Patent Abstract:
A therapeutic device for applying pressure to a portion of a wearer&#39;s body is provided. The device includes a flexible enclosure formed from a flexible material and configured to enclose at least a portion of the wearer&#39;s body, thereby forming a cavity between an inner surface of the enclosure and the body. The device also includes at least one port extending through the flexible enclosure for accessing the cavity; and a fluid evacuation pump in fluid communication with the cavity. The device is configured such that, upon actuation of the pump, the flexible enclosure transitions from a relaxed position to a compressed position, in which the flexible enclosure exerts a compression force against the wearer&#39;s body. Optionally, the flexible enclosure defines a cross sectional area, wherein the cross sectional area in the relaxed position is greater than the cross sectional area in the compressed position.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/929,745, filed on Jan. 21, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This disclosure relates, in general, to devices and methods for therapeutic treatment of an individual to improve cardiac, pulmonary, and muscle function, and, more particularly, to devices and methods for applying compression or pressure to a wearer&#39;s body with an air evacuation or vacuum pump. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Applying pressure and thermal energy to areas of the human body are common methods for treating muscle injuries and chronic pain. Pressure is known to encourage healing by improving blood flow and circulation, as well by providing support for injured muscle tissue. Most simply, compressive garments, sleeves, braces, and wraps are used to protect pulled muscles, relieve pain, and to prevent further injury. However, sleeves and wraps only provide limited compressive force. Specifically, compressive force is limited based on the elasticity of the sleeve or garment or by how tightly a wrap or bandage is wound about the affected body region. Additionally, the more compressive force the garment provides, the more difficult it is to put on and take off. Furthermore, compressive garments are most useful for treatment of extremities (e.g., legs and arms) and are generally not suitable for simultaneous treatment of multiple body regions. Further still, over time, the sleeve or wrap becomes loose, reducing the compressive force being provided. Additionally, wraps and sleeves are incapable of providing pulsating or varying force, which would provide additional pain relief. 
         [0006]    Systems and devices for applying pressure by massaging muscular tissue are also well known. Massage devices typically include a vibrating mechanism, such as an electric motor, enclosed within a sleeve or rigid housing. Pressing the enclosure or housing against a portion of the patient&#39;s body transfers the vibrational force to the body, thereby providing treatment for sore muscle tissue. An exemplary vibration apparatus for enhanced vibrational massage therapy is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,705,500. Vibration mechanisms may by inserted into or provided with compressive sleeves for simultaneous compression and massage-type treatment. 
         [0007]    Negative vacuum pressure systems have also been created to treat body tissue, to improve tissue function or appearance, and/or to reduce pain. These systems generally provide a negative-pressure chamber that encloses about a portion of the body. Application of negative pressure improves circulation and blood flow through regions of the body. In certain versions of the systems, a user wears a negative-pressure suit or enclosure during physical activity to encourage blood flow to specific body regions. Increasing blood flow during exercise has numerous therapeutic benefits, including increasing metabolic rate, which increases the metabolization of fat tissue in the target body region. 
         [0008]    Negative pressure systems and devices typically comprise an airtight or approximately air tight flexible clothing article wrapped about a portion of a user&#39;s body. The article is attached to a vacuum pump for evacuating air from the cavity between the clothing article and the user&#39;s skin. The systems also include a support layer or structure for preventing the outer layer (e.g., the clothing article) from collapsing around the patient as air is evacuated from the cavity. In this way, a cavity between the clothing article and body region having a negative pressure is formed. An exemplary negative-pressure fitness device is discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,384,379. However, such a system does not provide compression or support for injured tissue and, as such, does not provide certain desirable therapeutic results. 
         [0009]    The devices and systems described above do not provide sufficient compressive or pulsating pressure against the body to achieve certain desirable therapeutic results. Particularly, these devices and systems do not provide enough pressure or compressive force to treat cardiovascular, pulmonary, skeletal, and muscle systems of a patient&#39;s body. Additionally, the above-described devices and systems are often difficult to put on and take off, making it more difficult to achieve desired therapeutic results. Therefore, a need exists for improved devices and systems for providing a consistent compressive force to a patient to improve body function. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    According to one aspect of the invention, a therapeutic device for applying pressure to a portion of a wearer&#39;s body is provided. The device includes a flexible enclosure formed from a flexible material and configured to enclose at least a portion of the wearer&#39;s body, thereby forming a cavity between an inner surface of the enclosure and the body. The device also includes at least one port extending through the flexible enclosure for accessing the cavity; and a fluid evacuation pump in fluid communication with the cavity. The device is configured such that, upon actuation of the pump, the flexible enclosure transitions from a relaxed position to a compressed position, in which the flexible enclosure exerts a compression force against the wearer&#39;s body. In some embodiments, the device is configured such that at least a portion of the flexible enclosure defines a cross sectional area and wherein the cross sectional area in the relaxed position is greater than the cross sectional area in the compressed position. 
         [0011]    In certain embodiments, the flexible enclosure comprises a body suit having a central portion configured to receive the wearer&#39;s torso and outer portions configured to receive the wearer&#39;s extremities. The port of the flexible enclosure may also include a releasable connector configured to engage an end of a hose extending between the port and the pump. The releasable connector comprises a luer lock connector, a snap fit connector, a threaded connector, a one-way valve, or any combination thereof. 
