Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus that provides cooling and mechanical and/or electrical simulation to the treated site may be used to overcome the problems associated with cryotherapy. In one embodiment, a cryotherapy device for producing a cooling effect for treating tissue includes a temperature control device which alters the temperature of at least a portion of the tissue being treated during treatment; and a blood flow device that alters the blood flow rate through the portion of the tissue being treated during and following treatment.

Abstract: A treatment system includes a holding section that has a heat generation section for applying thermal energy and holds a living tissue, a signal output section that supplies a drive signal to the heat generation section, a signal detection section that detects the drive signal, a signal extraction section that extracts an extracted signal of a predetermined frequency band from the drive signal detected by the signal detection section, a fault detection section that detects when a precursory phenomenon of a fault of the heat generation section the extracted signal reaches or exceeds a predetermined threshold, and a control section that performs control, when the fault detection section detects the precursory phenomenon, so as to reduce power of the drive signal supplied from the signal output section to the heat generation section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a skin patch laminate body, comprising a skin patch body including a base layer and a skin adhesive layer being formed on one surface of the base layer for being directly applied to the skin and a heat imparting body including an exothermic agent and an exothermic agent-accommodating layer that accommodates the exothermic agent therein, wherein the exothermic agent-accommodating layer on one surface of the heat imparting body, and the other surface of the base layer of the skin patch body are attached to each other via a peelable adhesive layer.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a moxibustion therapy device and its use. The moxibustion therapy device comprises a housing, an integrated electric circuit board inside the housing, a power supply module, and a heating module. A protruding portion on one side of the housing is covered with a metal mesh cover. The integrated electric circuit board, the power supply module, and the heating module are connected to one another. The heating module is tightly pressed against one side of the metal mesh cover. Users can use the moxibustion therapy device at anytime anywhere without others' assistance. The moxibustion therapy device can help people expel cold and dampness and relieve pain.

Abstract: A modular stimulus applicator system and method are disclosed. The system includes a plurality of wirelessly controlled stimulus pods, anchored to a patient's body, and configured to deliver stimulus to the patient's body. The stimulus can be heat, vibration, or electrical stimulus, or any combination thereof. The stimulus pods are controlled by a control station that can include a user-interface through which the patient can control application of the stimulus.

Abstract: A therapeutic compress system for treatment of a body part. For treatment of the eye region, the compress system comprises a deformable frame that is disposable upon the eye region and includes a first frame section joined to a second frame section at a central bridge. A gel pack is removably joined to the frame and comprises a gelatinous material contained in a pouch. A V-strap assembly may be required for securing the gel pack and frame to the eye user in a manner that optimizes pressure of the gel pack on the eye region and comfort of the user. The compress system may include a gel impressor that is inwardly deformable so as to contact portions of the gel pack with the nasal corners of the eyes of the user.

Abstract: Clothing and an associated method of use for modifying body temperature by transdermally modifying blood temperature comprising having a thermal device retained within at least one garment pocket substantially overlying at least one major blood vessel so as to increase the temperature gradient of said blood across said at least one major blood vessel so as to use said blood to act as a heat transfer fluid, said garment being fitted so as to press said pocket and said thermal device closely to the skin of the wearer and said pocket being arranged to be substantially aligned along the length of said major circulatory vessel while minimizing overlap across tissue surrounding said major blood vessel.

Abstract: A wrap for applying thermal therapy to a body part includes a substantially liquid-tight, flexible polymer bag for containing a thermal agent which is attached to a wrap body formed from a non-expandable material. The bag is fastened to the wrap body such that the fastening area is 25% or less than the area of the bag. A pair of wings formed from an expandable, retractable material extends from each of opposite sides of the wrap body. Releasable fasteners are attached at the ends of at least two wings to attach to the ends of the opposite wings to secure the bag over the body part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous thermotherapy device, and comprises: a belt; a receiving box which is provided on the belt; a hot pack case which is received by the receiving box; and a hot pack which is inserted into the hot pack case.

Abstract: A sequential compression and temperature therapy blanket with a plurality of air chambers is disclosed. The air chambers are filled and released by a valve assembly that may be separate from or integrated within the blanket. The temperature therapy blanket includes a fluid bladder for delivering hot and/or cold therapy to a patient. The temperature therapy blanket may also include an air bladder for providing compression.

