GB2492430A - Resilient band with thermal source for treatment of muscle tissue - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for the therapeutic treatment of human muscle tissues. The apparatus comprises a length of resilient banding 10 which is either provided in an endless loop, or is connectable to form a loop, for wearing over the front of both shoulders and under both arms of a user. The apparatus comprises a thermal source which allows targeted application of heat to the user's back muscles. This may be in the form of an electrically heatable fabric which is integrated within the material of the resilient banding, or a removable thermal source which may be placed in a pocket 12 or connected to the band. The material for the resilient band may be spandex. In use, the portions of the banding extending between opposing shoulders and underarms are of sufficient length to enable them to span the back of the user.

Description

Apparatus for the Therapeutic Treatment of Human Muscle Tissue The present invention relates to apparatus for the therapeutic treatment of human muscle tissue and particularly, but not exclusively, to apparatus intended S to treat discomfort associated with muscle tissue of the back and/or shoulder by means of targeted application of a thermal device.

The selective application of thermal devices to parts of the external human anatomy is already well established. For example, in circumstances where a muscle tissue injury is sustained during exercise or surgery, it is known to be beneficial to apply hot and/or cold compresses to the affected body part(s) to relieve pain and/or to accelerate the healing process. In some cases, thermal devices are deformable or otherwise configured to conform to the contours of particular anatomical regions of the external human body. Thermal devices may be contained within bags, pouches or the like and manually held against the affected body part However, manually holding a thermal device is usually inconvenient for users -particularly those with restricted mobility -or may even be impossible to achieve depending upon the anatomical location of the affected muscle tissue.

In an effort to address this problem, it is also known to retain thermal devices in position over target muscle tissue by, for example, integrating them into tightly fitting garments, or by means of adjustable straps and buckle arrangements and the like. However, attachment means of this type tend to be specifically designed for retaining thermal devices over a predetermined single anatomical area such as the thigh, shoulder etc. Moreover, the end user may find it cumbersome to accurately position or easily re-position the thermal device over certain affected anatomical areas -such as the back or shoulder -by using conventional attachment means, particularly if the muscle injury involved restricts the user's mobility or dexterity. As an example, reconstructive surgical procedures which involve redistribution or removal of all or part of the lattissimus dorsi muscle of the back may prevent a user from easily adjusting the position of a thermal device over the affected area of the back without causing pain and further aggravation of the injury it is S intended to treat According lo a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for the therapeutic treatment of human muscle tissue, said apparatus comprising a length of resilient banding adapted to be worn over the front of both shoulders and under both arms of a user such that, in use, portions of the banding extending between opposing shoulders and underarms are of a length capable of spanning the back of a user; and wherein the apparatus further comprises a thermal source and/or sink.

Optionally, the thermal source and/or sink is integrated within the material of the length of resilient banding.

Alternatively, the thermal source and/or sink is connectable to the length of resilient banding.

Optionally, the thermal source comprises an electrically heatable sheet or yarn.

Optionally, the thermal source and/or sink is repositionable along the length of the resilient banding.

Optionally, the length of resilient banding comprises two dista' ends which are connectable to form into an endless loop.

Optionally, a clasp is provided to connect the ends of the resilient banding.

Optionally, the resilient banding is formed from an elasticated material.

Optionally, the elasticated material is spandex.

Optionally, the length of resilient banding is twistable and capable of adopting a S figure-of-eight configuration.

Optionally, the length of the resilient banding in a non-stretched state lies within the range 145 cm to 175 cm.

Optionally, the apparatus comprises a pouch within which the thermal source or sink may be removably retained.

Optionally, the pouch is provided with an external sleeve which surrounds a portion of the resilient banding to facilitate attachment of the pouch to the resilient banding.

Optionally, the dimensions of the sleeve are such that it is capable of surrounding two separate portions of the resilient banding.

Optionally1 the sleeve comprises two flaps of hook and loop material respectively which facilitates releasable attachment of the pouch to the resilient banding.

