Pivotal Therapy 1950 Occipivot, Shape

This product is amazing!!!!!! I've suffered for years with seasonal allergies, including constant sinus congestion/pressure, eye pain, and severe headaches that would last for days. I'm an osteopathic medical student ("DO") & have learned both in school and through personal experience about the importance of myofascial (muscle connective tissue) release, which is the principle that the Occipivot is based on. Specifically, this product uses the "suboccipital release" technique (also known as "OA" or 'occipito-atlanto release") to relieve tension at the base of the skull. This technique helps to both alleviate headaches & improve lymphatic flow (ie, allow sinus congestion to drain from your head). I've been using this product almost daily (at least 10-15min per day) and have been able to significantly cut back on the amount of Zyrtec that I take (which used to be daily). I also rarely get headaches now and don't feel near as much pressure in my sinuses (especially behind my eyes) as I did prior to using the Occipivot. In addition, I frequently use the Occipivot to relieve muscle spasms in my back (added bonus!). Before purchasing this product, I looked at several other comparable brands/models and noticed that many of the reviews on those products mentioned that the device was too hard and uncomfortable. This Occipivot has some cushion to it but it still firm enough to effectively relieve myofascial tension. You have the option of using it two different ways -- one with the angled support side on your neck and the other with the support side toward your head. I use it both ways to target different areas depending on where the worst tension is. I'd recommend that if you've never used any type of product like this one and/or never had any osteopathic manipulation treatments that you start with the support side towards your head. The easiest way to find a good placement point is to start with the two elevated points (the ones the point toward the ceiling) on your skull (more towards the base), and then slowly slide the Occipivot downward towards your neck just until you feel the "drop off" point of your skull-- this is where the tense myofascial tissue connects to your skull. It may be slightly uncomfortable at first, but this is because your tissue is most likely very tense. You can try starting out with shorter treatment times spaced out throughout the day and work your way up to being able to rest on the Occipivot for longer periods of time. I hope this explanation makes sense and that you get the relief that you deserve! Allergies and headaches are horrible to have to live with, but I swear by this product and have seen a huge change in how I feel since using it.

I will forever sing the praises of this. It’s one of my go to devices to help with tension headaches which incapacitate me. It’s a tool to help, it won’t cure your headaches. But I couldn’t live without it. It loosens up my muscles and stops the contractions. 10/10

The Occipivot is a great item for those that experience tightness and soreness at the base of their skull and along their neck. It's not quite as effective as having a real massage therapist work out the problem areas, but the Occipivot does a nice job of reaching critical pressure points and tight muscles while you relax. The Occipivot is made of a dense, ever-so-slightly flexible, polyurethane-type foam material that should last many years. It measures approximately 8.5" wide, 4.5" deep and 4" tall. The bottom is flat and the pivot works by placing it on the ground or on a table, laying your neck or head on it and moving the pivot around to reach different areas. It really couldn't be any more simple. The "V" that cradles your head has small protruding bumps which were modeled after a real therapist's fingers. These "fingers" allow the pivot to work its magic and get into those tight spots nicely. One word of caution: It is easy to lose track of time when you're using the device and several minutes can pass by before you realize it. Unfortunately, the pin-pointed nature of the treatment can actually cause further pain and discomfort if used for too long. The manufacturer strongly recommends working up your tolerance by limiting your time with each treatment and not using the device for too long at any one time. For most people, it is best to set a timer for 2-3 minutes maximum in each position you place the pivot. Reduce the time if you are in significant pain or are new to using the device. You can always take a break from the treatment, come back later and do it again if the problem or pain persists. Ultimately, it's best to work sore and tight muscles out slowly to avoid aggravating the problem area further. If used in moderation, the Occipivot is a wonderful tool that both professionals and non-professionals alike will appreciate for its effectiveness and ease of use. I would give it 5 stars, but the price seems steep for what is ultimately a molded hunk of foam, although nothing else quite like it exists elsewhere. If you're looking at this and similar devices, don't be afraid to give the Occipivot a shot. Highly recommended!

It is a wonderful tool that when you lay on it stretches your neck for instant relief ! Works for me.

