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Wes
Hi Wes! Tell us your story.
Hi! I’ve been a chartered physio for 18 years. I graduated from The University of Hertfordshire in 1998. I’ve worked in the NHS, private hospitals, at Ipswich Town FC for 10 years. I‘ve also run my own clinic Herts Physio for 16 years.
Where does necksaviour fit in to this?
I’ve treated countless patients who suffer from neck pain – it’s something I see everyday. I was very unsatisfied with the existing products, and just felt for a long time that there must be a better way, so I decided to create one – and I’m very glad I did.
Necksaviour is now invaluable to me in clinic. Before, I regularly wished I could include traction in a patient’s treatment regime. Now I can as it’s just so simple and quick to apply using necksaviour, my patients can be gaining the benefit within seconds.
I assume you use your necksaviour often? When do you find it most useful?
Absolutely! I use it before, after cycling and mountain biking – the alignment of the spine when anyone cycles isn’t great, as both the mid and low regions of the spine are hunched or ‘flexed’. This means the neck is excessively extended. For me, it’s an easy and effective way of undoing the effects of this by stretching the muscles and ligaments – and it’s become a crucial part of my cycling routine.
I also (like most people) spend a lot of time working on the computer. It’s really important to have a workstation assessment in order to reduce the impact of this, but unfortunately, it’s impossible to completely stop it. After long hours working on the computer, I find necksaviour really useful to relieve pressure, relax the neck and realign the shape of the spine and the neck in particularly to where it should be.
What’s your favourite feature?
I love how lightweight and portable it is. I’m a very active and busy person so it really needs to be something I can carry around with me easily – and it is, weighing just 58grams (2oz). It’s a great travel companion. Also I love the fact that when people try it they like the feeling so much they want one for using at home or travel.
Each necksaviour is also really versatile. It has a light or strong stretch and a long or short neck option. Users can try each option and see which suits them.
What were the necksaviour highlights in 2016?
Definitely winning the Medical Design Excellence Award – that was a real highlight! But also, more day-to-day, just hearing positive stories and reviews from people who use necksaviour – it’s great that it’s helping people all over the world, everyday. As a physiotherapist, I see people really struggling with neck pain and headaches, so much so that is stops them doing the things they love, it’s great to be able offer something which can help.
Any top tips for necksaviour users?
There are three really top tips.
https://www.instagram.com/necksaviour/
https://en-gb.facebook.com/necksaviour/
Thanks for chatting to us, Wes!
Hi Erika! What first attracted you to our Necksaviour page?
E: “I’ve had physio for my neck and shoulders in the past, which I do end up taking pain relief for. I’ve also had migraines on and off for quite a few years, so I’m always on the look out for things that may help. When I noticed the competition I thought I’d try my luck, but was already considering buying one!”
How do you plan to use Necksaviour?
E: “I’m a hairdresser so I stand up all day, and am constantly twisting around in lots of different positions. At the end of my day at work, my shoulders really ache and are tired. I will definitely use it when I come home from work.
I also go to the gym regularly – having looked at the videos and pictures on the Necksaviour FB, I plan to take it with me to my classes and see how I can use it to support my neck.”
What are your first thoughts having used Necksaviour?
E: “I tried it last night after the gym, I was so tight and my neck and shoulders were aching a lot – it was really comfortable. I can’t tell you how impressed I am!
It’s brilliant – I think everyone should invest in one; it’s so light and easy to take to the gym with me. I really can’t wait for my next class to see how I can use it. Huge thanks again, it’s fabulous.”
Thanks for chatting to us!
A FEW WORDS FROM OUR NEW AND EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
"We are extremely excited & privileged to be involved with this outstanding innovative product.
As soon as I saw necksaviour on the UK website I wanted one, I have suffered with upper back tension for many years and often wake in the morning with a tight painful neck. I have bought about a dozen pillows to try to relieve this, so far nothing has helped.
