the abacushandbookthe human body was designed for movement – hand, arm, leg and whole body...

The Abacus™ Handbook

www.gelliflex.com

Angela Kneale OTD, MA, OTR/L, NBC-HWCOccupational Therapist, Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Certified Pilates Instructor, Franklin Method® Educator

Contents

WELCOME TO THE ABACUS™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

HANDS AND ARMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Design and Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Muscles, Nerves and Fascia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Trigger Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

ABACUS™ 123s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Abacus™ Care and Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Setting Up Abacus™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Positioning Abacus™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

SELF-MASSAGE MOVEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Abacus Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Finger/Thumb Squeeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Finger/Thumb Rolling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Finger/Thumb Compression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Hand Squeeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Hand Rolling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Hand Compression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Wrist Rolling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Wrist Compression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Forearm Rolling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Forearm Compression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Elbow Rolling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Elbow Compression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Biceps Rolling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Biceps Compression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Triceps Rolling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Triceps Compression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

What does it take to become an inventor? Basically, have a problem to solve.

After sitting at a desk hunched over a keyboard and papers for many hours over many years, I ended up with back and neck issues, along with pain in my fingers, thumb, hand, wrist, arm and elbow. And some sports, like tennis and golf, also caused hand and arm aches and pains for me. I’m a lawyer, business owner, father, and family man – just a regular guy with a job, family and hobbies. Over time pain was a constant for me, affecting my ability to do things and be active.

So just like many of you that start to suffer from aches and pains in your hands and arms, I searched out treatment. I got massages and did physical therapy. Many things helped for the moment. Professional massages and reflexology helped to relieve those aches and pains, ease joints and muscles, and generally just feel great. I’d have that kind of massage all the time if I could – but that takes another person, time and resources. I believe in taking care of myself, and greatly believe in the incredible benefits of paying a professional to work on my body.

The problem is I can’t do that every day. So how can I assist my own massage therapy?

Finding the answer started off with buying every kind of self-massage therapy device on the market. I tried various devices but none of them really worked well for all of the areas of the hand and arm. Usually the devices I found were too hard or too cumbersome. Or they worked okay for my forearm, but not my hand or fingers. Or vice versa. Like many of you out there, I have a basket of massage therapy devices at home. What I needed was something – one device – that could address all of these issues, rather than having a series of multiple tools to do different things. So I designed and developed the Abacus for myself (I built my first prototype out of wood, stainless rods and squeeze balls – it looked like an abacus!). I have spent well over three years working on the design with the goal of building a customizable, flexible and cost-effective self-therapy device.

The Abacus works for me and I hope it does for you, too.

Welcome to The Abacus™

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Craig OlschanskyInventor, FounderGELLIFLEX Systems, LLC

Our hands are remarkable tools that allow us to perform amazing activities – from completing routine everyday tasks to creating unique masterpieces. Unfortunately, many of us use our hands too much and the rest of our bodies too little. Repeated reliance on our hands for work, play and self-care activities often progresses toward overuse of our upper extremity muscles and joints. Additionally, our hands are often out in front of our bodies – leading to habitual posture stresses and muscle imbalances.

Paying attention to the care of your hands and arms positively influences your entire body. Use of therapeutic hand massage has documented benefits – for relaxation, comfort and healing – for people of all ages and from ancient times to the present day.

The Abacus™ Handbook introduces both the benefits and methods of using the Abacus self-massage tool for improved comfort and function of your fingers, hands, wrists, forearms, elbows and upper arms. This innovative device

incorporates interchangeable non-latex gel-balls of differing firmness, allowing you to customize and create thousands of restorative combinations.

Convenient access to your Abacus invites consistent self-treatment sessions to optimize the beneficial outcomes of self-massage – including softening muscle tightness, releasing tension, increasing movement and function, improving comfort, and enhancing circulation, lymphatic flow and tissue hydration.

What happens to your hands impacts your whole body, as well as the opposite – whole body activities impact your hands. Awareness of aligned posture and neutral wrist positioning is beneficial throughout your daily activities – while using your computer, cell phone and electronic tablets, as well as while driving, cooking and playing music and recreational sports. Use any tools or instruments safely and effectively, while limiting the force of your grasp.

Hands and Arms

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Design and FunctionThe human body well demonstrates phenomenal design and extraordinary function, and modern science continually researches the multitudes of significant complexities to learn more and better understand. Specific body regions are often studied separately and receive specialized medical care, however it is well known that body systems influence one another and function together as an organized whole being.

With the ease of your whole body in mind, the Gelliflex™ Abacus™ was designed to support the movement, comfort and function of your hands and arms. This exceptionally versatile gel-ball self-massage tool provides therapeutic techniques for your fingers, thumbs, hands, wrists, forearms, elbows and upper arms. Self-massage is an effective way to relieve excess stress and reduce any muscle soreness.

The wonderful design of our hands and arms provides extraordinary

The human body was designed for movement – hand, arm, leg and whole body movements in a variety of ways. Ease the stresses on your body by changing your position every 15–20 minutes, shifting your body weight and taking breaks to move all your muscles and joints in every way.

Frequent physical activity is vital for the optimal health and function of all our body systems. Moderate exercise is recommended for at least 30 minutes on most days of each week, supplemented with short bouts of more vigorous exercise. Strength training and weight bearing exercises that challenge the body’s mechanical load help stimulate and maintain its well-designed structures, with 2–3 days recovery time.