Abstract: An eyelid margin wipe comprising chemical means for adjusting the temperature of the wipe relative to the ambient temperature. The wipe is particularly useful for treatment of disorders of the eyelid or eyelid margin such as meibomian gland dysfunction.

Abstract: A therapeutic heated pocket and method of use in accordance with the present disclosure generally comprises an outer covering, edge trim, baby-dry material, insulation material, headliner material, heating coil, heating element, power cord and power adjustment controller. The pocket allows an arthritis sufferer to quickly and evenly warm an affected area in order to increase blood flow to the area. This has been shown to increase mobility and decrease pain for several hours after use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reusable pain relieving treatment device, such as a belt, and a disposable thermal device having one or more thermally conductive components that extend from a surface of the device and are capable of transferring heat, cold or vibrations from disposable or reusable devices to targeted sections of the user's body.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for removing heat from subcutaneously disposed lipid-rich cells are disclosed. In selected embodiments, suction and/or heat removal sources are coupled to an applicator. The applicator includes a flexible portion and a rigid portion. The rigid portion includes a thermally conductive plate and a frame coupling the thermally conductive plate and the flexible portion. An interior cavity of the applicator is in fluid communication with the suction source, and the frame maintains contiguous engagement between the heat removal source and the thermally conductive plate.

Abstract: A system and method for portably delivering a therapeutic dose of heat to the skin to relieve pain, reduce accommodation of thermal nerve receptors, promote healing, and deliver transcutaneous medications. The heating device is user programmable or pre-programmed to deliver according to a variety of cycles, patterns and algorithms. The cycles, patterns, and algorithms of the heat are programmable parameters, are under the user's control, and increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the device. The heating algorithms are designed to interact with an individual user's thermal nerve receptors and other tissue characteristics and to reduce the tendency of the receptors to accommodate to the external stimuli with back pain, muscular pain, dysmenorrhea, headaches, fibromyalgia, post-herpetic neuralgia, nerve injuries and neuropathies, and sprains and strain.

Abstract: A technique for detecting and providing alerts or indications that can be used for controlling or altering the displacement speed of an applicator coupling skin heating energy across a treated skin. A temperature sensor monitors the rate of skin temperature change and provides feedback related to altering the applicator displacement speed according to the rate of skin temperature change. Disclosed is also an applicator for implementing this method.

Abstract: A reusable wrap for holding and securing a substantially planar heat transfer pouch to a body part includes a substantially planar container made of a flexible non-woven material and formed as a rectangular pocket. The pocket includes an open end that is sized to receive the planar heat transfer pouch. The planar heat transfer pouch can be, for example, a flexible rectangular shaped pouch having a plurality of coplanar pouch pockets for holding ice lumps. A thermal barrier can be positioned in the container pocket and located to interpose the heat transfer pouch between the thermal barrier and the body part. An elongated strap is attached to the container and includes at least one fastener to secure the container and heat transfer pouch against the surface of the body part when the strap is wrapped around the body part.

Abstract: A nerve tissue stimulator configured for contacting to or insertion in the body of a subject to stimulate a tissue therein, said probe comprising: (a) a support configured for contacting to or positioning adjacent a tissue of said subject; (b) at least one thermoelectric device (TED) on said support and positioned for thermally stimulating said nerve tissue.

Abstract: An in-ear stimulator for administering thermal stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) an earpiece configured to be insertable into the ear canal of said subject, the earpiece having an outer surface and an internal cavity formed therein, the internal cavity having an inner surface; and (b) at least one thermoelectric device thermally coupled to the earpiece internal cavity inner surface.

Abstract: An ice pack device that may be secured to an appendage to be treated. The ice pack device may include a body portion that includes an ice pack compartment. The ice pack compartment may secure ice, refrigerant gel, or liquids. Extending from the body portion may be at least one first strap and at least one second strap. The ice pack device may be secured to the appendage by wrapping the straps around the appendage and releasably connecting them.

