TMJ treatment device

Abstract

To provide a temporomandibular joint treatment device for treating temporomandibular arthrosis.SOLUTION: A temporomandibular joint treatment device includes a waveform generation part for outputting an electric signal using an electrode disposed at a temporomandibular joint or its vicinity. The electric signal output from the waveform generation part is an electric signal whose frequency is 80 Hz or more, and ON time in which reference signals constituting the electric signal are output, and OFF time in which the reference signals are not output are represented as one cycle. In the ON time, a first signal in which an amplitude of the reference signals gradually increases during ramp-up time, a second signal in which the amplitude of the reference signal at the end of the ramp-up time is constant over a steady time, and a third signal in which the amplitude of the reference signal gradually decreases during ramp-down time, which is shorter than the ramp-up time are output. The frequency of the reference signal is changed without changing the ON time and the OFF time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a physical therapy device, and more particularly to an electric temporomandibular joint treatment device capable of treating temporomandibular joint disorders using electrical stimulation. [Background technology]

[0002] Current stimulation based on physical therapy, especially electrical treatment devices, has been put to practical use. Low-frequency current stimulation is often used as physical therapy using current stimulation, and is used to treat joint and muscle injuries, improve fatigue, or prevent injuries. It has been found that physical therapy can also be applied to the treatment of the temporomandibular joint, which is often treated with drug therapy or physical therapy, and a temporomandibular joint treatment device such as that shown in Patent Document 1 has been proposed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-61985 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, in physical therapy using electrical stimulation, a rectangular pulse called a TENS waveform is often used as part of the treatment of joints and muscles. The TENS waveform is generally used with a frequency of several tens of Hz and a pulse width of about 100 μsec, and the current value is adjusted appropriately depending on the part to which the TENS waveform is applied and the severity of the symptoms, and is often about 10 mA to 30 mA. Recently, a frequency sweep that automatically varies the frequency of the supplied electrical signal over time is sometimes used, and the variation range is often between 1 Hz and 100 Hz. It seems that a certain degree of effect can be obtained in improving pain by applying a TENS waveform based on these general parameters to the treatment of the temporomandibular joint as it is. However, the frequency and other parameters that define the electrical signal with the highest therapeutic effect on the temporomandibular joint have not been fully examined at present, and even if one wanted to improve efficiency and realize suitable temporomandibular joint treatment, it was not clear what the frequency should be set to, for example.

[0005] Furthermore, the location where the electrical stimulation is to be applied, i.e., the attachment position and size of the electrode pads used to apply the electrical stimulation, has not been sufficiently considered, leading to a situation where satisfactory therapeutic effects are not obtained. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides the following means. That is, the treatment device of the present invention is (1) a temporomandibular joint treatment device for treating temporomandibular joint disorder by supplying an electric signal to the masseter muscle, or the trigeminal nerve, or the masseter muscle and the trigeminal nerve, using an electrode placed at or near the temporomandibular joint, and is characterized in that it has a waveform generating unit that outputs the electric signal, the electric signal output from the waveform generating unit is an electric signal with a frequency of 80 Hz or more, the electric signal has one cycle consisting of an ON time during which a reference signal, which is a signal constituting the electric signal, is output and an OFF time during which the reference signal is not output, and during the ON time, a first signal in which the amplitude of the reference signal gradually increases during a ramp-up time, a second signal in which the amplitude of the reference signal at the end of the ramp-up time is constant over a steady time, and a third signal in which the amplitude of the reference signal gradually decreases during a ramp-down time that is a time shorter than the ramp-up time are output, and the frequency of the reference signal is controlled to be changed without changing the ON time and the OFF time.

[0007] Furthermore, the temporomandibular joint treatment device of the present invention is characterized in that (2) the waveform generating unit automatically controls the frequency of the reference signal to be output from a first frequency to a second frequency, and then to be changed back to the first frequency.

[0008] Furthermore, the temporomandibular joint treatment device of the present invention is characterized in that (3) the first frequency is 100 Hz and the second frequency is 200 Hz. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The present invention can provide an electric treatment device capable of supplying electrical stimulation that is particularly effective for treating the temporomandibular joint, and can provide a temporomandibular joint treatment device that can effectively and efficiently treat the temporomandibular joint. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a temporomandibular joint treatment device according to the present invention. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the positions of electrodes used in the temporomandibular joint treatment device according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the positions of electrodes used in the temporomandibular joint treatment device according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory block diagram of a controller of the temporomandibular joint treatment device according to the present invention. [Diagram 5] 4 is an explanatory diagram of an electrical signal output by the temporomandibular joint treatment device according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 4 is an explanatory diagram of an electrical signal output by the temporomandibular joint treatment device according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is an explanatory diagram of parameters of an electrical signal output by the temporomandibular joint treatment device according to the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First embodiment