Along with posture correction and whole body exercise, routine self-massage techniques with the Abacus can help maintain healthy muscles, nerves and connective tissues, as well as help promote healing following overuse or injury.

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the hand. Two nerves pass through the carpal tunnel to the hand, including the median nerve – leading to the thumb, index, middle and inner half of the ring fingers, and the ulnar nerve – leading to the small finger and outer hand of the ring finger. The radial nerve travels to the back of the forearm and hand.

Muscles, Nerves and FasciaMuscles, nerves and connective tissues work in synchrony during movement and daily activities. The connective tissue system includes fascia, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bone, as well as blood. These connective tissues provide uniting functions – joining every cell in the body to its neighbors, connecting numerous body systems, and linking the inner workings of each cell to the physiological state of your entire body.

To envision the three-dimensional continuous nature of fascia, think of a set of Russian dolls, with each doll fitting inside the next, and the next. Innermost layers of the body’s connective tissues include the dura that surrounds the spinal cord. Next layers include the pleura surrounding the lungs and the peritoneum that surrounds abdominal organs. Further out, the deep and superficial layers of fascia provide the framework for the body’s bones, muscles and nerves.

In reality, fascia is a body-wide interconnected network from inner to outer layers, and from head to fingertips and toes Thick, dense deep fascia surrounds all bones, cartilage, muscles, ligaments and tendons – blending with the outside layer of bones

dexterity and amazing function. From a musculoskeletal viewpoint, the complexity increases from the top down. The upper arm has one bone, the forearm has two, the wrist has eight bones, and each hand has 19 bones – 5 metacarpals (palm) and 14 phalanges (fingers).

Muscles of your upper arm include biceps and triceps, important for elbow movements and shoulder positioning. Muscles that rotate your forearm include supinator to turn your palm up and pronator teres to turn your palm down, as well as brachioradialis that assists with both movements when working against resistance.

Muscles at the back of your forearm that extend your wrist backward include extensor carpi radialis longus/brevis and extensor carpi ulnaris. Muscles located in the front of your forearm that function to flex your wrist forward include palmaris longus, flexor carpi radialis and flexor carpi ulnaris, along with flexor digitorum superficialis/profundus and flexor pollicis longus that also function to bend your fingers and thumb. Extensor digitorum is another of your hand muscles located in your forearm with tendons attaching to phalanges, and functions to extend your fingers out.

The lumbricales are small muscles between the metacarpals of your palm, with dorsal interossei at the back. Abductor digiti minimi allows reaching movements of your little finger. Muscles at the base of your thumb, adductor pollicis and oppenens pollicis, allow your thumb to rotate and touch your other fingers.

Three major nerves transmit movement and sensory information to and from

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that pressure on the outside of the body relates to activity within the body’s cells.

Fascia is made of collagen, elastin, and water. Healthy fascia has a lattice orientation of collagen fibers, allowing springiness and elastic recoil, and is well hydrated. Water makes up about two-thirds of the volume of fascia tissues. In response to mechanical loading such as compression or stretching, water is pushed out (like squeezing a sponge). When the external pressure is released, the fascia receives refreshed rehydration.

Fascial restrictions due to repetitive stress or posture problems, as well as scar tissue following injury or surgery, can inhibit healthy movement and function. Fascia research suggests that gentle, rather than strong, sustained pressure beneficially improves the mechanical stress transfer to targeted tissues during massage therapy. Self-massage techniques, including squeezing, rolling and gentle compression with Abacus™ gel-balls, can help maintain healthy fascia, as well as help promote healing after injury.

called periosteum, as well as with the epimysium that surrounds the skeletal muscles. Fascia also surrounds each muscle fiber (endomysium), as well as groups of muscle fibers or fascicles (perimysium). Fascia envelops, and is also infused throughout the muscle, providing scaffolding and functioning together as myofascia.

Fascia has been increasingly researched in recent years, as a vital, relevant body system important for transmission of tensional forces throughout the body, essential for sensory communication about body position and movement, and valuable for integrating many body systems. Acting as tensegrity systems consisting of both compression elements (bones) and tensile elements (muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia), our bodies respond dynamically to distribute forces throughout. Fascia has rebounding, resilient and elastic properties that provide transmission, storage, and release of kinetic energy during daily movement, with force transmission occurring from muscle to fascia to bone. And research has shown

Trigger Points

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Treatment to release trigger points promotes interruption of muscle spasms and pain cycles, lengthening of tight areas that also impact nearby tissues, stimulation of blood supply, clearing of debris and toxins, and calming the autonomic nervous system. When combined with healthful lifestyle habits such as regular physical activity and good nutrition, trigger point release can yield positive results.

Trigger point therapy focuses on compression techniques that apply steady, direct, and slowly increasing pressure to the trigger point. The mild to moderate compression also gently stimulates sensory receptors, helping muscles and fascia to lengthen and relax.

Maintaining sustained pressure promotes the softening and releasing of the trigger point, which may take from a few seconds to a few minutes. With hands-on trigger point therapy, compression is following by gentle generalized massage. Compression and release may be repeated up to three times on a specific point before moving to another trigger point.

Self-treatment with the Abacus™ for trigger point release emphasizes your exploration and discovery of tender areas, along with providing the “just-right” amount of gentle, sustained pressure and holding for the “just-right” amount of time for release. Follow the compression techniques with gentle rolling using the gel-balls. Trigger points may be addressed directly, or often benefit from self-treatment in an area nearby.

