Abstract: Methods and devices for providing noninvasive electrotherapy and electrical stimulation are described herein. In one aspect, a device for noninvasive electrotherapy includes wireless communication circuitry configured to receive pulse generation control signals wirelessly transmitted from a computing device. The device can include pulse generation circuitry configured to deliver electrical waveforms according to instructions encoded in the pulse generation control signals. The computing device can include a cellular telephone device, a portable media player, a personal digital assistant, a tablet computer, or an internet access device.

Abstract: Support braces and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. A support brace includes a flexible fabric substrate and an elastomeric member disposed on the surface of the flexible fabric substrate. The elastomeric member is disposed so as to apply pressure non-uniformly about a limb or joint of the wearer, in a pattern selected to divert pain and/or reduce loads on the joint. The flexible fabric substrate can include regions having different levels of elasticity, to provide different levels of compression to different parts of the joint or limb in addition to the compression provided by the elastomeric member. The elastomeric member can be deposited, screen printed, injection molded, or otherwise applied to the fabric substrate, optionally without adhesive.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and devices for providing an orthopedic walking brace having a housing and a sole with a curved distal surface. The housing is configured to encompass and immobilize a patient's ankle against flexion. The distal surface of the sole has a posterior region, a mid region, and an anterior region. The posterior region is configured to lie under a heel portion of the patient's foot and has a first anterior-posterior (AP) curvature that increases from a posterior side of the posterior region toward a middle portion of the posterior region and decreases from the middle portion of the posterior region toward the mid region. The mid region is configured to lie under a center portion of the patient's foot. The anterior region is configured to lie under an anterior metatarsal and toe portion of the patient's foot and has a second AP curvature.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reducing stimulation interference between two stimulation modules positioned on a user's body, which may be used in stimulation systems without a central treatment controller. Systems and methods are also provided for stimulation treatment using multiple independent stimulators wirelessly managed by a remote management device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shoulder brace for immobilization of the arm and shoulder joint in neutral abduction/adduction. Methods of using the brace and methods of treating shoulder injuries are similarly provided.

Abstract: A low profile, lightweight hinged knee brace is provided for use in providing support to individuals having injuries to their ligaments. The brace includes an upper component that can be formed to fit the thigh of a wearer. The brace further includes a lower component that can likewise be formed to custom fit the calf of the wearer. Both the upper and lower components are encapsulated in a continuous liner. Between the upper and lower components are inflexible rigid members constructed of a lightweight yet durable material to provide strength and rigidity to the brace. The brace is constructed from a two dimensional structure which allows for malleability coupled to a formed three dimensional structure which provides stiffness and enhanced protection of the knee. Methods of treating injuries to a ligament of the knee are similarly provided.

Abstract: A portable compression system for preventing deep vein thrombosis is provided. The portable compression system includes an inflatable apparatus comprising a monitor unit and at least one inflatable air cell. The portable compression system further includes an outer cuff comprising a pocket configured to receive the inflatable apparatus, the outer cuff configured to be wrapped around a portion of a patient's body where prevention of deep vein thrombosis is desired. The portable compression system further includes a disposable sleeve barrier configured to provide a physical barrier between the outer cuff and the portion of the patient's body.

Abstract: An orthopedic walking boot includes a housing configured to encompass at least a user's foot, a mechanically adjustable ramp insert including a ramp surface and disposed in the housing, an adjusting mechanism configured to adjust an elevation angle of the ramp surface, and a mechanically adjustable lift configured to cause the mechanically adjustable ramp insert to descend within the housing as the ramp surface is elevated such that vertical displacement of the user's foot caused by elevation of the ramp surface is substantially attenuated. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A hinge which can be included on a brace is disclosed. The hinge can include a first arm, a second arm, and a hinge plate. The first and second arms can be connected to the hinge plate for rotation about first and second axes, respectively. The hinge plate can include an internally threaded aperture. The hinge can also include a force application assembly and an adjustment assembly. The adjustment assembly can include an externally threaded lead screw engaged with the internally threaded aperture, and having a medial end connected to the force application assembly and a keyed bore. The adjustment assembly can include a drive key having a keyed shaft slidingly engaged with the keyed bore and a knob connected to the drive key such that rotation of the knob causes displacement of the force application assembly.

Abstract: A walking brace is provided. The walking brace includes a U-shaped malleable stay configured to hold a manually-bent shape. The walking brace includes an integral portion. The integral portion includes a footbed, a first upright disposed at a first side of the footbed and a second upright disposed on a second side of the footbed. The integral portion is overmolded onto the U-shaped malleable stay such that the U-shaped malleable stay extends through each of the footbed, the first upright and the second upright. Other walking braces are provided wherein the integral portion includes a pocket configured to receive the U-shaped malleable stay at an underside of the integral portion such that the U-shaped malleable stay extends through each of the footbed, the first upright and the second upright. A method of manufacturing a walking brace is also provided.

