Patent ID: 6319213
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: A61H

Abstract:
A method of passive-motion treating a patient having a pelvis and a spine including a first, second and third vertebra extending along a longitudinal axis thereof, the method comprising:providing an elongate support member movable relative to a base member, the support member having a longitudinal axis and being supported by a first and a second resilient member, the support member having a first end portion and a second opposite end portion, a hard limitor attached to the base member for limiting vibrational movement of the first end portion of the support member and a soft limitor attached to the base member for limiting vibrational movement of the second opposite end portion of the support member, the soft limitor being softer than the hard limitor, the hard limitor and the soft limitor being in operative engagement with the support member;with a first vibrator attached to a first side portion at the second end portion of the support member, vibrating the second end portion of the support member about a transverse axis at the hard limitor to generate vibrational waves in the support member that travel in a longitudinal direction along the support member;the first vibrator tilting the support member about the longitudinal axis of the support member in a cyclical motion to create a cyclical tilting motion moving in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; andsimultaneously exposing the spine to the waves moving in the longitudinal direction and the cyclical tilting motion moving in the transverse direction; andthe waves and the cyclical tilting motion of the support member moving the spine along a helical path.