High quality. I accidentally purchased a purify life occipital pivot product. STAY away from that. This oxy pivot pivotal therapy system is superior.My husband is a “big boy” history of high school football and manual labor for most of his adult life. This other product mentioned above, was not able to cover or reach the trigger points of the occipital region. And effective for me too. The Magister- Pivotal Therapy System - Occipivot. The material is firm, but has some pliability in order to be able to massage into the occipital trigger points and cradle the neck and cervical spine.. superior! This is a thoughtfully made highly effective product.

I only ordered the Occipivot Component not the entire system. It's not as helpful as I was hoping it would be. I had a wonderful chiropractor for many years who would put the tips of his fingers under the back of my head on the occipital regions and hold my head up using finger pressure to help me with severe head and eye pain. He moved out of the country and the pain became much worse again, sometimes to the point of me being incapacitated from the pain. ( I was rear ended on the freeway by a drunk driver going an estimated 104 mph according to the state patrol). I tried 4 or 5 chiropractors and all of them made me worse to the point where I was afraid to go to anyone else. I eventually came across this and through much trial and error I can sometimes help myself with it.

I've had TMJ disorder for as long as I can remember. Out of sheer desperation on night, I searched "TMJ" on Amazon and this came up. Naturally, I immediately bought it because... hey, I've had my teeth shaved down, braces for 3 years as an adult, countless massage therapists and chriopractors... For the last two years, I've even been getting Botox in the muscles of my jaw and temples. The first time I used this thing, it was for 30 seconds on my hardwood floors. It kept slipping around, but when I *did* balance on it, it hurt! I had what felt like bruises on the back of my head for at least 3 days. Obviously I was doing something wrong. I threw it in the corner and considered it more money lost. Two weeks later, I picked it up again. This time I used it on my very comfy (read: very SOFT) bed, which immediately solved the problem of it slipping around. However, I could only lay on it for 30 seconds before it hurt. Again, I convinced myself I was doing something wrong, but this time, it felt less bruise-y! The next day, I forced myself to use it for a minute or two...it hurt, but not as bad as the first two days! I kept this up, adding a few more minutes each day. By the end of 2 weeks, the mere action of resting my head on it caused my muscles in my head, neck, shoulders, and FORTUNATELY, JAW(!!!!) to immediately relax! I've spent thousands on braces, Botox injections, night guards...you name it. Turns out, I have "head forward" posture that means I always look like I'm slouching, no matter how straight I make my spine, and that causes the muscles in my neck and shoulders to do a heck of a lot of work. This occupivot didn't cure my TMJ disorder, but made it way, way more manageable. I've since told everyone I know who sits at a computer all day to get one. I'm here buying another one because I lend mine out so much that I need one I can actually use! I can confidently say that every single person I've lent it to has gone on to buy their own and at least two have bought another one for other friends. I should honestly be a distributor for these, lol. Like I said, my TMJD isn't cured (I'm still a terrible teeth grinder), but I was able to go an extra 6 months longer before getting more Botox injections! I'm attaching a picture because I was really confused if I was using it right at first. It was painful and awkward and I wanted to make sure I wasn't hurting myself, yet I couldn't find any clear pics of people using it. Hopefully this helps! In the pic, I'm on day 3 or so of using it. My neck muscles aren't straining... they're spazzing out trying to relax! The device itself is positioned such that if I rolled over and looked at it, the fingers would be curved like upside down rainbows. My apologies if it's not very clear, but it works best on me if those fingers hit right above the base of the skull. Once that relaxes, I slooooooowly move my chin up so that the "fingers" move up to right below my ponytail. Once I got the hang of it (and my muscles calmed down from the pain of first using it!), I just go straight to that spot. I've also found more success if I use this time to meditate and focus on relaxing my muscles. For awhile I tried being on my phone or watching TV, but it really helps if you can focus your energy on relaxing! :) Now go forth and relieve your pain! <3!!!!!

This is an excellent therapeutic tool. It is challenging at first if you have neck issues but if you go gently and slowly, as recommended, it is a godsend. I have had neck issues for years and in a few weeks the burning pain in my neck was gone. I started using it in bed for the softer start. I got up to about 5 minutes there and then moved to the floor starting at one minute. Now it is comfortable anywhere. If I am stressed, it gives me 10 minutes of peace and I can feel my neck relaxing. Just don't rush it. It can be painful that way. It might feel crazy at first. It's true. But that is because it is a long term corrective device.