Patent Publication Number: US-8983596-B2

Title: Electro-optical tissue stimulator and method of use

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application entitled “ELECTRO-OPTICAL TISSUE STIMULATOR AND METHOD OF USE,” Ser. No. 12/902,772, filed Oct. 12, 2010, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled “ELECTRO-OPTICAL TISSUE STIMULATOR AND METHOD OF USE,” Ser. No. 61/255,574 filed Oct. 28, 2009, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated entirely herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     This invention relates generally to devices used for alleviating pain in the body and more particularly to the use of electrical current, optical radiation, and myofascial tissue pressure for the reduction of pain. 
     2. State of the Art 
     Methods for reducing pain in the body are in constant demand. Pain in the body can be acute or chronic as a result of injury, disease, surgery, physical overexertion, or often of unknown origin. Common treatments for pain can include physical therapy, surgery, or drugs. Drugs mask or block the feeling of pain and allow the person to function pain-free. Aspirin and other pain-relief drugs are a common source of relief of pain. If the pain cannot be relieved through the use of over-the-counter drugs, the person experiencing the pain can resort to prescribed stronger drugs. Other medical treatments which can be used to alleviate pain by masking or blocking the pain signal include treatments such as epidurals, nerve blocks, trigger point injections, and nerve ablations. Pain relief drugs and pain-blocking surgery may or may not be effective and are not preferred solutions due to the fact that they do not eliminate the pain but instead block or mask the pain signal. The bodily condition which is the source of the pain remains unchanged even though the pain may have been relieved. 
     If the source of the sense of pain can be identified and is correctable by surgery, then surgical relief can be used to fix the problem and relieve the pain. In many cases, however, the source of pain cannot be fixed by surgery or cannot be identified at all. Surgery itself has its risks and is not a preferred treatment for pain if other treatments are available. 
     Various types of physical therapy have been developed in an attempt to eliminate pain in the body. Physical therapy is preferred by some individuals because it does not necessarily involve the use of drugs, is non-surgical, and does not block the pain signal but instead tries to help the body heal itself and fix the tissue generating the pain, which results in a reduction or elimination of the pain. Physical therapy has many forms, depending on the type and placement of the pain, but can include exercise, stretching, heat or cold therapy, and muscle massage. It is believed by some that delivering transcutaneous energy in the form of optical radiation or electrical current may have therapeutic benefits to the body, particularly to alleviate pain. In addition, myofascial tissue release therapy, which is a method of soft tissue massage which acts on the fascia, a web in the body which interconnects muscles, tissues, and organs, may help reduce musculo-skeletal pain. These types of therapy are usually administered separately, often by a doctor or therapist. Thus while these techniques are safe and suitable for home use and administration the need of a specialist often renders home application impractical or unaffordable. Further, successful results often depend upon frequent treatments. Accordingly, it is desirable to have a device for administering these types of therapy at home without the need for a specialist. It is also desirable to have a single device which can provide all of these types of therapy in one device. 
     Hence a novel device is described which can provide multiple forms of pain relief therapy in a single device, especially microcurrent electrostimulation therapy, optical radiation therapy, and myofascial tissue release therapy. This device can be used by a doctor, a therapist, or the individual desiring treatment, at a treatment center or at home. A method of using the device is described which provides pain relief benefits from multiple types of therapy. 
     DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to methods for relieving bodily pain, and more specifically to the use of electrical current, optical radiation, and myofascial tissue pressure for the reduction of pain. An electro-optical tissue stimulation device for administering therapy to a body is disclosed which includes a housing and an active tip. The device includes a microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit which delivers current through a first and a second electrode mounted in the active tip. The device also includes an optical radiation therapy unit which delivers optical radiation through a light output port mounted in the active tip. The active tip is shaped for administering myofascial tissue release therapy to a body. The electro-optical tissue stimulation device includes an output level adjustor which allows independent adjustment of both the electrical current level delivered by the microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit and the optical radiation level delivered by the optical radiation therapy unit. The device can administer microcurrent electrostimulation therapy, optical radiation therapy, and myofascial tissue release therapy to tissues of the body. These three types of therapy can be delivered simultaneously, individually or in pairs. In some embodiments the device includes a wavelength adjustor which adjusts the wavelength of the optical radiation delivered by the optical radiation therapy unit. In some embodiments the device includes an electrical current duty cycle adjustor. In some embodiments the device includes an optical radiation duty cycle adjustor. In some embodiments the electro-optical tissue stimulator includes an electrical current duty cycle adjustor. In some embodiments the light output port is positioned between the first and the second electrode. In some embodiments the device includes an output phase adjustor. 
     A method of treating pain is disclosed which comprises the steps of identifying a treatment area on a body to receive electro-optical tissue stimulation therapy and activating an electro-optical tissue stimulator, wherein the electro-optical tissue stimulator comprises an active tip. The method also includes contacting a test area of the body with the active tip, wherein the test area of the body is not a part of the treatment area of the body. The method also includes the step of setting the power output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator to a level where the test area of the body begins to feel a tingling sensation in response to contact by the active tip. The method further comprises contacting the treatment area with the active tip, wherein the treatment area receives microcurrent electrostimulation therapy, optical radiation therapy, and myofascial tissue release therapy in response to contact by the active tip. Some embodiments of the method of treating pain include the step of setting the wavelength of the optical radiation output of the electro-optical tissue stimulator. Some embodiments of the method include setting the output duty cycle of the optical radiation delivered by the electro-optical tissue stimulator. Some embodiments of the method include setting the output duty cycle of the electrical current delivered by the electro-optical tissue stimulator. Some embodiments of the method of treating pain include the step of setting the relative phase of the optical radiation and the electrical current delivered by the electro-optical tissue stimulator. Some embodiments include the steps of recording and/or testing a level of disability, pain, flexibility, range of motion, or mobility before administering therapy. Some embodiment include the steps or recording and/or testing a level of disability, pain, flexibility, range of motion, or mobility after administering therapy. Some embodiments include the steps of measuring the effectiveness of treatment using the data from before and after testing. Some embodiments of this method of treating pain include applying a conductive gel to the treatment area before contact with the active trip. 
     A method of administering therapy to a body is disclosed which includes the steps of identifying a treatment area of a body to receive therapy from an electro-optical tissue stimulator, wherein the electro-optical tissue stimulator comprises an active tip, and determining the desired optical radiation output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator. The method of administering therapy to a body also includes the steps of determining the desired electrical current output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator, and setting the optical radiation output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator to the desired optical radiation output level. The method of administering therapy to a body includes the step of administering myofascial tissue release therapy to the treatment area using the active tip, wherein the treatment area receives microcurrent electrostimulation therapy, optical radiation therapy, and myofascial tissue release therapy in response to administering myofascial tissue release therapy with the active tip. In some embodiments the method includes the step of setting the electrical current output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator to the desired electrical current output level. In some embodiments other forms of therapy are administered with the active tip. In some embodiments of the method for administering therapy to a body according to the invention, the step of determining the desired optical radiation output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator further includes the steps of setting the electrical current output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator to zero, contacting a test area of the body with the active tip, wherein the test area is not included in the treatment area, and adjusting the optical radiation output level until the desired optical radiation output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator is determined, wherein the desired optical radiation output level is that level where a tingling sensation is beginning to be felt in the test area in response to the test area receiving optical radiation from the active tip. In some embodiments of the method for administering therapy to a body according to the invention, the step of determining the desired electrical current output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator further includes the steps of setting the optical radiation output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator to zero, contacting a test area of the body with the active tip, wherein the test area is not included in the treatment area, and adjusting the electrical current output level until the desired electrical current output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator is determined, wherein the desired electrical current output level is that level where a tingling sensation is beginning to be felt in the test area in response to the test area receiving electrical current from the active tip 
     A method of conducting business is disclosed comprising the steps of developing techniques for administering therapy utilizing an electro-optical tissue stimulator, marketing the electro-optical tissue stimulator, and selling the electro-optical tissue stimulator to doctors. This method can include selling the electro-optical tissue stimulator to patients. In some embodiments this business method includes designing an electro-optical tissue stimulator. In some embodiments manufacturing an electro-optical tissue stimulator is included. 
     The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a front end view of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating components of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of person  156  administering therapy to a portion of body  158  using electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  shows a cross-section of treatment area  160  illustrating how active tip  118  of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  according to the invention delivers microcurrent electrostimulation therapy, optical radiation therapy, and myofascial tissue release therapy to tissue  166  according to the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of a pattern of motion  172  of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  across skin  162  of treatment area  160  which can be used in administering therapy using electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  according to the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of a pattern of motion  173  of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  across skin  162  of treatment area  160  which can be used in administering therapy using electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  according to the invention. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates method of treating pain  310  according to the invention. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates method of administering therapy  340  according to the invention. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates method of conducting business  270  according to the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods to relieve pain in the body, and more specifically to methods for reducing pain using electrical stimulation, optical radiation, or myofascial tissue pressure. 
