Abstract: A sinus treatment device and methods of operating the sinus treatment device that include an enhanced conductive tip and at least one return electrode are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatuses for delivering electrical or other therapy in the vicinity of the eye, comprising eyepieces having a plurality of electrodes that are placed on the eyelid. Some examples are just eyepieces having a periphery that partly surrounds the eye, other examples fully surround the eye or include a temporal portion configured to extend to the temple of the user. Some examples also include a field that covers the eye to take the form of a goggle. Numerous configurations for power supply and therapy output are discussed.

Abstract: A system for detecting skin contact comprises a signal generator (9) for generating an electric trigger signal; a reference circuit (10) comprising a capacitance (CREF) and a resistance (RPREF) for generating a reference signal in dependence on the trigger signal; a probe (11) touchable by a skin for measuring a skin response signal in dependence on the trigger signal; and a comparator (4) for comparing the skin response signal with the reference signal. The capacitance (CREF) of the reference circuit (10) represents a lower bound of skin capacitance, and the resistance (RPREF) of the reference circuit represents an upper bound of skin resistance.

Abstract: A cosmetic treatment method and device for treating a part of the human body. The device includes a treatment portion including at least one magnetised needle intended to come into contact with a part of the human body and a motorised drive device connected to the treatment portion and capable of imposing movement upon the at least one magnetised needle. The movement is a translational movement and the treatment portion includes a single magnetised needle or a plurality of magnetised needles secured together by welding.

Abstract: A trigger point treatment system for treating a patient, includes a cart, including a display; a trigger point scanning device with a scanning probe, and a trigger point massage therapy device, including a pressure point tip, a pressure sensor component, and an actual pressure indicator. A method of trigger point treatment includes scanning for myofascial trigger points, including locating, mapping, and marking trigger points; measuring a pressure pain threshold; applying a massage treatment; and optionally applying an injection treatment.

Abstract: A system for treating soft tissue of a patient. The system includes a treatment head and a computer portion. The treatment head includes a probe and an electrode operably coupled to the probe. The probe and electrode are configured to respectively deliver a mechanical force impulse and an electrical stimulation to the soft tissue when placed in operable contact with the soft tissue. The computer portion includes a CPU and is configured to coordinate the delivery of the mechanical force impulse and electrical stimulation relative to each other. The system is configured to sense a shockwave in the soft tissue of the patient, the shockwave resulting from the mechanical force impulse delivered to the soft tissue via the probe. The system is also configured to analyze a characteristic of the sensed shockwave and configure the electrical stimulation to be delivered to the soft tissue via the electrode based on the characteristic analysis of the sensed shockwave.

Abstract: The present invention discloses neuro-stimulation systems and methods for affecting cardiovascular function, particularly for improving heart rate variability and treating arrhythmia.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a device may include a tube having substantially cylindrical body defining an enclosure and having an open end. The tube may include measurement units printed along at least one side. The device may further include a stopper element releasably coupled to the open end of the cylindrical body and configured to selectively engage a needle to mark a length of the needle.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a 2D array/chain of basic units where each basic unit is individually addressable. Each basic unit may include a rigid or semi-rigid plate—e.g. of electrically insulating material and an electrode (e.g. ball electrode)—for example, a ball-shaped electrode. The device may be used to treat biological tissue—e.g. to provide TEMS muscle stimulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a smartphone interface device for phototherapy which performs communication with a smartphone by using a micro controller unit (MCU) installed in the smartphone interface device for phototherapy and a universal serial bus on-the-go (USB OTG) module, and is capable of controlling a light beam irradiator more stably to enable the light beam irradiator to be driven. The present invention pertains to a smartphone interface device for phototherapy comprising: a micro controller unit (MCU) for receiving, from a smartphone, light beam irradiation intensity, light beam irradiation time, light beam irradiation pattern, and light beam irradiation start and end-relevant light beam irradiating electrode control commands, and generating a light source drive control signal according to the received light beam irradiating electrode control commands; a universal serial bus on-the-go (USB OTG) module; a voltage regulator; and a light beam irradiation drive unit.

