Abstract: A robotic muscular therapy system, and method of use, for applying repeated amounts of concentrated pressure to targeted muscles one-at-a-time to lengthen even deeply positioned muscle tissue layer by layer and thereby reduce limitations on joint extension and flexibility as well as eliminate pain caused by excess muscle contraction. The system comprises a beveled treatment probe designed to concentrate pressure without breaking the skin of an average patient, a probe column assembly for fine X, Y, and Z probe movement over a patient, and a plurality of interchangeable column assembly supports for coarse X, Y, and Z probe movement. Patient safety limitations include a torque-limited and current-limited motor with a slip clutch, a probe which withdraws from its treatment position when a patient grabs it or a pre-set maximum tissue pressure is encountered, and a swivel fitting which allows the probe to give when a patient sneezes and allows patients to easily push the probe away upon demand.

Abstract: A neck treatment apparatus for patient self-treatment, and a method for its use, with which a patient can apply repeated amounts of deep concentrated pressure to muscles in the area between the base of the skull and the first vertebra to lengthen the muscles therein and provide the patient with relief from tension and pain. The apparatus is compact in design, made from lightweight easy-to-clean materials, and comprises a single treatment member upwardly depending from the center portion of the upper surface of a base support. In the preferred embodiment the treatment member has a width dimension of approximately six inches, a thickness dimension of approximately one-half of an inch, and a height dimension of approximately four inches. In transverse cross-section, the top of the preferred embodiment of the treatment member tapers to a point to act as a wedge, having the configuration of an equilateral triangle with side dimensions each measuring approximately one-half of an inch.

Abstract: A muscular therapy treatment apparatus for patient self-treatment, and a method for its use, in applying concentrated pressure to deeply positioned non-palpable muscles underlying other muscle tissue in the hip area of a patient. The apparatus comprises a rigid planar base support and a treatment member upwardly depending from the central portion of the base support. The distal end of the treatment member has a sharp beveled edge for applying pressure to the deeply positioned muscles in a maximum range of sixty to one hundred pounds of pressure, or more, to lengthen them and thereby provide treated patients with relief from muscular tension and pain which had been a result of excess contraction in those muscles. In the preferred embodiment it is contemplated for the distal end of the treatment member to be removably attached so that sharp edges of differing widths and length can be used for different treatment needs.

Abstract: Muscle treating devices for use by muscular therapists and patients include a clamp device having utility as a muscle treating device. It includes a probe attached to a preselected movable jaw that simulates a therapist's fingers or thumb. It further includes a quick release device and a pressure measuring device so that a therapist can record pressures at which a patient reports discomfort. Additional muscle treating devices treat the cervical, thoraic, and lumbar regions of the back. Each of these devices includes a flat, rigid base and a support member disposed normal to the base having a groove formed in its peripheral edge for receiving neck vertabrae, the thoracic spine, and the lumbar spine, respectively. A combination device combines the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar devices into a single unit so that all of the muscles flanking the spinal column are treated simultaneously.