ELECTROTHERAPY APPARATUS AND METHOD

Abstract: The invention provides electrotherapy apparatus which can be readily attached to the patient and which is arranged to pass current through the patient by way of the arms and legs. The electric current is supplied by way of a low voltage source and the apparatus is particularly useful in treating various dermatological and rheumatological diseases, and diseases resulting from impaired peripheral circulation and oedema.

Description: ELECTRO THERAPY APPARATUS AND METHOD TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to an apparatus and method for treating the human body by way of e lectric stimulation. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The invention seeks to provide such apparatus which is simple to couple to the body and simple to operate. According to one aspect of' the present invention there is provided apparatus for treating the human body by way of electric stimulation, the apparatus comprising first electrode means shaped to provide a substantial area of engagement by the human hands, second electrode means shaped to provide a substantial area of engagement by the human feet, and an electrical supply means connectable with the first and second means so as to thereby pass current through the body. Preferably, the apparatus is provided in the form of a chair for supporting the patient, the arm and foot rests of which chair are provided with the electrode means. Advantageously, the electrode means provided on the chair arms each comprise a plurality of grooves for receiving the patient's fingers. Alternatively, the invention may be provided in portable form. As such, the electrode means for providing a substantial area of engagement by the human hands may be provided on a unit which can be placed on the patient's lap during treatment. Also, the electrode means for providing a substantial area of engagement by the human feet may be provided on a unit which can be placed on the floor. A separate portable power source for connection to the lap and floor units is also provided which may comprise an a.c. mains transformer and rectification circuitry or a battery. Control means can be provided on the lap unit and/or in the power source. Accordingly, the portable apparatus can be readily set up in a domestic location with the patient sitting in a typical household chair. The electrode means are respectively placed on the floor and on the patient's lap so that electrical contact to the hands and feet can be made and the treatment commenced. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for treating dermatological and rheumatological diseases of auto¬ immune origin, the method comprising passing a d.c. electric current through the human body. According to yet another aspect of the presen invention, there is provided a method for treatin inflammatory diseases of the skin and diseases resulting from impaired peripheral circulation an oedema, the method comprising passing a d.c. electri current through the human body. Although the invention is not to be regarded a dependent in any way on these explanations, it i thought that, in respect of diseases of auto-immun origin, the passage of the electric current interfere with the auto-immune reaction, and in respect o diseases associated with circulation difficulties, tha the current increases peripheral circulation b stimulating the release of the calcitonic gene relate peptide (CGRO), a potent vasodilator, and by increasin tissue permeability. Preferably, the current is passed between th patient's hands and feet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is described further hereinafter, b way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig 1 illustrates apparatus in the form of an electro-therapy chair according to the present invention; Fig 2 illustrates the current control panel of the apparatus of Fig 1 ; and Fig. 3 illustrates another apparatus according to the present invention. BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The apparatus of the present invention comprises a chair 10 fitted with electrodes 12, 14, 16 to be contacted by the patient and electrical source and control means 18 for supplying appropriate voltages to the electrodes 12, 14, 16. The apparatus of the invention is designed to conform to the British Standard for the safety of medical electrical equipment B.S. 5724. The power unit receives current from a mains (240V AC.) source and rectifies it so as to provide a variable voltage direct current. The adjustable d.c. voltage may be of the order 0-36V and provide an adjustable d.c. current of magnitude 0-50mamp. The chair 10 can comprise a typical easy chair with a wooden frame on which are mounted upholstered seat and back rest portions for comfortable supporting the patient when receiving treatment. The chair is fitted with a foot rest 20 and with arm rests 22 having enlarged support areas 5 at their free ends. The foot rest 20 comprises a base plate 24 extending generally horizontally from an upright 26 slidable vertically on a support 28 extending downwardly from the chair frame. A screw clamp 30 permits the distance of the base plate 24 from the floor to be adjusted to accommodate the patient's