Vacuum massage device and massage system based on such a device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for massaging a living subject (1), said device comprising a shoe (2) arranged on the skin of the subject, said device comprising a first massage means (5e) and a second massage means (5f), configured to be able to compress the skin, characterized in that the shoe (2) comprises at least one guide mark (6a - 6d) arranged at the sealing perimeter, indicating a guide axis, the massage device being configured such that the massage means (5e, 5f) are arranged on either side of the guide axis. The guide mark (6a - 6d) has a position relative to the massage means (5e, 5f) making it possible to place the latter (5e, 5f) at precise anatomical points. The invention further relates to a massage system based on such a device. Abstract figure: Fig. 7

Description

Title of the invention: Vacuum massage device, and massage system based on such a device

[0001] The invention relates to the field of devices for massaging the human or animal body of a living subject to be treated.

[0002] In this field, devices have been proposed comprising a bell or a shoe subjected to a slight depression in order to treat superficial tissues of the skin, for example to treat so-called "orange peel" effects, or to apply so-called "palper-rouler" effects.

[0003] The present invention goes further by proposing a device for implementing what has been called Deep Continuous Pressure Therapy (PCP Therapy), the term "pressure" being understood in this therapy as a mechanical application of force. PCP therapy is a neuromuscular and osteoarticular, analytical and global relaxation technique using Deep Continuous Pressure. This technique is based in part on the combination of ischemic compression techniques and trigger points (known as "Myofascial Trigger Points" (MTrPs)). These trigger points (MTrPs) are defined as hyperirritable nodules located in a taut band of skeletal muscle (the fascia). Myofascial pain is a complex form of neuromuscular dysfunction associated with functional deficits.

[0004] PCP therapy is based on the stretching and compression of all dynamic neuromyotendinous structures. It allows to reach the muscles in depth, resulting in relaxation and release of the entire muscle mass and provides a simple solution to the vicious cycle of contracture-congestion.

[0005] The applicant initially proposed a Class I medical device called the MyoDK™, specifically designed for the application of PCP therapy protocols in order to provide therapists with a more comfortable and efficient practice.

[0006] The application of force exerted by the therapist's weight is transmitted to the patient via the MyoDK™ device. Since the therapist's hands are not used for the application of pressure, the therapist can thus use them to control and feel the muscle relaxation.

[0007] The association of the PCP therapy technique with this device has made it possible to obtain very interesting results in the context of mechanical pathologies of the locomotor system, namely tendinopathies, back pain (lower back pain, back pain and neck pain), postural pathologies, capsulitis, algoneurodystrophy, fibromyalgia, etc.

[0008] Application WO2012069716 of the applicant proposes, in addition to a shoe to be placed under vacuum, massage means in the form of fingers secured to the shoe, configured to apply, via the shoe, a massage force via the weight of the body in particular, perpendicular to the skin to be treated.

[0009] Unfortunately, the MyoDK™ device and the application device WO2012069716 require the therapist to apply more than 30 to 200N of massage force through his body, which leads to premature fatigue of the therapist after several massages.

[0010] Furthermore, in use, there is a risk of positioning the massage means on spinous processes of a subject's spine, causing the massage force to injure the subject.

[0011] A first objective of the invention is to propose a solution limiting the fatigue of the therapist after several massages.

[0012] A second objective is to propose a solution limiting the risk of injury to the subjects to be treated.

[0013] To achieve these objectives, the invention proposes a device for massaging a living subject, this device comprising a shoe, which has a sealing perimeter configured to be arranged in line with a main area of ​​the skin of the subject to be treated, so that the shoe and the main area of ​​the skin delimit between them an internal volume capable of being placed under depression relative to the external environment of said device, said device comprising at least a first massage means and at least a second massage means, these massage means being configured to be able to compress respectively a first and a second part of the main area of ​​skin.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the invention, the shoe comprises at least one guide mark arranged at the sealing perimeter, indicating a guide axis, the massage device being configured so that the massage means are arranged on either side of the guide axis.

[0015] Advantageously, the guide marker makes it possible to position the device so as not to touch, by the massage means, the spinous process of the spinal column, and to limit the risk of injury to the subjects to be treated.

[0016] In addition, the guide marker allows massages to be performed using fingers aligned perpendicular to a fascia and muscle fibers. This arrangement has shown significant effectiveness in massages in PCP therapy, and the treatment of myofascial syndrome.

[0017] Furthermore, this arrangement makes it possible to implement PCP therapy protocols in a precise and reproducible manner.

