Abstract:
The present disclosure includes rehabilitation devices for physical therapy for injuries, and more particularly to a rehabilitation device for rehabilitating certain injuries or pathological conditions of the lower extremities of the hip, knee, ankle, foot, upper leg, lower leg, or other area.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to, and benefit from, provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/817,159, entitled “Heel Guide and Support for Leg Injury Rehabilitation”, filed Apr. 29, 2013, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present disclosure is in the technical field of physical therapy. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to rehabilitation devices for physical therapy for leg injuries, and/or certain injuries or pathological conditions of the lower extremities such as the hip, knee, ankle, foot, upper leg, lower leg, or other areas. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    In the field of physical therapy, rehabilitation includes exercise, which may be difficult for the patient to execute. The nature of leg injuries also keeps a patient confined to a bed, chair or couch, where execution of exercises can be challenging. Compliance to an exercise regime is a constant challenge in field of physical therapy. 
         [0004]    The present disclosure generally describes a “slide” (therapy device), which is configured to guide and offer support for the heel during execution of certain exercises, as well as allow the appropriate amount of friction to allow the benefit of the exercise, without so much friction as to make the exercise too difficult. 
         [0005]    The therapy device and involved exercises would be considered to be used after certain injuries or pathological conditions of the lower extremity (hip, knee, ankle, foot, upper leg, lower leg) or a condition or injury where lower extremity mobility would be encouraged either in the recovery/rehabilitation process or in managing the condition. These conditions may include but not be limited to the following: pre and post-operative knee surgeries (such as anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions, total knee arthroplasty, etc.), hip conditions where lower extremity mobility would be encouraged (such as post-operative total hip arthroplasty, etc.), conditions of the knee where range of motion deficits are involved (such as arthrofibrosis, etc.), and any condition or injury of the lower extremity where lower extremity mobility is encouraged in the recovery process. This invention is to be used as prescribed by the involved physician, and/or physical therapist, and/or athletic trainer. 
         [0006]    The two major conditions could be aided by the device include post-operative anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, and post-operative total knee arthroplasty (TKA), which is a total knee replacement. Major tissues we are targeting with the flexion (bending) exercise: post-operative scar tissue, quadriceps muscle and tendon, knee joint capsule, and joint swelling. Major tissues targeted with the extension (straightening) exercise may include post-operative scar tissue, hamstring muscle and tendon, gastrocnemius muscle and tendon, knee joint capsule, and joint swelling, among many others. 
         [0007]    Other injuries/conditions that would benefit from this device and/or these exercises would be; any other lower extremity condition where knee and/or hip mobility would be beneficial. For example; femur fracture after car accident, other post-operative knee surgeries (menisectomy, meniscus repair, knee arthroscopy, tibial osteotomy), total hip arthroplasty, etc. 
         [0008]    The therapy device would be placed on a bed, floor, or even as a “bridge” between supports like a chair or couch cushion and table or ottoman. The patient would sit or otherwise contact one side of the therapy device, and the heel of the leg to be exercised on the therapy device. The patient would then slide the foot away from, then back toward the buttocks, thereby accomplishing a therapeutic exercise. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a therapeutic device according to an example. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a front view of an example therapy device. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a side view of an example therapy device, showing the patient and the potential use. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a side view a therapy device, showing its position as a “bridge”, according to an example. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a representation of a folding version of a therapy device, according to an example. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a representation of a 2 piece version of the therapy device, with an interlocking feature, according to an example. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a representation of the therapy device with a handle for carrying, according to an example. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a representation of the therapy device with a handle, according to an example. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a segment, according to an example. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a side view of a therapeutic device, according to an example. 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a therapy device in an operational configuration, according to an example. 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is a therapy device is a portable configuration, according to an example. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    Referring now to the invention in more detail, in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , there is shown a perspective view of a therapy device  100 , as well as a front view of the therapy device  100 . 
         [0022]    In more detail, still referring to  FIG. 1 , the therapy device  100  may include support portions  110 , as well as a patient contacting portion  104 , and a guide/surface portion  102 . Device  100  may have sufficient rigidity to support the weight of the foot and leg of a patient up to 400 pounds, while bridging a gap of generally 70% of the length of the therapy device between supporting structures. 