Abstract: A system and method for eye treatment. The system and method utilize an electro acupuncture stimulator. The electro acupuncture stimulator includes a positive lead and a negative lead. The system further includes a pair of first needles, a second needle and a diode. The pair of first needles are electrically connected to one of the positive lead and the negative lead. The diode is electrically connected to the other of the positive lead and the negative lead. The second needle is electrically connected to the diode.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical needle comprising a coupling seat, a needle body in connection with the coupling seat and at least an optical fiber. The needle body comprises a lightguide groove extended along the length direction of the needle body to accommodate a portion of the optical fiber. The coupling seat provides a junction plane to couple a light source. An end of the lightguide groove is aligned with the junction plane, so to align an end of the optical fiber with the junction plane. The optical needle is characterized in that the long axis of the optical fiber reduces from a section aligned with the junction plane to an end adjacent to the needle body. A method for preparation of the optical needle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A neuromonitoring needle electrode placement gun which includes a housing, at least a first needle electrode and housing assembly, an elongated channel dimensioned and configured for accommodating axial movement of the at least a first needle electrode and housing assembly within the channel and for directing movement of the at least a first needle electrode and housing assembly and a pusher dimensioned and configured for engaging the at least a first needle electrode and housing assembly and for axially displacing the at least a first needle electrode and housing assembly.

Abstract: A symptom-treatment system includes a control unit configured to provide a treatment signal and a treatment unit coupled to the control unit to receive the treatment signal. The treatment unit is coupled to a patient to communicate the treatment unit to the patient.

Abstract: Systems and related methods for controlling an ear stimulation device with a personal computing device, in response to determination of electrical contact of an electrode in a stimulator earpiece with an ear of a user of the personal computing device, are described. If the electrode is not in good electrical contact with the ear of the user, delivery of the stimulus is prevented and the user is notified of the status of the electrode. In various aspects, the user is instructed to reposition the earpiece or replace, clean, moisten, or apply gel to at least a portion of the electrode.

Abstract: Various embodiments of systems, devices, components, and methods for providing external therapeutic vibration stimulation to a patient are disclosed and described. Therapeutic vibration stimulation is provided to at least one location on a patient's skin, or through clothing or a layer disposed next to the patient's skin, and is configured to trigger or induce resonance or high amplitude oscillations in a cardiovascular system of the patient. Inducing such resonance can aid in training autonomic reflexes and improve their functioning.

Abstract: A method for reducing an individual's weight through hunger control is provided, wherein predetermined biologically active hunger control points and/or areas on the skin are stimulated utilizing removably attached point stimulation elements (PSEs) (e.g., spherules, etc.), in accordance with a predefined configurable cyclical treatment schedule. Maintenance procedures are also performed by the individual, after a predetermined amount of treatment cycles, to maintain weight reduction benefits gained during the treatments. Additional optional features of the inventive hunger control method include application of at least one of: a dietary plan, a vitamin and chronologically selected herb plan, behavioral modification, and an physical activity protocol.

Abstract: The present invention provides therapeutic compositions comprising extracts of the plant species Echinacea purpurea and Sambucus nigra and the extract(s) of at least one further plant selected from the group consisting of Hypericum perforatum, Commiphora molmol and Centella asiatica. The compositions of the invention are of particular utility in the management of inflammatory mucosal diseases of both viral and non-viral origin.

Abstract: The invention is a method consisting of stimulation of specific new acupuncture points to prevent, treat and heal specific types of neoplastic process in dogs and cats. The specific acupuncture points used in the method of the invention have not been previously disclosed for the treatment of neoplastic processes. The treatments can be carried out by accredited practitioners in a clinical setting or by a layperson. The stimulation can be provided by any of the known techniques used for stimulation of controlling points, including, but not limited to, traditional acupuncture needles, auto-injector needles, electric acupuncture, acupressure, lasers, acupuncture lasers, UV radiation, infra-red radiation, heat, magnets, moxibustion, and a combination of two or more of these techniques, for example, the use of both needles and laser acupuncture simultaneously in a single treatment session.