       FIG. 1  through  FIG. 4  show various views of one embodiment of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  according to the invention, which is capable of administering multiple types of pain-relief therapy to tissues of the body, including microcurrent electrostimulation therapy, optical radiation therapy, and myofascial tissue release therapy.  FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  according to the invention.  FIG. 2  shows a front end view of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  of  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 3  shows a side view of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  of  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 4  shows a bottom view of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  of  FIG. 1 . Electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  delivers transcutaneous energy in the form of optical radiation, electrical current, and myofascial tissue pressure to portions of the body for the purpose of relieving pain. Electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  is often battery-powered and hand-held. Electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  has active tip  118  on one end for delivering multiple forms of therapy by placing tip  118  on the skin of a subject or patient and delivering therapy using one or all of the multiple types of therapy that electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  is capable of administering. Electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  stimulates bodily tissues with electrical current and optical radiation and myofascial tissue pressure. These types of tissue stimulation facilitate the body&#39;s own ability to repair and heal, which can often result in pain reduction, increased range of motion, and increased mobility. Electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  can be used on chronic intractable pain of musculo-skeletal origin and post-traumatic and post-surgical pain. Electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  does not block pain, but reduces pain by helping the bodily tissues heal. Electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  provides the ability to administer these various forms of therapy individually or in combinations or simultaneously, increasing the treatment options available. Therapy can be administered by a doctor or professional therapist using electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  or by the patient themselves. Electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  can often be used by the patient themselves at the doctor&#39;s office or at the patient&#39;s home. 
       FIG. 5  shows a block diagram of some of the components of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 .  FIG. 6  shows electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  being used by person  156  on treatment area  160  of body  158 .  FIG. 7  is a cross section of treatment area  160  of body  158  illustrating how active tip  118  of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  administers transcutaneous current  135 , optical radiation  122 , and myofascial tissue release pressure  148  for the purpose of providing pain relief therapy to tissues  166 .  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9  show patterns of movement of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  over treatment area  160  which can be used with the disclosed method of treatment to administer therapy to treatment area  160 .  FIG. 10  shows a method of treating pain according to the invention using electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 .  FIG. 11  shows a method of administering therapy according to the invention, and  FIG. 12  shows a method of conducting business according to the invention. 
     Electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  according to the invention as shown in  FIGS. 1-4  includes housing  112  and active tip  118 . In this embodiment housing  112  contains the components of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  shown in  FIG. 5 . Optional components of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  are shown in dashed lines in  FIG. 5 . The dot-dash line in  FIG. 5  separates active tip  18  from the remainder of housing  112 . Active tip  118  is the portion of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  which contacts skin  162  to deliver therapy or treatment. In this embodiment the components within electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  include microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit  129 , and optical radiation therapy unit  149 . In some embodiments other components and therapy devices are included in electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 . In some embodiments an ultrasound therapy unit is included. In other embodiments a heat therapy unit is included in electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 . Any of numerous devices and units can be included in electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  that are consistent with the bodily therapy use of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 . 
     Microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit  129  includes microcurrent controller  137 , microcurrent source  130 , and contact electrodes  132  and  134 . Contact electrodes  132  and  134  reside on the outer surface of active tip  118  so they can simultaneously contact skin  162 . Microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit  129  delivers electrical current  135  through first electrode  132  and second electrode  134  mounted in active tip  118 . Electrodes  132  and  134  deliver current  135  to body tissue  166  when electrodes  132  and  134  are in an activated state (receiving power) and in contact with skin  162  of body  158  (see  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 ). In this embodiment electrodes  132  and  134  are on flat face  140  of active tip  118 , with distance D 2  between them (see  FIG. 2 ). In this embodiment electrodes  132  and  134  are made of stainless steel. In some embodiments electrodes  132  and  134  are made of other conductive materials. More details of microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit  129  will be provided shortly. 
     Optical radiation therapy unit  149  includes optical radiation controller  152 , optical radiation source  150 , and light output port  120 . When optical radiation source  150  is powered it emits (delivers) optical radiation  122  (also referred to as light beam  122 ), through light output port  120 . Optical radiation  122  delivered through light output port  120  can subsequently impinge skin  162 . Light output port  120  is, in this particular embodiment, in active tip  118  between electrodes  132  and  134  (see  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 ). Optical radiation therapy unit  149  delivers optical radiation  122  through light output port  120  mounted in active tip  118 . In this embodiment electrodes  132  and  134  and light output port  120  are positioned so that current  135  and optical radiation  122  are incident on the same or overlapping portions of skin  162 . In this way the portion of treatment area  160  which receives microcurrent electrostimulation therapy overlaps the portion of treatment area  160  which receives optical radiation therapy. In some embodiments of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  electrodes  132  and  134  and light output port  120  are positioned such that current  135  and optical radiation  122  are incident on non-overlapping portions of skin  162 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 4 , optical radiation source  150  is a single red laser diode which makes optical radiation  122  a red laser beam. Optical radiation source  150  can be many different types, as will be described later. Optical radiation source  150  can, in some embodiments, be composed of multiple light emitting devices. More details of optical radiation therapy unit  149  will be provided shortly. 
     Myofascial tissue release therapy is administered using flat face  140  and pointed area  145  of active tip  118  (see  FIG. 3 ) Flat face  140  and pointed area  145  of active tip  118  are shaped to administer myofascial tissue release therapy by applying pressure  148  to skin  162  and underlying tissue  166 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . More details of myofascial tissue release therapy provided by active tip  118  will be provided shortly. 
     Electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  comprising microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit  129  and optical radiation therapy unit  149  is powered in this embodiment by battery  128 . In some embodiments electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  may not be battery-powered. Some embodiments of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  may include therapy units which require more power than that deliverable by a battery. Some embodiments of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  may be designed to deliver power levels of microcurrent electrostimulation or optical radiation which cannot be supplied by battery power. For these embodiments electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  can receive wall plug power. While it is desirable to have electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  be battery-powered for ease of use and portability, embodiments of the invention disclosed herein can be wall-plug-powered or powered by other power sources. Whether electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  is battery powered or wall-plug-powered or otherwise powered, housing  112  should be small enough for therapy to be administered manually. 
     Electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  includes on/off switch  114 , which in this embodiment turns power on and off to both microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit  129  and optical radiation therapy unit  149 . Tuning power on is also referred to as ‘activating’ in this document. On/off switch  114  is used to activate electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 , which in this embodiment activates—or turns power on to—both microcurrent electrostimulation unit  129  and optical radiation therapy unit  149 . In some embodiments electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  includes other powered therapy units which have their power turned on and off using power switch  114 . In some embodiments microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit  129  and optical radiation therapy unite  149  have their own individual power switches so that they can be activated, or turned on and off, separately from each other. A feature of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  is that it can provide different forms of therapy together or separately. This allows the type of therapy administered to be tailored to the needs of the specific condition being treated. 
     Electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  includes output level adjustor  116  mounted in housing  112 . In this embodiment output level adjustor  116  is mounted in recess  119  of housing  112 . Output level adjustor  116  is positioned in recess  119  to minimize accidental engagement with output level adjustor  116  during treatment. Output level adjustor  116  adjusts the level of optical radiation  122  and electrical current  135  delivered (output) by electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 . Output level adjustor  116  is used to set, or adjust, the power output level of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 , where the power output level includes the level of optical radiation  122  and the level of electrical current  135  that is output, or delivered, by electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 . In this embodiment output level adjustor  116  adjusts the output level of both microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit  129  and optical radiation therapy unit  149  simultaneously. Output level adjustor  116  adjusts the electrical current output level of current  135  delivered by electrodes  132  and  134  higher and lower as output level adjustor  116  is adjusted higher and lower respectively. Output level adjustor  116  adjusts the optical radiation output level of light beam  122  higher and lower as output level adjustor  116  is adjusted higher and lower respectively. In some embodiments microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit  129  and optical radiation therapy unit  149  have their own individual output level adjustment switches. In a particular embodiment output level adjustor  116  includes electrical current output level adjustor  117 , which allows independent adjustment of the level of electrical current  135  delivered by microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit  129 , and optical radiation output level adjustor  115 , which allows independent adjustment of the level of optical radiation  122  delivered by optical radiation therapy unit  149 . Electrical current output level adjustor  117  of output level adjustor  116  allows the level of electrical current  135  to be adjusted up or down without affecting the level of optical radiation  122 . Optical radiation output level adjustor  115  of output level adjustor  116  allows the level of optical radiation  122  to be adjusted up or down without affecting the level of electrical current  135 . In some embodiments electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  includes other powered therapy units which may have their own power output level switch or may share power output level adjustor  116 . 
     Microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit  129  provides pain relief by passing low levels of electrical current through body tissue  166 , which stimulates tissue growth and repair, resulting in a reduction of pain. Microcurrent electrostimulation as used here is sometimes referred to by different names in literature. The term microcurrent electrostimulation as used here includes the forms of therapy referred to as micro-current electrical biostimulation, transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation, micro-current electrical stimulation, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, among others. In general this type of therapy delivers transcutaneous energy in the form of electrical current to the tissues of the body as a remedial treatment, usually for the reduction of pain. Transcutaneous means “through the skin”. As shown in  FIG. 7 , current  135  is administered to body tissue  166  by passing through skin  162  into tissue  166 . No surgery or cutting of skin  162  is involved. 