[0011] FIG. 1 shows the main body 2 of the temporomandibular joint treatment device 1 according to the present invention. The temporomandibular joint treatment device 1 is composed of electrodes, which will be described later, and a harness that connects the electrodes and the main body 2. The main body 2 has a display unit 11, a main power supply 12, a full stop switch 13 used to stop all output in an unexpected event, an LED 14, a CH1 operation unit 15 used to control the on / off of channel 1, a CH2 operation unit 16 used to control the on / off of channel 2, a CH1 connector plug 17 for channel 1, and a CH2 connector plug 18 for channel 2. The main body 2 in this embodiment has the above-mentioned configuration, but is not limited to this, and may be composed of at least a part of the above-mentioned configuration or may include other than the above, as long as the present invention can be implemented. Furthermore, the main body 2 in this embodiment has two channels as output, but is not limited to this, and may have only one channel or three or more channels.

[0012] The display unit 11 may be configured to use, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an EL panel. In this embodiment, the display unit 11 also functions as a touch panel and doubles as an operating means for the main body 2. This allows the display unit 11 to be used to set the treatment current (described later) and the treatment time during which the treatment is performed by outputting the treatment current. The full stop switch 13 is a switch used to forcibly stop all output from the main body 2 in the event of an unforeseen event such as when control by the display unit 11 is not possible. The LED 14 lights up while the main body 2 is outputting an electric signal (also referred to as a treatment current or a treatment signal) to be applied to the affected area for treatment and while charging, respectively, and can notify that the main body 2 is outputting a treatment current or charging.

[0013] FIG. 2 shows the attachment positions near the temporomandibular joint where the electrodes are attached for treatment. FIG. 2(a) shows the case of use for the masseter muscle. As shown in the figure, the electrode LA21 is attached near the trigeminal nerve, and the electrode LB22 is attached on the motor point of the masseter muscle. The two electrodes are connected to a harness A23, and a connector A24 arranged at one end of the harness A23 is connected to the CH1 connector plug 17 or the CH2 connector plug 18 of the main body 2, and a treatment current is supplied between the electrode LA21 and the electrode LB22. As shown in FIG. 2(b), the electrodes RA25 and RB26 are attached on the opposite side and similarly connected to the main body 2 by the harness B27 and the connector B28, and a treatment current can be supplied between the electrodes RA25 and RB26. Such electrode positions are effective for pain in the masseter muscle or the temporomandibular joint.

[0014] FIG. 3 shows the case where the electrodes are attached to the cervical vertebrae at the attachment position near the temporomandibular joint. In FIG. 3(a), the electrode LA21 remains in the position shown in FIG. 2, but the electrode LB22 is placed near the 7th cervical vertebra behind the neck as shown in FIG. 3(b). The electrodes RA25 and RB26 on the opposite side are similarly placed. The diagram showing the electrode RA25 placed on the opposite side is omitted since it is merely the reverse of FIG. 3(a), but the electrode RB26 is placed next to the electrode LB22 as shown in FIG. 3(b). In FIG. 3(b), the electrodes LB22 and RB26 are connected to the main body 2 by the harness A23 and harness B27, which are omitted for simplicity, and a treatment current flows between the electrodes LA21 and LB22, and between the electrodes RA25 and RB26. Such an electrode position is effective for suppressing pain via the trigeminal nerve. Also, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are suitable for exercising the masseter muscle. As for the arrangement of the electrodes, as described above, electrodes LA21 and RA25 may be placed at the motor point of the masseter muscle rather than near the trigeminal nerve, and electrodes LB22 and RB26 may be attached to the back of the neck as shown in FIG. 3(b).

[0015] 2 and 3, the electrodes are arranged on the left and right, but in the treatment of the temporomandibular joint, they may be arranged on either the right or left side, depending on the symptoms of the affected area. By applying a treatment current with such an electrode arrangement, an electrical signal can be applied to at least one of the masseter muscle and the trigeminal nerve.

[0016] The electrodes LA21 and other electrodes shown in Figs. 2 and 3 above are circular electrodes with a diameter of 30 mm, but are not limited thereto, and the electrode shape may be a polygon such as a hexagon or octagon, or a semicircular shape, and the size may be larger or smaller than 30 mm. In this embodiment, a conductive adhesive pad is used as the electrode LA21 and other electrodes. The electrodes to be used are not limited thereto, and non-adhesive electrodes may be fixed in appropriate positions using a belt wrapped around the face or a face mask. In this embodiment, the electrodes will be described as using conductive adhesive pads such as the electrodes A21 and B22.

