| 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. The inventive apparatus includes a bilateral housing for receiving the patient's right or left hand with two bottom capture regions for capturing and retaining the thenar and hypothenar regions of the patient's hand. The housing also includes a top portion with a pressure element adapted and configured to contact at least a portion of the central longitudinal dorsal region of the patient's hand. The pressure element is connected to active pressure source, such that when the hand is inserted into the housing, the pressure element may be activated to exert pressure on the respective central dorsal region of the hand while the hypothenar and thenar regions of the hand are disposed within and retained by the first and second capture regions, thus exerting forces opposite to the pressure exerted by the pressure element. This forces the thenar and hypothenar regions apart, thus, advantageously transversely stretching the carpal ligament, the flexor retinaculum, and superficial structures and muscles of the hand. An optional pressure monitor is connected to the pressure element to enable the patient or medical practitioner to monitor the use of the inventive apparatus. One or more heating elements may optionally be utilized in the housing to improve muscle elasticity during treatment. To effectuate treatment, the pressure caused by the pressure element is maintained at a constant or varying level for a predetermined period of time.
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