Combination pressure and heat therapy

Abstract

To provide a combined treatment device capable of obtaining a synergistic effect by combining compression therapy and ultrashort wave therapy while reducing the burden on a patient by shortening the treatment time. [Solution] The combined treatment device has a compression device consisting of air bags 32, 42 that press against the affected area of ​​the patient 2 and air pumps 31, 41 that supply compressed air to the air bags, and an ultrashort wave application device consisting of electrodes 52, 62 that apply ultrashort waves to the affected area of ​​the patient 2 and power sources 51, 61 that supply power to the electrodes, and the compression device and the ultrashort wave application device are used together.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a combination therapy device, and more particularly to a combination therapy device having a compression device and a microwave application device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, compression therapy and ultrashort wave therapy have been widely known as treatment methods for affected areas. Compression therapy improves blood flow by applying pressure to the affected area, thereby alleviating the patient's edema and pain. In ultrashort wave therapy, when ultrashort waves are applied to the affected area, an electric field or magnetic field is generated by the ultrashort waves within the deep tissue, and this electric field or magnetic field acts on water and ions. The electromagnetic energy is then converted into thermal energy, efficiently heating the deep tissue, promoting the patient's metabolism and alleviating pain.

[0003] However, because compression therapy and microwave therapy are performed separately, the treatment time is long and the burden on the patient is heavy. Furthermore, when compression therapy and microwave therapy are performed separately, it is difficult to fully obtain the synergistic effect of the two therapies. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a treatment device that can shorten treatment time and reduce the burden on the patient, while achieving a synergistic effect by combining compression therapy and ultrashort wave therapy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention relates to a combination treatment device that includes a compression device consisting of an airbag that compresses the affected area of ​​the patient and an air pump that supplies compressed air to the airbag, and an ultrashort wave application device consisting of a lead that applies ultrashort waves to the affected area of ​​the patient and a power source that supplies power to the lead, and in which the compression device and the ultrashort wave application device are used simultaneously.

[0006] It is preferable that the airbag has a multi-chamber structure that can be deformed according to the shape of the affected area.

[0007] It is preferable that the air pump has a function of automatically controlling the pressure in conjunction with a pressure sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to shorten the treatment time and reduce the burden on the patient, while achieving a synergistic effect by combining compression therapy and ultrashort wave therapy.

[0009] More specifically, compression therapy utilizes the compression and massage effects of air pressure to promote blood circulation, reduce swelling, ease muscle tension, recover from fatigue, and improve sensitivity to cold. For example, air pressure prevents blood and lymphatic fluid from stagnating, promoting their flow and reducing swelling. The massage effect of air pressure also relieves muscle tension and relieves muscle pain and fatigue. Repeated compression and expansion of air pressure improves blood circulation and promotes the elimination of waste substances from the body that cause neuralgia and muscle pain. The relaxation of muscle tension and the resulting relaxation effect can be expected to reduce stress on the brain, spinal cord, and various parts of the body.

[0010] The blood circulation-promoting effect of air pressure and the thermal effect of ultrasound reduce coldness, primarily in the extremities, and improve sensitivity to cold. It can also help prevent and improve varicose veins and lymphedema, reduce cellulite, adjust the pelvis after childbirth, and assist passive exercise. Furthermore, by applying pressure to the arms, legs, and trunk, it can promote blood circulation, improve muscle strength, and relieve fatigue, similar to KAATSU training.

[0011] In ultrashort wave therapy, the application of ultrashort waves causes charged molecules within cells to rotate (molecular resonance motion), generating frictional heat in cells and tissues. As a result, a thermal effect is created in deep tissues, which dilates blood vessels, improves blood circulation, supplies and replenishes fresh oxygen and nutrients, and absorbs and expels carbon dioxide and waste products. This promotes recovery from fatigue and promotes the repair of damaged tissues.

[0012] In addition, with ultrashort wave therapy, the dilation of blood vessels inside the muscles removes pain-causing substances from the affected area, lowering the pain threshold and relieving pain. Because the functions of the internal organs and immune system are controlled by the autonomic nervous system, applying ultrashort waves to warm the body restores the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, relieves tension in the sympathetic nervous system, increases blood flow, and improves the function of the internal organs and the immune system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 shows an example of a treatment form for a patient using the combined treatment device. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of ultrashort waves applied to the affected area of ​​a patient before pressure is applied or during pressure reduction. FIG. [Figure 3] 10 is a schematic diagram of ultrashort waves applied to the affected area of ​​the patient when pressure is applied. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] <<Treatment equipment>> The combined treatment device of the present invention comprises a compression device consisting of an air bag that presses against the affected area of ​​the patient and an air pump that supplies compressed air to the air bag, and an ultrashort wave application device consisting of a lead that applies ultrashort waves to the affected area of ​​the patient and a power source that supplies power to the lead, and is characterized in that the compression device and the ultrashort wave application device are used simultaneously.