Abstract: A device for transferring heat from a body part includes a segmented pouch formed from upper and lower layers of plastic that are heat bonded together at their peripheries. A fluid port is established for the pouch to allow a fluid such as water to be introduced into the pouch. Within the pouch, a plurality of substantially coplanar pockets for holding a respective plurality of frozen fluid lumps are formed by selectively heat bonding the layers together. With this arrangement, the pouch and frozen fluid lumps establish an ice wrap that is sufficiently flexible to conform to a surface of the body. An elongated strap made of nonwoven fabric is attached to the pouch and a piece of hook fastener is affixed to the strap for engagement with the nonwoven fabric to secure the device when the strap is wrapped around the pouch and body part.

Abstract: A thermal regulatory system to reduce swelling caused by trauma to a variety of tissues and limbs is provided. One or more substantially flexible, at least partially thermally conductive housing containing optionally activatable thermal regulatory medium may be coupled with one or more applicator, such as a splint, that is adapted to apply the medium housing to the tissue. Methods of therapeutically regulating tissue temperature are also provided.

Abstract: An in-ear stimulator for administering thermal stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) an earpiece configured to be insertable into the ear canal of said subject, the earpiece having an outer surface and an internal cavity formed therein, the internal cavity having an inner surface; and (b) at least one thermoelectric device thermally coupled to the earpiece internal cavity inner surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for delivering one or more thermal waveforms to the vestibular system and/or the nervous system of a patient. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a vestibular stimulation device configured both to generate a prescription for delivering one or more thermal waveforms and to deliver the prescribed thermal waveforms.

Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed for applying a cool compression effect. One embodiment, among others, is an adjustable wrap configured as a sleeve with a variable peripheral size. The wrap comprises a first elongated layer comprising a liquid-absorbent sheet and a second elongated layer. The first elongated layer and the second elongated layer are substantially coextensive in size, and one of the first elongated layer and the second elongated layer is configured to be applied directly to a selected body part and provide a cold compression effect to the body part. The adjustable wrap further comprises a fastener coupled to one of the first elongated layer and the second elongated layer, the fastener comprising a first section and a second section for providing an adjustable peripheral size of the wrap.

Abstract: Provided is a body temperature regulation pack which uses a solid-liquid phase change material to prevent body temperature increase or body temperature decrease of a wearer. When the pack is arranged on the inner side of a pack holder to be worn under clothing, the pack may be bent along a body shape even in a solid state. Even when the phase change material is in a liquid phase, the outer shape of the pack does not deform regardless of the orientation of the pack. The pack has a substantially tabular shape as a whole, and has high heat absorbing ability or heat releasing ability. In a body temperature regulation pack having a solid-liquid phase change material filled therein, the pack includes a plurality of bag members arranged in parallel to each other. The bag members are each filled with the phase change material without gaps.

Abstract: Home-use apparatuses for removing heat from body-fat rich tissues and related devices, systems, and methods. One embodiment of the disclosed technology includes a belt which can be worn around a part of the user's body were the user desires to lose body fat. The belt has a pocket which holds a cold pack. The cold pack cools the user's skin and reduces body-fat rich cells in the area where cooling in applied. Because the belt is made of light, flexible material and has no burdensome mechanical or electric parts, the user retains flexibility and mobility while wearing the belt.

Abstract: Dual purpose adhesive bandages comprise a backing, a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on the backing, and an absorbent pad adhered to the backing. The absorbent pad is configured so as to form a pouch having at least one open end for releasably receiving a thermal pack. Thermal management kits comprise the dual purpose bandage and a thermal pack.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for absorbing heat from a body. More particularly, the invention pertains to an improved device which utilizes a gel material comprising liquids and solids to absorb, over an extended period of time, heat from a body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to apparati and associated methods for an easy on-off device to support and provide direct therapeutic cooling relief to the affected genitalia of persons having post-operative pain and swelling.

Abstract: A phase change formulation includes a reversible phase change material and a thermal conductivity additive formulated for application to a user's epidermis.

