Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100) for treating a patient with vibration and/or tactile and/or thermal stimuli (20), said device (100) containing a first and second stimulating unit (11, 12) for generating first and second stimuli respectively. The stimuli are vibration and/or tactile and/or thermal stimuli, and each of the stimuli is repeated on average at a frequency of 1 to 60 Hz. The stimuli are generated at at least partly different times.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of observing biological tissue, the method comprising: collecting through a first end of a bundle of optical fibers light from a surface of the tissue; observing at least one image of the tissue at a second end of the bundle, while injecting light into the second end of the bundle to illuminate the surface of the tissue.

Abstract: A therapy system including a control unit for treatment of an animate body. The system includes a therapy wrap including at least one heat transfer device adapted to exchange heat with the animate body and a control unit. The control unit includes an input device for receiving an input signal, a processor for determining a treatment protocol based on the received input signal, and a controller for administering treatment to the animate body using the therapy wrap based on the determined treatment protocol. Also disclosed are methods of administering a temperature-controlled treatment to an animate body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for self-treating internal muscle and trigger points related to pelvic pain in women and men. The apparatus includes a rod having a handle attached to a straight portion at a first end of the rod and a pressure applicator attached to a second end of the rod, where a first curved portion is disposed between the straight portion of the rod and the second end of the rod. In the method of the present invention, a trigger point is located in the patient's pelvic floor, the patient inserts the apparatus either vaginally or rectally to allow contact of the pressure applicator of the apparatus with the pelvic floor, and pressure is applied to the trigger point using the apparatus.

Abstract: A heated massage stone has a first receptacle having a first interior recess and a second receptacle having a second interior recess. A heating element is positioned in one of the first interior recess or the second interior recess. An attachment device is sued to secure the first receptacle to the second receptacle.

Abstract: An electromagnetic massage head which may be used as part of a human massager preferably includes a strong electromagnetic rotating head fixed together with an electromagnetic screw. The electromagnetic screw is configured to rotate in an axial direction. The operation of the strong electromagnetic head can achieve the effect of knead, massage, knock and shake etc. when used to provide massage treatment.

Abstract: The invention comprises systems and methods for treating nociceptive pain including at least one force-regulatable device in mechanical, electrical, or chemical communication with at least one brain area identified as processing nociceptive pain signals. The force-regulatable device acts to alter the nociceptive pain signals in a brain area to alleviate nociceptive pain.

Abstract: A resuscitation device for automatic compression of victim's chest using a compression belt which exerts force evenly over the entire thoracic cavity. The belt is constricted and relaxed through a motorized spool assembly which repeatedly tightens the belt and relaxes the belt to provide repeated and rapid chest compression. An assembly includes various resuscitation devices including chest compression devices, defibrillation devices, and airway management devices, along with communications devices and senses with initiate communications with emergency medical personnel automatically upon use of the device.

Abstract: A conditioning process for the enhanced production of human growth hormone in a human has a first step of application of pressurized cooling to the limbs of a subject, who experiences a ramp-up exertion followed by a series of conditioning cycles, followed by a ramp-down cycle. The condition cycles include an interval of intense exertion followed by an interval of reduced exertion, and during ramp-up cycle, conditioning cycle, and ramp-down cycle, the pressure cooling to the limbs is set as a fraction of systolic blood pressure, with the fraction in the range 33% to 220%.

Abstract: A device for massaging skin, including, a RF generator adapted to generate a radio frequency AC current to heat fat tissue in the adipose layer of the skin, an electrical pulse generator adapted to generate pulses of DC current to provide electrical muscle stimulation for the muscles below the adipose layer, an applicator including one or more heads adapted to be placed in contact with the user's skin; and wherein the heads serve as massage contacts to massage the outer layer of a user's skin above the adipose layer or as electrodes to deliver the AC current and DC current, or as both.

Abstract: A light therapy and massaging apparatus comprises a base and a chair. A first movement imparting mechanism is provided for displacing the chair assembly relative to the base for displacing a user on the chair assembly in a repeated motion. Infrared light sources are provided in the chair assembly for delivering high energy to the user's body. Paddles extend within openings in the chair assembly for massaging the user's buttocks, the paddles being driven by a second movement imparting mechanism. Protrusions are provided transversally on the chair assembly and opposite the user's legs so as to act on the user's legs when the chair assembly is displaced by the first movement imparting mechanism.

Abstract: The adipose areas of the body are simultaneously subjected to lipolysis, through the action of an apparatus that generates low-frequency electromagnetic waves, to extraction, out of the adipose cells, of the fatty acids released by the lipolysis, and to drainage of the fatty acids to the vascular and lymphatic system, through the action of a pressotherapy apparatus.

