1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal conditions by use of transcutaneous electrical stimulation modalities and more particularly to methods and systems for such treatment using a conductive electrical garment.
2. Description of the Related Art
Electrical stimulation modalities, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulations (“TENS”), are common techniques used to reduce the amount of pain and inflammation experienced by patients. It sends electrical impulses through the neuromusculoskeletal system to block pain signals, improve circulation and promote healing in patients.
Typically, electrical stimulation devices operate with two electrode pairs, for a maximum of four pads at a time. This allows a user to apply electrical stimulation at up to two sections of their body (usually in positions that are “linked” to the specific type of pain experienced).
Most electrical stimulation devices (e.g., TENS units, muscle stimulation devices, etc) use some form of adhesive to ensure contact between the electrode pad and the user's skin. This is not only uncomfortable to the user/patient, but the adhesive effect will eventually wear off and require replacement of the pads. Further, it is difficult for a user to place and apply these electrodes/pads on difficult to reach areas of the body. An example would be the placement on one's back or neck. This is especially difficult to apply when an individual is in pain.
Other electrical stimulation devices use constrictive electrical garments, which are inconvenient to the user/patient. Examples are back braces and vests with electrode/pads.
None of these devices provide a solution where a user can simply and freely position themselves on a resistive, pressure relieving orthopedic material, which holds them in the correct posture while getting the intended benefits of electrical stimulation.
Furthermore, the existing devices do not appear to easily, comfortably and effectively allow for a combination with orthopedic devices (e.g., orthopedic pillows) so that a user/patient may benefit from a combined and simultaneous treatment. When a patient/individual is in pain, and she seeks electrical stimulation for pain relief for example, there is a high probability that the pain is being caused by a misalignment of the skeletal system. By using the traditional method of electrical stimulation, you are stimulating an area that may have a muscular/skeletal misalignment, which could be the source of pain or referring pain to other parts of the body. It would be much more effective to use electrical stimulation in conjunction with an orthopedic device, such as an orthopedic pillow or lumbar support pillow, so that one can ensure that an individual is maintaining proper posture or muscular skeletal alignment during electrical stimulation. Providing various types of electrical stimulation to these affected areas, in conjunction with an orthopedic device, may improve blood flow to assist in pain relief and healing to that region, as well reducing potential impinged nerves. In addition, this solution may promote proper muscle memory thereby improving the integrity of the muscular skeletal region/system.
Thus, there is a need for a new and improved apparatus, system and method that solve the above problems.
The problems and the associated solutions presented in this section could be or could have been pursued, but they are not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches presented in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their presence in this section of the application.