     Current  135  is provided by microcurrent source  130 , which is controlled by microcurrent controller  137  as shown in  FIG. 5 . Microcurrent source  130 , when activated by turning power switch  114  to the ‘on’ state, energizes (or makes active, turns on) electrodes  132  and  134  in active tip  118 . When electrodes  132  and  134  are energized and come into contact with skin  162 , current  135  passes through skin  162  and into tissue  166 , following the electrical circuit path between electrode  132  and  134 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . In this way microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit  129  delivers electrical current  135  through first electrode  132  and second electrode  134  mounted in active tip  118 . Tissue  166  responds favorably to current  135  passing through it. The benefits have been shown to include reduction of pain in tissue  166 . There are many possible specific circuit implementations of microcurrent source  130  and microcurrent controller  137 , which can result in different specific implementations of microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit  129 . 
     The amount of current  135  delivered (output) by microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit  129  is referred to as the electrical current output level or current output level. The current output level is generally less than one amp, typically in the microamp range. In some embodiments the current is about 10 microamps. In some embodiments the current is about 1000 microamps. In a specific embodiment the current is about 6 milliamps. Current  135  can be a direct current (DC) or an alternating current (AC). Current  135  can alternate at many different frequencies. In some embodiments electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  includes an electrical current frequency adjustor, which is an apparatus which allows the frequency of current  135  delivered by microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit  129  to be adjusted within a range of available frequencies. In some embodiments the frequency range used is from 10 kilohertz (KHz) to 19 KHz. 
     Current  135  can also be pulse-width modulated (pwm), which means the current will alternate between being “on” and being “off” at a specific frequency. The frequency used for pwm of current  135  can vary depending on the specific implementation and the type of therapy desired as is known in the art. In some embodiments electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  includes electrical current duty cycle adjustor  136 , which adjusts the duty cycle, or relative time the current is “on” compared to the relative time the current is “off” of microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit  129 . Pulsing current  135  at different duty cycles can be used to provide treatment to specific types of tissues  166  as desired. Electrical current duty cycle adjustor  136  is used to set the output duty cycle of electrical current  135  that is delivered by electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 . 
     Any of the various specific circuit implementations known in the art to provide microcurrent electrostimulation can be used in this invention, provided it can be implemented in a hand-held device. Electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  is held manually against skin  162  of body  158  as shown in  FIG. 6 . Microcurrent electrical stimulation therapy is administered in response to microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit  129  of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  being activated, and active tip  118  being held against skin  162 . Skin  162  completes the electrical circuit between electrode  132  and  134 , which allows current  135  to pass through tissue  166 . In this way treatment area  160  receives microcurrent electrostimulation therapy in response to microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit  129  being activated and contact being made by active tip  118  to treatment area  160 .  FIG. 6  shows person  156  administering therapy to themselves using electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 . In some embodiments another individual, who can be a doctor or therapist, for example, can administer therapy to treatment area  160  of person  156 . It should be understood that electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  can be used by either the individual desiring therapy or by another person to deliver therapy to treatment area  160  of person  156 .  FIG. 6  shows a specific embodiment of treatment area  160  on the upper shoulder area of body  158 . It is to be understood that treatment area  160  can be any size or shape and have any placement on body  158 , depending on the specifics of the condition to be treated. 
     Pain reduction occurs in the area of tissue  166  which receives current  135  from active tip  118 . Output level adjustor  116  adjusts the level of current  135  up and down, which adjusts the level of current  135  received by tissues  166  up or down accordingly. It has been found that for best pain relief results the current level should be adjusted high enough for the tissues to be affected, but not high enough to cause trauma or damage to the tissue with the electrical current. The method developed according to the invention for treating pain and administering microcurrent electrostimulation therapy is to activate microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit  129  of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  and then contact a test area of the body with active tip  118 . The test area should be an area of the body that is not included in treatment area  160 . The electrical current output level should be adjusted using power output level adjustor  116  to the lowest level where a tingling sensation can be felt in the test area in response to contact from active tip  118  and current  135  passing through tissues in the test area. The electrical current output level that just begins to create a tingling sensation in the test area is the desired electrical current output level for providing microcurrent electrostimulation therapy to treatment area  160 . The desired electrical current output level is used to provide microcurrent electrostimulation therapy to treatment area  160 . 
     The size of the area experiencing pain reduction due to microcurrent stimulation is related to the size of the area of tissue  166  receiving current  135 . The geometry of electrodes  132  and  134  impacts the size of the area of tissue  166  receiving current  135 , see  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 7 . When electrodes  132  and  134  are moved closer together such that the distance D 2  between them is reduced, current  135  passes through a smaller area of tissue  166  when passing from one electrode to another, thus limiting the size of the area of tissue  166  receiving current  135 . As the distance between electrode  132  and  135  gets larger, current  135  passes through a larger area of tissue  166  to get from one electrode to another, thereby increasing the size of the area of tissue  166  receiving current  135 , which increases the size of the area of tissue receiving pain-reduction therapy. The size of the area of tissue  166  receiving pain-reduction therapy increases and decreases as the distance from electrode  132  and electrode  134  increases and decreases, respectively. 
     In this specific embodiment electrodes  132  and  134  are approximately ¼ inch apart. In some embodiments distance D 2  between electrodes  132  and  134  is larger. In other embodiments distance D 2  between electrodes  132  and  134  is smaller. Typically the distance D 2  between electrodes  132  and  134  is between 1/16 inch and 2 inches. The distance D 2  between electrode  132  and  134  is limited in some embodiments because electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  is hand-held for manual administration of therapy. Making distance D 2  too large would cause an undesirable increase in the size of housing  112 . It is envisioned, however, that some embodiments of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  would have remote electrodes  132  and  134 . These remote electrodes  132  and  134  would be electrically connected to electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  and microcurrent source  130  via wires. This would allow electrodes  132  and  134  to be spaced a larger distance D 2  from each other on skin  162 , thus creating a larger size area of tissue  166  receiving current  135 . In these embodiments distance D 2  between electrodes  132  and  134  can be much larger, 12 inches, for example. 
     Treatment area  160  often has an area of skin  162  and underlying tissue  166  which is larger than the area which can be treated by current  135  when electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  is held stationery on skin  162 . The disclosed invention includes a method of covering the entire treatment area  160  by systematically moving active tip  118  over skin  162 . This is illustrated in  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9  show treatment area  160  which is an area of skin  162  covering tissue  166  on body  158 , and two patterns of motion  172  and  173  which can be used to administer therapy to the complete treatment area  160 . With electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  turned on, active tip  118  is placed against skin  162  as shown in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 . Active tip is placed at position A of treatment area  160  as shown in  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 . Active tip  118  can then be moved across skin  162  in a pattern of motion  172  or  173  of  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9  until position B is reached. The patterns of motion  172  and  173  can be thought of as “painting” treatment area  162  with current  135 , with a goal of covering all of treatment area  162  with current  135 .  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9  show particular patterns of motion  172  and  173  of active tip  118  over skin  162 . Many different patterns of motion are possible. In some embodiments diagonal patterns are used. In some embodiments circular patterns are used. It is to be understood that patterns are used which cover treatment area  160  and underlying tissue  166  with current  135  until the complete treatment area  160  is pain-free. In some embodiments a conductive gel is placed over skin  162  to enhance conductivity of current  135  from electrodes  132  and  134  to tissue  166  and to enhance movement of active tip  118  over skin  162 . 
     Optical radiation therapy unit  149  provides pain relief by bathing tissue  166  with a low level of optical radiation  122 . Optical radiation has been shown to reduce pain in tissues receiving the optical radiation. Optical radiation therapy as used here includes forms of therapy referred to as low level laser therapy, cold laser therapy, soft laser therapy, low energy laser therapy, and light therapy. Optical radiation therapy uses a level of optical radiation which is athermic, which means it is too low to cause tissue heating. Optical radiation therapy as discussed here does not involve tissue destruction, cauterization, vaporization, coagulation, or ablation. 
     Optical radiation therapy administers transcutaneous energy in the form of light to tissues of the body for remedial treatment, typically for pain reduction. Optical radiation therapy unit  149  delivers optical radiation  122  through light output port  120  mounted in active tip  118 . Optical energy in the form of optical radiation  122  passes through skin  162  to tissue  166 . Tissue  166  responds favorably to optical radiation  122 , and the sensation of pain in tissue  166  is reduced. 
     In this embodiment optical radiation  122  is created by optical radiation source  150  and controlled by optical radiation controller  152 , powered by battery  128 . On/off switch  114  turns power on and off to optical radiation source  150 , which in turn switches light beam  122  on and off, respectively. Optical radiation source  150  is on and optical radiation  122  is exiting light output port  120  when optical radiation therapy unit  149  is activated, or turned on. Optical radiation  122  passes through light output port  120  in active tip  118  and impinges on skin  162 . Optical radiation  122  passes through skin  162  to tissue  166 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . Optical radiation  122  passes some depth into tissue  166  before dissipating by absorption and scattering. The depth which optical radiation  122  reaches into tissue  166  is dependent on the power level of optical radiation  122 , as well as the wavelength of optical radiation  122  and the specific type and property of tissue  166  being treated. In this way optical radiation therapy unit  149  delivers optical radiation  122  through light output port  120  mounted in active tip  118 . 
