| 摘要 |
The apparatus of the present invention stretches the carpal ligament and the flexor retinaculum, as well as the superficial structures and muscles of the hand, in a safe manner under precise control of the patient or a healthcare professional. A first embodiment of the inventive apparatus includes a housing for receiving the patient's hand with a bottom portion having a first pressure element positioned to contact the hypothenar region of the patient's hand and a second pressure element positioned to contact the thenar region of the patient's hand, and a top portion having a central longitudinal pressure element positioned to contact the central longitudinal dorsal region of the patient's hand. The first and second pressure elements are connected to active pressure sources (or source), such that when the hand is inserted into the housing, the first and second pressure elements are activated and exert pressure on the respective hypothenar and thenar regions of the hand while the central dorsal portion of the hand presses against the third pressure element. This forces the thenar and hypothenar regions apart thus advantageously stretching the carpal ligament, the flexor retinaculum, and superficial structures and muscles of the hand. In another embodiment of the present invention, the third pressure element is also connected to an active pressure source, such that active pressure is applied to the central dorsal region of the hand, while the first and second pressure elements apply pressure to the hypothenar and thenar regions of the hand.
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