Myofascial trigger points are tender spots within the interconnected muscle and fascia system, often related to muscle tension, repetitive stress, posture deficits, injury or trauma. The tissue texture of trigger points can feel like a nodule, pea-like or larger lumps, or ropy taut bands.

Common trigger points have been mapped throughout the body, with these illustrations highlighting regional trigger points in the hands and arms.

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The Gelliflex™ Abacus is a gel-ball self-massage device designed for relief from hand/wrist/arm aches and pains caused by overuse or repetitive activity. The Abacus incorporates interchangeable non-latex gel-balls of differing firmness, allowing you to customize and create thousands of restorative combinations.

The soft elastomer material provides the gel-balls with a better tactile and therapeutic feel, supporting self-treatment techniques of squeezing, rolling, and compression. The countless Abacus combinations allow focus on a particular part of your hand and arm, as well as moving fluidly from one motion to the next, much like a therapist would provide.

Abacus 1-2-3s

FRAME• Sturdy, wear-resistant

H-shaped frame

HANDLE

SLIDING TRIGGER LOCK• Locks axles in place

GRIP

FEET

AXLE SLOTS• Built in, easily open and close• 6 on the front (white side)

of frame• 5 on the back (gray side)

of frame• Abacus slots are numbered –

also with Braille designations

BALL ASSEMBLY (ONE OR TWO GEL-BALLS)

52 MM GELLIPRENE™ BALLS, DIFFERING FIRMNESS • Soft Purple gel-ball• Medium Lime Green gel-ball• Firm Blue gel-ball

END CAP SPACER

SOLID STEEL AXLE (INSIDE)

Abacus™ Care and Cleaning

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CLEANING GUIDELINES

Please use only these recommended solutions to clean the Abacus frame, gel-balls, axles, end caps and spacers:

• Disinfectant wipes (no bleach) such as Purell, Lysol, Clorox or similar products of any other brand.

• Diluted mild dish soap (no degreasing agents) and water – use a sparing amount of dish soap.

WARNING: High concentration of dish soap with degreasing agents may damage the gel-ball material, resulting in gradual hardening and shrinkage.

• Do NOT submerge the frame – water may become trapped inside the frame.

• Isopropyl alcohol works well to clean and disinfect the Abacus.

• Do NOT use these cleaning solutions:

- Vegetable or vegetable-based products

- Solvents

- Bleach

CARE GUIDELINES

• WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – do NOT use with children under 3 years of age – end caps and spacers are small enough to be swallowed.

• Adult supervision required for use with children 3 to 12 years of age.

• Keep fingers away from open slots when opening/closing the slots to insert/remove ball assemblies –avoid getting your fingers caught in a slot.

• Do NOT leave the gel-balls in extreme heat or exposed to the sun for extended periods.

• Do NOT leave gel-balls on newsprint or similar media – the print may “tattoo” the balls (like silly putty).

• Do NOT stand on the Abacus. Use of the Abacus for foot compression may damage the device.

• Proceed with CAUTION if using the Abacus for feet, as sliding a foot between axles may damage the frame.

• For more of a silky feel, apply a small amount of cornstarch to the gel-balls.

The Abacus has been designed for maximum versatility and effectiveness, with interchangeable parts made of materials that can be easily cleaned and disinfected.

BUILDING BALL ASSEMBLIES

ONE BALL: Place an end cap on the axle as far as possible. Slide a spacer, one gel-ball, and another spacer onto the axle. Then place an end cap firmly onto the end of the axle.

TWO BALLS: Place an end cap on the axle as far as possible. Slide one gel-ball and the second gel-ball onto the axle. Then place an end cap firmly onto the end of the axle.

Setting Up Abacus™

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The Abacus is one tool, with countless options for self-massage and trigger point release.

With literally thousands of restorative combinations, the Abacus is extremely versatile. Incorporating your choice of gel-balls when building ball assemblies (Soft Purple, Medium Lime Green, or Firm Blue) and your selection of axle placement, you are able to target areas from your fingertips to your upper arms with various self-treatment techniques.

PLACING AXLES ON FRAME

The Abacus has 6 built-in numbered slots (1–6) on the front (white side) of the frame, and 5 numbered slots (7–11) on the back (gray side).

UNLOCK SLOTS: Slide the trigger lock toward the non-numbered side of the frame.

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OPEN SLOTS: Open the slots by lifting and holding the moveable handle (toward the lock).

PLACE BALL ASSEMBLIES: Place one or more ball assemblies into desired numbered slot(s).

CLOSE SLOTS: Lower and release the handle to close the slots.

LOCK AXLES: Slide the trigger lock toward the numbered side of the frame, locking the axles in place.

NOTE: Keep your fingers away from open slots when opening/closing the slots to insert/remove ball assemblies – avoid getting your fingers caught in a slot.

Positioning Abacus™

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HORIZONTAL

Place the Abacus horizontally (gray side down or up) on a table or your lap.

SIDEWAYS

Place the Abacus on its long side (like holding a guitar) with balls vertical.

VERTICAL – HANDLE DOWN

Place the Abacus vertically, with handle down on your leg or a flat surface (table or floor), one or two balls on end.

VERTICAL – HANDLE UP

Place the Abacus vertically, with handle up, and one or two balls on end. Hold the handle, keeping your wrist neutral.

The Abacus can be positioned in a variety of ways to ensure optimal benefits and efficient use for the targeted hand, wrist, forearm, elbow and upper arm regions, as well as for the relaxed comfort and ease of your whole body.

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ANGLED

Angle the Abacus to lean gray side against desk or table, with the handle wedged on your leg or knee.