     Output level adjustor  116  is used for adjusting the optical radiation power output level (also referred to as the optical radiation output level) of light beam  122  in this embodiment of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 . In this embodiment output level adjustor  116  and on/off switch  114  are used for both microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit  129  for turning on and off and adjusting the electrical current output level of current  135  and optical radiation therapy unit  149  for turning on and off and adjusting the optical radiation output level of light beam  122 . In some embodiments optical radiation  122  and current  135  are controlled by separate on/off switches. In some embodiments the output power of optical radiation  122  and electrical current  135  are adjusted independently using power level adjustors  115  and  117 . 
     There are many specific embodiments of circuit implementations for optical radiation controller  152  and optical radiation source  150  known in the art, which can be used to create specific embodiments of optical radiation therapy unit  149 . Optical radiation source  150  can be one or more than one light emitting device of any type. Typically optical radiation source  150  is either a laser diode or a light emitting diode. In this specific embodiment optical radiation source  150  is a single red laser diode emitting light at 770 nanometers (nm) with an emission range of plus or minus 10 nm. In some embodiments optical radiation source  150  comprises multiple light emitting devices. These multiple light emitting devices can have the same optical properties, or they can have similar optical properties, or they can have different optical properties. 
     Optical radiation  122  emitted by optical radiation source  150  can have many different properties as known in the art for light emitting devices. Optical radiation  122  emitted by optical radiation source  150  is characterized by the optical radiation output power level of optical radiation  122 , and the specific characteristics of light which makes up optical radiation  122  such as whether the light is monochromatic or non-monochromatic, the color of the light, which is defined by the peak wavelength and wavelength range emitted, directionality of the light, divergence of the light, and coherence of the light. The specifics of optical radiation  122  are chosen based on the specific type of therapy to be provided with electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 . Many different embodiments of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  are possible which cover the range of possible characteristics of optical radiation  122 . Optical radiation  122  can be composed of multiple light beams from multiple light emitting devices. These multiple light beams from multiple light emitting devices can have the same optical properties, or they can have similar optical properties, or they can have different optical properties 
     Optical radiation  122  can be monochromatic, which means it is composed of a very small range of wavelengths of light. Lasers are often monochromatic, having a small bandwidth (width of the range of wavelengths being emitted). In this specific embodiment optical radiation  122  is monochromatic from optical radiation source  150  which is a red laser diode. In some embodiments optical radiation  122  is composed of monochromatic light emitted from a monochromatic light source which is a part of optical radiation source  150 , and non-monochromatic light emitted from a non-monochromatic light source which is also part of optical radiation source  150 . In some embodiments optical radiation source  150  includes multiple light sources, some of which are monochromatic and some of which are non-monochromatic. 
     Optical radiation  122  is non-monochromatic in some embodiments, having a wide bandwidth, which means a wide range of emitted light wavelengths. Light emitting diodes (LEDs) typically emit a wide range of wavelengths of light. Optical radiation  122  can be composed of more than one light beam, where the individual light beams can each be monochromatic or non-monochromatic. 
     The peak wavelength of optical radiation  122  can vary among those known in the art. The peak wavelength usually defines the color of emitted light. Some common wavelengths used are red or near-infrared in color, with peak wavelengths ranging from 632.8 nm when a helium-neon laser is used, to 660 and 670 nm for other laser diodes, and 810 nm which is emitted from a gallium aluminum arsenide (GaAlAs) semiconductor laser. A common range of wavelengths to use for optical radiation therapy is 735 to 780 nm. A light emitting device with any one or more than one of these peak wavelengths or wavelength ranges can be used as optical radiation source  150  in electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  according to the invention. 
     Other wavelength and wavelength ranges are also possible for use in embodiments of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  according to the invention. Lasers, laser diodes, and LEDs are available which emit light in the ultraviolet spectrum (wavelengths smaller than 400 nm), the blue spectral range (wavelengths around 440 nm), the green spectral range (wavelengths around 540 nm) and other colors and ranges in between. The wavelength of optical radiation  122  is chosen based on the type of treatment needed, the type of tissue to be treated, and the power level desired. Optical radiation  122  can have a wavelength spectrum with multiple peaks, as when optical radiation  122  is composed of light beams from multiple optical radiation sources  150 , and each source has a different peak wavelength. These different wavelengths can be used to administer different types of treatment, for example. 
     In some embodiments of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  according to the invention, electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  includes wavelength adjustor  154 . Wavelength adjustor  154  is included with some embodiments of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  in which optical radiation source  150  can emit different wavelengths of light, and the particular wavelength of light emitted is adjustable. In this case wavelength adjustor  154  adjusts the wavelength of light emitted by electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 . Wavelength adjustor  154  is used to set the wavelength of optical radiation  122  delivered by electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 . 
     The level of benefit obtained from optical radiation therapy unit  149  can depend on the level of absorption of optical radiation  122  by tissue  166 . Higher levels of absorption lead to increased pain reduction. Some particular types of tissue absorb specific wavelength more or less than other wavelengths, and so the wavelength chosen for optical radiation  122  can depend on the type of tissue to be treated. Additionally, the power consumed by optical radiation source  150  can depend on the specific wavelengths of light emitted. Wavelengths in the blue and green spectral ranges typically require higher power consumed by optical radiation source  150 . For battery powered devices, therefore, the red and near-infrared spectral ranges are often used. 
     Optical radiation  122  can be directional or non-directional, which refers to the extent to which optical radiation  122  diverges after it leaves light output port  120 . The amount of divergence of optical radiation  122  determines how wide an area of skin  162  optical radiation  122  covers. Lasers often emit directional light, for example, resulting in a small area of skin  162  covered by optical radiation  122 . Optical radiation  122  emitted from a laser, as in this embodiment where optical radiation  122  is from a red laser diode, is typically a narrow beam several mm to 10 to 20 mm in diameter, and does not get much larger (diverge) as optical radiation  122  travels away from active tip  118 . This means that the size of the area of skin  162  and tissue  166  radiated by optical radiation  122  from a laser is relatively small in size. LEDs emit light that is less directional. Optical radiation  122  that is emitted from an LED will diverge after exiting light output port  120 , which means that a larger area of skin  162  and tissue  166  is radiated by optical radiation  122  than is the case with laser emission. In some embodiments optics are used at light output port  120  to make optical radiation  122  more or less directional. A narrow light beam  122  irradiating a smaller area of skin  162  and tissue  166  will mean a smaller area of tissue  166  receives optical radiation treatment at any point in time, but the tissue irradiated will receive a higher level of optical radiation power, resulting in a higher level of pain reduction. A wider, more divergent light beam  122  irradiating a larger area of skin  162  and tissue  166  will mean a larger area of tissue  166  receives optical radiation treatment at any point in time, but the tissue irradiated will receive a lower level of optical radiation power, resulting in a lower level of pain reduction. In some embodiments adjustable optics are used in active tip  118  so that the size of optical radiation  122  and the resulting size of the area of tissue  166  receiving optical radiation therapy can be adjustable. In some embodiments optical radiation  122  can be composed of both directional and non-directional light beams, as when multiple optical radiation sources  150  are used, and the individual optical radiation sources  150  have different directionality characteristics. 
     Optical radiation  122  can be coherent or incoherent. Coherence refers to the level of organized relationship between emitted light waves. Lasers often emit coherent light, and LEDs often emit incoherent light. Either coherent or incoherent light can comprise optical radiation  122  in embodiments of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  according to the invention, according to the specific condition to be treated or type of treatment desired. In some embodiments of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 , optical radiation  122  can be composed of both coherent and incoherent light. 
     Optical radiation  122  has an optical radiation power output level (optical radiation output level) low enough to provide athermal therapy, meaning no tissue heating. This means optical radiation  122  has an output power less than 1 watt. Typical levels of optical radiation output power for optical radiation therapy are between 5 and 100 milliwatts (mw). Optical radiation  122  can be pulsed light or non-pulsed, frequency modulated or non-frequency modulated. In some embodiment electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  includes optical radiation duty cycle adjustor  153 . Optical radiation duty cycle adjustor  153  adjusts the duty cycle of optical radiation  122  delivered by optical radiation therapy unit  149 . The duty cycle is the relative time that optical radiation  122  is “on” compared to the sum of the time optical radiation  122  is “on” and the time optical radiation  122  is “off”. Therefore, optical radiation duty cycle adjustor  153  adjusts the time optical radiation  122  is “on” compared to the time optical radiation  122  is “off” for optical radiation therapy unit  149 . Optical radiation duty cycle adjustor  153  is used to set the output duty cycle of optical radiation  122  delivered by electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 . Its should be understood that the specific choice of characteristics for optical radiation source  150  and optical radiation  122  are based on the specific type of treatment desired and the tissue to be treated, as is known in the art. Any of the varieties and specifics discussed can be used in the invention disclosed herein. 