[0017] 4 shows a block diagram of the controller 403, which is disposed inside the main body 2 and controls the main body 2 and the treatment current. The controller 403 is configured to include at least some or all of the control unit 402, the user IF unit 401, the waveform generating unit 404, the power supply unit 406, the battery 405, the timer 407, etc. The waveform generating unit 404 has outputs for channel 1 and channel 2, and the output of channel 1 is connected to terminals LA408 and LB409, which are connected to the CH1 connector plug 17 and the connector A24 plugged into the CH1 connector plug 17, and can supply a treatment current to electrodes LA21 and LB22 connected to the harness A23. For example, the current output from terminal LA408 is supplied to the human body through connector A24 connected to CH1 connector plug 17, harness A23 connected to connector A24, and electrode LA21 connected to harness A23, and further returns to the waveform generating unit 404 via electrode LB22, harness A23 connected to electrode LB22, connector A24 connected to harness A23, CH1 connector plug 17 connected to connector A24, and terminal LB409 connected to CH1 connector plug 17. Similarly, the output of channel 2 is connected to terminals RA410 and RB411, which are connected to CH2 connector plug 18 and connector B28, so that a treatment current can be supplied between electrode RA25 and electrode RB26 via harness B27.

[0018] The control unit 402 includes a CPU, memory, and an interface unit for connecting with each unit, and controls the main body 2. The memory stores various parameters related to the treatment current, such as the frequency and pulse width. In this embodiment, the memory is described as being located in the control unit 402, but is not limited to this and may be provided outside the control unit 402. Furthermore, the memory may be a non-volatile semiconductor memory, or may be configured as a removable and easily rewritable storage medium such as an SD card, so that various parameters of the treatment waveform can be freely rewritten.

[0019] The user IF unit 401 is connected to the display unit 11, the LED 14, the CH1 operation unit 15, and the CH2 operation unit 16, acquires information indicating that the user has operated these units, and notifies the control unit 402 of the contents of the user's operation. Furthermore, the user IF unit 401, following instructions from the control unit 402, instructs the display unit 11 and the LED 14 to notify the user of necessary information.

[0020] The power supply unit 406 converts the output from the connected battery 405 into, for example, 5V or 12V in accordance with the power supply input specifications of each unit, and supplies stable power to each unit. The battery 405 may be a dry cell, or may be a secondary battery that can be repeatedly used by charging, such as a lithium-ion battery. In FIG. 4, the power supply unit 406 and the battery 405 are mounted on the controller 403, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the power supply unit 406 and the battery 405, or at least one of them, may be arranged outside the controller 403. Alternatively, the present invention is not limited to the configuration using the battery 405 as shown in FIG. 4, and may be a configuration using a power adapter that is connected to a commercial power outlet and outputs a predetermined voltage of 5V or 12V. In this case, the power adapter may be arranged inside the main unit 2 or outside the main unit 2.

[0021] Next, the operation of the temporomandibular joint treatment device 1 to which the present invention is applied will be described. First, the user attaches the electrodes LA21, LB22, RA25, RB26, etc. to the affected part as shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3. Next, the electrodes are electrically connected to the main body 2 using the harness A23 and the harness B27. The user starts the main body 2 using the main power supply 12 of the main body 2. The user operates the display unit 11 as an input means to select a treatment current, set various parameters that define the treatment current, and set the treatment time, etc. The set information is input to the control unit 402 by the user IF unit 401, and the control unit 402 transmits necessary information based on the set information to the timer 407 and the waveform generation unit 404 to set it. Here, the user may be a doctor or a physical therapist, or may be the patient himself / herself, but a qualified person such as a doctor or a physical therapist is preferable.

[0022] When the user operates at least one of the CH1 operation unit 15 and the CH2 operation unit 16, that information is sent by the user IF unit 401 to the control unit 402, and the control unit 402 instructs the waveform generation unit 404 to output a treatment current for the operated channel. At this time, it instructs the timer 407 to measure the treatment time. When measurement of the treatment time starts, that information is sent by the user IF unit 401 to the display unit 11, and the remaining time is displayed on the display unit 11. When the CH1 operation unit 15 or CH2 operation unit 16 of the channel to which the treatment current is being output is pressed again, that information is sent via the user IF unit 401 to the control unit 402, and the control unit 402 instructs the waveform generation unit 404 to stop output for the operated channel and instructs the timer 407 to stop measuring the treatment time. In this way, the output of the therapeutic current is stopped when the CH1 operation unit 15 or CH2 operation unit 16 corresponding to the channel that is outputting is operated. However, when the timer 407 expires, that information is sent to the control unit 402, and the control unit 402 stops the output by sending information to the waveform generation unit 404 to stop the output.