[0015] The combined treatment device of the present invention comprises a compression device and an VHF application device, and by using both the compression device and the VHF application device in combination, the simultaneous use of both improves the therapeutic effect. That is, by promoting blood flow through compression and heating deep tissues with VHF, the effects of promoting metabolism and relieving pain are enhanced, and the desired effect can be achieved in a shorter time than when using the compression device and the VHF application device separately.

[0016] Fig. 1 shows an example of a treatment method for a user using the combined treatment device according to the present invention. In Fig. 1, the user 2 has an airbag 32 connected to an air pump 31 and a lead 52 connected to a power source 51 for applying ultra-short waves attached to the abdomen. Lead 52 is installed inside the airbag 32 so as to be able to apply ultra-short waves to the user 2. The user 2 also has an airbag 42 connected to an air pump 41 attached to both legs, and a lead 62 connected to a power source 61 for applying ultra-short waves attached to the legs. Lead 62 is installed inside the airbag 42 so as to be able to apply ultra-short waves to the user 2. The pressure applied by the airbags 32 and 42 and the application of ultra-short waves by the lead 52 and 62 are performed simultaneously or at controlled timings.

[0017] Figures 2 and 3 show schematic diagrams of ultrashort waves applied to the affected area of ​​a patient before or during pressure application or decompression using the combined treatment device of the present invention. Electrodes 52, connected to a power source, that apply ultrashort waves are attached to both sides of the affected area, such as the abdomen. The ultrashort waves applied from the electrodes 52 are indicated by dashed lines. Pressure can be applied from above the electrodes 52 using an airbag connected to an air pump, but the airbag is not shown. As shown in Figure 2, before the airbags are inflated or decompressed, the surface of the affected area is flat, and the ultrashort waves applied by the two electrodes 52 may not necessarily reach the center of the body. As shown in Figure 3, when the airbags are inflated, the surface of the affected area is pressed, making it easier for the ultrashort waves applied by the two electrodes 52 to reach the center of the body. Furthermore, the ultrashort waves applied by the two electrodes 52 overlap at the center of the body, making it easier to achieve a therapeutic effect.

[0018] <Compression device> The compression device comprises an air bag that applies pressure to the affected area of ​​the patient and an air pump that supplies compressed air to the air bag. The air bag is preferably a bag-shaped body that can fit closely to the shape of the affected area.

[0019] Airbags are made from flexible and durable synthetic resins and rubbers, such as polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, silicone rubber, and thermoplastic elastomers. These materials can withstand repeated inflation and deflation and are gentle on the recipient's skin, making them suitable for long-term treatment.

[0020] It is preferable that the outer surface of the airbag be covered with a breathable cover material to reduce stuffiness and discomfort during treatment. The airbag may also be provided with a quick-release valve, which allows air to be quickly released from the airbag when treatment is completed or in an emergency.

[0021] The dimensions of the airbag can be set appropriately depending on the size of the affected area and the purpose of treatment. For example, the thickness can be approximately 5 mm to 20 mm when not pressurized and approximately 20 mm to 80 mm when pressurized. The volume of the airbag is preferably approximately 0.1 L to 1.0 L, which allows for an appropriate compressive force. Furthermore, it is desirable to control the pressure inside the airbag within the range of 0.01 MPa to 0.05 MPa. This range allows for the promotion of blood flow while preventing discomfort and tissue damage due to excessive pressure.

[0022] The interior of the airbag may consist of only a single air chamber. Alternatively, the interior of the airbag may have a multi-chamber structure. In either case, the airbag can be deformed to fit the shape of the affected area. If the airbag has a multi-chamber structure, the air chambers can be connected to each other via a passageway, or the internal pressure can be controlled individually. This allows the pressure to be uniformly or partially varied depending on the shape of the affected area and the purpose of treatment.

[0023] The airbag can be applied to a wide range of affected areas, including the upper limbs, lower limbs, abdomen, lower back, chest, back, and flanks of the user. The airbag may be in any form, such as a pad, belt, sleeve, cuff, U-shape, or ring shape, depending on the shape of the affected area. For example, a cuff type that wraps around the circumference is suitable for cylindrical areas such as knees and elbows, while a pad type that can easily conform to curved surfaces is suitable for wide areas such as shoulders and waist.

[0024] The air pump is preferably an electric compression pump that supplies compressed air to the air bag. The air pump can be driven based on commands from a control unit. A pressure sensor and a flow rate sensor may be connected to the air pump. The pressure of the air pump can be automatically controlled in conjunction with the pressure sensor and the flow rate sensor. For example, detection signals from these sensors can be sent to the control unit, and the control unit can perform feedback control to maintain the pressure in the air bag within a predetermined range. This can prevent blood flow obstruction and tissue damage due to excessive compression. The control unit may also perform timer control to manage the treatment time. The timer control can automatically reduce or stop pressure on the affected area after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0025] The compression device may be equipped with an abnormality detection alarm to ensure safety. When an abnormal signal from the pressure sensor is detected, the abnormality detection alarm stops the air pump and notifies the user of the abnormality by sounding or displaying an alarm. The compression unit may be equipped with a safety device that automatically depressurizes the airbag in the event of a power outage or power failure.

