Abstract: A therapeutic method. The inventive method includes the steps of: applying a pad to a patient having a biometric sensor adapted to feedback a signal; coupling said feedback signal to an inline control system; coupling said inline control system to a console; and regulating energy applied to said pad by the inline control system based on the output of said sensor coupled to said inline control system and an output of said console. In the illustrative embodiment, the therapeutic method is thermostimulation and includes the steps of applying heat and stimulation via the pad, sensing temperature at the pad with an embedded temperature sensor and regulating the heat current at the pad via the inline control system in response to the output of the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A thermostimulation system and method. The inventive thermostimulation system is adapted for use with a console for providing electrical currents for thermal and electrical stimulation in response to a first input from an operator via at least one electrical connector. Generally, the inventive thermostimulation system includes at least one inline control system coupled to the console via electrical connector for regulating the currents to an associated thermostimulation pad via a second connector. The pad has a temperature sensor adapted to provide a feedback signal to the inline control system. In more specific embodiments, plural pads and inline control systems are connected to the console. Each inline control system has a first microprocessor for providing heat and stimulation current control for the pad and a second microprocessor for providing overcurrent safety control for the pad. Each inline control system has a display and a patient over-temperature control switch.

Abstract: A pad including a heating element and a temperature sensor operationally coupled to sense thermal energy within the pad in close proximity to the heating element. The temperature sensor is a film type resistance thermal detector. The pad includes at least one contact, preferably two contacts, in a parallel relation with the heating element for providing electrical stimulation. The heating element, the first and second electrical contacts and the sensor are encapsulated in a single unitary multilayer injection molded construction. The invention enables new thermal and thermostimulation methods and protocols by which the electrical stimulation and/or the heating current supplied to a thermo and/or thermostimulation pad are adjusted based on the temperature sensed by the pad per se.