Method and device to alleviate carpal tunnel syndrome and dysfunctions of other soft tissues

摘要

The present invention is a device and method to manipulate soft tissues such as tendons using a manipulator that works in conjunction with an orthopaedic device, such as a brace. The manipulator can be an electro-mechanical device. The manipulation can alleviate symptoms of soft tissue dysfunctions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist tenosynovitis and tendonitis, cubital tunnel syndrome, neck tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis. Manipulation alleviates the inflammation and pressure and the concomitant associated pain and other symptoms of the dysfunction. The manipulation, combined with the orthopaedic aspect of the device, allows the limb to rest and recover between manipulative treatments in a suitably stationary position.

主权项

1. A device for manipulating one or more tendons in the wrist, elbow, knee, shoulder, plantar fascia or Achilles tendon region, the device comprising
a limb engaging portion; and a manipulator removably coupled to the limb engaging portion, the manipulator comprises at least one manipulating head and driving means for driving the at least one manipulating head, the at least one manipulating head being coupled to the driving means and driven by the driving means so as to provide the manipulation, the at least one manipulating head comprises at least one pair of massaging elements, balls or rollers spaced from and on opposite sides of a shaft, said shaft is configured to either rotate or orbit the at least one pair of massaging elements, balls or rollers on the surface of the skin over the tendons, the at least one manipulating head being suspended from a housing, the at least one manipulating heads configured to increase or decrease in height as the device moves on the surface of the skin over the tendons, wherein the manipulator is adapted to be located adjacent to the skin and move against the skin to manipulate the tendons below the skin and the manipulator is configured to provide three dimensional massage motion comprising of co-planar lateral, co-planar horizontal, and substantially perpendicular with respect to the surface of the skin; and wherein the driving means include a gearmotor suspended inside a motor housing by springs fastened between the motor housing and the gearmotor.