[0026] <Ultrashort wave application equipment> The VHF application device consists of a lead that applies VHF to the affected area of ​​the patient, and a power supply that supplies power to the lead. The lead may be either a capacitively coupled lead (opposing electrode type) or an inductive lead (coil type), and can be selected depending on the area to be treated and the purpose. The power supply stably generates VHF at a specified frequency and can adjust the output according to fluctuations in the lead load.

[0027] The oscillation frequency of the VHF is preferably 10 to 45 MHz, and may be selected from, for example, industrial, scientific, and medical bands such as 13.56 MHz, 27.12 MHz, and 40.68 MHz. The frequency may be fixed or variable. The power supplied from the power source may be variable continuously or stepwise within a range of, for example, 1 W to 200 W, and may be provided in a continuous wave mode or a pulse mode.

[0028] The inductive electrode (coil type) may include a coil and a magnetic material disposed around the coil. The coil is preferably disposed via an insulating layer to prevent direct contact with the skin. The inductive electrode primarily generates a magnetic field to generate eddy currents to heat deep tissues, making it suitable for treating deep tissues such as muscles and tendons.

[0029] The power supply may include an oscillator, an amplifier, a matching circuit, a power detection circuit, a control unit, etc. For electromagnetic compatibility and to reduce leakage, the power supply is preferably shielded. The electrodes may be connected to the power supply via a detachable cable, which is also preferably shielded.

[0030] The control unit may have safety mechanisms such as a function to reduce output based on reflected power, a function to reduce output when the electrode is removed, a function to reduce output when the upper temperature limit is exceeded, and a function to immediately stop the device using an emergency stop switch.

[0031] For temperature control, the lead may be equipped with a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be provided inside the lead or may be located near the lead. The temperature sensor acquires the temperature near the affected area and can automatically control the power output so that the temperature does not exceed a predetermined upper temperature limit. The upper temperature limit is preferably 48°C, and more preferably 45°C or less. It is preferable to provide a thermal diffusion layer or cushion layer on the surface of the lead that comes into contact with the affected area to alleviate uneven contact pressure and localized electric field concentration. It is preferable to provide an electric field shield on the back side of the lead to suppress unnecessary radiation other than to the affected area.

[0032] The conductor can apply ultrashort waves to any part of the patient's body, such as the upper limbs, lower limbs, abdomen, lower back, chest, back, flank, neck, etc. The conductor may be in the form of a pad, belt, sleeve, cuff, U-shape, ring, etc., depending on the shape of the affected area.

[0033] During treatment, the positional relationship between the airbag and the electrode that applies the ultrashort waves can be separated, overlapped, or adjacent, depending on the treatment purpose, such as deep heating, blood flow promotion, edema improvement, or pain relief.

[0034] In a wide area such as the lower back, the airbag and the electrode may be placed overlapping each other in the center to lower part of the lower back, and furthermore, the airbag and the electrode may be placed overlapping each other near the shoulders in the upper back, and combinations of the airbag and the electrode may be placed in multiple affected areas.

[0035] When applying pressure and VHF simultaneously to the same affected area, it is preferable to arrange the airbag and the electrode that applies VHF in an overlapping manner. In an overlapping arrangement, the area of ​​action of the electrode and the area of ​​pressure applied by the airbag overlap partially or entirely on the affected area. In an overlapping arrangement, the pressure of the airbag promotes blood flow and lymph flow, while the VHF is applied by the electrode to heat the deep area, so a synergistic effect can be expected. Figure 1 shows an example in which an airbag 32 and electrode 52 are attached to the abdomen, and airbags 42 and electrode 62 are attached to both legs.

[0036] In the case of close placement, pressure is applied by the airbag and ultra-short waves are applied to different adjacent affected areas. For example, to treat pain, the airbag is used to apply pressure to the area close to the pain, while an airbag and electrode are attached to another area, and ultra-short waves are applied while applying pressure to create deep heating. This promotes blood flow and relieves muscle tension in a coordinated manner.

[0037] The compression device and the microwave application device may be controlled in an integrated manner. For example, by maintaining a constant airbag pressure while applying microwaves, it is possible to promote deep and superficial thermal effects in the affected area. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 2. Recipient 31 Air Pump 32 Airbag 41 Air Pump 42 Airbag 51 Power supply 52 Guide 61 Power supply 62 Guide

Claims

1. a compression device including an air bag for compressing the affected area of ​​the patient and an air pump for supplying compressed air to the air bag; an ultrashort wave application device including a lead that applies ultrashort waves to the affected area of ​​the patient and a power source that supplies power to the lead; and A combined treatment device in which the compression device and the ultrashort wave application device are used simultaneously.

2. 2. The combined therapeutic device according to claim 1, wherein said airbag has a multi-chamber structure that is deformable according to the shape of the affected area.

3. 3. The combined therapeutic device according to claim 1, wherein the air pump has a function of automatically controlling pressure in cooperation with a pressure sensor.

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