Abstract: An exothermic natural massage shell includes a natural bivalve shell comprising a first half and a second half adhered together with an adhesive to form a hollow chamber. An aperture is formed in the first half to provide a portal to the hollow chamber of the bivalve shell. A reactant is disposed inside the hollow chamber of the bivalve shell. The reactant may be a reactive powder mixture disposed inside a fluid-permeable pouch. Combining the reactant with an activator inside the hollow chamber of the bivalve shell causes an exothermic reaction that heats the bivalve shell and maintains the bivalve shell at a substantially constant elevated temperature for a duration of time. The adhesive adhering the first shell half to the second shell half includes a first elastomeric polymer bonding agent with balanced coefficient of expansion properties and a second flexible resin sealant that makes the adhesive moisture-proof.

Abstract: A system and method for inducing myofascial release using temperature variation. Specifically, myofascial release device can include a roller wherein said roller is hollow, and a temperature retention material inside the roller. The method can comprise heating or cooling the temperature retention material, and retaining the temperature retention material within said roller using said caps. Lastly, a method can include rolling the myofascial release device on a user, wherein the rolling causes myofascial release.

Abstract: A hand-held pressure applicator for treating painful muscle spasms, trigger points, or muscle tension in combination with an electromyographic (EMG) sensor and other possible add-ons, such as a means for applying laser therapy. Manual tactile pressure is applied through the hand-held applicator which is placed directly on the affected area overlaying the problematic muscle spasm or trigger point. Pressure sensors located at the tip of the applicator monitor the amount of tactile pressure administered to the patient. The applicator applies pressure to the affected area while simultaneously monitoring the muscular activity by way of EMG biofeedback. The applicator of the invention provides real time feedback that can be used to adjust the applied pressure, continue at the same level, or conclude the session.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to muscle relaxation. Muscle relaxation is desired in many disease states, including spastic paresis and biomechanical and neuromuscular dysfunction. More specifically, the invention relates to a system that causes muscle relaxation by reducing muscular spasticity through the stimulation of joints and muscles. The system consists of a garment with electrodes, a hardware unit and software controlling the stimulation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing light therapy traction to a patient. A light therapy device and a traction mechanism provide concurrent, alternating and/or repetitive treatment to a patient. The light therapy device includes one or more light sources configured to deliver light to a patient. The traction mechanism is configured to provide selective separation to a particular location the patient's body, such as a location of the patient's vertebrae. In some embodiments, the light therapy and traction are performed simultaneously. In other embodiments, the light therapy and lumbar traction are performed in treatment cycles to the patient. Embodiments of the present invention embrace the application of light therapy prior to, during, and/or after a cervical and/or lumbar traction treatment.

Abstract: A micro bubble generating system includes a shell having a well for retaining a first liquid to immerse an object. A micro bubble apparatus is provide to the shell for providing a pressurized mixture of a second liquid and a dissolved gas into the well so as to create a plurality of micro bubbles within the first liquid for engaging the object. One method of using micro bubbles includes providing a fluid mixture, including a saturated gas, to a fluid chamber connected a fitting; and producing a plurality of micro bubbles into a fluid. Another method of using micro bubbles includes providing a fluid mixture, including a saturated gas, into an air entrapment chamber; and producing a plurality of micro bubbles into a fluid.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein relate to an electrode with one or more conductive surfaces and one or more access windows allowing needles, lancets and other similar objects to pass through or near the electrode and into the underlying skin layer. The mild electrical stimulation acts to mask the pain signals caused when sharp objects penetrate the skin. The stimulation is delivered by an attachable electrical unit designed to generate both the electrical and, in some embodiments, vibration stimuli while connected to the electrode. Certain embodiments relate to an electrode with one or more electrically isolated conductive surfaces coupled to a electrical and, in some embodiments, a vibration generating unit.

Abstract: A therapeutic device includes an elastomeric outer shell configured as a human hand and defining an interior area, the outer shell having a finger end opposite a wrist end. The device includes a pocket in the interior area, the pocket being defined by an inner wall. An endplate is coupled to the outer shell and coupled to the inner wall to define a closed area between the outer shell and pocket, the endplate having an opening for allowing access to the pocket. A fill material is positioned in the closed area. The device includes a vibrating unit removably positioned in the pocket through the endplate opening, the vibrating unit having a lock complementary to a catch to couple the vibrating unit to the endplate, the vibrating unit having a vibrating motor in electrical communication with a power source and a switch.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods of stimulating tissue based upon filtering properties of the tissue. In certain aspects, the invention provides methods for stimulating tissue that involve analyzing at least one filtering property of a region of at least one tissue, and providing a dose of energy to the at least one region of tissue based upon results of the analyzing step.