Abstract: Wearable devices are described herein including a housing and a mount configured to mount the housing to an external surface of a wearer. The wearable devices further include first and second electrical contacts protruding from the housing and configured such that the electrical contacts can be used to measure a Galvanic skin resistance of skin proximate to the electrical contacts when the wearable device is mounted to the external surface of the wearer. The electrical contacts are additionally configured to measure a capacitance between electrical contacts. The measured capacitance between the electrical contacts could be related to a capacitance of skin proximate to the electrical contacts when the wearable device is mounted to the external surface of the wearer. The wearable devices further include an electronically switched capacitor connected between the electrical contacts that can be operated to enable the Galvanic skin resistance and capacitance measurements described above.

Abstract: The invention is a method consisting of stimulation of specific new acupuncture points to prevent, detect, treat and heal specific types of neoplastic process in humans. The specific acupuncture points used in the method of the invention have not been previously disclosed for the treatment of neoplastic processes. The treatments can be carried out by accredited practitioners in a clinical setting or by the patient her/himself at home. The stimulation can be provided by any of the known techniques used for stimulation of controlling points, including, but not limited to, traditional acupuncture needles, auto-injector needles, electric acupuncture, acupressure, lasers, acupuncture lasers, UV radiation, infra-red radiation, heat, magnets, moxibustion, and a combination of two or more of these techniques, for example, the use of both needles and laser acupuncture simultaneously in a single treatment session. The method of the invention is also used for detection and prevention of neoplastic process.

Abstract: Embodiments of dermatological cell treatment are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: A multipath-output-supporting evidence-based acupuncture and moxibustion acupoint therapeutic and detecting instrument and a using method thereof. The therapeutic and detecting instrument comprises a CPU core unit, a communication module, an audio module and a plurality of detecting, diagnosis and treatment circuits. The detecting, diagnosis and treatment circuit comprises an acupoint detecting unit and an acupoint acupuncture and moxibustion unit. The acupoint detecting unit comprises a resistance detecting circuit and an A/D digital converting circuit. The acupoint acupuncture and moxibustion unit comprises a D/A pulse current generating circuit and an amplifying circuit. The CPU core unit comprises an ARM processor, a memory, an auxiliary circuit and an evidence-based acupuncture and moxibustion therapeutic system, and the ARM processor is connected with the evidence-based acupuncture and moxibustion therapeutic system.

Abstract: A semiconductor switch on a SOI substrate that includes a supporting substrate, an insulating layer on the supporting substrate, and a semiconductor layer provided on the insulating layer, includes a first and a second through FET groups, each including a plurality of field effect transistors connected in series between a common node and a first and second node, respectively. The first through FET group has an area equal to or less than an area Sfet, which is calculated by using an equivalent circuit including a resistance that represents leakage of a high frequency signal from the first through FET group to the supporting substrate.

Abstract: An Implantable ElectroAcupuncture Device (IEAD) treats cardiovascular disease through application of stimulation pulses applied at at least one of acupoints EX-HN1, BL14, HT7, HT5, PC6, ST36, LI11, LU7, and LU2. The IEAD comprises an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4 is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years.

Abstract: An Implantable ElectroAcupuncture Device (IEAD) treats cardiovascular disease through application of stimulation pulses applied at at least one of acupoints EX-HN1, BL14, HT7, HT5, PC6, ST36, LI11, LU7, and LU2. The IEAD comprises an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4 is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years.

Abstract: A medication pump test device and method of use including a test device for use with a medication pump and a depth indicator, the test device including: an external body portion defining a depth indicator recess operable to receive the fixed portion of the depth indicator; an internal body portion attached to the external body portion, the internal body portion defining a slide spindle passage operable to allow free axial movement of the slide spindle of the depth indicator. The test device maintains the fixed portion of the depth indicator at a fixed axial position along the central axis relative to the medication pump when the fixed portion of the depth indicator is seated in the depth indicator recess, the external contact portion contacts the medication pump, and the internal body portion is seated in the open end of the reservoir compartment.

Abstract: An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats hypertension through application of stimulation pulses applied at at least one of acupoints PC5, PC6, ST36, or ST37. The IEAD comprises an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4, is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years.