GRASPED

Reach your hand through the Abacus (from gray side) and grasp the grip (or a ball assembly inserted next to the grip) with palm down. For leverage, place your forearm against the handle or a ball assembly. One or two balls placed on end.

NESTLED

Nestle the handle in the crease of your elbow, or against your shoulder body, and hold the grip with your hand over the top of the device. One or two balls placed on end.

Self-Massage Movements

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Getting started with the Abacus invites paying attention to your body and how it feels – before, during and after self-massage. Almost infinite combinations of gel-balls and Abacus positions allow you to focus on a particular area of your hands and arms, as well as move fluidly from one motion to the next. Exploring and discovering the sensations in your fingers, hands, wrists, forearms, elbows, and upper arms will enhance benefits and positive outcomes of self-massage.

Choose a comfortable seated position, near a desk or table if desired, or on the floor. Keep your spine aligned, and your neck and shoulders relaxed. Many of the self-massage techniques require neutral position of your wrists to protect the joints and promote healthy movement.

SELF-MASSAGE TECHNIQUES

SQUEEZE

Squeezing the gel-balls with your hand, fingers and thumb, increases circulation and lymphatic flow, while strengthening and improving hand function.

ROLLING

Techniques include (1) rolling your hands and arms on the gel-balls, and (2) rolling the gel-balls on your hands and arms. Slow, gradual rolling promotes release of tightness and tension, and restores gliding of muscles and fascia tissues.

COMPRESSION

Compression with the Abacus gel-balls provides slow, gentle, sustained pressure that helps release adhesions in targeted tissues, improves hydration and mobility of muscles and fascia.

Abacus Guidelines

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• Choose self-massage movements and Abacus positions that feel comfortable.

• Never use the Abacus on an acute injury – you may benefit from self-massage near the area, but not directly over an injured region.

• Select Soft Purple gel-balls when exploring new techniques or movements, and then try Medium Lime Green gel-balls, if desired.

• Begin self-massage with light pressure and increase gradually to moderate, according your body’s comfort and ease.

• Move very slowly to maximize benefits to your body from the gentle sustained pressure.

• Breathe fully and deeply, relaxing and releasing tightness and tension as you exhale.

• Lighten pressure during self-massage when close to joint spaces or bony prominences.

• Stop if you experience sharp pain, numbness or tingling.

• Pause for a moment following self-massage to notice any changes and positive responses.

ARM SIZE LIMITATIONS: Use of Abacus for

compression is designed to accommodate

your forearm or upper arm (up to

approximately 4–1/2 inches diameter).

Larger arms will likely not be able to use

the Abacus for compression, and may

instead benefit from rolling and

squeezing techniques.

up to

~4 1/2"

Fingers & Thumb Squeeze

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ABACUS POSITION

HORIZONTAL

SIDEWAYS

VERTICAL

ANGLED

ABACUS SET-UP

Place one gel-ball in the center of an axle, with spacers and end caps on each side. On another axle, place one gel-ball in the center, with spacers and end caps on each side. Lock the two ball assembles in a center (for example: slot 3 or 4) and end slot (9) of the frame.

MOVEMENT

SIDE SQUEEZE: Place two adjacent fingers along the sides of a ball. Keep your fingers straight and wrist neutral, gently squeeze the ball and then relax.

THREE-POINT PINCH: Place the pad of your thumb and pads of your index and middle fingers on opposite sides of a ball. Keep your fingers straight and wrist neutral, gently press into the ball and then relax.

TIP-TO-TIP PINCH: Place the tip of your thumb and tip of index finger on opposite sides of a ball. Keep your wrist neutral, and gently press into the ball. Try squeezing the ball with the tips of your thumb and each finger, relaxing your hand after each squeeze.

TECHNIQUE TIPS:

• Begin your finger and thumb squeezes using a Soft Purple gel-ball, and then progress to a Medium Lime Green gel-ball as comfortable.

• Choose the Abacus positions that best allow you to keep your wrist neutral throughout squeeze movements, and your whole body to relax and feel at ease.

• Relax your fingers, thumb and hand after each squeeze – open your hand wide and extend your fingers.

BENEFITS

Releases tension, strengthens fingers and thumb, increases flow of fluids, improves hand function.

Fingers & Thumb Rolling

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ABACUS POSITION

HORIZONTAL

SIDEWAYS

VERTICAL

ANGLED

ABACUS SET-UP

Place one gel-ball in the center of an axle, with spacers and end caps on each side. On another axle, place two gel-balls and end caps. Lock the ball assemblies into two slots of the frame, leaving one slot space open between (for example: slots 2 and 4). Additionally, place a third axle with one (add spacers) or two gel-balls and end caps into the frame’s end slot (9) and lock.

NOTE: Soft Purple gel-balls may be preferred for comfort when rolling the more fragile skin on the back of your fingers and hands.

MOVEMENT

Slowly roll your fingers and thumb over one or more gel-balls. Explore gently rolling the front, back and sides of each finger and thumb. Keep your wrist neutral.

TECHNIQUE TIPS:

• For optimal comfort and benefit, experiment with various slots when setting up the one and two gel-ball assemblies.

• Choose the Abacus positions that best allow you to keep your wrist neutral throughout the rolling movements, and your whole body to relax and feel at ease.

• Relax your fingers, thumb and hand before and after rolling – open your hand wide and extend your fingers.

• Notice any changes in comfort and ease of movement in the fingers and thumb of both your right and left hands.