     In some embodiments electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  includes output phase adjustor  124 , which adjusts the relative phase of electrical current  135  and optical radiation  122  delivered by electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 . Output phase adjustor  124  is used in those embodiments of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  where both electrical current  135  and optical radiation  122  can be pulse-width modulated and have their duty cycles adjusted. Output phase adjustor  124  is used to adjust (set) the relative phase of electrical current  135  pulses with respect to optical radiation  122  pulses. For example, if both electrical current  135  and optical radiation  122  are set to a 50 percent duty cycle, they will both be “on” half the time, and “off” half the time. Using output phase adjustor  124  they can be adjusted so they are both “on” at the same time, and both “off” at the same time. Or, alternatively, output phase adjustor  124  can be set so electrical current  135  is “on” while optical radiation  122  is “off” and vice versa. Or, alternatively, output phase adjustor  124  can be set to any phase difference in between those two examples. Output phase adjustor  124  of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  is used to set the relative phase of electrical current  135  and optical radiation  122  delivered by electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 . 
     The level of pain reduction obtained from optical radiation therapy unit  149  is related to the optical radiation power output level of optical radiation  122 . Pain reduction occurs in the area of tissue which receives optical radiation  122 . The higher the optical radiation output power level of optical radiation  122 , the larger the area of tissue  166  receiving optical radiation  122  because the depth of penetration of optical radiation  122  into tissue  166  is directly related to the optical radiation power output level of optical radiation  122 . In addition, the higher the optical radiation power output level of optical radiation  122  the higher the level of irradiation received by tissue  166 . Output level adjustor  116  is provided on electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  for adjusting the optical radiation power output level (also referred to as the optical radiation output level or optical power level) of optical radiation  122 . Adjusting the optical radiation output level of optical radiation  122  up or down increases or decreases, respectively, the level of pain reduction obtained from optical radiation therapy administered by electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 . The level of pain reduction obtained by person  156  due to optical radiation therapy administered by electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  is increased or decreased in response to the optical radiation output level of optical radiation  122  being increased or decreased, respectively. In some embodiments the optical radiation output level is adjusted using an adjustor other than output level adjustor  116 . 
     The level of pain reduction obtained from optical radiation therapy unit  149  is related to the size of the area of skin  162  receiving optical radiation  122 . The size of the area of skin  162  receiving optical radiation  122  is determined by the diameter of optical radiation  122  on skin  162 , which in turn can depend on the distance from active tip  118  to skin  162 . In this specific embodiment active tip  118  is held against skin  162 , which means the area of skin  162  receiving optical radiation  122  can be relatively small. In other embodiments light beam  122  can be placed in an emitter remote from but electrically connected to active tip  118  so that the distance from light output port  120  to skin  162  is larger, allowing an increase in the size of optical radiation  122  on skin  162 , making the size of the area of tissue  166  receiving treatment larger. 
     When active tip  118  is held against skin  162 , as shown in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 , optical radiation  122  will pass through skin  162  and into tissue  166 , irradiating tissue  166  with optical radiation  122  and relieving pain. Tissue  166  undergoes a reduction in the sensation of pain in response to receiving optical radiation  122 . In this embodiment optical radiation source  150  is a red laser diode, which outputs a collimated narrow light beam  122 . Light beam  122  from the red laser diode in this embodiment is a narrow beam of light with a small amount of divergence. This results in optical radiation  122  penetrating fairly deep into tissue  166  but the width of the area of tissue  166  receiving optical radiation  122  is not very wide. In order to irradiate all of treatment area  160  with optical radiation it may be necessary to move active tip  118  around in a systematic pattern as shown in  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9  shows two examples of patterns of motion  172  and  173  of active tip  118  to cover treatment area  160  with optical radiation  122 . Active tip  118  is placed at position A of treatment area  160  as shown in  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 . Active tip  118  is then moved across skin  162  in pattern of motion  172  of  FIG. 8  or  173  of  FIG. 9  until position B is reached. The patterns of motion  172  and  173  can be though of as “painting” treatment area  162  with optical radiation  122 , with a goal of covering all of treatment area  162  with optical radiation  122 .  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9  show particular patterns of motion  172  and  173  of active tip  118  over skin  162 . Many different patterns of motion are possible. In some embodiments diagonal patterns are used. In some embodiments circular patterns are used. The particular pattern used can depend on the size and shape of treatment area  160 . It is to be understood that patterns are used which cover treatment area  160  and underlying tissue  166  with optical radiation  122  until the complete treatment area  160  is pain-free. In some embodiments a conductive gel is placed over skin  162  to enhance movement of active tip  118  over skin  162 . 
     Myofascial tissue release therapy is a form of soft tissue massage which involves applying pressure to the fascia, which is a web of tissue that interconnects muscles, bones, and organs. Applying pressure to the fascia has been shown to reduce pain and increase range of motion in the body. Active tip  118  is used to apply pressure  148  (see  FIG. 7 ) to the fascia using a massaging motion with active tip  118  over skin  162 . As shown in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 4 , active tip  118  has top surface  125 , first and second side surfaces  126  and  127 , and bottom surface  128 . Active tip  118  also includes flat face  140  and pointed end  145  for applying pressure  148  to skin  162  and underlying tissue  166 . Top surface  125  is longer than bottom surface  128 , creating angled front face  140  and pointed end  145 . The tilt in flat face  140  allows for more even pressure  148  to be applied to tissues  166 . Transition surface  144  is the beveled or rounded surface placed at the transition between flat face  140  and top surface  125 , bottom surface  128 , and first and second side surfaces  126  and  127 . Transition surface  144  allows active tip  118  to slide smoothly across skin  162  during myofascial tissue release therapy. Active tip  118  is placed against skin  162  as shown in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 . Pressure  147  is applied to active tip  118  manually, which in turn applies pressure  148  to skin  162  and tissue  166 . Tissue  166  that is fascia tissue experiences a reduction in pain in response to pressure  148  applied by active tip  118 . Flat face  140  is used for applying pressure over a wide area, while pointed end  145  is used for applying a higher level of pressure to a smaller area. In this way active tip  118  is shaped for administering myofascial tissue release therapy. Pointed end  145  has angle  146  (See  FIG. 3 ), which in this embodiment is about 70 degrees. Angle  146  can range from 5 to 175 degrees. Typically angle  146  is between 20 and 95 degrees, preferably between 50 and 80 degrees. 
     Active tip  118  may need to be moved over treatment area  160  to apply pressure  148  to the complete treatment area  160 . Patterns of motion  172  and  173  shown in  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9  can be used to cover treatment area  160  with pressure  148  as explained earlier. In some embodiments other patterns of motion are used. In some embodiments circular patterns are used. In some embodiments a conductive gel is placed over skin  162  to enhance movement of active tip  118  over skin  162   
     It can be seen that electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  can be used to apply multiple forms of pain-relief and remedial therapy to a body by contacting skin  162  of treatment area  160  with active tip  118 . In some embodiments active tip  118  is moved around on skin  162  to cover treatment area  160 . Microcurrent electrostimulation therapy can be administered by active tip  118 . Optical radiation therapy can be administered by active tip  118 . Myofascial tissue release therapy can be administered by active tip  118 . These types of therapy can be administered simultaneously, individually or in specific pairs. The specific types of therapy administered together or separately will depend on the details of treatment to be provided. Musculo-skeletal therapy is administered in the form of microcurrent electrostimulation therapy, optical radiation therapy, and/or myofascial tissue release therapy in response to the use of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  on tissue  166  of body  158 . Pain relief therapy is administered in the form of microcurrent electrostimulation therapy, optical radiation therapy, and/or myofascial tissue release therapy in response to the use of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  on treatment area  160  of body  158 . 
     In some embodiments of other forms of therapy can be administered with electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 . Traditional muscle massage therapy can be administered with active tip  118 . In some embodiments electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  is designed to provide ultrasound therapy through active tip  118 . In some embodiments electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  is designed to administer heat therapy through active tip  118 . Other forms of therapy can be provided by including their capabilities in electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  and active tip  118 . 
     A method of treating pain is disclosed herein as shown in  FIG. 10 . Method of treating pain  310  is illustrated, which includes step  312 , identifying a treatment area of a body to receive electro-optical tissue stimulation therapy. Method  310  also includes step  314  activating an electro-optical tissue stimulator, wherein the electro-optical tissue stimulator comprises an active tip. Method  310  also includes step  316  contacting a test area of the body with the active tip, wherein the test area of the body is not a part of the treatment area of the body and step  318  setting the power output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator at a level where the test area of the body begins to feel a tingling sensation in response to contact from the active tip. Method  320  also includes step  320 , contacting the treatment area with the active tip, wherein the treatment area receives microcurrent electrostimulation therapy, optical radiation therapy, and myofascial tissue release therapy in response to contact by the active tip. In some embodiments method  310  of treating pain includes other steps. In some embodiments of method  310  the portion of the treatment area which receives microcurrent electrostimulation therapy overlaps the portion of the treatment area which receives optical radiation therapy. In some embodiments of method  310  the portion of the treatment area which receives microcurrent electrostimulation therapy does not overlap the portion of the treatment area which receives optical radiation therapy. 
     Step  312  identifying a treatment area on a body to receive electro-optical tissue stimulation therapy can include many different steps. For instance, step  312  can include obtaining a prescription from a doctor for receiving electro-optical tissue stimulation therapy for an area of the body that is in pain. This step could include a person realizing that a portion of their body is in pain. Step  312  could include the person receiving an exam by a doctor, who identifies the treatment area and then prescribes electro-optical tissue stimulation therapy to relieve the pain. 
