Abstract: A hand held temple massager having a handle and two spaced-apart arms extending in substantially the same plane from an end of the handle. Each arm includes a distal portion and a proximal portion, the latter integrally connected to the handle. The distal portion of each arm includes means to capture and retain a pressure member with temple-engaging portion for applying pressure directly to the temple area of a user to treat and prevent a tension headache. The massager includes pressure adjustment means disposed between said first and second arms to tailor the pressure applied by the massager, and may also include a small vibrating motor powered by batteries.

Abstract: A cervical brace and therapy device for use to rehabilitate an injured neck of a person is described having a base support structure shaped to fit about the neck and rest on the shoulders of the person; a support ring assembly attachable to the base support structure in a horizontal position below the mandible of the person, the support ring assembly having an anterior section and a posterior section; a rotational member attached to the support ring assembly in a manner to rotate about the support ring assembly; and an occipital-mandible support member shaped to accommodate the mandible and the occipital portions of the head of the person, the occipital-mandible support member being attachable to the rotational member in a manner to permit the occipital-mandible support member a predetermined range of rotation.

Abstract: A back brace for supporting a lower back region of a wearer that includes a strapping system that supports a lumbar support panel at the lower back region of the wearer. The lumbar support panel includes an inner surface adjacent to the wearer's back defining a pair of raised support regions that have convexly curved outer surfaces and medial edges spaced apart from each other. Advantageously, the spacing between the medial edges provides clearance for the lower spine of the wearer to prevent discomfort. In addition, the convexly curved medial edges improve the support panel's fit to the contours of the wearer's back and avoid pressure points on the wearer's erector spinae musculature through a relatively even pressure distribution on the musculature. The lumbar support panel also may include a plurality of ventilation holes and may be constructed of “skin-friendly” materials that wick moisture away and allow air in for additional comfort.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthotic appliance for the carpus of a human hand for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome using co-dynamic, rather than traditional static or dynamic, techniques. The appliance may apply a 2 pound dorsally directed force about the region of the pisiform bone in the neutral carpal position of a human hand upon co-contraction of the hand and up to 8 pounds dorsally directed during arc of motion in carpal flexion, as the wrist and hand is encouraged to actively move in all planes of motion without negatively affecting the normal activities of daily living. The appliance may comprise a biasing structure for applying the dorsally directed force and a base structure for maintaining the biasing structure in its proper configuration during normal hand motion.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying compression therapy to an extremity of the human body, such as a portion of the human leg. The device includes a flexible member and an air bladder chamber. The flexible member is adapted to wrap around the extremity to secure the air bladder chamber to the extremity. An air pumping mechanism is operated to inflate the air bladder chamber to a pressurized state. One or more fluid-filled pressurized members are provided, each separate and distinct from the flexible member and the air bladder chamber and thus readily moveable relative to the flexible member and the air bladder chamber. The pressurized member(s) is operably disposed between the extremity and the flexible member whereby it applies increased localized pressure to the extremity during use.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a fastening mechanism is provided for a field adjustable traction device having first and second supports coupled using one or more lifting mechanisms. A set of one or more posts are configured to be inserted through a set of one or more holes formed in a back strap of a support and also through a selected one of a number of sets of one or more holes formed in a front strap of the support to position the front strap relative to the back strap. A mechanism is configured to engage the set of one or more posts to secure the front strap in position relative to the back strap.

Abstract: A surgical cast venting device comprises two elongate strips or two layers of flexible material, at least one of which is porous. The strips or layers are spaced apart from each other and extend parallel to each other. Flexible, solid spacer members are arranged between the two strips or layers and connect them together. These members form air passageways between adjacent spacers so that air is normally free to pass along the passageways. A moisture-absorbent fabric layer extends along an outer side of the porous strip or layer opposite the spacers. In an alternate version, there is a first strip which is porous and a series of substantially flat, flexible outer members arranged in a row from one end of the strip to an opposite end. The outer members are spaced from the strip and opposite side edges of the strip and of the outer members are aligned with one another.

Abstract: A massage device which substantially mirrors the hardness and deformation characteristics of the human thumb or palm and is particularly effective in relieving tender and painful muscle and connective tissue conditions, including but not limited to trigger points, foot ailments and leg and arm ailments such as carpel tunnel syndrome. The massage device typically includes an elongated, resilient massage body. A pair of spaced-apart wheels is provided on the massage body to facilitate rolling the device on a surface. The wheels of the massage device may be rolled in a back-and-forth motion on a flat surface as the afflicted area or areas on an arm, leg, foot or other part of a user's body is pressed against the resilient massage body to substantially alleviate pain and discomfort associated with muscle or connective tissue conditions.

Abstract: The present invention includes an adhesive bandage for use in one or more disorders of a joint and/or associated appendage. The method of the present invention includes placing a user's joint in a corrective orthopedic position, and adhering an adhesive bandage onto an external surface of the user's joint, such that the adhesive bandage stimulates a somatic reflex arc when the user's joint deviates from the corrective orthopedic position to prompt the user to return the joint to the corrective orthopedic position.