BENEFITS

Releases tension, restores gliding of muscles and fascia, improves hand movement and function.

Fingers & Thumb Compression

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ABACUS POSITION

HORIZONTAL

SIDEWAYS

VERTICAL

ANGLED

ABACUS SET-UP

Place one gel-ball in the center of an axle, with spacers and end caps on each side. On another axle, place two gel-balls and end caps. Lock the ball assemblies into two slots of the frame, leaving one slot space open between (for example: slots 2 and 4).

NOTE: Soft Purple gel-balls may be preferred for comfort of the more fragile skin on the back of your fingers and hands.

MOVEMENT

Slowly slide your fingers or thumb forward and back between the ball assemblies, experiencing gentle to moderate sustained compression. Explore varying the position of your fingers and thumb, with slight shifts toward each side of the frame. Keep your fingers and thumb straight, wrist neutral.

TECHNIQUE TIPS:

• Begin compression of your fingers and thumb with Soft Purple gel-balls and Medium Lime Green gel-balls, and try Firm Blue gel-balls only if comfortable.

• For optimal “just right” comfort and benefit, experiment with various slots when setting up the one and two gel-ball assemblies.

• Choose the Abacus positions that best allow you to keep your wrist neutral throughout the compression movements, and your whole body to relax and feel at ease.

• Relax your fingers, thumb and hand before and after compression – open your hand wide and extend your fingers.

BENEFITS

Releases tension, improves hydration and mobility of muscles and fascia, increases hand function.

Hand Squeeze

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ABACUS POSITION

HORIZONTAL

SIDEWAYS

VERTICAL

ANGLED

ABACUS SET-UP

Place one gel-ball in the center of an axle, with spacers and end caps on each side. On another axle, place one gel-ball in the center, with spacers and end caps on each side. Lock the two ball assemblies in a center (for example: slot 3 or 4) and the end slot (9) of the frame.

MOVEMENT

ONE HAND: Wrap your hand around one gel-ball. Slowly and gently squeeze the gel-ball, and then fully open your hand. Keep your wrist neutral.

TWO HANDS: Simultaneously wrap both of your hands around gel-balls, slowly squeeze and fully release. Keep your wrists neutral.

TECHNIQUE TIPS:

• Begin your hand squeezes using a Soft Purple gel-ball, and then progress to Medium Lime Green, and try a Firm Blue gel-ball only if comfortable.

• Choose the Abacus positions that best allow you to keep your wrist neutral throughout squeeze movements, and your whole body to relax and feel at ease.

• Relax your fingers, thumb and hand after each squeeze – open your hand wide and extend your fingers.

• Notice any changes in comfort and ease of movement in your right and left hands.

BENEFITS

Releases tension, strengthens hands, increases fluid flow, improves hand movement and function.

Hand Rolling

19

ABACUS POSITION

HORIZONTAL

SIDEWAYS

VERTICAL

ANGLED

ABACUS SET-UP


NOTE: Soft Purple gel-balls may be preferred for comfort when rolling the more fragile skin on the back of your fingers and hands.

MOVEMENT

Slowly roll your hand over one or more gel-balls, from fingertips to base of your palm. Explore rolling the front, back and sides of your hand – varying your hand position with slight shifts toward each side of the frame. Keep your wrist neutral.

TECHNIQUE TIPS:

• Begin rolling your fingers and thumb with Soft Purple and Medium Lime Green gel-balls, and try Firm Blue gel-balls only if comfortable.


• Relax your hand before and after rolling – open your hand wide and extend your fingers.

• Notice any changes in comfort and ease of movement in your right and left hands.

BENEFITS

Releases tension, restores gliding of muscles and fascia, improves hand movement and function.

Hand Compression

20

ABACUS POSITION

SIDEWAYS

VERTICAL

ANGLED

ABACUS SET-UP

Place one gel-ball in the center of an axle, with spacers and end caps on each side. On another axle, place two gel-balls and end caps. Lock the ball assemblies into two slots of the frame, leaving one slot space open between (for example: slots 2 and 4).

NOTE: Soft Purple gel-balls may be preferred for comfort of the more fragile skin on the back of your fingers and hands.

MOVEMENT

Slowly slide your hand forward and back between the ball assemblies, experiencing the gentle to moderate sustained compression. Explore varying your hand position, with slight shifts toward each side of the frame. Keep your fingers and thumb straight, wrist neutral.

ADD HAND MOTIONS: Slowly slide your hand over one gel-ball (two gel-balls at back of hand) and gently grasp, then open your hand and slide backward.

TECHNIQUE TIPS:

• Begin compression of your hand with Soft Purple and Medium Lime Green gel-balls, and try Firm Blue gel-balls only if comfortable.

• Choose the Abacus positions that best allow you to keep your wrist neutral throughout the compression movements, and your whole body to relax and feel at ease.

• Relax your fingers and hand before and after compression – open your hand wide and extend your fingers.

BENEFITS

Releases tension, improves hydration and mobility of muscles and fascia, increases hand movement and function.

Wrist Rolling

21

ABACUS POSITION

HORIZONTAL

VERTICAL

ANGLED

GRASPED

ABACUS SET-UP


NOTE: Soft Purple gel-balls may be preferred for comfort when rolling the more fragile skin on the back of your hands and wrists.

MOVEMENT

WRIST ROLL: Slowly roll the base of your hand and wrist over one or more gel-balls. Explore rolling the front, back and sides of your wrist – turning your palm down, up, in and out.