Optionally, the materials of the resilient banding and the inner surface of the sleeve are selected to as to provide a friction fit between the two when the sleeve surrounds the resilient banding.

Optionally, the friction fit between the sleeve and the resilient banding is such that the thermal source or sink may be repositioned along its length whilst maintaining its connection with the resilient banding.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of therapeutically treating human muscle tissue comprising the steps of: 0) providing apparatus according to the first aspect; (ii) if required, connecting free ends of the resilient banding to form it into an endless loop; (iii) twisting the loop of resilient banding to form a figure-of-eight configuration; (iv) placing the arms of a user through the respective loops of the figure-of-eight configuration; (v) arranging the resilient banding such that its loops extend over the front of both shoulders and under both arms of a user such that remaining portions of the resilient banding span the back of a user in a cross-wise manner; and (vi] urging the thermal source and/or sink which is connected to the resilient banding against a region corresponding to the muscle tissue to be treated.

Optionally, step (vi] is achieved by the preceding or following step of appropriately positioning a thermal source and/or sink diagonally along the length ofa cross-wise portion olthe figure-of-eight resilient handing.

Optionally, step [i) involves providing apparatus comprising a pouch within which the thermal source and/or sink may be removably retained.

Optionally, step (i] further involves providing an external sleeve which surrounds a portion of the resilient handing to facilitate attachment of the pouch to the resilient banding.

Optionally, step (i] further involves providing an external sleeve which is dimensioned such that it is capable of surrounding two separate portions of the resilient banding to facilitate attachment of the pouch to the resilient banding.

Optionally, step [vi) is achieved by the preceding or following step of attaching the sleeve such that it surrounds the cross-over point of the resilient banding and appropriately positioning the thermal source and/or sink vertically along S the lengths of the resilient banding.

Embodiments of the present invention will now he described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings) in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation showing apparatus for the therapeutic treatment of human muscle tissue according to the present invention when viewed from behind the user; Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an akernative arrangement of the apparatus according to the present invention; Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a further akernative arrangement of the apparatus according to the present invention; Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of an alternative positioning of the apparatus of Fig. 3; Fig. S is a schematic representation of a further alternative positioning of the apparatus of Fig. 3; and Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of the apparatus of any of Figs. 1-5 when viewed from in front of the user.

Referring to the drawings) and initially to Fig. 1) apparatus for the therapeutic treatment of human musde tissue is depicted being worn on a user's back. The apparatus comprises a length of resilient banding (10) adapted to be worn over the front (see Fig. 6) of both shoulders and under both arms of a user. The resilient banding (10] maybe provided in the form of an endless loop, or it may comprise a single length of banding having two distal ends which are connectable, by means of a clasp for example (not shown), to form an endless S loop.

The length of resilient banding (10) is made from an elastic material such as spandex, Lycra®, latex rubber or any other material exhibiting sufficient resilience to stretching. The inherent flexibility of the resilient banding (10) allows it to be twisted so as to adopt a figure-of-eight arrangement, thus forming two oops through which the arms of a user may be placed in order to don the apparatus.

It has been found that a resilient banding (10] having a length of approximately 161cm; a width of approximately 6cm; and a thickness of approximately 2mm (all measured in the non-stretched state] facilitates easy donning of the apparatus. Moreover, those measurements combined with the degree of elasticity of the material of the resilient banding (10], e.g. Lycra®, ensure a sufficient holding force (as described further below] is maintained on a wide range of adult user body sizes. However, the length of the resilient banding (10] can of course be adjusted if necessary to accommodate oversize, petite or children's frames. The vast majority of adult frame sizes will be accommodated by resilient banding (10] having a length falling within the range of 145cm to 175cm.

A thermal device (not shown] -which either acts as a heat source or as a heat sink -is releasably connected to the length of resilient banding. The thermal device -which may take the form of a hot water bottle, ice pack, chemical gel pads, microwaveable wheat or rice bags etc -is removably retained within a pouch (12] dimensioned to match the size and shape of the thermal device. The material of the pouch (12] acts as a barrier between the thermal device and the user's skin to prevent hot or cold burns whilst still allowing a sufficient degree of useful heat transfer. Possible materials indude, but are not limited to) woven polyesters, cotton, wool, or more exotic meta-aramid synthetic materials such as N om ex®.

