upper body posture. I am simply the conduit serving to educate folks on how they might improve their postural health and reduce physical pain.
Yours in Health,
Scott Flavell