[0023] FIG. 5 shows a treatment signal used in the temporomandibular joint treatment device 1. The treatment uses a pulse waveform often used to relieve pain, as shown in FIG. 5(a). In this specification, this pulse waveform is called a TENS waveform, and the pulse width PW of the TENS waveform is set to 50 μsec. The frequency F is swept from 100 Hz to 200 Hz. That is, the frequency of the electrical signal that generates the current stimulation is controlled to be changed from a first frequency of 100 Hz to a second frequency of 200 Hz, and then changed to the first frequency. Such control by changing the frequency is repeated during the treatment time. In particular, in this embodiment, the frequency starts from 100 Hz, gradually increases to 200 Hz in 16 seconds, and when it reaches 200 Hz, it is controlled to return to 100 Hz in 16 seconds. Such control to change the frequency is called frequency sweep, and the sweep frequency is expressed as 100Hz to 200Hz using the upper limit (or second frequency, e.g. 200Hz) and lower limit (or first frequency, e.g. 100Hz). The treatment time is set to, for example, 20 minutes. In treatments whose main purpose is to relieve pain, the output of the treatment current is adjusted to a level that does not cause muscle contraction, and in treatments whose main purpose is to exercise the masseter muscle, it is adjusted to a range that does not cause discomfort such as pain due to the treatment current. However, these current values ​​and treatment times must be set or adjusted appropriately taking into consideration the type and severity of symptoms, age, sex, sensitivity to current stimulation, experience and familiarity with physical therapy, and other individual differences.

[0024] One of the pain suppressing effects of current stimulation such as TENS waveforms is achieved by the secretion of analgesic substances such as opioids due to the current stimulation. Different types of analgesic substances are secreted depending on the frequency of the current stimulation supplied to the affected area, but the effective analgesic substance for the affected area varies depending on the degree and type of the affected area and other conditions, so it is generally difficult to specify which analgesic substance is secreted for each patient, that is, the frequency of the current stimulation to be supplied. Therefore, by sweeping the frequency to secrete multiple types of analgesic substances, a stable analgesic effect can be obtained by any one or more of the secreted analgesic substances.

[0025] As described above, the sweep is suitable for efficiently applying analgesic substances to the affected area. It is even more effective in the treatment of the temporomandibular joint using electrical current stimulation. Compared to the treatment of the knee or lower back, there are many sensory nerves on the surface of the skin in the temporomandibular joint and its vicinity that feel pain or discomfort from electrical current, and compared to the treatment of the knee or lower back, even a relatively small current value is often felt or discomfort is often caused, so a sufficiently large current cannot be supplied like to the knee or lower back. On the other hand, in the treatment using electrical current stimulation, a reaction called "adaptation" occurs, in which the effect gradually decreases as the treatment continues. In the case of a site where a sufficiently large current can be passed, such as the knee or lower back, the current value can be gradually increased so that a sufficient effect can be obtained if adaptation occurs, but in the treatment of the temporomandibular joint, pain or discomfort is easily felt, and the necessary current cannot be supplied, making it difficult to obtain a sufficient effect.

[0026] Therefore, by sweeping the treatment current as in the present invention, a specific treatment waveform is not continuously supplied to the affected area, adaptation does not occur, and it is not necessary to apply a current value larger than necessary, and efficient treatment can be performed repeatedly and satisfactorily for a long period of time, even for the temporomandibular joint. In other words, control of sweeping the frequency of the treatment current is extremely important in temporomandibular joint treatment.

[0027] In general electric current stimulation such as knee or lower back treatment, for example, in treatment using a sweep of a TENS waveform, the sweep frequency is often set to 1 Hz to 100 Hz. In contrast to this, in the present invention, the frequency of the electric signal used in the temporomandibular joint treatment is set to 80 Hz or more, preferably about 100 Hz, and more preferably swept between 100 Hz and 200 Hz. This is based on the result that in many cases, an analgesic effect is obtained when the frequency of the treatment current is set to about 100 Hz in the treatment of the temporomandibular joint, and furthermore, the effect is more easily obtained at a high frequency of 100 Hz or more than a low frequency of about 50 Hz. From the above, in the temporomandibular joint treatment device 1 for performing temporomandibular joint treatment as in the present invention, it is desirable to control the frequency of the output electric current stimulation to sweep at 80 Hz or more, preferably 100 Hz, and more preferably 100 Hz or more.

[0028] In addition, taking into consideration that it is generally difficult to obtain an analgesic effect at frequencies above 200 Hz, and that the area to which electrical stimulation is applied is around the temporomandibular joint, which is more likely to cause discomfort from electrical stimulation than the knee or lower back, and that a sufficiently large current cannot be applied like to the knee or lower back, the upper sweep limit is set to 200 Hz in order to apply as many electrical signals of these effective frequencies as possible, instead of applying electrical stimulation at frequencies above 200 Hz, where it is difficult to obtain an effect.