S

The pouch (12) may be connected to the resilient banding (10) by an external sleeve (14) (see Fig. 2] through which the resilient banding (10) extends. In one embodiment, the internal diameter of the sleeve (14) is such that there is a friction fit between it and the resilient banding (10]. The sleeve (14) may be constructed in two-part form with) for example, two flaps (16a, 16b) provided with hook and loop material respectively to facilitate releasable connection of the pouch (12) to the resilient banding (10). The degree of friction may be determined by selecting appropriate materials for the inner surface of the sleeve (14) and the resilient banding (10) and/or by tightening or loosening the sleeve (14) by means of, e.g. its Velcro® fasteners. The sleeve (14) may be dimensioned so as to accommodate two separate portions of resilient banding (10) as described in more detail below with respect to Figs. 3-S.

In use, a user secures a suitable thermal device within the pouch (12). Before donning the apparatus, the user twists apposing portions of the loop of resilient banding in opposite directions to form the figure-of-eight shape mentioned above whilst arranging the pouch (12), via its sleeve (14), at an appropriate location near the cross-over point (18) of the figure-of-eight shape. The pouch (12) can be slid into the correct position or removed and securely re-attached to the resilient banding (10) at the desired ocation by means of its Velcro® attachment Visible and/or tactile markers (not shown) may be provided on the resilient banding (10] to indicate regions where the pouch (12] should be attached relative to its shoukier portions (20] and/or the cross-over point (18).

The user then sequentially p'aces his/her arms through the two smaller oops of the figure-of-eight in a similar manner to that employed when donning a shirt or coat whilst ensuring that if present, the external sleeve (14) of the pouch [12) faces outwardly [away from the body). In doing so, the resilient banding (10) is arranged on the user such that the loops are worn over the front of both shoulders and under both arms as shown in Fig. 6. In this way, the majority of S the resilient banding [10) spans a user's back in a cross-wise manner as indicated in Figs. 1-S whilst urging the pouch (12) and its associated thermal device against the user's body. The resilience of the banding [10) combined with frictional forces between it and the user's skin or thin clothing layers help maintain the cross-wise or X-shaped arrangement of the two diagonal portions of the banding. The frictional fit between the sleeve (14) and the resilient banding [10) also ensures that there is no unintentional movement of the pouch (12) along the length of the banding (10) so that the thermal device can be reliably positioned at the correct anatomical location.

Should it be necessary to adjust the position of the thermal device on the back, this can be achieved by manually overcoming the frictional force between the sleeve (14) and resilient banding (10) and moving it along the length of the banding to the desired position. Alternatively, the sleeve [14) can be disengaged from the resilient banding [10) and re-attached at another location along its lenglh proximate its cross-over point (18). As a further alternative, the posilion of the thermal device relative to the user's body can be finely adjusted by sliding the portions of the resilient banding [10) extending over the front of the shoulders in opposite directions. This action shifts the entire length of the endless loop of resilient banding [10) and imparts a corresponding diagona' movement of the pouch (12) and its associated thermal device on a user's back.

If the thermal device cannot be grasped, e.g. if the user's movement is impeded, then the ktter process may be easier to accomplish even if it requires the resilient banding (10) near the thermal device to be temporarily stretched to move it away from the user's body.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the pouch [12) and its associated thermal device may be connected to a single portion of resilient banding [10) proximate, and above, its cross-over point (18). The upper diagonal portions of the resilient banding (10) are generally aligned with the upper extent of the latissimus dorsi which extends from the mid-vertebral column to the shoulder region (20).

Accordingly, when connected as shown in Figs. 1 or 2, the apparatus of the present invention presents the thermal device over the broadest muscle of the back, laterally of the vertebral column.