[0018] According to a second aspect, the device is associated with a vacuum application means configured to apply a significant vacuum in the hoof.

[0019] Advantageously, the significant depression makes it possible to apply a corresponding relative force of the massage means as a massage force so as to limit the need for force application by the therapist.

[0020] According to other aspects taken in isolation or combined according to all technically feasible combinations: - said guide marker is configured to be affixed at the level of a line of spinous processes of the spinal column so that the massage means are arranged on either side of the line of spinous processes; and / or - said massage means are configured to be arranged at the level of intervertebral joints when said guide mark is on a line of spinous processes; and / or - the massage device is configured so that positioning the guide mark on a spinous process allows the massage means to be positioned around a superior intervertebral joint, in particular two vertebrae below; and / or - said massage means configured to be arranged at the level of paravertebral muscles when the guide mark is on a line of spinous processes; and / or - the massage device is configured so that positioning the guide mark above a spinous process allows the massage means to be positioned on paravertebral muscles, in particular one vertebra below; and / or - the massage device comprises two guide markers aligned on the guide axis; and / or - the massage device comprises two transverse guide markers aligned on a transverse guide axis perpendicular to the guide axis; and / or - said guide mark comprises a hollow of the sealing perimeter on a guide axis forming the axis of symmetry of the shoe; and / or - the shoe comprises an alternating succession of protruding bosses and hollows on the sealing perimeter, the protruding bosses forming massage means; and / or - the massage device comprises at least one sensor from among a gyroscope, an electromyogram sensor, a stiffness sensor, a water sensor, and / or a chest expansion sensor; and / or - the hoof comprises a central part carrying the massage means, which is substantially rigid, and a peripheral part carrying the outline of the hoof, which is substantially flexible.

[0021] The invention further relates to a massage system comprising a plurality of massage devices according to the invention.

[0022] The invention will be further detailed by the description of non-limiting embodiments, and on the basis of the appended figures, among which: - [Fig.l] [Fig.l] illustrates a view in space of the massage device according to a preferred variant of the invention; - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] illustrates a side view of the massage device of the previous figure; - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] illustrates a bottom view of the massage device of the previous figures; - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] illustrates a sectional view of the massage device of the previous figures, according to IV-IV of [Fig.3]; - [Fig.5] [Fig.5] illustrates a top view of a massage device of the preceding figures, in use; - [Fig.6] [Fig.6] illustrates a use of the massage device of the previous figures seen from the side, further illustrating the lumbar vertebrae L1, L2, L3 of the subject treated and their respective spinous processes E1, E2, and E3; - [Fig.7] [Fig.7] illustrates a sectional view along VII-VII of [Fig.6], where the massage device is in a first position; and - [Fig.8] [Fig.8] illustrates a sectional view similar to that of the previous figure, where the massage device is in a second position.

[0023] The invention relates to a device 1 for massaging a living subject S. This is in particular a human subject.

[0024] The device comprises a shoe 2 in the form of a bell with a lower concavity in use. In particular, the shoe 2 is a hollow body comprising a bottom laterally delimited by a side wall, the free edge of which opposite the bottom can become, during the treatment, a support mechanically linked to the spine of the subject S being treated. The shoe 2 has a sealing perimeter configured to rest on the skin of the subject to be treated S. More precisely, the sealing perimeter is configured to be arranged in line with a main area 3 of the skin of the subject to be treated S. The subject to be treated S can be lying on a support massage table.

[0025] The shoe 2 thus arranged delimits with the main zone 3 of the skin, an internal volume 4 between them. The internal volume 4 can be put under depression by means of a suction means A. The internal volume 4 will then be under depression relative to the external environment of the massage device 1.

[0026] The massage device comprises massage means referenced 5e to 5f, which may be in the form of fingers and / or bosses (not shown), with an apex at the point or line of application of the massage forces. These include in particular a first massage means 5e and a second massage means 5f arranged in the shoe 2, here in the form of fingers. It is possible to envisage from two to six or more than eight massage means which will be arranged in a similar manner to those described.

[0027] In the preferred variant, the massage device 1 comprises eight massage means in the form of fingers 5e, 5f. The fingers 5e, 5f are distributed on either side of two axes of symmetry A1, A2 with reference to the main zone 3. These axes of symmetry A1, A2 detailed below form in particular planes of symmetry of the massage device 1. In the illustrated variant, the symmetry around the axis A2 (and the corresponding plane) is imperfect. A slight asymmetry is applied so that the part to the left of the axis A2 in [Fig. 3] is slightly wider away from the axis A1 than the part to the right of said axis A2. This makes it possible to better adapt to the spine which widens slightly from the top to the bottom of the subject to be treated S.