After the first 5 minutes of using the necksaviour my neck felt great & I was sold. I use it regularly & have felt the discomfort in my upper back ease, it also assists with spinal alignment too which I think most people can benefit from. Not sure what I am going to do with the cupboard full of pillows that I now have…..
My background is in Healthcare, Sports Massage & I am a Yoga Teacher, who has practised for over 20 years, so I am aware & fascinated about the anatomy & physiology of the body. The fact that the necksaviour was invented by a Physiotherapist & that it has won 3 international Design Awards adds so much credibility.
I completely believe in this product & know that it cannot only help people with neck pain, headaches etc but it can be used as a preventative measure & as a relaxation aid used in Yoga /Pilates classes. With this in mind, my business partner & I are delighted to be embarking on a new venture with Epiphany Innovations bringing necksaviour to the southern hemisphere with http://www.necksaviour.com.au"
Julia Toomer
Director JJ2MER
Neck pain is very common for people who cycle, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Cycling should be a comfortable experience. Whether a person uses their bike for transport, recreation, or exercise, a tight or stiff neck can occur. Neck tension and pain can lead to pain in other parts of the upper body and a general feeling of discomfort. This can also lead to future injuries if not treated. It can also mean people are reluctant to use their bikes. The good news is that neck pain from cycling is treatable and preventable.
The alignment of the spine during cycling is not great. The mid and low regions of the spine are excessively hunched or ‘flexed’. As a result of this the rider has to lift their chin away from their chest in order to see ahead. This causes an excessive ‘extension’ of the neck, which compresses the small joints in the neck called facet joints. Additionally the soft tissue at the back of the neck, the muscles, tendons and ligaments are all shortened. As a result the neck will feel uncomfortable and to the rider this can feel like stiffness, tightness or pain.
This whole situation is made worse for two reasons. Firstly, the head is heavy and weighs 12-14lbs even when it is positioned directly on top of the spine. In the cycling position it effectively weighs more than 40lbs so the supporting muscles have to work very, very hard, often for a long period. Some of these muscles weren’t designed to do that role. As a result they go into spasm. The second reason is that the arms are held in a forward position during cycling putting an even greater demand on the same muscles.
Many amateur cyclists also have long hours at work in positions that aren’t ideal either, such as driving or working at a pc, so they are already creating the same type of affect. It is essential therefore that they have a workstation assessment in order that work doesn’t get in the way of bike rides!
STRETCH, STRETCH, STRETCH!!!
The best way to relieve neck pain from cycling is through stretching the muscles and ligaments. This will also open the joints and relieve pressure. It is important to do this before and after cycling but also during any natural breaks in the ride.
One product that helps with stretching is necksaviour. It is very easy and comfortable to use. It's light and portable and the user can often feel the benefit very quickly. Using this device stretches your neck and relieves tension and pain.
For more information on this device check out: https://www.necksaviour.com/.
Once the pain is relieved it is important to prevent pain in the future by continuing to stretch and strengthen the muscles in the neck regularly. The muscles that need strengthening in particular are the Deep Neck Flexors. These are endurance muscles and can improve the alignment of the neck and help to stabilise it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gt7mFR-O_1U
Improving posture can prevent and improve many spinal problems. Yoga, Pilates and The Alexander Technique are especially helpful. All of this will have added benefits besides helping you to be pain free because they can improve flexibility and health generally.
It is also vital that your bike is ‘set up’ for you personally. Again this can help to prevent cycling neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain and even nerve symptoms such as pins and needles in the hands during or after rides.
Even if you don’t have pain associated with cycling now, exercises and stretching should always be done to keep cycling fun and pain free in the future.
Sources:
http://www.active.com/cycling/articles/exercises-to-treat-shoulder-and-neck-pain-from-cycling
http://www.womenscycling.ca/blog/bicycle-fit/cycling-can-be-a-pain-in-the-neck-part-1/
http://www.livestrong.com/article/395237-neck-pain-while-riding-a-road-bike/