legs comfortably during treatment. The base plate 24 is provided with an electrode 16 formed of a stainless steel plate. The rear part of the foot rest is provided with an elastic strap 32 for. engaging the patient's feet or ankles so as to prevent reflex movements of the feet and legs during treatment. The front region of the arms 22 of the chair 10 are formed so as to be suitable to serve as rests for the palm of the patient's hands. The arm rest for the patient's left arm is fitted with a stainless steel electrode 12 comprising four grooves for receiving the fingers of the patient's left hand and means for restraining reflex movement of the patient's hand and arm which conveniently comprise an elastic strap 34. Instead, one or more clips can be employed. The clip or clips or a strap with a buckle or other releasable fastener having resilient links between which the wrist or lower arm can be placed. The arm rest 22 for the patient's right arm comprises two main features, namely a grooved stainless steel electrode 14 and on-off rheostat switch for current control, and a display unit 18. The display unit 18 is illustrated further in Fig. 2 and includes a voltmeter 38, an ammeter 40, a pre-set timer 42, a time lapse digital timer 44 and a device 46 for emitting an audio signal on completion of the treatment. The right arm rest includes a grooved stainless steel electrode 14 and an on-off rheostat switch 48 which can be operated by the patient's thumb. The display unit panel 50 comprising a voltmeter, ammeter and timer displays, is disposed at an angle of 45° to the surface of the arm rest so that it is comfortably visible by the sitting patient. The electrodes 12, 14, 16 are connected to a power pack (not shown) which is located under the chair. The power pack receives an alternating current from the mains supply and rectifies it to a low voltage direct current supply, typically of magnitude 0-36 V and 0-50 mamp. Alternatively, a battery can be used as the power supply. The two hand electrodes 12, 14 are connected in parallel and comprise the anode and the foot electrode 16 comprises the cathode. The passage of the current through the body is beneficial in treating various inflammatory diseases of 'the skin and those of auto-immune origin such as psoriasis, certain types of allergic reactions and various rheumatological diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and diseases resulting from impaired peripheral circulation and oedema such as varicose skin ulcers. The chair 10 is particularly designed to facilitate the advantageous passage of the current through the whole body from the forefinger to the toes. During treatment, the patient sits on the chair, rests his feet on the foot rest so that the toes and the front part of the feet rest on the stainless steel plate electrode 16. The feet are then retained on the foot rest 20 by the elastic strap 32, or other fastener means. The patient's left hand is located in position with the fingers received in the grooves of the electrode 12 and the lower portion of the left arm is wrapped with the elastic strap 34, or received in the clip means, to prevent reflex movement thereof. The patient's right arm is located in position with the fingers received in the grooves of the electrode 14. The pre-set timer 42 is set to the desired time. The rheostat switch 48 is turned to the "on" position and is gradually adjusted by the patient's thumb so as to increase the supplied current and until the patient feels a tingling sensation without discomfort. The treatment continues until the time period expires, which is indicated by an alarm signal from the alarm device 46. On completion of the treatment period, a current control device initiates a controlled reduction in the magnitude of the current until current flow is terminated. Typically, the duration' of the treatment period for each session is in the range 30-60 minutes and depends on the severity of the condition. Alternatively, the lapsed treatment time can be viewed on the display 18 and the patient can re-adjus or terminate the current to suit his comfort at an time during the treatment. The rheostat switch 48 allows the current to be increased or decrease gradually so as to avoid discomfort for the patient. The treatment sessions are repeated twice a wee until complete remission from the disease is achieved. In the case of diseases of auto-immune origin such a psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, the treatmen session should be provided after remission is achieve at a lower rate (once a week for four to six weeks) then decreased further to once every two weeks an continued thereafter at this rate to avoid relapse. Conduction of the electric current from th electrodes to the body can be better facilitated by us of a conductive gel. Thus, a suitable gel can b applied to the contact surfaces of the electrodes 12, 14,- 16. Fig. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the electrod means 52, 54 of the portable apparatus according to th invention. The apparatus provides for reception on th patient's lap a unit 52 comprising an insulating bas board 56 mounting a single electrode means 58 fo engagement by the patient's hands and which includes a plurality of grooves 60 for receiving the patient's fingers. An aperture is provided in the electrode, through which extends an on/off rheostat switch 72 for controlling the magnitude of the current as described above. The apparatus also includes electrode means 54 provided with a single electrode 64 for engagement by the front part of the patient's feet. The electrode 64 is mounted on an insulator board 62. A spindle 70 is located along the central longitudinal axis of the board and pivotally engages with supports 68 (only one of which is shown in Fig. 3) extending from a base plate 66. As such, the patient's feet are located on the board 62 and electrode 64 of the electrode means 54. The patient can then cause the board 62 to pivot into the most comfortable position for receiving the feet. The portable apparatus also includes a portable power source (not shown) for* connection by suitable leads to the lap and/or floor units either permanently or releasably by suitable plug or socket connectors. The apparatus is also advantageously provided with the control and timer apparatus described above with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. In this case the control and timer apparatus is associated with the portable power source. The aim of the apparatus of the invention is to pass the current safely and comfortably throughout the whole body from the forefingers to the toes and the use of electric stimulation in the form described, to treat dermatological and rheumatological diseases resulting from inflammation, those of auto-immune origin and diseases resulting from impaired peripheral circulation and oedema, provides a novel treatment for such diseases.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. Apparatus for treating the human body by means of electric stimulation, the apparatus comprising first electrode means shaped to provide a substantial area of engagement by the human hands, second electrode means shaped to provide a substantial area of engagement by the human feet, and an electrical supply means connectable with the first and second electrode means so as to thereby pass current through the body. 2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first electrode means is formed with a plurality of grooves for receiving a corresponding number of fingers. 3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the second electrode means is arranged to receive the front part of the human feet thereon. 4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the first electrode means is arranged to be located on or above the patient's lap and the second electrode means is arranged to be located on or above the floor such that the patient can use the apparatus when sitting in a conventional chair. 5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , 2 or 3 comprising support means for supporting and/or restraining the arms and/or legs of which the hands and/or feet are engaged with the electrode means. 6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the or each support means comprises a strap or a clip means. 7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , 2 , 3 , 5 or 6 , comprising a chair or like support means for supporting the patient during treatment . 8. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the electrical supply means is arranged to supply direct current in the range of 0-50 mamp at a voltage in the range of 0-36 v. from a rectified a.c. supply or from a battery. 9. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the electrical supply means comprises control means arranged to terminate the supply after a predetermined and preferably adjustable period. 10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the control means is arranged to provide a gradual reduction in the magnitude of the supply. 11. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the electrical supply means comprise an on/off rheostat switch for adjusting the magnitude of the current supply. 12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the rheostat switch is located adjacent the first electrode means, for manipulation by the hand located in said electrode means. 13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the rheostat switch is arranged for thumb adjustment. 14. A method of treating dermatological and rheumatological diseases of auto-immune origin, the method comprising passing a d.c. electric current through the human body. 15. A method of treating diseases resulting from inflammation, impaired peripheral circulation and oedema, the method comprising passing a d.c. current through the human body. 16. A method as claimed in claim 14 or 15, comprising passing the current between the hands and feet. 1 7. A method as claimed in claim 1 6 , wherein the electric current is passed from the patient' s fingers. 18. A method as claimed in claim 1 6 or 1 7 , wherein the current is passed from the patient' s toes . 19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14- 18, wherein the voltage of the d.c. supply is adjustably provided within the range 0-36 volts.

Inventors: FAKHRI OMAR, FAKHRI, OMAR
Applicants: FAKHRI OMAR, FAKHRI, OMAR
Application year: 1989
Main classification: A61N1
IPC codes: A61N1