[0029] Although the frequency sweep that controls the frequency has been described above, as a method for avoiding or reducing adaptation, control that changes the pulse width instead of sweeping the frequency can also have a certain effect. For example, similar to the sweep that changes the frequency between 100Hz and 200Hz, the pulse width is gradually changed from, for example, 20μsec to 70μsec over, for example, 16 seconds, and then the pulse width is gradually decreased over another 16 seconds to return to 20μsec, and this control is repeated. Such control that changes the pulse width between a first pulse width and a second pulse width is called a pulse width sweep. Similarly, if the control that changes the amplitude between a first amplitude and a second amplitude is called an amplitude sweep, the amplitude sweep also has an effect on avoiding or reducing adaptation.

[0030] The frequency sweep, pulse width sweep, amplitude sweep, etc. should not be limited to being used alone, but at least two of them may be used in combination, for example, a method using both a frequency sweep and a pulse width sweep. In this case, the frequency sweep may be performed first (the pulse width is not changed during the frequency sweep), and then the pulse width sweep may be performed (the frequency is not changed during the pulse width sweep). Alternatively, the frequency sweep may be performed and the pulse width sweep may also be applied. If a TENS waveform is used in this case, both the frequency and the pulse width of the TENS waveform are changed.

[0031] The above treatment waveform has been explained using an example of a TENS waveform using a bipolar pulse, but is not limited to this and may also use a unipolar pulse as shown in Figure 5(b) or a bipolar pulse that is different from the TENS waveform as shown in Figure 5(c).

[0032] Furthermore, treatment of the temporomandibular joint is not limited to suppressing, eliminating, or reducing pain by secreting analgesic substances as described above; it is also necessary to train or massage the masseter muscles to relax them, thereby improving pain.

[0033] Figure 6 shows the treatment signals used for these. Figure 6(a) shows a burst waveform using the TENS waveform in Figure 5(a). In the burst waveform, the TENS waveform is repeatedly output at a constant output during the ON time, and the TENS waveform is not output during the OFF time.

[0034] During treatment, these ON and OFF times are repeated alternately. In Fig. 6(a), six TENS waveforms are shown during the ON time, but in reality, more TENS waveforms may be output, for example, seven or eight or more.

[0035] Here, the signal constituting the electrical signal output to provide a treatment signal or current stimulation is called the reference waveform (first signal). The portion indicated by 1 / F in each of Figs. 5(a) to (c) is the respective reference waveform. Therefore, the reference waveform in Fig. 5(a) is called the TENS waveform as described above, the reference waveform in Fig. 5(b) is called the unipolar square wave, and the reference waveform in Fig. 5(c) is called the MCR waveform. Hereafter, to simplify the diagram, the reference waveform is represented by a vertically long rectangle as shown in Fig. 6(b). However, each rectangle does not represent only one reference waveform, but represents one or more reference waveforms. Therefore, Fig. 6(c) shows that at least six TENS waveforms are output during the ON time.

[0036] In Figure 6(a), the amplitude, for example the amplitude of the current value, is not controlled and is always output at a constant value. On the other hand, Figure 6(c) shows a treatment signal with control in which the amplitude is changed. As in Figure 6(b), vertically long rectangles indicate one or more reference waveforms. The vertical length of the rectangle indicates the amplitude of the reference waveform, which is composed of a ramp-up time (T1) in which the amplitude increases after a certain time has passed, a steady time (T2) in which the amplitude is constant, a ramp-down time (T3) in which the amplitude decreases after a certain time has passed, and an OFF time (T4). In other words, the ON time is composed of the ramp-up time, the steady time, and the ramp-down time.

[0037] As described above, each rectangle during the ramp-up time in Fig. 6(c) also shows one or more reference waveforms, but the amplitude of each reference waveform shown by each rectangle may be constant, or may be changed by gradually increasing the amplitude or increasing the amplitude in steps, etc., as long as the amplitude has increased to a predetermined value at the end of the ramp-up time. Similarly, the amplitude of the reference waveform during the ramp-down time may be changed by gradually decreasing the amplitude or decreasing the amplitude in steps, etc., as long as the amplitude has decreased to a predetermined value at the end of the ramp-down time.

[0038] In Fig. 6(c), the ramp-down time is set shorter than the ramp-up time, but the two may be equal. However, in temporomandibular joint treatment, it is more desirable to control the ramp-down time to be shorter than the ramp-up time, as shown in Fig. 6(c).

