BOLSTERS FOR THE NECK

What are Bolsters?
Bolsters are soft pads or cushions that provide reliable and effective support when undergoing a massage therapy, spa treatment or yoga session as they may entail discomforting positions. Bolsters provide support to ease any discomfort and are ideal for stretching and supporting the neck, belly, back, hamstrings and chest.

Different kinds of bolsters provide support to key areas of the body that can aid in relaxation and allow easier rest after injuries or even to prevent posture injury or pain during sleep. The various kinds of bolsters provide support to key areas of the body enabling relaxation and allowing easier treatment procedures.

Given the purpose of bolsters they are also popularly known as positioning bolsters. Positioning bolsters, pillows and supports provide a variety of uses in both massage and spa procedures. Adding a bolster for proper support helps decrease muscle strain and unnecessary tension on tendons and ligaments during treatments. Bolsters are usually kept under the sheets or covered with customized bolster covers. These durable aids are commonly used for clinical treatments or for home use.

 

Kinds of Bolsters:

Bolsters are commonly found in half round and full round styles. The half round bolster can be quickly and easily slipped under the neck for added comfort, support and reduced muscle strain. The full round bolster is the perfect size for supporting the neck, lumbar spine, knees, legs and ankles - depending on the required positions.

 

There are different kinds of bolsters that are commercially available for massage, yoga, spa or in home use, some popularly used bolsters include:

 

Massage /Spa therapy Bolsters:

· Half Round Bolsters
· Full Round Bolsters
· Fluffy Bolsters
· Neck Bolsters
· Neck rolls
· Back Rolls
· Head Rest Cushions

 

Yoga Bolsters:

· Cylindrical Bolsters
· Rectangular Bolsters
· Breathing Bolsters
· Zafus (meditation cushions)
· Neck Rolls

 

Benefits of using Bolsters:

·Placing the head on a bolster during forward bends, for example, helps calm the brain and relax the nerves.

 

·Any gripping or tension in the body can make hot flashes worse, so using props such as bolsters help support the whole body.

 

·Bolsters support reclining poses thus ensuring complete relaxation.

 

·Bolsters when placed under the knees, ankles or neck, can help relieve muscle strain.

 

·Bolsters can also be used to extend a pose and provide support for the back, abdomen or legs.

 

·Bolsters are helpful aids that provide comfort, support, and reduce muscle strain on the neck during massage therapy.

 

Expert Tips on using bolsters:

Here are a few excerpts from experts on how to use bolsters:

 

·Observe each body type, determine its natural alignment, determine the type of therapy and then choose a bolster accordingly to enable a supportive and comfortable position for the therapy.

 

·For therapies and treatments, avoid using the same bolsters in the same positions for different people.

 

·Be updated about what's available in the market and purchase a wide variety of pillows and bolsters that suit the patient's

safety and comfort.

 

·Note that cylindrical bolsters are a bit larger and firmer than rectangular bolsters and that cylindrical bolsters are much heavier than rectangular bolsters, owing to the fact that their respective filling materials have different weights.

 

·One can do most things equally well with either kind of Bolster, but the different shapes do have marginal advantages for certain positions.