Abstract: A method for providing tactile stimulation is applied in an electronic device. The electronic device includes a touch-sensitive screen and a tactile stimulation multilayer connected to the touch-sensitive screen. The tactile stimulation multilayer includes a number of electrodes. The method includes the steps of: providing a first user interface on the touch-sensitive screen for a user to select one body part for massage, and providing a second user interface for the user to select at least one acupuncture point of the selected body part; displaying a model of the selected body part and the selected acupuncture point thereof; according to the detected outline, adjusting a position of the selected acupuncture point to match the outline of the body part actually touching the screen; and energizing at least one electrode.

Abstract: A method for acupuncture reflexotherapy is disclosed. The method may include introducing a needle rod having a head formed at a first end into one or more auricular acupuncture points of a patient. The needle may be secured to the patient with a detachable retainer at a second end of the needle rod. Additionally, the retainer may be non-detachable from the needle rod and may be formed by a bended free end of the needle rod. The method may further include varying one or more parameters of the needle rod, head, or retainer to alter a stimulating effect on the auricular acupuncture points and induce weight loss.

Abstract: A method of treating neurological deficit in which the brain area affected is focally and precisely stimulated by the transient insertion and subsequent removal of a micro-needle. This insertion and subsequent removal of the micro-needle induces endogenous stem cells to proliferate, migrate and promote the brain's self-repair mechanisms. The micro-needle stimulation causes the birth of new neural cells within the brain as well as mobilizes bone marrow derived cells with a neuronal phenotype to migrate to the site of stimulation to repair and replace damaged neural cells. By repairing and/or replacing injured or dead cells, this approach will slow down the degenerative course of the disease and may result in reversal of symptoms.

Abstract: Provided are a method of injecting a visualizing material into a point in the vicinity of the Jung-Wan and a method of visualizing arrival of liquid agent in order to verify that the visualizing material injected arrives at internal organs. A point having the lowest electric resistance is found in the vicinity of Jung-Wan of the subject by using an electro acupuncture point detector. The visualizing material is injected into the point by means of an injecting instrument and then verified at least one point of the pancreas and the threadlike structures on top of the surface of the pancreas. The visualizing material is an alcian blue solution or a nanoparticle-containing solution labeled with fluorescent organic material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting by the simultaneous electrical stimulation of the pericardium meridian six point and pericardium meridian seven point on the ventral side of the wrist of a patient. The meridian stimulator comprises a wrist-band like housing that is worn on the ventral side of the human wrist and contains a circuitry means included within the said housing and electrically coupled to the electrodes. A negative electrode is positioned on the pericardium meridian six point and a positive electrode is placed on the pericardium meridian seven point and a low amperage current is passed through these points via electrodes positioned at these points. A liquid crystal display unit reads the current supplied to the electrodes and indicates via an indicator light when current is being supplied to the meridian stimulator and further comprises a touch screen for a power on and off button and for increasing the rate of electrical stimulations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a treatment device for applying electrical impulses to a living body through the skin, for treating a variety of clinical conditions. The device comprises a pair of electrodes for contact with the skin, and a waveform generator for repeatedly generating an AC waveform for applying electrical impulses through the electrodes to the skin. A detector detects changes in the skin impedance and generates detector output signals representing the skin impedance. Means responsive to the detector output signals for monitor the responsivity of the skin, and indicator means activated by the monitoring means generate a first indication when a predetermined level of responsivity is reached and a second indication when a pre-determined treatment has been administered.

Abstract: The present invention provides a treatment device for applying electrical impulses to a living body through the skin, for treating a variety of clinical conditions. The device comprises a pair of electrodes for contact with the skin, and a waveform generator for repeatedly generating an AC waveform for applying electrical impulses through the electrodes to the skin. A detector detects changes in the skin impedance and generates detector output signals representing the skin impedance. Means responsive to the detector output signals for monitor the responsivity of the skin, and indicator means activated by the monitoring means generate a first indication when a predetermined level of responsivity is reached and a second indication when a pre-determined treatment has been administered.