Abstract: A body cool harness is disclosed. The body cool harness may have a body portion for overlaying the back region of a person, a first wrap-around portion, and at least one cooling device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a therapeutic garment for treating patients with muscoskeletal syndromes characterized by pain and/or aversion to changes in weather and hypoxia of the tender points in Fibromyalgia Patients and other Rheumatoid conditions as in Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FM)

Abstract: A cooling device for removing heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells of a subject having skin is provided. The cooling device includes a support having a first portion and a second portion. A first cooling element having a first heat exchanging surface is located at the first portion of the support. A second cooling element having a second heat exchanging surface is located at the second portion of the support. At least one of the first and second cooling elements is movable along the support and is configured to rotate for adjusting an angle between the first and second heat exchanging surfaces.

Abstract: A pain management system that includes a support undergarment with a pouch configured to removeably secure a therapy pack, wherein the support undergarment comprises an anti-microbial material and at least one moisture barrier. The system further includes a therapy pack configured to form into a contoured design.

Abstract: A temperature therapy pad for use with a person including a thermal unit for making the pad either hot or cold and a therapeutic slot extending from one side of the pad which substantially divides the pad into sections. An elastic member may extend across the slot. The therapy pad can include a strap or an adhesive for attaching the therapy pad to a user's body. The thermal unit can be an electric heating coil and include a controller. The thermal unit may also be a material which has a high specific heat capacity or a material which heats when exposed to oxygen. The thermal unit may also be in the form of two separate chemical substances which change temperature when mixed. Another embodiment is for a temperature therapy pad including a substance which presents a heating or cooling sensation to a user's skin.

Abstract: An in-ear stimulator for administering thermal stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) an earpiece configured to be insertable into the ear canal of said subject, the earpiece having an outer surface and an internal cavity formed therein, the internal cavity having an inner surface; and (b) at least one thermoelectric device thermally coupled to the earpiece internal cavity inner surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a cooling vest which has a type of phase change heat sink that particularly lends itself to layering of the heat sinks on the body. The heat sinks are quilted and have a means for the transportation of moisture through them and the means of transportation of air through channels in the quilted heat sinks. Thus they can remove moisture from the surface of the body and remain flexible.

Abstract: A portable moist heat delivery system comprising a water vapor generating portion comprising a water vapor source and a heat source; a water vapor-air regulating portion, said water vapor-air regulating portion comprising a water vapor-air mixing layer, and a water vapor-air distribution layer; said water vapor generating portion and said water vapor-air regulating portion being in fluid communication; and said water vapor-air regulating portion having a latent heat delivery surface disposed adjacent said water vapor-air regulating portion which delivers moist heat at a preselected temperature range wherein about 15% to about 95% of the moist heat is latent heat of condensation. Methods include delivering improved pain relief, blood flow, relaxation, and reduced cardiac workload.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic knee brace system including a leg brace for support, a retainer for securing the therapeutic knee brace system to a knee joint therapy site, a brace joint providing a limited range of flexion to the knee brace, and an active thermal exchange bladder coupled to a contrast therapy system for delivering a therapy fluid at a select temperature, pressure and rate. Thermal exchange bladder is removable, and the pressure may be constant or dynamic. The angle of flexion may be selected by the therapy recipient, and the range of flexion of the brace joint is configurable. The knee brace may communicate range and instant angle of flexion of the brace joint to a continuous passive motion (CPM) device, and communication may be mechanical, electronic or wireless. A knee brace coupler attaches to a CPM coupler on the CPM device to selectively couple the therapeutic knee brace system to the CPM device.

Abstract: A back alleviative pillow uses hot and cold packs combined with memory foam in a pillow to provide comfort and alleviation from pain to an operator. The pillow includes a plurality of adjustable straps such that the pillow may be positioned at a desired location on the operator's body. The straps may secure the pillow to the operator, to a chair back, or other structure proximal to the desired point of contact on an operator's body.

Abstract: At least one thermoelectric assembly controlled by a microprocessor and disposed on a thermal conduction pad configured to conduct energy to and from the thermoelectric assembly and adjacent the treatment area positioned with removable electronics and a breathable liner. The hot intensity, cold intensity and time delay between sequences can also be selected as well as alternating temperature sequences with both vibration and tension monitoring to promote blood flow and speed up healing.