     Step  312  can include a veterinarian prescribing electro-optical tissue stimulation therapy for an area of an animal&#39;s body. While electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  is designed primarily for use on a human body, the type of therapy it delivers has been shown to provide benefits to animals also. It is therefore envisioned that therapy can be provided to animal bodies with the electro-optical tissue stimulator. Step  312  can therefore include a veterinarian or animal owner identifying a treatment area on an animal&#39;s body to receive electro-optical tissue stimulation therapy. 
     Step  312  can include a person realizing that an area of their body is in pain and needs therapy administered by the electro-optical tissue stimulator. It is envisioned that the electro-optical tissue stimulator can be obtained for at-home use by individuals desiring therapy. This step includes in some embodiments a person obtaining therapy by a professional, either a doctor or therapist. The doctor or therapist could identify the treatment area and the fact that electro-optical tissue stimulation therapy is advised, and administer initial treatment with the electro-optical tissue stimulator. Once the treatment is shown effective on the treatment area and the person is trained in administering therapy to themselves, this step could include the person purchasing an electro-optical tissue stimulator for home use. At that point the person could identify the treatment area on their own body to receive electro-optical tissue stimulation therapy. 
     Step  314  of method  310  of treating pain according to the invention comprises activating an electro-optical tissue stimulator, wherein the electro-optical tissue stimulator comprises an active tip. The active tip is capable of administering microcurrent electrostimulation therapy when activated and placed against the skin of a treatment area. The active tip is capable of administering optical radiation therapy when activated and placed where the optical radiation falls on the skin of the treatment area. The active tip is capable of myofascial tissue release therapy when used to apply pressure to the skin of the treatment area. In some embodiments the active tip is designed to administer other forms of therapy, such as ultrasound therapy, heat therapy, or muscle massage therapy. 
     In some embodiments step  314  activating the electro-optical tissue stimulator includes turning on a single on/off power switch. The electro-optical tissue stimulator and all of its electrical components are activated in response to turning on the single power switch in this embodiment. This single on/off power switch can provide power to all of the powered units in the electro-optical tissue stimulator, including the microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit and the optical radiation therapy unit. In some embodiments the microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit includes a microcurrent controller and a microcurrent source, which receives power in response to the on/off power switch being turned on to provide power to the electro-optical tissue stimulator. In some embodiments other electrical components comprising the microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit receive power in response to activating the electro-optical tissue stimulator. The optical radiation therapy unit includes, in some embodiments, an optical radiation controller and an optical radiation source, which will receive power in response to the on/off power switch being turned on to provide power to the electro-optical tissue stimulator. In some embodiments other electrical components comprising the optical radiation therapy unit receive power in response to activating the electro-optical tissue stimulator. 
     In some embodiments of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 , the individual therapy units contained in electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  that require power will have their own individual power switches. In these embodiments, step  314  activating an electro-optical tissue stimulator can comprise turning on one or more than one power switches. In some embodiments step  314  includes deciding which units should be powered and which should be unpowered, and turning on the power switch for those devices or units to be powered, and leaving the power switch off for those devices or units to be left unpowered. For example, in an embodiment where microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit  129  has its own power switch, as does optical radiation therapy unit  149 , step  314  includes deciding to power (activate) microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit  129  while leaving optical radiation therapy unit  149  unpowered. Step  314  would include, in that embodiment, turning on the power switch for the microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit and leaving the power switch for the optical radiation therapy unit turned off. In some embodiments step  314  includes turning on the power switches for both therapy units. In some embodiments step  314  includes deciding to power (activate) optical radiation therapy unit  149  while leaving microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit  129  unpowered. Depending on the type of therapy devices and units included in the specific embodiment of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  and the type of therapy desired, step  314  can include turning power on to one or more individual therapy units or multiple therapy units or all the therapy units and devices included in the specific embodiment of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 . In some embodiments of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 , optical radiation source  150  comprises multiple light emitting devices. These individual light emitting devices can have their own individual power switch. In some embodiments step  314  includes turning on individual light emitting devices separately. 
     Method  310  according to the invention includes step  316  contacting a test area of the body with the active tip, wherein the test area of the body is not a part of the treatment area of the body. In this step the active tip of the electro-optical tissue stimulator is placed on a test area of the body so that the power output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator can be set. The active tip is delivering electrical current or optical radiation, or both, upon contact between the active tip and the test area of the body. A test area of the body is used to set the power output level because the treatment area is usually less sensitive to electrical current and optical radiation therapy, and so it is desirable to use a test area of the body which is more sensitive and allows setting the output level at the lowest level where treatment can be felt before applying this output level to the treatment area. Setting the power output level to a level just above the sensation of tingling outside the treatment area is a good starting point for setting the power level for the treatment area. In some embodiments of method  310 , step  316  includes other steps. 
     Step  318  of method  310  of treating pain according to the invention includes setting the power output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator at a level where the test area of the body begins to feel a tingling sensation in response to contact from the active tip. In some embodiments step  318  includes using an output level adjustor of the electro-optical tissue stimulator to adjust the power output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator. In some embodiments the output level adjustor will adjust both the optical radiation output level and the electrical current output level. Setting the power output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator includes adjusting the power output level and monitoring the response felt by the test area of the body. If no tingling sensation is felt, the power output level is adjusted higher. If a strong tingling sensation is felt, the power output level is adjusted down. Adjustments are made to the power output level until a level is reached where a tingling sensation is just beginning to be felt in the test area in response to the test area receiving electrical current or optical radiation, or both, from the active tip. The power output level is set at that level where the tingling sensation is just beginning to be felt. Just beginning to be felt means that if the power output level is turned down slightly, the tingling sensation stops, in other words the power output level is at the minimum power output level where a tingling response can be felt in the test area. 
     Step  320  of method  310  of treating pain includes contacting the treatment area with the active tip, wherein the treatment area receives microcurrent electrostimulation therapy, optical radiation therapy, and myofascial tissue release therapy in response to contact by the active tip. Now that the power output level has been set in step  318 , step  320  includes contacting the treatment area with the active tip to provide treatment. Step  320  can include administering these forms of therapy simultaneously or individually or in pairs depending on the specifics of the therapy to be administered. Step  320  can include administering other forms of therapy in addition to microcurrent electrostimulation therapy, optical radiation therapy, and myofascial release therapy, depending on the specific types of therapy desired and the specific embodiment of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 . In some embodiments step  320  include adjusting the power output level up or down as needed. 
     Step  320  can include moving the active tip in a pattern of motion within the treatment area. The pattern of motion can be a linear pattern of horizontal or vertical lines as shown in  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 , for example. The pattern of motion can be circular. The patterns of motion can take many different forms. The pattern of motion is designed to cover the skin and tissue of the treatment area with electrical current, optical radiation, and/or pressure, and the patterns used to accomplish this will vary depending on the size and position on the body of the treatment area and the condition being treated. 
     Step  320  can include administering microcurrent electrostimulation therapy, optical radiation therapy, and myofascial tissue release therapy, or any of those types of therapy individually or in pairs, for a specific time period. The time period used for administering therapy can be many different time periods, but it is usually within 1 to 30 minutes. A typical time period for administering therapy is two minutes per treatment area. Other times for treatment are used depending on the specific treatment area and the type of condition being treated. 
     Method of treating pain  310  can include many other steps. In some embodiments method  310  includes setting the wavelength of the optical radiation delivered by the electro-optical tissue stimulator. In some embodiments of the electro-optical tissue stimulator, the optical radiation source is capable of delivering optical radiation output in a number of different wavelengths. The wavelength to be delivered can be adjusted, or set, by using a wavelength adjustor, which allows the user to adjust the wavelength of light delivered by the electro-optical tissue stimulator. This allows the wavelength to be set to one wavelength to treat a particular type of tissue or ailment, and then set to a different wavelength to treat a different type of tissue or ailment, for example. The wavelength can be varied for many different reasons. Use of the optical wavelength adjustors allows the user to set the wavelength of the optical radiation delivered by the electro-optical tissue stimulator. 
     In some embodiments method  310  of treating pain includes the step of setting the output duty cycle of the optical radiation delivered by the electro-optical tissue stimulator. In some embodiments the optical radiation delivered by the electro-optical tissue stimulator is pulse-width modulated such that optical radiation is delivered for some amount of time in an “on” pulse, during which optical radiation is emitted, followed by an “off” pulse, during which no optical radiation is emitted, and then the on and off pulses are repeated. The ratio of the time the optical radiation pulse is “on” compared to the total time for one “on” pulse and one “off” pulse is called the duty cycle of the optical radiation output. Some embodiments of the electro-optical tissue stimulator include an optical radiation duty cycle adjustor, which allows the user to set the output duty cycle of the optical radiation delivered by the electro-optical tissue stimulator. The optical radiation duty cycle is adjusted in order to tailor the type of treatment provided by the optical radiation therapy unit of the electro-optical tissue stimulator. Some types of tissue respond favorably to short “on” pulses of optical radiation (a small duty cycle). Other types of tissue response better to long “on” pulses of optical radiation (a large duty cycle). The use of the optical radiation duty cycle adjustor allows the user to tailor the optical radiation therapy performed by the electro-optical tissue stimulator for a particular type of tissue or treatment desired. 