BALL ROLL: Guiding with your opposite arm, slowly roll the gel-balls over the front, back and sides of your wrist. Keep both wrists neutral.

ADD WRIST MOTIONS: Slowly and gently bend your wrist forward and backward over one or two gel-balls, resting your wrist on the gel-balls or while slowly rolling. If comfortable, gently move your wrist side-to-side.

TECHNIQUE TIPS:

• Begin rolling your wrist with Soft Purple and Medium Lime Green gel-balls, and try Firm Blue gel-balls only if comfortable.

• When adding gentle wrist motions, keep your movements slow and fluid – maximizing your comfort and release of wrist tension.

BENEFITS

Releases tension, restores gliding of muscles and fascia, increases hand and wrist movement, improves wrist function.

Wrist Compression

22

ABACUS POSITION

HORIZONTAL

VERTICAL

ANGLED

GRASPED

ABACUS SET-UP

Place one gel-ball in the center of an axle, with spacers and end caps on each side. On another axle, place two gel-balls and end caps. Lock the ball assemblies into two slots of the frame, leaving at least one space open between (for example: slots 2 and 4). Additionally, place a third axle with one (add spacers) or two gel-balls and end caps into the frame’s end slot (9) and lock.

NOTE: Soft Purple gel-balls may be preferred for comfort of the more fragile skin on the back of your hands and wrists.

MOVEMENT

Slowly slide your wrist forward and back between the ball assemblies, experiencing gentle and sustained compression. Explore varying your wrist position, turning your palm down and up, in and out. Keep your fingers straight, wrist neutral.

ADD WRIST MOTIONS: Maintain gentle compression and slowly bend your wrist forward and backward over one or two gel-balls. If comfortable, gently move your wrist side-to-side.

TECHNIQUE TIPS:

• Your wrist region encompasses nerves and blood vessels – if you feel pain, numbness or tingling, decrease the movement or stop.

• When adding gentle wrist motions, keep your movements slow and fluid – maximizing your comfort and release of wrist tension.

BENEFITS

Releases tension, improves hydration and mobility of muscles and fascia, increases hand and wrist movement, improves wrist function.

Forearm Rolling

23

ABACUS POSITION

VERTICAL

SIDEWAYS

ANGLED

NESTLED

ABACUS SET-UP


MOVEMENT

FOREARM ROLL: Slowly roll your forearm over one or more gel-balls, from wrist to elbow. Explore rolling the front, back and sides of your forearm – turning your palm down and up. Keep your wrist neutral.

BALL ROLL: Guiding with your opposite arm, slowly roll the gel-balls over the front, back and sides of your forearm, keeping both wrists neutral.

ADD WRIST MOTIONS: Slowly bend your wrist forward and backward over one or two gel-balls, resting the front or back of your forearm on the gel-balls or while very slowly rolling.

TECHNIQUE TIPS:

• For optimal comfort and benefit, experiment with various slots when setting up the one and two gel-ball assemblies.


• When adding gentle wrist motions, keep your movements slow and fluid – maximizing your comfort and release of forearm tension.

BENEFITS

Releases tension, restores gliding of muscles and fascia, increases forearm and wrist movement, improves forearm, wrist and hand function.

Forearm Compression

24

ABACUS POSITION

SIDEWAYS

VERTICAL

ANGLED

GRASPED

ABACUS SET-UP

Place one gel-ball in the center of an axle, with spacers and end caps on each side. On another axle, place two gel-balls and end caps. Lock the ball assemblies into two slots of the frame, leaving two or more spaces open between (for example: slots 1 and 4). Additionally, place a third axle with one (add spacers) or two gel-balls and end caps into the frame’s end slot (9) and lock.

MOVEMENT

FOREARM BETWEEN BALLS: Slowly slide your forearm forward and back between the ball assemblies, experiencing gentle to moderate sustained compression. Explore varying your forearm position, turning your palm down and up, in and out. Keep your wrist neutral.

BALLS ON END: With gentle to moderate pressure, compress one or two gel-balls into your forearm. Vary your forearm positions, with wrist neutral.

ADD WRIST MOTIONS: Maintain gentle to moderate forearm compression, and slowly bend your wrist forward and backward, keeping fingers long.

TECHNIQUE TIPS:

• Begin forearm compression with Soft Purple and Medium Lime Green gel-balls, and then Firm Blue gel-balls as comfortable.

• When adding gentle wrist motions, keep your movements slow and fluid – maximizing your comfort and release of forearm tension.

• Relax your forearm and wrist before and after compression – open your hand wide and freely move your wrist.

BENEFITS

Releases tension, improves hydration and mobility of muscles and fascia, increases forearm, wrist and hand movement and function.

Elbow Rolling

25

ABACUS POSITION

HORIZONTAL

SIDEWAYS

VERTICAL

ANGLED

ABACUS SET-UP


MOVEMENT

ELBOW ROLL: Slowly roll your elbow region over one or more gel-balls. Explore gently rolling above and below your elbow, as well as your inner and outer elbow.

BALL ROLL: Guiding with your opposite arm, slowly roll one or two gel-balls over your elbow region – above and below, inner and outer elbow.

ADD ELBOW MOTIONS: Slowly bend and partially straighten your elbow, gently resting your elbow region on the gel-balls or while slowly rolling. Add forearm rotation – turning your palm up and down, keeping wrist neutral.

TECHNIQUE TIPS:

• Begin rolling your elbow with Soft Purple and Medium Lime Green gel-balls, and try Firm Blue gel-balls only if comfortable.

