KYPHOTECH (kai-foe-tech)
Combining the Greek root “kypho” meaning curved or crooked with the shortened form of technology, Kyphotech’s name origin is associated with one of the many conditions that the company aims to remedy.
The passion to help people runs deep in our veins. Our motivation began with a career in medical devices treating people with a variety of disabilities. Later on, family members and friends were diagnosed with Parkinson’s, kyphosis, and other conditions that inspired us to create a device to improve mobility, stability, and posture. For years, we have meticulously designed the TAO to help people affected with poor posture and provide better solutions that aren’t found anywhere else on the market. As our company grows, we will continue to push the boundaries, bringing better devices to a community that desperately needs innovation.
TAO OVERVIEW
Product Weight:
Under 3 pounds
Sizing Range:
Height: 5’0”-6’6”
Weight: 100lbs-350lbs
Spring Strength:
110lbs per side
Dial Operation:
Crank resistance equivalent to opening a soft drink cap.
Powerful Click Medical reels crank and hold up to 220lbs of tension on the TAO.
Additional Features
Adjustable tension
Single or double leg tensioning
Body contour adjustment features
Cut-to-size straps
Magnetic buckles
Waterproof fabric
Company Highlights
Family and Veteran owned
Made in USA
Exclusive US patent and manufacturing rights to the TAO
Combined 50 years of medical device experience
AVAILABLE NOW
$999.00
HOW DO I WEAR IT?
Here is a simple video showing how to put on the TAO and make simple adjustments.
For more detailed instructions, step-by-step videos, and other important information, click the link below.
WHAT MAKES THE TAO UNIQUE?
BRACING 101
3 POINTS OF CONTACT
In the world of orthotics, there is a law called the three points of contact. If you are going to control the body and a specific movement, you must be contacting three areas:
Above the area of interest
Below the area of interest
Directly at the area of interest
The TAO is the first of its kind to control the torso and provides dynamic benefit to the user. It contacts the user at the chest, thighs, and lower back to push and hold the body in the correct position. By doing this, it successfully achieves and follows the rule of orthotics providing a sound and viable solution.
The TAO was designed by a licensed orthotist or a professional that provides or creates braces and fits people who need additional support for body parts that have been affected by injury, disease, or disorders of the nerves, muscles, or bones.
BRACE CATEGORIES
STATIC VERSUS DYNAMIC
Bracing and splinting have been around since ancient times. Static bracing options refer to a simple orthotic solution to immobilize an extremity or area, such as with a cast or a splint that holds the body in a fixed position. Dynamic bracing options have evolved in more recent years which involve devices that move with the user and provide resistance or support to an affected area.
By doing this, it can have a greater benefit than static bracing for the following reasons:
Prevents muscle atrophy and rigidity
Strengthens and conditions muscles, ligaments, and tendons
Maintains and enhances range of motion
All of these factors can aid in quicker recovery times or prevent loss of mobility and function. Historically, spinal bracing has only had static options available with conventional braces such as a TLSO or LSO. The TAO is the first of its kind to deliver true dynamic benefit to the user.
MANUFACTURING PROCESS
Creative design made with modern technology.
3D Printed Parts
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Structure
Handcrafted Soft Goods
New Magnetic Buckle Systems
New Innovative Click Medical Reels
PARKISON’S DATA
10,000,000
people worldwide are living with PD.
1,000,000
people in the U.S. live with Parkinson's disease.
60,000
people in the U.S. are diagnosed with Parkinson's every year.
PARKINSON’S POSTURE
Parkinson’s is a complex and challenging disease due to several factors. Arguably, one of the most difficult factors is Parkinson’s posture which is depicted here. It can decrease mobility and balance leading to falls and injuries. This was the original inspiration for the TAO. We were tired of hearing that treatment options were extremely limited and had anecdotal results at best, so we did something about it!
When evaluating and treating Parkinson’s disease, posture is a key component. A recent study suggests that correcting posture may play a much larger role in the treatment and progression of the disease than previously thought.
CAMPTOCORMIA
Camptocormia is commonly present with Parkinson’s patients; however, it can also be found in patients with MS, dystonia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurological conditions. The TAO is designed to support and correct posture for people exhibiting Camptocormia. For more information on Camptocormia, click the link below.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Multiple Sclerosis like other movement disorders forces people to change certain aspects of their life. The TAO is designed to help people with posture disorders maintain their mobility for as long as possible. Our goal is to improve people’s quality of life concerning their posture and allow them to focus and put their energy into other areas.
HIP FLEXION CONTRACTURES
Whether you have weak hip flexors that require conditioning and stretching or have a hip flexion contracture, the TAO is a viable non-surgical solution to help people with their range of motion, strength, and stability. The TAO is designed to manipulate both limbs simultaneously or each limb individually. Amputees or individuals with hip flexor complications can now benefit from a dynamic brace that works both passively and actively.
The brace is designed to make incremental adjustments with the Click Reel system. The user can slowly increase or decrease tension and comfortably stretch the limb over time to achieve a better range of motion. For more information on hip flexion contractures, see the link below.
DYSTONIA
Dystonia is a movement disorder that most commonly effects the neck and extremities, but has the potential to also impact posture and the torso. For individuals who struggle to regulate their contractions and release their torso muscles or who are unable to control their trunk movements, the TAO helps support the spine and torso allowing the body to remain in a neutral posture. For more information on dystonia, click the link below.
LOWER BACK WEAKNESS AND INSTABILITY
Lower back instability and pain can have a major impact on your life. Something as simple as dropping your car keys can be a scary situation while leaning over to pick them back up. The TAO is a great solution to support your weight and gain flexibility and strength in your lower back. You don’t need to have a movement disorder or severe medical condition to benefit from the TAO’s support.
POSTURE ISSUES
Do you struggle with your posture? Feel like you need something to train your body to stay in the correct position? The TAO is a great device to help train your core while strengthening and stretching your lower back and hip flexors. Since the TAO is a non-prescription retail device, you can purchase direct. Visit our shop to order, please note our policies and disclaimers.
NEURO REHAB AND TRAINING
If you are a physical therapy group or neuro rehab facility looking for a new device to help expand treatment options for patients, we would love to help you! The TAO can be easily stored on a coat hanger and adjusted from patient to patient. Your practice will benefit from being able to train, strengthen, and stretch patients’ torso, hip flexors and spine.