Abstract: A system and method for targeted lipolysis on a portion of a human body is provided comprising a resilient, expandable, and flat wrap oriented around the targeted portion of a human body; the wrap is configured to increase the external temperature of the targeted portion of the human body; and the wrap further is configured to provide compression to the targeted portion of the human body by stretching a material that is included in a portion of the wrap.

Abstract: An arrangement for, and a method of, cooling a body site, especially for treating menopause-associated vasomotor symptoms, places one or more cold packs in a thermally insulated housing in which a cold source is present, and cools each cold pack by placement of the housing, either opened or closed, in a freezer or like apparatus. The cold packs retain their cold temperature prior to onset of a condition requiring cold therapy relief by the presence of the cold source and the thermally insulating properties of the housing. Each cold pack is removable from the housing after onset of the condition, is externally applied to a user experiencing the condition requiring cold therapy relief, and is re-usable.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a heating device that is securely held in its worn position, and that can exhibit a sufficient heating effect.

Abstract: An apparatus, for a thermal vacuum therapy by using a suction cup on a skin of a patient, includes a heating unit disposed in the suction cup. The heating unit includes a heat core made of high heat conductive material and a heat retention sleeve made of low heat conductive material, wherein the heat core is wrapped by the heat retention sleeve and is arranged in such a manner that after the heat core rapidly stores heat energy, the heat retention sleeve is adapted for keeping the heat energy at the heat core so as to enable the heat core being gradually released heat within the suction cup during cupping treatment.

Abstract: Protective clothing and apparel for pets and animals, and method of using same, structured as a shirt and/or hat made of an ultraviolet protective rash guard material with at least on portion having cooling crystals integrated therein. In a first embodiment the clothing is directed to a pet shirt constructed having a top portion, bottom portion, and side portions arranged to form a generally tubular member having an opened torso end, two leg members, and a collar member. In a second embodiment the clothing is directed to a pet hat constructed having a top portion, side portions and a front portion having a visor member attached thereto, the side portions having a lower rim. Two ear members and securement means are integrated within the lower rim of the side portions. At least a portion of the shirt/hat comprises ultraviolet properties. Additionally, at least a portion of the shirt/hat comprises a cooling zone formed of a plurality of cooling crystals.

Abstract: A heat generating device includes an air-permeable first side located proximal to a wearer's body, a second side located distal to a wearer's body, and a heat generating member between the two sides. The second side includes an adhesive layer for attaching the device to a garment. The first side is formed of a nonwoven fabric having an uneven surface topography. The nonwoven fabric includes a first fiber layer, inclusive of a first surface of the fabric, and a second fiber layer, inclusive of a second surface of the fabric, partly bonded to each other and including a large number of protrusions and recesses on the side of the first fiber layer. The first surface is used as the first side.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for equipping sensing/pacing leads with physiological sensors without requiring additional conductors within the leads. In a bipolar lead example for use with a pacemaker, a sensor is connected between tip and ring conductors of the lead. The sensor is configured to be activated only in response to enhanced pacing pulse (EPPs) having magnitudes or durations greater than typical pacing pulses or in response to impedance detection pulses (IMPs). In a unipolar example, the sensor is connected to the tip conductor and includes an output terminal on the external housing of the lead for providing a return current path to the pacemaker. The sensor of the unipolar lead is likewise configured to respond only to EPPs or IMPs. In other examples, the sensors are configured to be fitted to the external housing of the lead and to derive power from the lead via electromagnetic induction. Still other examples include actuators rather than sensors.

Abstract: The inventive flexible structure has at least two heat transfer portions. One of heat transfer portions is positioned in contact with the body of the patient. The structure is hermetically sealed and a fluidized medium responsive to temperature change is provided in the structure between the heat transfer portions. The fluid is changeable between a liquid state and a gaseous state, when it is exposed to heat and cold. The heat absorbed by the heat transfer portion in contact with the patient is carried by the fluidized medium, as latent heat in the gas that results when the liquid is vaporized to its gaseous state, to the heat transfer portion layer not in contact with the patient, so that the latent heat in the gaseous vapor is dissipated. Upon dissipation, the gaseous vapor is condensed and the fluidized medium returns to its liquid state.