[0039] As mentioned above, in electrical therapy for the temporomandibular joint treatment, the current value cannot be increased as much as in other parts, such as the knee or the lower back. Therefore, in order to improve the effect of electrical therapy, it is necessary to apply more reference waveforms. On the other hand, it is known that if the OFF time is too short, the treatment effect decreases and the treatment efficiency cannot be improved, so it is not desirable to shorten the OFF time in order to increase the number of reference pulses applied to the affected area. Furthermore, making the ramp-down time zero is not desirable because it may damage the affected area and it may not be possible to make it zero. Furthermore, the ramp-up time is extremely important in suppressing pain and discomfort caused by the treatment current. Therefore, in the present invention, by making the ramp-down time shorter than the ramp-up time, one cycle, which is the sum of the ON time and the OFF time, is shortened without shortening the OFF time, and the number of ON times during the treatment time is increased, thereby increasing the number of reference waveforms supplied to the affected area. As a result, the temporomandibular joint treatment device 1 to which the present invention is applied can obtain a better treatment effect without changing the treatment time, that is, it is possible to improve the treatment efficiency.

[0040] In Fig. 6, the total of the ON time and the OFF time may be regarded as one period, and the period may be controlled to sweep the frequency of the treatment signal. In this case, the period may be changed by changing at least one of the ON time and the OFF time to change the frequency sweep, or the frequency may be swept by changing the frequency of the reference waveform without changing the ON time or the OFF time, or the frequency of the entire treatment signal may be swept by at least one of the ON time and the OFF time, and the frequency of the reference waveform may be swept. In this case, an amplitude sweep or a pulse width sweep may be used together with or instead of the frequency sweep.

[0041] An electrical signal that has an ON time and an OFF time, as in Figure 6(a) or (b), and is composed of a reference waveform with a constant amplitude during the ON time, is called a burst.An electrical signal that has an ON time and an OFF time, as in Figure 6(c), and is composed of a reference waveform with a different amplitude during the ON time, is called a surge.

[0042] In the above descriptions, particularly in Figures 5 and 6, a square wave is used as an example, but this is not limited to this. In the above descriptions or in the following descriptions, the reference waveform may be a sine wave, a triangular wave, or a waveform of other shape instead of a square wave, and various sweeps, bursts, or surges may be constructed using the reference waveform.

[0043] FIG. 7 shows an example of parameters of treatment signals used in temporomandibular joint treatment that can be output by the temporomandibular joint treatment device 1. REHA1 to REHA5 are treatment waveform parameters specific to the temporomandibular joint treatment device 1, and indicate a set of five parameters used in treatment (called REHA) using electrical signals that humans can sense (called sensible electrical signals). MCR1 to MCR4 are a set of four parameters used in treatment (called MCR) using electrical signals that humans cannot sense (called insensible electrical signals), and indicate a parameter set specific to the temporomandibular joint treatment device 1. REM1 is a set of parameters used in treatment (called REM) to adjust the movement of the temporomandibular joint using sensible electrical signals, and indicates a parameter set specific to the temporomandibular joint treatment device 1. CARE1 is a set of parameters used in conventional treatment (called CARE) for treating temporomandibular joint disorders using sensible electrical signals. SEQ1 to SEQ3 are a set of parameters used in treatment of the temporomandibular joint using sensible and insensible electrical signals (called SEQ), and indicate a parameter set specific to the temporomandibular joint treatment device 1.

[0044] MCR4, REM1, SEQ1, SEQ2, and SEQ3 are composed of parameter sets of Phase 1 and Phase 2, respectively. This indicates that an electrical signal according to the parameter set of Phase 1 is outputted, and then an electrical signal according to the parameter set of Phase 2 is outputted, that is, two types of electrical signals are used in sequence. In this temporomandibular joint treatment device 1, the transition from Phase 1 to Phase 2, that is, the switching from the output of an electrical signal according to the parameter set of Phase 1 to the electrical signal according to the parameter set of Phase 2, is automatically performed. That is, since the parameter set of MCR3 is used after MCR1 in MCR4, MCR1 may be outputted for 20 minutes, and then MCR3 may be automatically selected instead of MCR1, and the electrical signal of MCR3 may be outputted.

[0045] Each parameter set will be explained below. As explained above, for example, using Figure 5, REHA1 sweeps the frequency using a TENS waveform, so it is highly effective in relieving pain caused by temporomandibular joint disorders.

[0046] REHA2 is used when you want to instantly improve muscle output, especially the masseter muscle, and can provide moderate tension to the masseter muscle along with improved muscle output. This instantaneous increase in muscle output and moderate tension is called facilitation. Facilitation can be achieved by setting T1 and T3 in the surge to 1 second or more. Normal improvements in muscle output are achieved over a relatively long period of time, such as several days, by repeatedly training the muscle by applying a strong load to it, and are not achieved instantly. On the other hand, facilitation can instantly improve muscle output, making it suitable for treatments that require improved muscle output.

