Abstract: A heat patch and method for providing therapy to a body. The heat patch includes a reflective layer and a heat source that is attached to the reflective layer. The reflective layer reflects infrared energy emitted by the body back into the body while the heat source applies heat to the body. The combination of supplying heat and reflecting infrared energy provides effective therapy to people with relatively deep tissue injuries. In another aspect, the heat patch includes an enclosure made from a gas-permeable layer and a reflective layer attached to the gas-permeable layer. A heating composition is sealed inside the enclosure to generate heat when a gas (e.g., air) is received through the gas-permeable layer. The heat generated by the heating composition is easily controlled such that heat patch can be maintained at a temperature well above ambient temperature.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a system, kit and method for providing therapy to a portion of a body. The system includes a holder and a therapeutic patch that is held by the holder. The therapeutic patch applies therapy to the portion of the body when the first patch is placed near the portion of the body. The system further includes an oral pain reliever that is held by the holder. The method includes selecting a therapeutic patch from a holder and applying the therapeutic patch near a portion of a body such that the therapeutic patch applies therapy to the portion of the body. The method further includes selecting an oral pain reliever from the holder and ingesting the oral pain reliever.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for providing therapy to a portion of a body. The system and method use an elastic band to hold a pack against an injured area on a body. The system and method are particularly effective in supporting packs that require access to the ambient environment in order to maintain a chemical reaction within the pack. The system comprises an elastic band that includes an opening and a pack that includes a gas-permeable portion. The pack is secured to the elastic band such that the gas-permeable portion of the pack is exposed through the opening in the elastic band. The elastic band provides support to the pack without covering the gas-permeable portions of the pack. Therefore, the elastic band does not inhibit the chemical reaction within the pack when the elastic band is applied to the portion of the body.

Abstract: A heat patch that includes an enclosure made from a gas-permeable first layer and a second layer attached to the first layer. A heating composition is inside the enclosure. The heating composition generates heat when a gas (e.g., air) is received through the gas-permeable first layer. The gas-permeable first layer includes an inner surface and an outer surface. A gas-impermeable cover is detachably mounted to the outer surface of the first layer. In another aspect, the gas-impermeable cover includes a plurality of portions that are each detachably mounted to a separate area of the gas-permeable first layer. In still another aspect, the gas-impermeable cover includes information related to heat generated by the heat patch when the cover is removed from the gas-permeable first layer.

Abstract: A cold pack that includes an enclosure having a powdered solute and a liquid sealed inside the enclosure. The powdered solute and the liquid are segregated within the enclosure by a membrane. Rupturing the membrane mixes the liquid with the powdered solute to produce an endothermic solution within the enclosure. Substantially all of the powdered solute rapidly dissolves within the liquid such that the cold pack quickly reaches its cooling temperature. In another aspect, the cold pack includes an absorbent core within the enclosure. The absorbent core retains the endothermic solution such that the absorbent core spreads the endothermic solution throughout the enclosure. Spreading the endothermic solution throughout the enclosure produces a uniform cooling temperature throughout the cold pack.

Abstract: A flexible wrap and method for supporting a portion of a body. The flexible wrap includes an elastic band and an adhesive mounted on the elastic band near an end of the elastic band. The adhesive secures the elastic band to a body and is adapted to be detachably mounted to the body. In another form, the flexible wrap includes an elastic band and a plurality of fingers that extend from an end of the elastic band. Each of the plurality of fingers is secured to an exposed section of the elastic band when the flexible wrap is attached to the body. In still another form, the flexible wrap includes an elastic band and a pack having a midsection. The flexible wrap further includes a fastener, such as an adhesive, that extends along the midsection of the pack and secures the pack to the elastic band.

Abstract: A system and method for providing therapy to a portion of a body that includes a holder and a first patch which is held by the holder. The first patch applies a first therapy to the portion of the body when the first patch is placed near the portion of the body. The system further includes a second patch that is held by the holder. The second patch applies a second therapy to the portion of the body when the second patch is placed near the portion of the body. The method includes selecting a patch from a holder that holds a plurality of patches and applying the patch near the portion of the body. At least one of the patches held by the holder is adapted to apply a different type of therapy than the other patches such that a user or therapist is able to select from more than one therapy.

Abstract: A heat patch and method for providing therapy to a body. The heat patch includes a reflective layer and a heat source that is attached to the reflective layer. The reflective layer reflects infrared energy emitted by the body back into the body while the heat source applies heat to the body. The combination of supplying heat and reflecting infrared energy provides effective therapy to people with relatively deep tissue injuries. In another aspect, the heat patch includes an enclosure made from a gas-permeable layer and a reflective layer attached to the gas-permeable layer. A heating composition is sealed inside the enclosure to generate heat when a gas (e.g., air) is received through the gas-permeable layer. The heat generated by the heating composition is easily controlled such that heat patch can be maintained at a temperature well above ambient temperature.