Therapeutic blocks and their methods of manufacture and use

Abstract

An improved block system may comprise a plurality of individual members, each member geometrically equivalent in shape and equivalent in size in two dimensions, while being of varying thickness. The plurality of blocks may be of malleable and/or semi-compressible material, and covered with fabric or material suitable to easy cleaning and sterilization. The plurality of blocks are utilized in a manner either singly or in groups to accommodate and support a individual's head and neck while the individual is being treated for musculoskeletal disorders. The invention may be utilized with a standing or supine individual. The plurality of blocks are further of a shape making them easily handleable and stackeable by a therapist, physical trainer, or other professional. The invention may also be utilized in a like manner to support an individual's head and neck while performing other exercises or tasks requiring head support.

1 . A therapeutic block, the block comprising:
 A first surface and a second surface wherein the first and second surface are planar and parallel with respect to each other;   A plurality of rectangular sides that are perpendicular to the first surface and the second surface and wherein each of the plurality of sides comprises a third surface and four edges, the third surface being perpendicular to the plane of the first surface and the second surface, one edge being joined to the first surface, the edge opposite to the first edge being joined to the second surface, and the remaining two edges being joined to corresponding edges on corresponding sides.   
     
     
         2 . The therapeutic block of  claim 1  wherein the block is comprised of a material chosen from a group of materials that are semi-compressible. 
     
     
         3 . The therapeutic block of  claim 1  wherein the block further comprises an impermeable covering. 
     
     
         4 . The therapeutic block of  claim 3  wherein the impermeable covering is removable. 
     
     
         5 . The therapeutic block of  claim 1  wherein the first and second surface have outer circumferences that are defined by the number of the plurality of the generally rectangular sides. 
     
     
         6 . The therapeutic block of  claim 5  wherein the outer circumferences are octagonal. 
     
     
         7 . The therapeutic block of  claim 1  wherein the thickness of the block is determined by the distance between the first surface and the second surface, and where the distance between the first surface and the second surface is chosen from the group comprising 1″, 1½″, 2″, and 2½″. 
     
     
         8 . A method of utilizing one or more therapeutic blocks, the method comprising the steps of:
 positioning a patient on a surface and the patient's posterior is against the surface;   selecting from a group of therapeutic blocks from a plurality of therapeutic blocks for placement between the patient's head and the surface and wherein the plurality of therapeutic blocks comprise one or more therapeutic blocks of varying thickness;   stacking the selected therapeutic blocks between the patient's head and the surface such that the patient's head and neck are aligned with the patient's spine; and   having the patient perform therapeutic exercises.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the plurality of therapeutic blocks comprise thereapeutic blocks whose thicknesses are 1″, 1½″, 2″, and 2½″.