         [0023]    Therapy device  100  may be designed to have a length sufficient to accommodate the length of a leg fully extended of a patient, which may be about 36 inches, but may vary according to different designs. Also, the width of device  100  may be designed to be sufficient to accommodate the heel of a patient, aid in rigidity for the bridging function, and ease of handling. In an embodiment the width may be generally about 8″. Both length and width could be determined from anthropomorphic data around leg length and heel size, as well as some summative testing around the users, and may be varies for different patient types, etc. This could be accomplished with a single size, or with different sizes crafted for different patient populations, without straying from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. 
         [0024]    The construction of device  100  may be made of plastic or of any other sufficiently rigid or semi-rigid and strong material such as wood, metal, foam, and/or combinations thereof, and the like. These could be constructed with typical fabrication techniques, such as machining, casting, thermoforming, 3D printing, extruded, and/or injection molding and/or combinations thereof, but this disclosure is no limited in these respects. 
         [0025]    There is a patient contacting portion  104 , may be configured to contact the patient generally in the upper back portion of the leg, such as the upper thigh or buttocks. There is a support portion(s)  110 , which can contact two surfaces, and act as a “bridge” between two supports (not shown). Alternatively, contacting portion  104  may not contact a patient any or all of the time used for rehabilitation. Contacting portion may be a somewhat short distance away from the patient as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0026]    Device  100  also includes a guide portion/patient moving contacting portion/heel contacting portion  102 . Portion  102  may be designed to be of sufficient size, concavity, and depth to accommodate the heel, and to reduce the likelihood of the heel from slipping off the side of the therapy device  100 . Portion  102  may include a radius, as shown, or some other set of appropriate features, such as a raised railing on each side, or a single, heel sided radius in the device  100 . However, other configurations may be used and this disclosure is not limited in this respect. 
         [0027]    Portion  102  will be such that it will provide a “correct” amount of friction, which would likely be between a value of static and dynamic friction between 0.01 and 0.75; not so much as to make the exercise difficult, but not so little that the therapeutic benefit is reduced. This may vary for different patients, and for the different stages of rehabilitation/maintenance/exercise. 
         [0028]    The friction coefficient could either be adjusted through the selection of materials, the finish on the selected materials, or an addition of a second layer of material on top of a base material. This friction coefficient would be determined through patient testing and other methods. Also, the device can be offered with a number of different friction coefficients, which could yield further therapeutic benefit for different patient needs, as well as different stages of rehabilitation. 
         [0029]    An insert, pad or other device (not shown) may be placed between the patient and the device to vary the friction. This could be a sock, plastic, and/or other construction of pad. The pad may have a first side which may be configured to slidably couple or contact the therapeutic device. More than one pad may be included with the therapeutic device with differing dimensions and/or differing first sides to vary the friction coefficient and amount of force needed to move the patient&#39;s heel and/or lower leg along the therapeutic device. Different patients may need differing amounts of friction or force, and these pads may provide versatility. Also, as the patient progresses, there may be a need for differing friction and force as the rehabilitation progresses. 
         [0030]    The friction coefficient could either be adjusted through the selection of materials, the finish on the selected materials, an addition of a second layer of material on top of a base material, an insert that is configured to generally lay on top of the guide portion  102 . Furthermore, the friction could be adjusted with one or more inserts or other material placed between the foot of the patient and the device  100 . This could include different socks or pieces of material or any other insert placed between the patient and the device. Any other method or system for varying friction may be used. 
         [0031]    This correct friction coefficient would be determined through patient testing and other methods. Also, the device can be offered with a number of different friction coefficients, which could yield further therapeutic benefit for different patient needs, as well as different stages of rehabilitation. 
         [0032]      FIG. 5  depicts one example of a folding version of the device  500 . Therapy device  500  could include a hinge  520 , or interlocking feature that would allow the therapy device to either be folded, or split into two  530 ,  540  or more pieces, aiding in portability. 