• When adding gentle elbow motions, keep your movements slow and fluid – maximizing your comfort and release of elbow tension.

• Relax your elbow and entire arm before and after rolling – fully straighten, bend and freely move your elbow.

BENEFITS

Releases tension, restores gliding of muscles and fascia, improves elbow movement and function.

26

ABACUS POSITION

HORIZONTAL

SIDEWAYS

VERTICAL

ANGLED

ABACUS SET-UP


MOVEMENT

Slowly lean your elbow region between the gel-balls, pressing your elbow slightly forward and back, and side-to-side, experiencing gentle and sustained compression. Comfortably press your outer and inner elbow into the gel-balls, varying the angles and amount of pressure.

ADD ELBOW MOTIONS: Maintain gentle elbow compression into gel-balls and move slowly, partially bend and straighten your elbow. If comfortable, gently rotate your forearm – turning your palm up and down.

TECHNIQUE TIPS:

• Your elbow region encompasses nerves and blood vessels – if you feel pain, numbness or tingling, decrease the movement or stop.

• When adding gentle elbow motions, keep your movements slow and fluid – maximizing your comfort and release of elbow tension.

• Notice any changes in comfort and ease of movement in your right and left elbows.

Elbow Compression

BENEFITS

Releases tension, improves hydration and mobility of muscles and fascia, increases elbow movement and function.

27

ABACUS POSITION

GRASPED

NESTLED

• When adding gentle elbow motions, keep your movements slow and fluid – maximizing your comfort and release of biceps tension.

• Relax your biceps and upper arm before and after rolling – fully straighten, bend and freely move your elbow and shoulder.

• Notice any changes in comfort and ease of movement in your right and left biceps regions.

ABACUS SET-UP

ONE BALL: Place one gel-ball in the center of an axle, with spacers and end caps on each side. Lock the ball assembly into the frame’s end slot.

TWO BALLS: Place two gel-balls and end caps on an axle. Lock the ball assembly into the end slot of the frame.

MOVEMENT

Guiding with your opposite arm, slowly roll your biceps region with one or two gel-balls. Explore rolling the entire front of your upper arm region from your elbow to your shoulder. Keep your wrist neutral.

Add elbow motions: Slowly bend and straighten your elbow, gently resting your biceps region into the gel-balls or while slowly rolling.

TECHNIQUE TIPS:

• Begin rolling your biceps region with Soft Purple and Medium Lime Green gel-balls, and then try Firm Blue gel-balls as comfortable.

• Choose the Abacus positions that best allow you to keep your upper arm comfortable throughout the rolling movements, and your whole body to relax and feel at ease.

Biceps Rolling

BENEFITS

Releases tension, restores gliding of muscles and fascia, improves upper arm movement and function.

28

ABACUS POSITION

SIDEWAYS

VERTICAL

ANGLED

ABACUS SET-UP

Place one gel-ball in the center of an axle, with spacers and end caps on each side. On another axle, place two gel-balls and end caps. Lock the ball assemblies into two slots of the frame, leaving three or more spaces open between (for example: slots 1 and 5). Additionally, place a third axle with one (add spacers) or two gel-balls and end caps into the frame’s end slot (9) and lock.

MOVEMENT

UPPER ARM BETWEEN BALLS: Slowly slide your upper arm forward and back between the ball assemblies, experiencing gentle to moderate sustained biceps compression. Explore varying your upper arm position, gently rotating your upper arm from your shoulder.

BALLS ON END: With gentle to moderate pressure, compress one or two gel-balls into your biceps region. Vary your upper arm positions, gently rotating your upper arm from your shoulder.

ADD BICEPS MOTION: Maintain gentle to moderate biceps compression, and slowly bend and straighten your elbow.

TECHNIQUE TIPS:


• When adding gentle elbow motions, keep your movements slow and fluid – maximizing your comfort and release of biceps tension.

Biceps Compression

BENEFITS

Releases tension, improves hydration and mobility of muscles and fascia, increases upper arm movement and function.

29

ABACUS POSITION

VERTICAL

ANGLED

• When adding gentle elbow motions, keep your movements slow and fluid – maximizing your comfort and release of triceps tension.

• Relax your triceps and upper arm before and after rolling – fully straighten, bend and freely move your elbow and shoulder.

• Notice any changes in comfort and ease of movement in your right and left triceps regions.

ABACUS SET-UP

ONE BALL: Place one gel-ball in the center of an axle, with spacers and end caps on each side. Lock the ball assembly into the frame’s end slot.

TWO BALLS: Place two gel-balls and end caps on an axle. Lock the ball assembly into the end slot of the frame.

MOVEMENT

TRICEPS ROLL: Slowly roll your triceps region over one or more gel-balls, from elbow to shoulder. Explore rolling the back and sides of your upper arm.

BALL ROLL: Guiding with your opposite arm, slowly roll the gel-balls over the back and sides of your upper arm, keeping both wrists neutral.

ADD ELBOW MOTIONS: Slowly bend and straighten your elbow, gently resting your triceps region on the gel-balls or while very slowly rolling.

TECHNIQUE TIPS:

• Begin rolling your triceps region with Soft Purple and Medium Lime Green gel-balls, and then try Firm Blue gel-balls as comfortable.

• Choose the Abacus positions that best allow you to keep your upper arm comfortable throughout the rolling movements, and your whole body to relax and feel at ease.

Triceps Rolling

BENEFITS

Releases tension, restores gliding of muscles and fascia, improves upper arm movement and function.