[0047] By setting T1 and T3 in the surge to 1 second or less, muscle output can be instantly reduced or muscles can be instantly relaxed. This temporary reduction in muscle output or instant relaxation is called inhibition. Usually, muscle relaxation is achieved indirectly by massaging the muscles. On the other hand, inhibition can directly reduce muscle output or relax the muscles to relieve excessive tension. REHA3 is used for this purpose, as it is effective in removing tension when the temporomandibular joint or masseter muscle is more tense than necessary. REHA4 is used to improve the strength of the masseter muscle by training the masseter muscle. In addition, the low frequency using the TENS waveform is expected to balance the autonomic nervous system, and REHA4 may also have a relaxing effect. REHA5 uses a lower frequency of about 1 Hz and a larger pulse width than REHA4, which is more likely to have a relaxing effect.

[0048] While REHA is a treatment that uses sensible electrical stimulation or electrical signals that involve muscle contraction, MCR is an insensible electrical stimulation, a treatment that uses electrical signals that do not involve muscle contraction. It is effective when masseter muscle training is not necessary or when you want to avoid the tingling discomfort that is unique to electrical signals. For example, it is often effective for people and children who are sensitive to electrical stimulation. MCR1 is a parameter set of electrical signals used to relieve pain using insensible electrical signals, and is effective in removing pain. Compared to sensible electrical stimulation, insensible electrical stimulation has a high pain suppression effect at high frequencies of about 400 Hz. In addition, there is little need to consider adaptation with insensible electrical stimulation. MCR2 is effective when there is excessive tension in the affected area, and is used to relax the affected area and relieve excessive tension. MCR3 is considered effective when activating tissue, and is thought to be effective in activating the affected area to speed up healing. MCR4 is used to automatically give tissue activation by MCR3 to the affected area after pain relief by MCR1.

[0049] REM1 uses REHA3 as Phase 1 and REHA2 as Phase 2. That is, an electrical signal that directly reduces muscle output or relaxes muscle tension is applied to the affected area, especially the masseter muscle, to temporarily reduce muscle output or relax the muscle, and then an electrical signal that instantly improves muscle output or provides moderate tension is applied. This is effective for symptoms caused by the muscles in the affected area not being able to output appropriate muscle output, and each muscle being too strong or too weak. In this case, the output of the affected area or related muscles in the vicinity of the affected area is temporarily reduced to reset the muscle output, and then the muscle output of each muscle is increased or moderate tension is applied, so that the muscle output of each muscle is mitigated or eliminated from being too strong or too weak, which is effective in treating temporomandibular joint disorders. That is, it is desirable to apply an electrical signal that directly reduces muscle output by making T1 and T2 1 second or less, and then apply an electrical signal that instantly improves muscle output by making T1 and T3 1 second or more. The method of applying an electric signal, which applies an electric signal that directly reduces muscle output as in REM1, and then applies an electric signal that instantly improves muscle output, is very effective in treating temporomandibular joint disorders. Furthermore, this method of applying an electric signal is not limited to temporomandibular joint disorders, but is also effective in treating other areas that require muscle output resetting, other than the masseter muscle, and the method of applying an electric signal may be implemented by a treatment device used for the treatment. Alternatively, this method of applying an electric signal is not limited to treatments in which it is effective to instantly and appropriately tense the muscle immediately after the reduction in muscle output or muscle relaxation, but is also effective as a method of applying an electric signal in, for example, beauty treatments, and it is desirable that the beauty device used when performing beauty treatments by outputting an electric signal can implement this method of applying an electric signal, which can enhance the effect of beauty treatments and maintain the beauty effect for a long period of time.

[0050] In addition, this method of applying an electric signal can be expressed as follows. The method of applying an electric signal using at least a first electric signal and a second electric signal is a treatment in which a first treatment is performed by a first electric signal, and then a second treatment is performed by a second electric signal, and the second electric signal is preferably an electric signal that instantly gives at least one of an improvement in muscle output and muscle tension. This method of applying an electric signal is not limited to temporomandibular joint disorder, but is also effective for treating muscles other than the masseter muscle and other joints, and it is desirable that the treatment device used for the treatment can implement the method of applying an electric signal. Alternatively, this method of applying an electric signal is not limited to treatment, and is also effective as a method of applying an electric signal in, for example, a beauty treatment, and the beauty treatment device used when outputting an electric signal to perform the beauty treatment can implement the method of applying an electric signal, thereby enhancing the effect of the beauty treatment and maintaining the beauty effect for a long period of time.