In the alternative arrangement shown in Fig. 3-5, the pouch's sleeve [12) is connected to two portions of resilient banding (10) by encircling two parts of its cross-over point [18). In this arrangement, any movement of the pouch (12) shifts the position of the cross-over point (18) vertically up or down along the length of the vertebral column. Accordingly, when connected as shown in Figs. 3-5, the apparatus of the present invention presents the thermal device over the central muscles of the back, such as the inner extent of the latissimus dorsi and the trapezius muscle.

Fig. 6 shows the front portions of the resilient banding (10] which extend over the shoulder regions (20) and under both arms. It will be appreciated that the resilient banding (10) is thin and hardly noticeable from the front when worn under clothing.

In further alternative embodiments (not illustrated), the thermal heat source may be provided by "intelligent fabrics" whereby regions of a fabric substrate are electrically heated by means of a small battery. By employing such intelligent fabrics, the thermal heat source can be integrated within the resilient banding material itself, or provided as a separate repositionable heating pad which would replace the pouch described above. The thermal heat source may be integrated within several regions along the length of the resilient banding material wherein each region can be individually and selectively energised to act as a heat source. This allows a user to change the position of the thermal heating effect without the need to physically reposition the apparatus on the body.

Particularly suitable intelligent fabrics include FabRoc® or ThermoKnittTM (sold by EXO2, Lanarkshire, Scotland) in view of their lightweight) stretchable, waterproof and crushproof properties. Furthermore, these materials are free of electrical wires and provide a uniform and self-regulating heat distribution without any hotspots thus making them ideal for use in medical applications.

It will be appreciated that the apparatus of the present invention allows a user to more easily target muscles of the back which would otherwise be difficult or impossible to reach with existing thermal devices. A further advantage of the apparatus of the present invention is that it does not require the user to manually hold the thermal device in position and so can be worn whilst carrying out other tasks. Repositioning of the thermal device is easy achieved and can even be done without removing the apparatus from the body. Repositioning can be achieved by moving the portions of the resilient banding (10) which lie at the front of the user's body, and hence without the need to actually grasp the thermal device on the user's back. This helps to eliminate any discomfort or additional injury for users having a limited range of movement, perhaps caused by the muscle tissue injury itself. Use of intelligent fabrics mentioned above can even provide selective and targeted application of heat without the need to reposition any part of the apparatus on the body.

Modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the accompanying daims. For example, instead of providing the resilient banding (10) in a fixed length, it could be provided with a buckle-type arrangement to enable it to lengthened or shortened as required to suit different body sizes.

This may be particulaHy advantageous if the degree of elasticity of the resilient material is reduced.

If the length of resilient banding is provided as a single length of resilient banding (10), its distal ends may be connected by studs, zippers, buttons, Velcro® or any other suitable alternative to clasps. Equivalent closures could be S employed on the opening of the pouch to securely retain the thermal device.

The apparatus may be pre-arranged in its figure-of-eight configuration. For example, the cross-over point (18] may be connected by stitching, buttons, studs or the like. Furthermore) an extra length of the resilient banding may be provided to bridge the lower diagonal portions such that) in use, the thermal device can urged against the lower lumbar region of the back, and be repositioned horizontally.

If required, several anatomical areas can be treated simultaneously by connecting multiple pouches and their associated thermal devices (hot and/or coW) to different parts of the resilient banding.

Throughout the specification, the term muscle tissue is to be understood as encompassing muscles and associated connective tissue such as tendons, ligaments and fasciae.

Claims (2)

