Systems and methods for providing light therapy traction

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.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to optimizing traction treatment. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for providing light therapy cervical and / or lumbar traction to a patient. [0002] 2. Background and Related Art [0003] When a patient has a bulging disc in his / her vertebrae and puts pressure on the nearby nerve, the patient typically experiences pain down his / her leg. Attempts have been made to provide a treatment that could be performed by a caregiver on the patient to help alleviate such discomfort. [0004] One treatment that is available to caregivers, such as therapists and chiropractors, to treat such bulging discs is to provide traction. This treatment technique includes placing the patient in a harness system and stretching the patient to relieve the pressure and to obtain separation between the disc spaces. [0005] However, while this technique of traction currently exists to treat bulgi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] Light therapy is performed in combination with traction to provide increased benefits. The light therapy provides, for example, a relaxation of muscles, a relaxation of muscle spasms, and / or temporary relief of pain, stiffness, and muscle joint aches. Eliminating or otherwise reducing tension, stress, stiffness, and / or pain provides for enhanced traction results. In some implementations, the light therapy and traction are performed simultaneously. In other implementations, the light therapy is performed before and / or after traction treatment. In some implementations, the light therapy and traction treatment is performed in treatment cycles.

Problems solved by technology

When a patient has a bulging disc in his / her vertebrae and puts pressure on the nearby nerve, the patient typically experiences pain down his / her leg.

However, while this technique of traction currently exists to treat bulging discs, challenges still exist.

For example, if the patient is not relaxed during traction, the technique is not as effective and can potentially strain the patient.

Images