Abstract: A massage device has a close-packed presenting structure of massage elements, mounted on a working unit. The presenting structure is sufficiently closely packed to prevent insertion of an adult's digit, e.g. finger or toe, into the spaces between respective ones of the massage elements. Such close packing, in a drum-type structure of closely-packed massage elements, prevents a user from accidental injury to his/her fingers or toes if and as the presenting structure is rotating about an axis of rotation. The massage device can have a heel rest, a variable speed drive, and/or a heater which heats the massage elements.

Abstract: The arm of a patient undergoing wrist arthroscopy or other procedures that involve traction on the forearm, wrist or hand in a vertical position is immobilized in a device containing a stabilizing arch that can be readily secured to an arm board. The device offers multiple degrees of freedom to accommodate arm boards of different widths and heights, and secures the arm of the patient without attaching anything to the arm that might affect the circulation to the involved extremity.

Abstract: A traction device utilizes a harness connected to the body of a patient, such as the head or hips. The harness is connected by a clip to a tether which passes through a ratchet pulley connected to a first end of a spring chamber. A second end of the spring chamber is connected to a support. As tension is applied to the tether, the ratchet pulley incrementally applies traction to the patient as a first spring housed within the spring chamber deflects with the application of force.

Abstract: A cervical spine brace and traction device incorporates a forwardly open head and jaw brace which is adjustably supported vertically above a forwardly collar member. The brace and the collar member have cooperating lateral wall sections having mating arcuate surfaces that are juxtaposed and which include interengaging means that assure they remain precisely angularly aligned with each other while the vertical spacing between them is being changed. Support of the brace and adjustment is by pairs of laterally extending brackets which interconnect with rotatable rod mechanisms that carry coaxial right-handed and left-handed lead screw surfaces. A miter gear affixed to each rod in a central location mates with a cooperative miter gear affixed to a horizontal shaft that carries a starwheel at one end which permits smooth and accurate patient adjustment.

Abstract: A J-shaped vibrating massager and method for manufacture thereof. The J-shaped massager may consist of a J-shaped tubular rod, a head, one or more handles, control means, and vibratory means. Generally, the J-shaped tubular rod may also consist of a J-hook and a barrel. Typically, the head is located at the end of the J-hook opposite the barrel, while the vibratory means may be mounted in the head or anywhere along the length of the J-shaped tubular rod. The vibratory means induces vibrations in one or more portions of the J-shaped tubular rod, generally including the head. The vibrations massage surfaces in contact with the invention. Because the invention is generally J-shaped, a user may reach his or her own back with the head of the J-shaped massager in order to give himself a back massage. The invention may include a variety of tips having different sizes, materials, and shapes.

Abstract: Bandage for an ankle joint comprising an elongated tape, wherein the elongated tape runs around a heel, across a lateral side of the ankle joint, across an instep in a medial plantar direction and across a sole of a foot in a lateral plantar direction. First and a second transverse edges of the elongated tape are fastened to the tape itself. A first bridle and a second bridle is attached to the elongated tape. The first bridle extends from a lateral side on a forefoot and the second bridle extends from a lateral side on the ankle joint. The second bridle is circularly closed around the ankle joint and extends to the lateral side of the ankle joint. The first bridle is guided on the forefoot across the instep to the ankle joint and is circularly closed around the ankle joint and over the second bridle. The first bridle extends to the lateral side of the ankle joint. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: An ankle control system, having a form-fitting sock, a semi-rigid support member, a lever motion stabilizing strap, a stirrup strap, and collar. The form-fitting sock has opposing medial and lateral sides, a foot portion having an arch portion, and an ankle portion having a vertical Achilles tendon portion. The semi-rigid support member is connected to the sock and has at least one slot providing flexibility to contour over an ankle as pressure is exerted on the support member. The lever motion stabilizing strap acts as a lasso to restrict inversion, eversion, and plantar flexion/inversion through the lever action of the foot with respect to the ankle. The stirrup strap is adjustably attachable to the sock.

Abstract: A cervical collar including a collar member, a chin strap member having a first arm attached to the collar member; and a fastening element coupled to a second arm of the chin strap member. The fastening element attaches the second arm of the chin strap member to the collar member at a time of use. The fastening element includes a pull cord member that pulls the fastening element into an aperture in the collar member to attach the second arm of the chin strap member to the collar member at the time of use. One or more of the components of the collar may be made from materials having an antimicrobial additive which enable the cervical collar to be reused.

Abstract: A pelvic compression belt may be comprised of a belt body constructed and arranged for positioning relative to a pelvic region of a human body. The pelvic belt may have at least one tightening member constructed and arranged to be independently and removably engaged to said belt body. Each tightening member may have identical or varying levels of elasticity. Furthermore, each tightening member may be positioned at any desired location about said belt body to provide anterior and/or posterior compressive forces for treatment of muscular and/or joint dysfunction.

Abstract: A sleeve-type wrist brace made of elastic material has a finger end and a forearm end, with an adjustable curved thumb strap and adjustable wrist straps.

Abstract: An ankle brace comprising a base of flexible material shaped to wrap around the sides of a foot and ankle and underneath a portion of the foot, with a support strap for protecting the anterior talofibular ligament. The two ends of the support strap are fixed to the base at or near the forward edges of the base. The strap is not otherwise fixed to the base underneath the sole of the foot, allowing the strap to move freely under the foot to conform to the particular size and shape of the foot of a particular wearer. The ankle brace features a symmetric construction which allows the ankle brace to be worn on either the left or the right foot, simplifying manufacturing and inventory management.