     In some embodiments method  310  of treating pain includes the step of setting the output duty cycle of the electrical current delivered by the electro-optical tissue stimulator. In some embodiments the electrical current delivered by the electro-optical tissue stimulator is pulse-width modulated such that electrical current is delivered for some amount of time in an “on” pulse, during which electrical current is emitted, followed by an “off” pulse, during which no electrical current is emitted, and then the on and off pulses are repeated. The ratio of the time the electrical current pulse is “on” compared to the total time for one “on” pulse and one “off” pulse is called the duty cycle of the electrical current output. Some embodiments of the electro-optical tissue stimulator include an electrical current duty cycle adjustor, which allows the user to set the output duty cycle of the electrical current delivered by the electro-optical tissue stimulator. The electrical current duty cycle is adjusted in order to tailor the type of treatment provided by the microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit of the electro-optical tissue stimulator. Some types of tissue respond favorably to short “on” pulses of electrical current (a small duty cycle). Other types of tissue response better to long “on” pulses of electrical current (a large duty cycle). The use of the electrical current duty cycle adjustor allows the user to tailor the microcurrent electrostimulation therapy performed by the electro-optical tissue stimulator for a particular type of tissue or treatment desired. 
     In some embodiments method  310  includes setting the relative phase of the optical radiation and electrical current delivered by the electro-optical tissue stimulator. Setting the relative phase of the electro-optical tissue stimulator is done with the output phase adjustor of the electro-optical tissue stimulator. In those embodiment of the electro-optical tissue stimulator in which both the optical radiation and the electrical current are pulse-width modulated, the output phase adjustor sets, or adjusts, the relative starting point, in time, of the two “on” pulses, the optical radiation “on” pulse, and the electrical current “on” pulse. There are many possible results of this adjustment; one example will be discussed here. In the case where both the optical radiation and the electrical current are set to a 50 percent duty cycle, both of them are “on” for half the time and “off” for half the time. The output phase adjustor is used to set the amount of overlap in the “on” pulses. For instance, the output phase adjustor can be set such that the optical radiation is “off” when the electrical current is “on”, and vice versa. Or the output phase adjustor can be set so the optical radiation is “on” simultaneously with the electrical current, or any amount of overlap between duty cycles in between those two extremes. This allows different types of therapy to be delivered, and allows the therapy provided by the electro-optical tissue stimulator to be tailored to the type of tissue and the type of tissue problem encountered. 
     Method  310  can include the step of recording a level of pain in the treatment area before therapy. This recordation of the level of pain can be done by either the person undergoing treatment or by a doctor or therapist, or another professional performing or overseeing treatment. Method  310  can include the step of recording a level of disability in the treatment area before therapy. The level of disability recorded can take many forms, depending on the specific problem. The level of disability recorded can include a level of movement, level of flexibility, or other forms of disability related to the problem being treated. In some embodiments other testing is included. The recordation of the level of disability can be performed by either the person undergoing treatment or by a doctor, therapist, or other professional performing or overseeing the treatment. 
     Method  310  can also include the steps of testing a level of disability before administering treatment, and recording the test results. The testing can be done by either the person undergoing treatment or the professional performing or overseeing the treatment. Testing performed can take many different forms, depending on the problem being treated and the specifics of the case. The testing can include testing a level of pain, disability, flexibility, range of motion, or mobility, for example. These test results can be recorded and tracked to compare with results after treatment for the purpose of determining the effectiveness of the therapy administered. 
     Method  310  can include applying a conductive gel to the treatment area before contacting the skin with the active tip. The amount of current transferred to tissue  166  can be increased in response to applying conductive gel to the treatment area before therapy. This is because the gel is conductive and will pass current more easily through the active tip/skin interface than without the conductive gel. The amount of optical radiation transferred to tissue  166  can be increased in response to applying conductive gel to the treatment area before therapy. This is because the gel provides a matched optical interface between active tip  118  and skin  162  and will allow more optical radiation through the active tip/skin interface than without the conductive gel. In addition, conductive gel can increase the effectiveness of the myofascial tissue release therapy administered by active tip  118  because the conductive gel is slippery and will allow active tip  118  to slide more easily over skin  162 . 
     Method  310  can include the steps of testing a level of disability of the treatment area after administering therapy, and recording a level of pain or disability in the treatment area after administering therapy. Testing and recording the level of pain or disability after therapy is administered can be done by the person receiving treatment or by the professional administering or overseeing the treatment. The testing can include testing a level of pain, disability, flexibility, range of motion, or mobility as called for by the problem and the treatment. In some embodiments other forms of testing are included. Typically the testing done after administering therapy will match the testing performed before administering therapy to allow measuring and tracking the effectiveness of the treatment. Method  310  can therefore include measuring and tracking the effectiveness of the treatment administered by electro-optical tissue stimulator  110 . 
     Method  310  can also include generating a schedule for further treatment. This schedule can be determined base on the subject&#39;s response to the therapy, and the results of measures of effectiveness of the treatment, if computed. A typical treatment schedule starts with a total of five treatments, each treatment lasting no more than two minutes per area. These treatments are administered daily or every other day, typically no more than five time per day. After these initial five treatments, additional treatments can be scheduled based on results. The frequency and timing of treatments can vary greatly depending on the person being treated and the condition being treated. The schedule disclosed here is one example of many possible treatment schedules. 
     A method of administering therapy to a body according to the invention is disclosed as shown in  FIG. 11 . Shown in  FIG. 11  is method  340  of administering therapy to a body, which includes step  342  identifying a treatment area of a body to receive therapy from an electro-optical tissue stimulator, wherein the electro-optical tissue stimulator comprises an active tip, and step  344 , determining the desired optical radiation output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator. Method  340  also includes step  346  determining the desired electrical current output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator and step  348  setting the optical radiation output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator to the desired optical radiation output level. Method  340  of administering therapy to a body also includes step  352 , administering myofascial tissue release therapy to the treatment area using the active tip, wherein the treatment area receives microcurrent electrostimulation therapy, optical radiation therapy, and myofascial tissue release therapy in response to administering myofascial tissue release therapy with the active tip. 
     Step  342  identifying a treatment area of a body to receive therapy from an electro-optical tissue stimulator, wherein the electro-optical tissue stimulator comprises an active tip, can include many steps. Step  342  can include an individual identifying a treatment area on their own body to receive therapy from an electro-optical tissue stimulator. Step  342  can include a doctor or therapist identifying a treatment area on a patient&#39;s body to receive therapy with an electro-optical tissue stimulator. Step  342  can include obtaining a prescription from a doctor for receiving electro-optical tissue stimulation therapy for an area of the body that is in pain. Step  342  could include the person receiving an exam by a doctor, who identifies the treatment area and then prescribes therapy from an electro-optical tissue stimulator with an active tip to relieve the pain. 
     Step  342  can include a veterinarian prescribing electro-optical tissue stimulation therapy for an area of an animal&#39;s body. In some embodiments step  342  can include a person realizing that an area of their body is in pain and needs therapy administered by the electro-optical tissue stimulator with an active tip. It is envisioned that the electro-optical tissue stimulator can be obtained for at-home use by individuals desiring therapy. This step includes in some embodiments a person obtaining therapy by a professional, either a doctor or therapist. The doctor or therapist could identify the treatment area and the fact that electro-optical tissue stimulation therapy is advised, and administer initial treatment with the electro-optical tissue stimulator. Once the treatment is shown effective on the treatment area and the person is trained in administering therapy to themselves, this step could include the person purchasing an electro-optical tissue stimulator for home use. At that point the person could identify the treatment area on their own body to receive electro-optical tissue stimulation therapy. 
     Step  344  determining the desired optical radiation output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator can include many other steps. The desired optical radiation output level is the level of optical radiation being delivered by the active tip of the electro-optical tissue stimulator that will be initially used to administer optical radiation therapy. It is desirable to start administering therapy to the treatment area with a level of optical radiation that is high enough to obtain pain relief results, and yet not high enough to cause the treatment area to response too quickly or react with an increase in pain. A slow response from the treatment area is desired, with just enough optical radiation to stimulate the tissues into repair mode. It is desirable to stimulate the treatment area into repair over several sessions of low radiation treatment as opposed to shorter treatments with higher levels that may cause an over-reaction from the tissues. In some embodiments of the invention step  344  includes the step of setting the electrical current output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator to zero. This allows the user to find the desired optical radiation output level without being confused by electrical current causing a response in the tissues also. In some embodiments setting the electrical current output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator to zero is done using the electrical current output level adjustor of the electro-optical tissue stimulator to adjust the level of electrical current delivered by the microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit to zero. In some embodiments of method  340 , step  344  includes the additional step of contacting a test area of the body with the active tip, wherein the test area is not included in the treatment area. This is done because an area of the body outside the treatment area is often more sensitive to optical radiation treatment than the treatment area. The treatment area is usually in pain and less sensitive to therapy. For this reason a test area of the body is used to find the desired optical radiation output level, then this level can be used as a starting point for treatment to the treatment area. In some embodiments step  344  includes the step of adjusting the optical radiation output level until the desired optical radiation output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator is determined, wherein the desired optical radiation output level is that level where a tingling sensation is beginning to be felt in the test area in response to the test area receiving optical radiation from the active tip. This step involves finding that level of optical radiation that just begins to cause a tingling response in the test area. This often includes the step of turning the level of optical radiation output up and down to identify that level below which no tingling sensation is felt in the test area. In some embodiments adjusting the optical radiation output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator is done using the optical radiation output level adjustor of the electro-optical tissue stimulator to adjust the level of optical radiation delivered by the optical radiation therapy unit. The level of optical radiation where a tingling sensation is just beginning to be felt is defined as the desired optical radiation output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator and is used as the level for beginning therapy on the treatment area. In some embodiments step  344  includes writing down or otherwise storing or marking the desired optical radiation output level so that this level can be returned to easily. 