         [0033]      FIG. 6  depicts one possible example of a two piece  620 ,  630  version of the device  600  with an interlock configuration  610 .  FIG. 7  depicts on possible example of the device  700  with a handle  710 . Other features such as a handle or grip could be incorporated, to aid in transport. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the support portion  110  of device  100  is shown generally being used on a flat surface,  340 , such as a floor or bed. The patient  310  is shown seated. The starting position for the foot and leg  320  is shown, as well as the finishing position for a typical exercise,  330 . The patient  310  would typically move or slide the foot from position  320  to  330 , on surface  102  to provide a therapeutic stretch, range of motion, and muscle benefit to the patient  310 . The therapy device  100  would yield the appropriate fiction for the exercise, as well as a guide for the correct execution of the exercise. This exercise is performed primarily to improve the knee flexion angle of the involved limb. 
         [0035]    The duration of holding the foot at position,  330 , where the therapeutic stretch is experienced, as well as the frequency, intensity, would all be determined by the involved physician, physical therapist, or athletic trainer. The leg may be assisted by the use of a towel, strap or rope that will assist in guiding the heel/foot and leg along the device,  100 . The device,  100 , would yield the appropriate friction for the exercise, as well as a guide for the correct execution of the exercise. The patient,  310 , would then return their foot to starting position,  320 , and repeat the exercise as directed by the involved physician, physical therapist, or athletic trainer prescribed. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the base portion of the invention,  110 , is shown in a “bridge” configuration. The right edge is shown on a support, such as a couch or chair,  410 . The patient,  310 , is shown as seated on the same support,  410 . The left edge of the base feature,  110 , is shown on a second support, such as an ottoman or coffee table or other support  430 . In this use case, the patient can perform the same typical exercise shown above while seated on a chair or couch, without moving to the floor, or to a bed, to support the therapy device. 
         [0037]    The advantages of this device may include, without limitation, portable and exceedingly easy to transport. It is will guide the execution of lower extremity rehabilitation exercises in an advantageous way. It will provide a “correct” amount of friction, not so much as to make the exercise difficult, but not so little that the therapeutic benefit is reduced, and could include features that allow variations in friction coefficient for targeted therapeutic benefit as well as different stages of rehabilitation, and/or different degrees of injury. It will give the patient the ability to execute the exercises while seated in bed, seated on a floor with typical coverings, such as carpet, tile, or wood, or on a couch with access to an ottoman, coffee table, or other secondary support. 
         [0038]    A method of treatment may include positioning a portion of a patient on the device  100 . Next the portion of the patient may be caused to be moved in one direction along guide portion  102 , where guide portion  102  may have a coefficient of friction to provide resistance enough to provide therapeutic benefit to the patent, but not so much as to inhibit rehabilitation. Next the portion of the patient may be caused to be moved in an opposite direction along guide portion  102 . The method of treatment may also include the treatment disclosed throughout this disclosure. 
         [0039]      FIG. 8  is an elevational view of an example therapeutic device  800 . Device  800  may include a guide portion  802 , patient contacting portion  804  and one or more handle portions  810 . Device  800  may be rigid or semi-rigid, such that is could bridge between two supports and provide support during use. Device  800  could also be relatively flexible and be used on a rigid surface such as a floor, bed, etc. 
         [0040]    Device  800  may be folded or rolled up. Device  800  may be portable such that a user may take it with them wherever they go. This may be an advantage in that it may be relatively easily transported and the user may not have to go to a clinic or other location to use a machine. This may make it more likely a user will accomplish the exercises needed for a more rapid recovery from the injury. This embodiment may be flexible and be able to be rolled or folded up for relatively easy transportation. 
         [0041]      FIG. 9  is a segment  905  according to an embodiment. Segment  905  may include a guide receiving portion  910 , and one or more stabilizer receiving portions  920 . Guide receiving portion  910  may be located generally adjacent, near or between stabilizer receiving portions  920 . guide receiving portion  910  is generally flat and is configured to receive and couple to a guide portion or a portion of a therapeutic device such as therapeutic device  800 . 
         [0042]    In this embodiment, stabilizer receiving portions  920  are generally circular or can be semi-circular or other configuration so as to receive stabilizers (not shown). Stabilizers may be configured to couple to stabilizer receiving portions  920  to increase stability of the device when one or more segments  905  are coupled together. 