Abstract: A far infrared sweating box includes a box body and a heater. Said box body includes supporting members and folding members. Said supporting members constitute the frames of the box body. The folding members connect with the supporting members to form the box body. Since the box body of the far infrared sweating box includes supporting members and folding members, it can be folded so as to decrease the volume of the box and to be more portable.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating pressure pulse/shock waves (PP/SWs) is disclosed which comprises a pressure pulse/shock wave (PP/SW) source, a housing enclosing said PP/SW source, and an exit window from which wave fronts of waves generated by said PP/SW source emanate. The wave fronts have plane, nearly plane, convergent off target or divergent characteristics. In one embodiment, an extracorporeal shock wave system provides a planar wave for the treatment of tissue. A parabolic reflector is provided in order to propagate the planar wave through a membrane and to the tissue of a human subject. A piezoelectric, electrohydraulic or electromagnetic source may be used to develop the wave.

Abstract: The efficacy and safety of laser medical treatments are ensured by performing a combination of measurement techniques to examine tissue properties in order to control characteristics of the laser treatments of cartilaginous tissues. In some aspects, a treatment tool is provided that is capable of taking and providing feedback relating to multiple measurements, including temperature measurements (in particular, radiometry), mechanical measurements, light scattering, speckle interferometry, optoacoustic measurements, and monitoring tissue electrical characteristics. The device is capable of providing feedback during the course of laser treatment of tissue to increase the safety and efficacy of treatment.

Abstract: A method for treatment of skin and sub-dermis by a housing. The housing accommodates two adjacent vacuum chambers sharing at least one common wall between them. The chambers a coupled to a surface of skin and the air pressure in the chambers is alternated such as to effect back and forth massaging movement of skin tissue in parallel to the surface of said skin.

Abstract: A system for treating meibomian gland dysfunction. A controller controls heat applied to the tissue proximate the patient's meibomian glands to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands. The application of heat assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. A force is also applied to tissue proximate the patient's meibomian glands during the application of heat to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in tissue that causes convective heat loss. Thus, the application of force can further increase the temperature level and/or reduce the time to reach desired temperature levels for removing obstructions. Reaching increased temperature levels may improve the melting, loosening, or softening of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands. Reducing the amount of time to reached desired temperature levels an aid in reducing discomfort to the patient during treatment.

Abstract: A system for treating meibomian gland dysfunction. A controller controls heat applied to the outside of the eyelid to provide conductive heat transfer to the meibomian glands. The application of heat assists in the expression of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands to restore sufficient sebum flow to the lipid layer to treat dry eye. A force is also applied to the outside of the patient's eyelid during the application of heat to improve conductive heat transfer and reduce blood flow in the eyelid that causes convective heat loss. Thus, the application of force can further increase the temperature level and/or reduce the time to reach desired temperature levels for removing obstructions or occlusions. Reaching increased temperature levels may improve the melting, loosening, or softening of obstructions or occlusions in the meibomian glands while reducing the amount of time to reach desired temperature levels and/or aid in reducing discomfort to the patient during treatment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating gland dysfunction caused by gland obstruction in order to restore the natural flow of secretion from the gland comprises the application of a combination of energy, suction, vibration, heat, aspiration, chemical agents and pharmacological agents to loosen and thereafter remove the obstructive material.

Abstract: A device for stimulating hair growth applied to a user's scalp. The device includes a housing. A plurality of light emitting diodes coupled to the housing operable to emit non-coherent light, the non-coherent light having at least two intensity peaks. A plurality of pairs of teeth extending from the housing, wherein the plurality of light emitting diodes are disposed between each pair of teeth; and wherein each of the plurality of pairs of teeth parts the user's hair to expose the scalp.

Abstract: A catheter includes a thermal unit provided at its distal end and configured to receive a thermal transfer fluid. The thermal unit is configured to cause formation of ice particles in perivascular renal nerve tissue adjacent the thermal unit and warm tissue of the renal artery adjacent the thermal unit to a temperature above freezing while ice particles remain formed in the perivascular renal nerve tissue. A vibration source is configured to generate vibration of the ice particles sufficient to disrupt perivascular renal nerve tissue and terminate sympathetic renal nerve activity with no or negligible damage to thawed renal artery tissue. The vibration source may be configured to generate vibration sufficient to nucleate ice formation within at least the perivascular renal nerve tissue so that ice particles form throughout the perivascular renal nerve tissue adjacent the thermal unit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a massage apparatus having a housing with a massage formation for contacting a body part of a user. A massage mechanism is oriented within the housing for imparting a massage effect to the massage formation. A light source is provided on the massage formation for conveying an illumination effect from the massage formation. A partially translucent massager is disclosed for providing a visual effect of the underlying massage operation. Further, a roller massage assembly is provided wherein a load imparted to a roller is distributed directly to a structure of the massager for preventing distribution of the load to the massage mechanism.