1. <claim-text>CLAIMS1. Apparatus for the therapeutic treatment of human muscle tissue, said apparatus comprising a length of resilient banding adapted to be worn over the S front of both shoulders and under both arms of a user such that, in use, portions of the banding extending between opposing shoulders and underarms are of a length capable of spanning the back of a user; and wherein the apparatus further comprises a thermal source and/or sink.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thermal source and/or sink is integrated within the material of the length of resilient banding.</claim-text> <claim-text>3 Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thermal source and/or sink is connectable to the length of resilient banding. is</claim-text> <claim-text>4. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the thermal source comprises an electrically heatable sheet or yarn.</claim-text> <claim-text>S. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the thermal source and/or sink is repositionable along the length of the resilienthanding.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of resilient banding comprises two distal ends which are connectable to form into an endless loop.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a clasp is provided to connect the ends of the resilient banding.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the resilient banding is formed from an elasticated material.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. Apparatus according to claim B, wherein the elasticated material is spandex.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of S resilient banding is twistable and capable of adopting a figure-of-eight co nfigurati on.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of the resilient banding in a non-stretched state lies within the range 145 cm to 175 cm.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the apparatus comprises a pouch within which the thermal source or sink may be removably retained.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the pouch is provided with an external sleeve which surrounds a portion of the resilient banding to facilitate attachment of the pouch to the resilient banding.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the dimensions of the sleeve are such that it is capable of surrounding two separate portions of the resilient banding.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. Apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the sleeve comprises two flaps of hook and loop material respectively which facilitates releasable attachment of the pouch to the resilient banding.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. Apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the materials of the resilient banding and the inner surface of the sleeve are selected to as to provide a friction fit between the two when the sleeve surrounds the resilient banding.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the friction fit between the sleeve and the resilient handing is such that the thermal source or sink maybe repositioned along its length whilst maintaining its connection with the resilient handing.S</claim-text> <claim-text>18. A method of therapeutically treating human muscle tissue comprising the steps of: (I) providing apparatus according to the first aspect; (ii) if required, connecting free ends of the resilient banding to form it into an endless loop; [iii) twisting the ioop of resilient banding to form a figure-of-eight configuration; [iv) placing the arms of a user through the respective loops of the figure-of-eight configuration; [v) arranging the resilient handing such that its loops extend over the front of both shoulders and under both arms of a user such that remaining portions of the resilient banding span the back of a user in a cross-wise manner; and (vi) urging the thermal source or sink which is connected to the resilient banding against a region corresponding to the muscle tissue to be treated.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. A method according to claim 18, wherein step [vi) is achieved by the preceding or following step of appropriately positioning a thermal source or sink diagonally along the kngth of a cross-wise portion of the figure-of-eight resilient banding.</claim-text> <claim-text>20. A method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein step [i) involves providing apparatus comprising a pouch within which the thermal source or sink may be removably retained.S</claim-text> <claim-text>21. A method according to claim 20, wherein step (i) further involves providing an external sleeve which surrounds a portion of the resilient banding to facilitate attachment of the pouch to the resilient banding.</claim-text> <claim-text>22. A method according to claim 20, wherein step (i) further involves providing an externa' sleeve which is dimensioned such that it is capable of surrounding two separate portions of the resilient banding to facilitate attachment of the pouch to the resilient banding.</claim-text> <claim-text>23. A method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein step (vi) is achieved by the preceding or following step of attaching the sleeve such that it surrounds the cross-over point of the resilient banding and appropriately positioning the thermal source or sink vertically along the lengths of the resilient banding. isAmendments to the claims have been filed as followsCLAIMS1. Apparatus for the therapeutic treatment of human muscle tissue, said apparatus comprising a length of resilient banding adapted to be worn over the S front of both shoulders and under both arms of a user such that, in use, portions of the banding extending between opposing shoulders and underarms are of a length capable of spanning the back of a user; and wherein the apparatus further comprises a thermal source comprising an electrically heatable fabric substrate which is integrated within the material of the length of resilient banding.
2. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thermal source may be integrated within multiple regions along the length of the resilient banding. (43. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the each region can be individually energised to act as a heat source.CQ 4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim) wherein the electrically heatable fabric substrate is formed from FabRoc® material.5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of resilient banding comprises two distal ends which are connectable to form into an endless loop.6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a clasp is provided to connect the ends of the resilient banding.7. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the length of resilient banding is an endless 1oop.8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the resilient banding is formed from an elasticated material.9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of resilient banding is twistable and capable of adopting a figure-of-eight configuration.10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of the resilient banding in a non-stretched state lies within the range 145 cm to 175 cm. (4 r (0 Co (4</claim-text>