[0028] Generally, the size of the fingers 5e, 5f may be more than 8 mm, preferably less than 16 mm thick, and more than 9 mm, preferably less than 15 mm long. They preferably have a cylindrical shape with an ergonomic free edge flush with the edge of a shoe 2.

[0029] The free edge of the fingers may be rounded, flat or of a given shape. It may include a tip of such a shape.

[0030] The size of the inner fingers may be smaller than that of the outer fingers.

[0031] The shoe 2 may comprise internal shoe fingers 8a, at the level of the walls lateral of the hoof 2. Their arrangement may be symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of symmetry AL They may measure more than 17 mm, preferably less than 25 mm in length, and more than 15 mm, preferably less than 30 mm in thickness.

[0032] The internal massage means 5e may have between their apices a spacing of more than approximately 20 mm, and less than approximately 32 mm, preferably more than approximately 23 mm and less than approximately 29 mm, with reference to the axes A1 and A2.

[0033] Concerning the external massage means 5f, they may have between their apices a spacing of more than approximately 36 mm, and less than approximately 52 mm, preferably more than approximately 40 mm and less than approximately 48 mm, with reference to the axis A2; and more than approximately 26 mm, and less than approximately 44 mm, preferably more than approximately 31 mm and less than approximately 40 mm, with reference to the axis AL. The value may be adapted according to the subject.

[0034] According to the chosen embodiment, the massage means 5e, 5f are configured to be able to compress respectively as many parts of the main area 3 of skin, below said means 5e, 5f.

[0035] Preferably, the massage device 1 is associated with a means for applying depression (or suction means A) configured to apply a significant depression in the hoof within the limit of an injury to the subject. The means for applying depression comprises for example a hole in the hoof 2 connected to a controllable or programmable suction device. Such a suction device is preferably common to several massage devices 1, and can implement different suction programs for each of the massage devices 1.

[0036] Advantageously, the high depression allows a corresponding relative force of the massage means to be applied as the massage force so as to further limit the need for force application by the therapist T, while still performing an effective constant continuous pressure treatment. The depression values ​​allow the massage to reach the deep tissues of the body, including muscles and joints such as those related to posture.

[0037] According to the invention, the shoe 2 comprises at least one guide mark arranged at the sealing perimeter. It may be on the perimeter, inside or outside it with reference to the center of the shoe 2. The guide mark may be one of the elements referenced from 6a to 6d. The guide mark indicates an axis of the sealing perimeter called the guide axis. In particular, it is a guide axis A2. The guide axis is arranged so that the massage means 5e and 5f are arranged on either side of the guide axis.

[0038] In particular, the guide marker is configured to be affixed at the level of a line of spinous processes 7 of the spinal column so that the massage means 5e, 5f are arranged on either side of the line of spinous processes 7.

[0039] More particularly, the guide marker makes it possible to guide the therapist T in positioning the hollow body on the spine of the subject to be treated S by identifying the spinous processes (El, E2 or E3 for example) and by placing the guide marker on the skin of the subject to be treated S.

[0040] Figures 5 to 8 illustrate an application to the back of the subject to be treated S but an application to another part of the body can be envisaged within the framework of the invention, for example on a limb.

[0041] Surprisingly, the inventor noticed that this type of guide marker makes it possible to position the device 1 so as not to press on the spinous processes of the spinal column, and thus limit the risk of injury to the treated subjects S.

[0042] Indeed, longitudinal muscles follow the spine, on either side of the vertebrae: they are called paravertebral muscles. The bell sign (pain) corresponds to a sharp pain triggered by palpation of a spinous process of a vertebra. In addition, several short muscles are inserted into the intervertebral grooves between the spinous process and each transverse process. These muscles have been included in the name paravertebral muscles L.

[0043] Furthermore, this arrangement makes it possible to place the massage means 5e, 5f at the level of the paravertebral muscles L located on either side of the spinous processes E. Furthermore, this zone also corresponds to the position of the interspinous joints I (massage means 5e).

[0044] Thus, the massage forces and / or depressions applied make it possible to reach the deep tissues of the body and to massage the paravertebral muscles L and the intervertebral joints.

[0045] For this purpose, the standard positions of the massage means 5e, 5f are such that they are arranged at the levels of the intervertebral joints I and / or the paravertebral muscles L, in a preferred embodiment.