Abstract: A method and system for re-establishing a pathway in a damaged or severed neural network includes an imaging device, an alignment device and a treatment device. An accurate image of the damaged neural network is created. An alignment device imparts wave energy into a damaged region of the neural network to direct re-growth axons into a remaining endoneurial tube to direct axon growth back to the correct targets to re-establish the severed neural network.

Abstract: Apparatus for a disposable, portable thermal therapy device that is self-contained for shipping as a single unit to a patient. The therapy device has a shipping configuration that presents a single, self-contained durable container. The container includes an insert that defines a compartment between the insert and the container. The compartment stores various electrical components, such as the power connection. The insert has a cavity that contains a pump and stores a thermal pad and associated fluid lines. The insert is a shell with a cable grip that secures the cable from pump and a recessed area for securing the pump. The edges of the insert are sealed to the inside surface of the box. A carrying strap is secured to the sidewalls of the box in a manner that prevents protrusions and aid in minimizing storage.

Abstract: A pulse wave generator includes a housing having a pressure field generator from which individually controllable pressure pulses can be emitted, a pressure pulse focusing unit by which the pressure pulses can be focused at the focusing point in, or on, a body of a living being, a pressure coupler, from which the pressure pulses can be transmitted to the body, a controller for the intensity and point in time of each pressure pulse, at least one further field generator being integrated by which the individually controllable field pulses can be generated in the focusing point and the intensity and time of each pulse can be controlled.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a skin-cover structure comprising: a heating layer comprising a sheet of conductive rubber and at least one conductive and low-impedance material, wherein the sheet of conductive rubber can produce heat energy; a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer being disposed on the two surfaces of the heating layer respectively; at least one vibration module being disposed on the surface of the first insulating layer and able to produce vibration with specific strength when receiving electricity; and at least one electrode module being disposed on the surface of the second insulating layer and able to produce electric shock with specific strength when receiving electricity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing dry hydrotherapy, augmented by thermal, visual, olfactory, and auditory sources and sinks, to a reclined human subject. A dry hydrotherapy bed includes a canopy which programmatically emits light in varying frequencies, amplitudes, and durations. Other embodiments control the temperature of the pressurized liquid, and the aromas and sounds presented to the user. A variable speed pump motor control and a twin gear drive system improve control of hydrotherapy forces. A separate, liquid filled barrier on the top surface of the bed reduces the noise created from the pressurized liquid discharge. A combined cover and sheet system uses a loose fitting sheet over the massage window with a cover for a flat top surface. An electrical grounding means discharges any accumulated electricity from the user's body. The invention can be embodied in a stand-alone unit or adapted to an existing home or commercial building.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating meibomian gland dysfunction caused by meibomian gland obstruction in order to restore the natural flow of secretion from the meibomian gland comprises the application of a combination of energy, suction, vibration, heat, aspiration, chemical agents and pharmacological agents to loosen and thereafter remove the obstructive material.

Abstract: Systems and methods that could reduce the potential for side effects while delivering a reduced amount of light energy and non-light energy to a patient while providing a desired therapeutic effect that might otherwise only be achievable with a higher dose of either the light energy or non-light energy administered alone are disclosed. In certain embodiments, disclosed is a system and method for treating a patient, by administering a combination of light therapy from a light energy source in addition to one, two, or more other non-light energy modalities to a target region of a patient for a synergistic therapeutic effect.

Abstract: A device having a number of exercise therapy systems contained within a single housing is capable of providing multiple exercise therapies to a predetermined position of a user's body and thus efficiently exercising those portions of the user's body. To provide additional convenience, the device includes a user control panel that is movably coupled to the housing, thereby allowing removal in a manner which allow for easy user access. The multiple therapies can include both a vibration therapy and an electrical stimulation therapy, thus providing for more efficient exercising of the user's muscle tissue adjacent the housing.

Abstract: A hairbrush includes a control panel, an interior vibratory element for providing massage therapy and a plurality of LEDs carried by the brush head for providing light therapy at a preselected wavelength selected to be of benefit to the hair and/or scalp. In response to user control input mode selection, the light and massage multi-therapy hairbrush selectively provides phototherapy, massage therapy, and combined massage and phototherapies.