     Step  346  of method  340  according to the invention can include many other steps. In some embodiments step  346  determining the desired electrical current output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator includes the step of setting the optical radiation output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator to zero. After the desired optical radiation output level has been determined and noted, it is time to determine the desired electrical current output level and this is often done with the optical radiation output level set to zero so finding the desired electrical current output level does not get confused by optical radiation output from the active tip. In some embodiments setting the optical radiation output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator to zero is done using the optical radiation output level adjustor of the electro-optical tissue stimulator to adjust the level of optical radiation delivered by the optical radiation therapy unit to zero. In some embodiments of method  340 , step  346  includes the step of contacting a test area of the body with the active tip, wherein the test area is not included in the treatment area. This is done for the same reasons as discussed in step  344  above. In some embodiments step  346  includes the step of adjusting the electrical current output level until the desired electrical current output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator is determined, wherein the desired electrical current output level is that level where a tingling sensation is beginning to be felt in the test area in response to the test area receiving electrical current from the active tip. This step involves finding that level of electrical current that just begins to cause a tingling response in the test area. This often includes turning the level of electrical current output up and down to identify that level below which no tingling sensation is felt in the test area. In some embodiments adjusting the electrical current output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator is done using the electrical current output level adjustor of the electro-optical tissue stimulator to adjust the level of electrical current delivered by the microcurrent electrostimulation unit. The level of electrical current where a tingling sensation is just beginning to be felt is defined as the desired electrical current output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator and is often used as the level for beginning therapy on the treatment area. In some embodiments step  346  includes writing down or otherwise storing or marking the desired electrical current output level so that this level can be returned to easily. In some embodiments this step involves leaving the electrical current output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator at the desire electrical current output level in order to begin therapy at the desired electrical current output level. 
     Step  348  setting the optical radiation output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator to the desired optical radiation output level can include many other steps. This step is where the output level, which was set to zero in order to determine the desired electrical current output level, is set back to the previously-determined desired optical radiation output level so that therapy on the treatment area can begin. In some embodiments the optical radiation output level adjustor of the electro-optical tissue stimulator is used to adjust the optical radiation output level to the desired optical radiation output level which was determined earlier. 
     Step  352  administering myofascial tissue release therapy to the treatment area using the active tip, wherein the treatment area receives microcurrent electrostimulation therapy, optical radiation therapy, and myofascial tissue release therapy in response to administering myofascial tissue release therapy with the active tip, can include many other steps. Step  352  can include applying a conductive gel to the treatment area before administering therapy. 
     Method  340  can include many other steps, including administering other types of therapy which a specific embodiment of electro-optical tissue stimulator  110  is designed to provide, including ultrasound therapy, heat therapy, or massage therapy. In some embodiments method  340  includes setting the wavelength of the optical radiation delivered by the electro-optical tissue stimulator. In some embodiments of the electro-optical tissue stimulator, the optical radiation source is capable of delivering optical radiation having a number of different wavelengths. The wavelength to be delivered can be adjusted, or set, by using a wavelength adjustor, which allows the user to adjust the wavelength of light delivered by the electro-optical tissue stimulator. This allows the wavelength to be set to one wavelength to treat a particular type of tissue or ailment, and then set to a different wavelength to treat a different type of tissue or ailment, for example. The wavelength can be varied for many different reasons. Use of the optical wavelength adjustors allows the user to set the wavelength of the optical radiation delivered by the electro-optical tissue stimulator. 
     In some embodiments method  340  includes the step of setting the electrical current output level of the electro-optical tissue stimulator to the desired electrical current output level. The power output level adjustor of the electro-optical tissue stimulator which adjusts the electrical current level up and down is used to adjust the electrical current output level to the desired electrical current output level. 
     In some embodiments method  340  of administering therapy to a body includes the step of setting the frequency of the electrical current output of the electro-optical tissue stimulator. In some embodiments the electro-optical tissue stimulator includes an electrical current frequency adjustor, which is an apparatus which allows the frequency of the electrical current delivered by the microcurrent electrostimulation therapy unit to be adjusted within a range of available frequencies. Adjusting the frequency of the electrical current delivered can change the specific treatment delivered by the electro-optical tissue stimulator. 
     In some embodiments method  340  includes setting the relative phase of the optical radiation and electrical current delivered by the electro-optical tissue stimulator. Setting the relative phase of the electro-optical tissue stimulator is done with the output phase adjustor of the electro-optical tissue stimulator, as explained earlier. Setting the relative phase of the optical radiation and electrical current delivered by the electro-optical tissue stimulator allows different types of therapy to be delivered, and allows the therapy provided by the electro-optical tissue stimulator to be tailored to the type of tissue and the type of problem. 
     In some embodiments method  340  includes the steps of recording a level of pain, disability, flexibility, range of motion or mobility in the treatment area before administering therapy. Method  340  can also include the steps of testing a level of pain, disability, flexibility, range of motion or mobility before administering treatment. In some embodiments method  340  includes the steps of testing and/or recording a level of pain, disability, flexibility, range of motion, or mobility after administering therapy. Method  340  can in some embodiments include comparing the level of pain, disability, flexibility, range of motion or mobility after treatment to that received before treatment. Method  340  can include the step of using the data obtained from before and after testing to compute the efficiency of treatments and/or the treatment schedule. 
     Disclosed herein is a method of doing business shown in  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 12  illustrates method  270  of conducting business comprising step  276  developing techniques for providing therapy utilizing an electro-optical tissue stimulator, step  280  marketing the electro-optical tissue stimulator, and step  284  selling the electro-optical tissue stimulator to doctors and patients. 
     Method  270  can include many other steps. For example, in some embodiments method  270  includes designing an electro-optical tissue stimulator. In some embodiments method  270  can include obtaining government approval for using and selling the electro-optical stimulator. Method  270  can include paying doctors for their time spent teaching the use of the electro-optical stimulator. In some embodiments method  270  includes paying doctors for their time spent teaching other doctors to use the electro-optical tissue stimulator. In some embodiments method  270  includes paying doctors for their time spent teaching patients how to use the electro-optical tissue stimulator. 
     Method  270  can include the step of manufacturing an electro-optical tissue stimulator. Manufacturing an electro-optical tissue stimulator can itself include many different steps, including design optimization and changes, producing individual components and/or locating sources for the individual components, assembling the electro-optical tissue stimulator and testing the electro-optical tissue stimulator. Method  270  may include manufacturing different embodiments of electro-optical tissue stimulators, including embodiments for doctors to use, embodiments for patients to use at home, embodiments which include more power output capability or less power output capability, embodiments which are smaller or larger for particular specific treatments, embodiments for use on animals, and embodiments which include the capability to administer fewer or greater number of types of therapy. 
     Step  276  developing techniques for providing therapy utilizing the electro-optical tissue stimulator can include many different steps. Step  276  can include treating patients using different techniques and tracking the efficiency of the different techniques. In some embodiments step  276  includes obtaining feedback from patients and other professionals administering therapy with an electro-optical tissue stimulator. Step  276  can also include conducting studies to measure the efficiency of different techniques of administering therapy with the electro-optical tissue stimulator. These studies can be done by the individual or entity conducting business method  270  or contracted to an outside entity. 
     Step  280  marketing the electro-optical tissue stimulator can include many different steps. Step  280  can include the steps of creating marketing materials, distributing the marketing materials to doctors, therapists, and individuals, creating a website promoting the electro-optical tissue stimulator, and selling starter packs which includes a number of electro-optical tissue stimulators and information about them. Step  280  can include any activities included in distributing information about the electro-optical tissue stimulator with the intent to inform doctors and patients and increase the level of understanding and visibility of the electro-optical tissue stimulator. Step  280  can include distributing results of studies showing the effectiveness of the electro-optical tissue stimulator. 
     Step  284  selling the electro-optical tissue stimulator can include many different steps. Step  284  can include selling the electro-optical tissue stimulator to doctors for use in their practice. Step  284  can include selling the electro-optical tissue stimulator to therapists for use in their practice. Step  284  can include selling the electro-optical tissue stimulator to patients for individual use. Step  284  selling the electro-optical tissue stimulator can include other steps involved in transferring ownership of an electro-optical tissue stimulator and receiving payment for the electro-optical tissue stimulator. 
     The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order to best explain the present invention and its practical application and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teachings above without departing from the spirit and scope of the forthcoming claims. For example, specific therapy techniques can be developed for use with the electro-optical tissue stimulator, using the several types of therapy administered in unique steps or combinations to obtain specific results.