[0046] Figures 5 to 8, the massage device 1 may have two axes of symmetry A1, A2 with the massage means 5e, 5f positioned on either side of the center line on the longitudinal axis of symmetry A1 connecting the guide marks 6a, 6b. Furthermore, the massage means 5e, 5f are positioned on either side of the transverse axis of symmetry A2 connecting the guide marks 6c, 6d. Thus, the device 1 can be used in two distinct positions, i.e. positioned in the longitudinal direction using the marks 6a and 6b; or in the transverse direction using the marks 6c and 6d. In the case of the longitudinal position using the marks 6a and 6b, the massage means 5f also serve to massage the intervertebral joint I.

[0047] More preferably, the shoe 2 comprises an alternating succession of projecting bosses 8 and hollows 9 on the sealing perimeter. The projecting bosses 8 form massage means. They have a function of applying pressure force (at least relative) on the body of the subject to be treated S.

[0048] Advantageously, this makes it possible to have complementary massage structures, and to massage more parts of the skin of the subject to be treated S.

[0049] With reference to the transverse axis of symmetry A2 of the device 1, the (internal) massage means 5e may be arranged at more than about 4 mm, and less than about 23 mm, preferably more than about 5.5 mm and less than about 20 mm, more preferably more than about 10 mm and less than about 15 mm. The external massage means 5f may be arranged at more than about 11 mm, and less than about 30 mm, preferably more than about 15 mm and less than about 27 mm, more preferably more than about 19 mm and less than about 25 mm. The alignment of the massage means 5e and 5f may be slightly oblique with respect to the axes of symmetry A1, A2 of the device 1, in particular downwards and towards the axis of symmetry (A1) with reference to an up-down direction of the subject S.

[0050] With reference to the longitudinal axis of symmetry A1 of the device 1, the (internal) massage means 5e are arranged at more than about 4 mm, and less than about 23 mm, preferably more than about 5.5 mm and less than about 20 mm, more preferably more than about 10 mm and less than about 15 mm. The arrangement of the internal means may be square. The external massage means 5f may be arranged at more than about 10 mm, and less than about 25 mm, preferably more than about 12 mm and less than about 23 mm, more preferably more than about 15 mm and less than about 20 mm. The longitudinal axis A1 may be substantially perpendicular to the transverse axis A2.

[0051] Thus, the massage means 5e, 5f are in ergonomically predefined positions.

[0052] Advantageously, these positions make it possible to have the internal massage means 5e projecting above the upper and lower intervertebral joints I; and the massage means 5e and 5f surrounding the L muscles (short and longitudinal).

[0053] In certain cases (not shown), the massage means may be elongated bosses such as those of application WO2012069716. Such bosses are configured to be arranged obliquely at the level of the muscles L, in particular downwards and towards the axis of symmetry with reference to an up-down direction of the subject S.

[0054] Preferably, said guide marker 6a-6d comprises a hollow 9 on an axis of symmetry A1, A2 of the hoof 2. This makes it possible to have a marker structure that is easy to place by palpating the back of the subject being treated S and the hollow 9. This arrangement makes it possible to further improve the positioning at the top and bottom of the device 1 in a manner substantially aligned with the line of spinous processes 7.

[0055] Figures 6 to 8 illustrate vertebrae, in particular lumbar vertebrae L1, L2, L3, of a subject to be treated under the skin of the back.

[0056] With reference to Figures 6 and 7, thanks to the particular arrangement of the massage device 1, positioning the guide mark 6d on a spinous process El, in particular in the middle of the tip thereof, makes it possible to position the massage means 5e around the upper intervertebral joint I, in particular two vertebrae below (spinous process E3 in Figures 6 and 7).

[0057] Furthermore, with reference to [Fig.8], positioning the guide marker 6d above a spinous process E2, in particular above the tip thereof, makes it possible to position the massage means 5 both on the upper and lower intervertebral joint I, in particular at a vertebra below (spinous process E3 in [Fig.8]).

[0058] Scoliosis is characterized by asymmetrical tensions in the muscular and fascial system of the entire body. These cause a progressive contraction and twisting of the body over the long term. This is how the well-known S-shaped deformity of the spine develops. This twisting causes other symptoms such as pelvic obliquity, unevenly inclined shoulders, tension and headaches up to reduced lung capacity. Adolescents with scoliosis usually do not have back pain.

[0059] Scoliosis is defined as a lateral curvature of the spine with simultaneous rotation of the vertebrae. The spine forms arches generally in the shape of an S or C that compensate each other in order to support the body's weight.