Abstract: A therapeutic method in which plural points on the body are stimulated by light of different wavelengths emitted from wands, probes or other applicators under the control of a central microprocessor. The microprocessor executes program instructions to produce light at each applicator whose intensity, frequency, duration and pulsation accord with protocols which are automatically selected depending on the portion of the body being treated. The protocols can be manually overridden by the therapist, in which case the changed parameters are stored in memory. The apparatus is particularly useful in performing traditional therapeutic methods to treat internal disorders, substance abuse, pediatric and podiatric problems and disorders of the ear, nose, throat, as well as musculoskeletal, neurological or dermatological disorders.

Abstract: A neurostimulation device includes an external neurostimulator worn by a patient using a bracing element that braces a portion of the patient's body. The external neurostimulator delivers neurostimulation to modulate a cardiovascular function of the patient. In one embodiment, the external stimulator delivers the neurostimulation transcutaneously to a stimulation target in the patient's body using surface stimulation electrodes placed on the body approximately over the stimulation target.

Abstract: Neuromuscular stimulation assemblies, systems, and methods make possible the providing of short-term therapy or diagnostic testing by providing electrical connections between muscles or nerves inside the body and stimulus generators or recording instruments mounted on the surface of the skin outside the body or worn or carried by the patient. The assemblies, systems, and methods include an electrode sized and configured for implantation in tissue, a percutaneous lead electrically coupled to the electrode, a carrier sized and configured to be carried by the patient and to hold a power source, an electronics pod removably carried on-board the carrier and including circuitry configured to generate a stimulation pulse, and an electrode connection element carried on-board the carrier that is electrically coupled to the electronics pod. Instructions furnished by a clinician or caregiver or physician prescribe the release and replacement of a disposable battery according to a prescribed battery replacement regime.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting by the simultaneous electrical stimulation of the pericardium meridian six point and pericardium meridian seven point on the ventral side of the wrist of a patient. The meridian stimulator comprises a wrist-band like housing that is worn on the ventral side of the human wrist and contains a circuitry means included within the said housing and electrically coupled to the electrodes. A negative electrode is positioned on the pericardium meridian six point and a positive electrode is placed on the pericardium meridian seven point and a low amperage current is passed through these points via electrodes positioned at these points. A liquid crystal display unit reads the current supplied to the electrodes and indicates via an indicator light when current is being supplied to the meridian stimulator and further comprises a touch screen for a power on and off button and for increasing the rate of electrical stimulations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of hypertension with electrostimulation of peripheral nerves. Treatment is performed by periodically stimulating a nerve such as a median nerve. Apparatus for stimulation is permanently implanted in the body. The nerve is stimulated by electric current applied to electrodes that are placed near the target nerve or the muscle innervated by the target nerve.

Abstract: This invention is related to a facial membrane mask and its device for cosmetic and health care applications. This invention is particularly related to transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulators and cosmetic facial membrane masks. The combination of these two devices results in synergistic effects. This invention uses a facial membrane mask that can absorb skin care solution. Electrodes are integrated with the membrane at the positions which correspond to facial acupoints. When the wet facial membrane mask covers the face, the electric pulses generated by the stimulator can stimulate the corresponding acupoints, nerve or muscle. The stimulation results in acupuncture or massage effects. Therefore, both the traditional facial membrane's skin care effects, such as moisturizing and whitening etc., and acupuncture/massage effects can be obtained concurrently. Being able to modulate facial meridians and improve subcutaneous blood circulation, this invention is useful for cosmetic and health care purposes.

Abstract: A punctual stimulation therapy appliance (1) comprising a battery-operated treatment current generator (2) which is arranged in a small housing (5) to be worn on the body in the region of the outer ear and which feeds a punctual stimulation electrode (4) connected thereto via at least one flexible line (3). The treatment current generator (2) is provided with a programmable microchip (17) controlling the treatment current course which microchip preferably is a microprocessor, or a microcontroller, respectively. Preferably, the housing (5) of the appliance (1) approximately has the shape of a calotte and carries a surface electrode disk (7) designed to be adhesive.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, devices and/or systems for detecting one or more needs and for requesting the delivery of power to one or more acupoints. Other methods, devices and/or systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for electrically coupling to percutaneous probes wherein entry angles of the percutaneous probes are controllable. An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a percutaneous electrode having a first segment with a first sharp end and a second segment with a second end, at least part of the first segment being aligned along an axis and at least part of the second segment being offset from the axis. The apparatus can further include a coupling member having an aperture with a wall portion, at least a portion of which is electrically conductive. The apparatuses include shaped support surfaces, and associated methods wherein a non-planar support surface can more easily match a recipient's skin surface contour for improved comfort and security upon attachment.