[0051] In SEQ, a sensible electrical stimulation is applied in Phase 1, and then an insensible electrical stimulation by MCR is applied to the affected area in Phase 2. In SEQ1, MCR3 is output after REHA1, in SEQ2, MCR3 is output after REHA4, and in SEQ3, MCR3 is output after CARE1. In this way, an electrical signal according to the purpose of treatment is output in Phase 1, and in Phase 2, the affected area is activated by MCR3, thereby improving the treatment effect or realizing early healing. Such a method of using an electrical signal is extremely effective in treating temporomandibular joint disorders. Furthermore, it is not limited to the treatment of the temporomandibular joint, but is also effective for affected areas such as muscles other than the masseter muscle or joints other than the temporomandibular joint, and this electrical signal may be implemented in a treatment device used for the treatment. Alternatively, this method of applying an electrical signal is not limited to treatment using an electrical signal, and is also effective as a method of applying an electrical signal in, for example, a cosmetic treatment, and it is desirable that a cosmetic device used when performing a cosmetic treatment by outputting an electrical signal can implement this method of applying an electrical signal, which can enhance the effect of the cosmetic treatment and maintain the cosmetic effect for a long period of time.

[0052] Furthermore, although the above describes the use of two electrical signals, the number of electrical signals is not limited to two, and may be three or more. Furthermore, it is preferable that the electrical signal used at the end or at the end of treatment is an electrical signal that immediately improves muscle output or tensions the muscles, and a treatment device or beauty device that can achieve this is desirable.

[0053] With the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to provide a temporomandibular joint treatment device that can efficiently treat temporomandibular joint disorders using treatment parameters specific to the temporomandibular joint when physical therapy is applied to the treatment of the temporomandibular joint. In addition, the treatment device of the present invention is (1) a temporomandibular joint treatment device that treats temporomandibular joint disorder by supplying an electrical signal to the masseter muscle, or the trigeminal nerve, or the masseter muscle and the trigeminal nerve, using electrodes placed at or near the temporomandibular joint, and is characterized in that it has a waveform generating unit that outputs the electrical signal, and the electrical signal output from the waveform generating unit has a frequency of 80 Hz or more. Furthermore, the temporomandibular joint treatment device of the present invention is characterized in that (2) the waveform generating unit automatically controls the frequency of the output electrical signal to be changed from a first frequency to a second frequency, and then to be changed back to the first frequency. In addition, the treatment device of the present invention is (1) a temporomandibular joint treatment device that treats temporomandibular joint disorder by supplying an electrical signal to the masseter muscle, or the trigeminal nerve, or the masseter muscle and the trigeminal nerve using electrodes placed at or near the temporomandibular joint, and is characterized in that it has a waveform generating unit that outputs the electrical signal, and the electrical signal output from the waveform generating unit is an electrical signal having a frequency of 80 Hz or more, the electrical signal has one cycle consisting of an ON time during which a reference signal, which is a signal that constitutes the electrical signal, is output and an OFF time during which the reference signal is not output, and during the ON time, a first signal is output in which the amplitude of the reference signal gradually increases during a ramp-up time, a second signal in which the amplitude of the reference signal at the end of the ramp-up time is constant over a steady time, and a third signal in which the amplitude of the reference signal gradually decreases during a ramp-down time, and the frequency of the reference signal is controlled to be changed without changing the ON time and the OFF time. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1. Temporomandibular joint treatment device 2 Main unit 11 Display section 12 Main power 13 All-stop switch 14 LED 15 CH1 operation section 16 CH2 operation section 17 CH1 connector plug 18 CH2 connector plug 21 Electrode LA 22 Electrode LB 23 Harness A 24 Connector A 25 Electrode RA 26 Electrode RB 27 Harness B 28 Connector B 401 User IF section 402 Control section 403 Controller 404 Waveform generator 405 Battery 406 Power supply section 407 Timer 408 Terminal LA 409 Terminal LB 410 Terminal RA 411 Terminal RB

Claims

1. A temporomandibular joint treatment device that treats temporomandibular joint disorders by supplying electrical signals to the masseter muscle, the trigeminal nerve, or the masseter muscle and the trigeminal nerve using electrodes placed in or near the temporomandibular joint, a waveform generating unit that outputs the electrical signal, the electrical signal output from the waveform generating unit being an electrical signal having a frequency of 80 Hz or more, The electrical signal has one cycle consisting of an ON time during which a reference signal, which is a signal constituting the electrical signal, is output and an OFF time during which the reference signal is not output, and during the ON time, a first signal in which the amplitude of the reference signal gradually increases during a ramp-up time, a second signal in which the amplitude of the reference signal at the end of the ramp-up time is constant over a steady time, and a third signal in which the amplitude of the reference signal gradually decreases during a ramp-down time, which is a time shorter than the ramp-up time, are output, and the temporomandibular joint treatment device is characterized in that it is controlled so that the frequency of the reference signal is changed without changing the ON time and the OFF time.

2. 2. The temporomandibular joint treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the waveform generating unit controls the frequency of the reference signal to be output so as to change from a first frequency to a second frequency and then to the first frequency.

3. 3. The temporomandibular joint treatment device according to claim 2, wherein the first frequency is 100 Hz and the second frequency is 200 Hz.

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