[0060] The inventor noted that the application of the claimed massage device allows a very significant improvement in kyphosis, a reduction in scoliosis. The invention also allows for a reduction in myalgia and arthralgia and an improvement in muscular capacities in certain autoimmune diseases or other muscular conditions, as well as a significant reduction in pain in myofascial syndrome.

[0061] According to a variant, the massage device comprises at least one sensor from among a gyroscope, an electromyogram sensor, a stiffness sensor, a water sensor, and / or a chest expansion sensor. This type of sensor can be integrated into the shoe or be attached to the shoe. It can be coupled to one or more processors or computers for processing the captured information. It makes it possible to collect biological data and parameters or parameters of the device 1 which are useful for the therapist T for the treatment of the subject to be treated S.

[0062] Concerning thoracic expansion, the sensor detects variations in lung volume following breathing. In response, a detected deflation (expiration) can cause a support signal (by increasing the forces of the actuators).

[0063] It is also possible to envisage a variant (not shown), where the shoe 2 comprises a central part forming the bottom of the shoe 2 which carries the massage means 5e, 5f; and a peripheral part, around the central part, which carries the periphery of the shoe forming the sealing perimeter.

[0064] The central portion is substantially rigid, and the peripheral portion and the periphery are substantially flexible, preferably progressively flexible towards the end corresponding to the sealing perimeter. A varying density of material may be used, for example silicone, or two or more materials secured together. This makes it possible to adapt the shoe 2 to the convolutions of the subject's body S to form the sealing perimeter (then becoming curved). This also makes it possible to have a deformation capacity in order to ergonomically fit the area to be treated.

[0065] The invention further relates to a massage system comprising at least one massage device as described above. The system comprises in particular a suction apparatus connected to said massage device. The suction apparatus makes it possible to control the suctions in the volume 4. The massage system can make it possible to control different suctions in different massage devices 1 connected to the same suction apparatus.

[0066] Certain optional features described may be according to the prior art.

Claims

1.

2. Claims Device for massaging a living subject (1), this device comprising a shoe (2), which has a sealing perimeter configured to be arranged in line with a main area (3) of the skin of the subject to be treated, so that the shoe (2) and the main area (3) of the skin delimit between them an internal volume (4) capable of being placed under negative pressure relative to the external environment of said device, said device comprising at least one first massage means (5e, 5f) and at least one second massage means (5e, 5f), these massage means being configured to be able to compress respectively a first and a second part of the main area (3) of skin, in which the shoe (2) comprises at least one guide mark (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) arranged at the sealing perimeter, indicating a guide axis (A1, A2), the massage device being configured so that the massage means (5e, 5f) are arranged on either side of the guide axis (Al, A2),characterized in that the device (1) is configured so that positioning the guide mark (6c, 6d) on a spinous process (El) allows the massage means (5) to be positioned around a superior intervertebral joint (I), in particular two vertebrae below (L3), and so that positioning the guide mark (6c, 6d) above a spinous process (E2) allows the massage means (5e, 5f) to be positioned on paravertebral muscles (L), in particular one vertebra below (L3), and in that said massage means (5e, 5f) are configured to be arranged at intervertebral joints (I) when said guide mark (6c, 6d) is on a line of spinous processes (7), and to be arranged at paravertebral muscles (L) when the guide mark (6c, 6d) is on a line of spinous processes (7)., Massage device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said guide mark (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) is configured to be affixed at the level of a line of spinous processes (7) of the spinal column so that the massage means (5e, 5f) are arranged on either side of the line of spinous processes (7).

3. Massage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two guide marks (6c, 6d) aligned on the guide axis.

4. Massage device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises two transverse guide markers (6a, 6b) aligned on a transverse guide axis perpendicular to the guide axis.

5. Massage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said guide mark (6a-6d) comprises a hollow of the sealing perimeter on a guide axis forming an axis of symmetry (A1, A2) of the shoe (2).

6. Massage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shoe (2) comprises an alternating succession of projecting bosses (8) and hollows (9) on the sealing perimeter, the projecting bosses (8) forming massage means.

7. Massage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor among a gyroscope, an electromyogram sensor, a stiffness sensor, a water sensor, and / or a chest expansion sensor.

8. Massage device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shoe comprises a central part carrying the massage means, which is substantially rigid, and a peripheral part carrying the periphery of the shoe, which is substantially flexible.

9. Massage system comprising a plurality of massage devices (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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