Abstract: A customizable knee brace for use in the treatment of osteoarthritis is provided. The customizable knee brace includes a lateral upright. The lateral upright includes at least a first semi-rigid support, a second semi-rigid support, and a hinge physically coupling the first semi-rigid support and the second semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes a thigh cuff constructed of formable material and coupled to the first semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes a shin cuff constructed of formable material and coupled to the second semi-rigid support. The customizable knee brace further includes an elastomeric web framework coupled to the lateral upright and configured to secure an area of a knee of a patient when wearing the customizable knee brace. The customizable knee brace further includes at least one tensioning element configured to adjust a tension of the elastomeric web framework.

Abstract: A brace configured for attachment to a joint of a subject is provided. The brace includes a first arm having a first end and a second end. The brace includes a second arm having a first end and a second end. The brace includes a hinge assembly coupling the first end of the first arm with the first end of the second arm such that the first arm and the second arm are movable to different relative angular orientations. The brace includes a potentiometer coupled to the hinge assembly. A method of monitoring a relative angular orientation of a first arm of a brace relative to a second arm of the brace is also provided. The method includes monitoring an output of a potentiometer coupled to one of the first arm and the second arm.

Abstract: An improved pain management and post-operative hip orthosis includes a waist strap having first and second ends, a lower strap having first and second ends, and a pocket extending between the waist strap and lower strap. The pocket has inner and outer panels fastened to each other to define an upper opening and a lower opening. A cooling pack including a reservoir and inlet and outlet tubes extending from a bottom of the reservoir is applied to the pocket such that the inlet and outlet tubes pass through the lower opening of the pocket.

Abstract: A back-bracing apparatus and associated methods of use and/or manufacture are provided. The apparatus includes support and belt portions. The support portion includes a plurality of posterior ribs configured to abut and extend along a low back of a user and a bracing web component having a plurality of crossing structures coupling adjacent ribs. At least one rib includes first and second upper slots disposed at opposite sides of an upper portion of the rib and first and second lower slots disposed at opposite sides of a lower portion of the rib. The belt portion includes an inner strap coupled to the support portion and configured to wrap around a torso and a low back of the user, and upper and lower outer straps configured to pass through the first and second upper slots and the first and second lower slots, respectively, and wrap around the inner strap.

Abstract: An orthosis, and components thereof, that may be used as a shoulder brace for immobilization of the arm and shoulder joint may comprise components that may allow for abduction, internal/external rotation and allow for flexion and extension simultaneously. Methods of using the brace and methods of using the brace and treating shoulder injuries are similarly provided.

Abstract: A brace for a carpometacarpal joint of a thumb includes a body made of an elastomeric material. The body includes a wrist strap configured to surround a wrist, a dorsal projection extending from the wrist strap, a first palmar strap extending between a proximal end connected to the wrist strap and a distal end configured to removably attach to the dorsal projection, and a second palmar strap extending between a proximal end connected to the wrist strap and a distal end configured to removably attach to the dorsal projection. The brace also includes a heat-moldable insert positioned within the body. The heat-moldable insert is configured so as to be positioned over a CMC joint of the thumb.

Abstract: An ankle brace for treating or preventing a high ankle sprain is disclosed. The ankle brace includes a body configured to be worn over an ankle. A tightening mechanism is attached to the body and configured to tighten the body around a wearer's lower leg to prevent distal ends of the tibia and fibula from separating. A torsion strap is attached to the body and configured to wrap from a fifth metatarsal to a medial malleolus to limit external rotation of the foot. The ankle brace can include lateral and medial straps for limiting eversion and inversion of the foot. The ankle brace can include heat moldable lateral and medial support plates.

Abstract: A dorsal night splint has dynamic adjustable features that allow the patient to adjust the splint while in use to control the stretching of the plantar fascia and Achilles. A semi-rigid flexible frame is included along with a tightening strap that is anchored to the frame and by which the patient can tension the strap and adjust the structure of the frame to fit the patient's desired therapeutic or prophylactic needs.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are described for providing a brace having an inflation control. The control directs fluid flow from an inflation component to one or more inflatable cells of the brace. The inflatable cells are independently inflated and deflated by the inflation component through the control. The control allows a user to create a fluid path between the inflation component and one of the inflatable cells by positioning the control in an orientation corresponding to the desired inflatable cells. Each inflatable cell is independently inflated and deflated in various orientations of the control.

Abstract: Orthopedic braces and associated methods are described for treatment of lower back injuries and chronic back pain. An orthopedic brace may include a pair of back panels, a pair of front panels, and a closure system. A lateral end of each front panel is releasably coupleable to a lateral end of each back panel at a desired angle. A ventral end of each front panel includes an attachment provision configured to allow one of the front panels to releasably attach to the other of the front panels generally over an abdomen of a wearer. The brace also includes a pocket on the ventral end of at least one of the front panels, the pocket configured to temporarily receive a hand of the wearer to aid in donning the orthopedic brace.