30

ABACUS POSITION

SIDEWAYS

VERTICAL

• When adding gentle elbow motions, keep your movements slow and fluid – maximizing your comfort and release of triceps tension.

• Relax your upper arm before and after compression – fully straighten, bend and freely move your elbow and shoulder.

• Notice any changes in comfort and ease of movement in your right and left triceps regions.

ABACUS SET-UP

Place one gel-ball in the center of an axle, with spacers and end caps on each side. On another axle, place two gel-balls and end caps. Lock the ball assemblies into two slots of the frame, leaving three or more spaces open between (for example: slots 1 and 5). Additionally, place a third axle with one (add spacers) or two gel-balls and end caps into the frame’s end slot (9) and lock.

MOVEMENT

UPPER ARM BETWEEN BALLS: Slowly slide your upper arm forward and back between the ball assemblies, experiencing gentle to moderate sustained triceps compression. Explore varying your upper arm position, gently rotating your upper arm from your shoulder.

BALLS ON END: With gentle to moderate pressure, compress one or two gel-balls into your triceps region. Vary your upper arm positions, gently rotating your upper arm from your shoulder.

ADD TRICEPS MOTION: Maintain gentle to moderate triceps compression, and slowly straighten and bend your elbow.

TECHNIQUE TIPS:


• Choose the Abacus positions that best allow you to keep your upper arm comfortable throughout the compression movements, and your whole body to relax and feel at ease.

Triceps Compression

BENEFITS

Releases tension, improves hydration and mobility of muscles and fascia, increases upper arm movement and function.

31

Blyum, L., Driscoll, M., & Eng, J. (2012). Mechanical stress transfer – the fundamental physical basis of all manual therapy techniques. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies, 16,

520–527.

Cooper, C. (2014). Fundamentals of Hand Therapy: Clinical Reasoning and Treatment Guidelines for Common Diagnoses of the Upper Extremity (2nd ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.

Field, T. (2014). Massage therapy research review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 20, 224–229.

Field, T., Diego, M., Delgado, J., Garcia, D., & Funk, C. G. (2011). Hand pain is reduced by massage therapy. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 17, 226–229.

Kunikata, H., Watanabe, K., Miyoshi, M., & Tanioka, T. (2012). The effects measurement of hand massage by the autonomic activity and psychological indicators. Journal of

Medical Investigation, 59, 206–212.

Meals, R. A. (2008). The Hand Owner’s Manual: A Hand Surgeon’s Thirty-Year Collection of Important Information and Fascinating Facts. College Station, TX: Virtualbookworm.

com Publishing Inc.

Myers, T. (2014). Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual and Movement Therapists (3rd ed.). Edinburgh, Scotland: Elsevier.

Mohr, E. G. (2010). Proper body mechanics from an engineering perspective. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies, 14, 139–151.

Neil-Asher, S. (2014). The Concise Book of Trigger Points: A Professional and Self-Help Manual (3rd ed.). Chichester, England: Lotus Publishing.

Rodgers, N. J., Cutshall, S. M., Dion, L. J., Dreyer, N. E., Hauschulz, J. L., Ristau, C. R., Thomley, B. S., & Bauer, B. A. (2015). A decade of building massage therapy services at an

academic medical center as part of a healing enhancement program. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 21, 52–56.

Schleip, R. & Baker, A. (Eds.) (2015). Fascia in Sport and Movement. Edinburgh, Scotland: Handspring Publication.

Wilgis, E. F. Shaw (Ed.) (2014). The Wonder of the Human Hand: Care and Repair of the Body’s Most Marvelous Instrument. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.

References

Information in this publication is intended only for general health knowledge. Nothing in this publication should be considered personal medical advice. Before taking any actions that will affect your health, consult with your physician or knowledgeable healthcare professional to discuss your unique situation and options. For information about particular hand and arm problems or specialized therapy, please refer to the following resources:

American Physical Therapy Association 1111 North Fairfax Street Alexandria, VA 2314 800-999-2782 or 703-684-2782 www.apta.org

American Massage Therapy Association 500 Davis Street, Suite 900 Evanston, IL 60201 877-905-0577 www.amtamassage.org

American Occupational Therapy Association 4720 Montgomery Lane PO Box 31220 Bethesda, MD 20824 301-652-2682 www.aota.org

American Society of Hand Therapists 1120 Route 73, Suite 200 Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 856-380-6856 www.asht.org

Published by:

GELLIFLEX Systems, LLC P.O. Box 44467 Phoenix, Arizona 85016 gelliflex.com

Copyright © 2017

Printed in the United States of America

Editors:

Cover and Interior Design:

Photography:

Illustrations:

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, photocopy, recording, or otherwise—or for advertising or promotional purposes without the prior written consent of the publisher.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this publication is accurate and current at the time of printing. The ideas, exercises, and suggestions are not intended as a substitute for consulting with your healthcare provider. All matters regarding your health require medical supervision. The manufacturer, author, publisher, and distributor shall not be liable or responsible for any loss, injury, or damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestion in this publication.

To further customize your Abacus, additional parts such as Soft Purple, Medium Lime Green and Firm Blue gel-balls, are available through gelliflex.com.

Please share a photo of you enjoying your Abacus for improved comfort and function of your hands, forearms, elbows, and/or upper arms.

Additional Abacus information, including video instruction, is available online at gelliflex.com.

32

the abacushandbookthe human body was designed for movement – hand, arm, leg and whole body...

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