I think I’m probably one of the Mobiliser’s longest-term users, and – spoiler – I’m a big fan. I was first introduced to it in 2004 by several of my patients (after the third patient in a month came to tell me about it, I figured I should really go and have a look). I subsequently managed to get one in most of the random places I was posted; I bought one for my sister when she qualified as a helicopter pilot.
But what is it?
Well – it’s essentially a 7 foot mat with knobbly motorised rollers. You lie on it, on your back; you press a button; and for 15 minutes the rollers work themselves up and down your body underneath you, stretching your joints, massaging your muscles and gently warming your torso with carbon heating filaments. (And we also offer you an eye mask, ear plugs and a blanket so that if you want to, you can really disappear from the world for 15 minutes – bliss!)
Where a physio or massage therapist focuses on the bit that hurts (or the bit that causes other bits to hurt), the Mobi provides a sort of equal-opportunities treatment. It’s actually an ideal complement to a treatment session (either before or after). When you’re relatively new to it (the first 20-odd sessions), we definitely recommend using the cushioning pad under your torso; but as you get more used to the Mobi, more flexible – and, dare I say it, more masochistic – you may find you want it to go deeper, and that’s when you can take the pad off. I’ve been known to fall asleep on an unpadded Mobi… just saying!
It’s not suitable for everyone. People who are at the hypermobile end of the spectrum and who haven’t done serious core training, can get flared up. You guys should definitely take up Pilates first! Similarly, pregnant women (producing the hormone relaxin, which results in lax ligaments) should approach the Mobi with caution; as should people with osteoporosis or recent injuries. But the rest of us, with stiff grumbly backs? Heavenly – and in some cases, it’s been shown to reduce recovery times and even reduce the need for physio!
If you’re interested, why not contact the team at Back In Action to see how they can help?
Read more in our blog: What the mobiliser can do for you