Abstract: The invention includes an electro-acupuncture stimulation system for in vivo and in situ analgesia and tissue repair and regeneration. Electrodes, which can be acupuncture needles, are percutaneously implanted that deliver a pulsed electrical current that creates an electrical field, which envelopes the targeted tissue and restores cell-generating homeostasis to the affected tissue and thereby promotes analgesia and tissue re-growth in otherwise debilitated or deteriorating tissue. Methods and apparatuses are also disclosed that may include a needle locking system and acupuncture-needle assemblies for long-term in situ electrical stimulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a principally novel method and a device for percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and electro-acupuncture. It consists of inserting the needles/electrodes into the prescribed acupuncture/trigger points at slant angles so that the external parts of the needles/electrodes can be secured against the skin of the patient. Although the present method allows for usage of different types of percutaneous electrodes and perpendicular insertions, as long as the external parts of electrodes are in flush with the patient's skin, angular insertion of the needles/electrodes has significant advantages. First, the inclined position of the needle provides distribution of current over a larger area of the patient's skin since the inserted part of the needle is longer in the inclined position that in the perpendicular position. Second, as the projecting part of the needle is secured to the surface of the skin, a patient is not restrained by the needles and may have freedom of motion.

Abstract: An electro-acupuncture device for controlling nausea. The device includes a base unit which is includes a wrist-watch like housing, circuitry for generating electro-acupuncture stimulus disposed within the housing, and a strap for securing the housing to the wrist. The base unit has a standardized construction. The device also includes a releasably attachable electrode assembly. The electrode assembly attaches to the base unit of the device. The electrode assembly includes a pair of electrodes and connectors for connecting the electrodes to the circuitry of the base unit. The output of the device is dependent upon the circuitry of the electrode assembly. Thus various electrode assemblies can be made. The circuitry of the base unit modifies the output of the device depending upon which electrode assembly is attached to the base unit.

Abstract: An electronic acupressure aide and stimulating device implemented using a hand-held or palm-held electronic computing device or another computing device which may be a designated unit. The electronic acupressure aide and stimulating device allows a practitioner to apply a pulse sequence to a set of predetermined acu-points such as those related to acupressure, acupuncture, trigger points or Jin-Shin Jyutsu, to name a few. A displayed chart related to the acu-points identifies the health condition and the pulse sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel device for portable percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and electro-acupuncture. In the preferred embodiment, the device consists of a needle/electrode holder that has a linear electrode/needle guide channel and a power supply channel that intersects with the needle/electrode guide channel and serves for insertion of a pin electrode from an electrical generator (PENS unit). The pin electrode will provide an electrical contact with the needle and at the same time function as means for securing the needle in a desire position in the guide channel. The needle remains straight and the extended portion thereof is kept out of contact with the patient's skin.

Abstract: A modality of twitch obtaining intramuscular stimulation (IMS) pain relief therapy employs an EMG needle having a Teflon coated shaft and exposed conductive tip to apply micro-electrical stimulation locally and focally to muscle motor end plate zones or regions of adjacent motor end plate zones. The electrical stimulation facilitates the elicitation of strong twitch responses from muscle fibers associated with the stimulated motor end plates, generally without requiring physical needle manipulation following the initial pin insertion. Less skill is required to effectively elicit pain relieving twitch responses, thus facilitating training of medical personnel to carry the procedure. Rapid movement between multiple treatment sites is possible allowing treatment of a larger number of afflicted muscles and muscle areas in a single treatment session. The strength and number of twitches obtained at the treatment sites can provide substantial relief from regional and diffuse myofacsial pain of radiculopathic origin.