Abstract: A compression device is used to increase intra-luminal pressure within the upper esophageal sphincter of a patient in order relieve an impact of an abnormal or defective upper esophageal sphincter anatomy, physiology, or functionality. In one implementation, the compression device is used in conjunction with an external pressure sensing device to determine the external pressure that is to be applied to the cricoid for a specific patient. The compression device can be a means for the management and/or treatment of abnormal upper esophageal sphincter functionality, or a means for strengthening an esophageal sphincter of a subject, or a means for curing esophageal reflux disease of a subject, or a means for improving vocal function in a subject, or a means for managing lung aspiration, or a means for applying cricoid pressure during anesthesia intubation, or a means for stabilizing body structures such as during medical imaging or radiation treatment.

Abstract: A therapeutic pressure applicator with a sensor and transceiver is worn by a patient during daily activity to apply pressure to a specific body part, and used in a system with a device such as a cell phone to receive and display real-time pressure data to alert the patient and physician when the pressure is outside a desired range. The applicator includes a securement member and a pressure adjusting device with a pressure adjusting dial, pressure sensing component, pressure focusing plate and cushion. Rotating the dial retracts or extends the sensing component, focusing plate and cushion. The applicator has a computer module with a CPU, memory, transceiver, power source and a force sensor. A pressure button is pressed into engagement with the sensor to transmit real-time focused pressure data to the CPU. The transceiver communicates the real-time cushion pressure data to the cell phone that displays and stores the data.