         [0043]      FIG. 10  is a side view of a therapeutic device  900 , according to an embodiment. Therapeutic device  900  may include a plurality of segments  905 , a guide portion  930 , and one or more stabilizers  940 . In this embodiment guide portion  930  is configured to couple to guide receiving portion  910  of segment  905 . The plurality of segments  905  may be configured to couple to guide portion  930  adjacent each other, generally most or all of the length of guide portion  930 . Guide portion  930  may be similar to, or the same as, therapeutic device  800 . 
         [0044]    Guide portion  930  may be made of poly-vinyl chloride (PVC), or other material. Guide portion may be made with a coefficient of friction of generally in the range of 0.01 to 0.75. Furthermore, the friction may be varied or configured where the surface friction is sufficient to enhance rehabilitation of an injury. 
         [0045]    Guide portion  930  may couple to segments  905  via an interference or other type fit. Furthermore, guide portion  930  may couple to segments  905  via an adhesive, glue, heat weld, or other bonding method, and/or combinations thereof. Furthermore, segments  905  may be configured as a unitary device, or any other configuration or method of coupling. 
         [0046]    Stabilizers  940  may be generally cylindrical and rigid, and may be configured generally similar to tent poles in that they may have segments coupled by a flexible cord. However, other configurations for stabilizers may be used such that the generally stabilize the device for operational use. With this configuration, the stabilizers  940  may be taken apart and stored in a shorter length area than when extended. 
         [0047]    In this embodiment, stabilizer receiving portions  920  are generally circular, and may extend at least a portion of the complete circle to couple to stabilizers  940 . Furthermore, stabilizer receiving portions  920  may be made of a rigid configuration, and may couple together to increase the stability of the device  900 , such that other stabilizers may not be needed. It will be appreciated that other configurations for stabilizer receiving portions  920  and stabilizers  940  may be used without straying from the scope of this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited to the designs or configurations for the stabilizer receiving portions  920  and/or the stabilizers  940 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a therapeutic device in an operational configuration, according to an embodiment. As shown device  900  may include one or more segments  905 , a guide portion  930 , one or more stabilizers  940 , and a handle portion  960 . In this embodiment, segments  905  are generally adjacent each other so as to line up the guide receiving portion  910  of each segment. segments  905  may be coupled to each other via guide portion  930 . Alternatively, segments  905  may be coupled via a similar plastic such that they can fold with respect to each other to reduce the length of device  900  from the operational configuration. 
         [0049]    Device  900  and/or guide portion  930  may include a handle portion  960 . Handle portion may be configured to allow gripping by a user for generally easier transport of the therapeutic device. 
         [0050]    After removing stabilizers  940 , device  900  may be folded up toward handle portion  960 . This may reduce the length of device  900  for relatively easier transportation in a portable configuration. Stabilizers may be disassembled and both may be stored in a bag or other container to reduce the size and increase the ease of transportation. 
         [0051]      FIG. 12  shows a therapeutic device  900  in a portable configuration, according to an embodiment. As shown segments  905  may be folded with respect to each other to reduce the length from the operation configuration of  FIG. 11 , to the portable configuration of  FIG. 12 . 
         [0052]    Device  900  may include a generally flexible guide portion  930  couples to the segments, such that the device  900  is capable of being folded or rolled up to reduce the length of the device  900 , for generally easier transport of the therapeutic device  900 . 
         [0053]    The construction of device  900 , or any portion of device  900  may be made of plastic or of any other sufficiently rigid or semi-rigid and strong material such as wood, metal, foam, and/or combinations thereof, and the like. These could be constructed with typical fabrication techniques, such as machining, casting, thermoforming, 3D printing, extruded, and/or injection molding and/or combinations thereof, but this disclosure is no limited in these respects. 
         [0054]    The above description and associated figures teach the best mode. The following claims specify the scope of the invention. Note that some aspects of the best mode may not fall within the scope of the invention as specified by the claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described above can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the embodiments. As a result, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, but only by the following claims and their equivalents.