Abstract: A device is provided for stimulating select body tissues and organs from within a compartment in a body. The device includes a tube having a distal end, a proximal end and a plurality of lumens. At least one distendable element is located along and coupled to the tube in closer proximity to the distal end than to the proximal end. Each distendable element is configured to expand against the compartment into a first position and contract within the compartment into a second position. At least one electrical component is in association with each of the distendable elements and configured to activate and deactivate electrical stimulation to the select body tissues and organs. The expansion and contraction of each distendable element and the activation and deactivation of each electrical component in the compartment is repeated over a period of time.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an exercise apparatus for backbone care, in which an exerciser's lower body is moved leftwards and rightwards when a lower body exercising panel rotates leftwards and rightwards, so that his or her upper body is moved in a direction opposite the moving direction of the lower body, and thus a slipped disk is restored to its original position and a bent section of the backbone is straightened. A sliding or slippery or a rotation mechanism is provided on an upper body exercising panel so that an exerciser's upper body is exercised naturally by the movement of the lower body. Thus, free rotation of the upper body exercising panel is possible even though additional power is not transmitted to the upper body exercising panel. The exercise apparatus allows exercise to be stably conducted in the shape of an S.

Abstract: A massage device includes an outer casing, a driving mechanism and at least one massage module. The massage module includes an inclined rotary plate coupled to a main gear seat having central massage balls. When the inclined rotary plate rotates, the main gear seat and the central massage ball are driven to rotate. The main gear seat engages with a plurality of planetary gears, each of which is coupled with a massage arm. An upper end of the massage arm has a peripheral massage ball disposed thereon and a lower end of the massage arm contacts with the inclined rotary plate. A rotation of the inclined rotary plate drives massage arms and the peripheral massage balls thereon to rotate via the planetary gear as well as to move the massage arms up and down, thereby providing a massage of kneading and acupressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for lessening the effect of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia by inducing increased urine flow and bladder emptying by a device including a plurality of protrusions configured to produce at least one stimulating effect on a predefined area of a foot.

Abstract: A phototherapy and massage apparatus is disclosed for treating medical conditions in a patient's body cavity. The phototherapy and massage apparatus comprises a light source embedded in a hollow massage wand to produce therapeutic light. The massage wand can be inserted into the patient's body cavity to provide mechanical massage to the tissue inside. A portion of the massage wand is substantially transparent to the therapeutic light such that the therapeutic light can transmit through the massage wand to provide phototherapy to the same subject tissue.

Abstract: A shoulder massage apparatus includes a shoulder covering with an outer wall and an inner wall. An interior space is defined between the outer and inner walls. The covering includes a back wall, a front wall, a pair of side walls and a top wall that are integrally attached together. The top wall has a neck opening therein for receiving a neck of a person. The front wall has a front break therein. A plurality of massaging assemblies is provided. Each of the massaging assemblies is configured to oscillate and massage a portion of the person when the massage assemblies are turned on. Each of the massage assemblies is positioned within the interior space. An actuator is electrically coupled to the massaging assemblies to selectively allow the massaging assemblies to be turned on or off. A power source is electrically coupled to the plurality of massaging assemblies.

Abstract: A device having a first stimulation unit that generates electrical first stimuli suppressing a pathological synchronous activity of neurons in the brain and/or spinal cord of a patient upon administering the same to the brain and/or spinal cord of the patient, a second stimulation unit that generates optical and/or acoustic and/or tactile and/or vibratory second stimuli, and a controller that controls the first and the second stimulation units. The generation of the first and second stimuli optionally occurs in a first or in a second operating mode, and the controller actuates the first and the second stimulation units such that in the first operating mode the generation of at least 60% of the second stimuli is chronologically coupled to the generation of the first stimuli, and in the second operating mode the generation of at least 60% of the second stimuli is carried out without generating the first stimuli.

Abstract: Venous therapy methods and apparatus improve arterial or venous blood flow, for example in the legs. Venous therapy can reduce venous backflow and can improve arterial therapy such as that provided by intermittent pneumatic compression therapy.

Abstract: A device for providing massage and/or care by means of a jet of drops of liquid, the device comprising a liquid feed circuit (3) for feeding liquid at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure and connected to a nozzle (1) emitting into the atmosphere a jet (2) of liquid divided into drops, and a heat source (4) and means (5, 6) for generating a flow of gas around the jet to transfer heat between the heat source and the drops.

Abstract: This invention teaches methods, devices, and systems for spasm control and pain relief in any area of the back. It comprises a plurality of adjustable programmable integrated vibratory, thermal and electrical stimulation contacts, which are strategically and symmetrically co-located in plurality of foam layers and an inflatable pillow to provide balanced relief on either side of the spine in any position from lying down to sitting up.