         [0012]    In certain embodiments, the therapeutic device further comprises a controller associated with the fluid evacuation pump. The controller is configured to automatically actuate and stop operation of the pump. Optionally, the controller may also be configured to automatically increase or decrease a suction force of the fluid evacuation pump. For example, the controller may be configured to adjust the suction force according to an operating routine stored in computer readable memory associated with the controller. In some embodiments, the therapeutic device also includes at least one sensor configured to measure an operating parameter of the therapeutic device, the parameter being one or more of: a compression force of the flexible enclosure against the wearer&#39;s body, an air pressure within the cavity, a flow rate of fluid being removed from the cavity, a physical parameter of the wearer, or any combination thereof. The controller may be configured to adjust a suction force of the pump based at least in part on one or more of the operating parameters. Finally, the controller may be configured to repeatedly perform an operating routine a predetermined number of times. The operating routine comprises the following steps: activating the fluid evacuation pump, adjusting a suction force of the air evacuation pump, and stopping operation of the air evacuation pump. 
         [0013]    In certain embodiments of the therapeutic device, the flexible enclosure includes at least one collar extending around a portion of the flexible enclosure for preventing the enclosure from sliding along the wearer&#39;s body as the flexible enclosure transitions from the relaxed position to the compressed position. The therapeutic device may also include at least one shield comprising a rigid frame positioned between the inner surface of the flexible enclosure and the wearer&#39;s body. The shield is configured to prevent a portion of the flexible enclosure from compressing against a portion of the patient&#39;s body. Optionally, the shield is arranged to cover one or more of a cardiothoracic region, an abdomen region, head, feet, or toes of the wearer&#39;s body. 
         [0014]    In certain embodiments, the flexible enclosure comprises a bag having a closed bottom and sides, and a re-sealable closure defining an opening sized to be placed over at least a portion of the wearer&#39;s body. Optionally, the re-sealable closure is a zip-lock seal, a zipper, a hook and loop fastener, or any combination thereof. 
         [0015]    In certain embodiments, the therapeutic device further includes a thermal element connected to the flexible enclosure for providing heat or cooling therapy to at least a portion of the wearer&#39;s body. 
         [0016]    According to another aspect of the invention, a method for applying compression to a wearer&#39;s body is provided. The method includes at least the following steps: placing a portion of the wearer&#39;s body within a flexible enclosure thereby forming a cavity between an inner surface of the enclosure and the body; connecting a fluid evacuation pump in fluid communication with the cavity through a port extending through the flexible enclosure; and evacuating fluid from the cavity between the enclosure and wearer&#39;s body. As the fluid is evacuated, the flexible enclosure transition from a relaxed position to a compressed position, in which the inner surface of the enclosure exerts a compressive force against at least a portion of the body. Optionally, at least a portion of the flexible enclosure defines a cross sectional area, wherein the cross sectional area in the relaxed position is greater than the cross sectional area in the compressed position. 
         [0017]    According to another aspect of the invention, a wearable compression garment is provided. The wearable compression garment includes a flexible enclosure formed from an elastomeric material configured to enclose at least a portion of a wearer&#39;s body thereby forming a cavity between the body and an inner surface of the enclosure. The garment also includes at least two ports extending through the flexible enclosure for accessing the cavity and configured to connect to a fluid evacuation pump. Each of the ports is transitionable from an open position, when the port is connected to the fluid evacuation pump, to a closed position, when the port is not connected to the fluid evacuation pump. Upon actuation of the pump, the flexible enclosure is configured to transition from a relaxed position to a compressed position, in which the inner surfaced of the flexible enclosure exerts a compression force against a portion of the wearer&#39;s body. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    Some of the advantages and features of the preferred embodiments of the invention have been summarized hereinabove. These embodiments, along with other potential embodiments of the device, will become apparent to those skilled in the art when referencing the following drawings in conjunction with the detailed descriptions as they relate to the figures. 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a schematic drawing of a system for therapeutic pressure treatment, according to the principles of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a schematic drawing of a flexible enclosure of the system of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a schematic drawing of a flexible enclosure according to another embodiment of the invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a schematic drawing of a flexible enclosure according to another embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a schematic drawing of a flexible enclosure according to another embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    For purposes of the description hereinafter, spatial orientation terms, if used, shall relate to the referenced embodiment as it is oriented in the accompanying drawing figures or otherwise described in the following detailed description. However, it is to be understood that the embodiments described hereinafter may assume many alternative variations and embodiments. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures and described herein are simply exemplary and should not be considered as limiting. 
         [0025]    With reference to the figures, a therapeutic device, assembly, or system  10  for therapeutic pressure treatment is provided. For convenience, the individual wearing the system  10  will be referred to hereinafter as a patient  12 , though it is understood that this system  10  may be used by medical facilities and hospitals, by occupational therapists in home care situations, by physical therapists during rehabilitation treatments, by fitness trainers at gyms and physical fitness centers, as well as by individuals for personal use at home. The system  10  may also be used at sports enhancement centers and other specialized athletic training facilities to complement athletic strength training programs, such as strength training programs for collegiate and professional athletes. 
         [0026]    The system  10  exerts a consistent, strong pressure against certain body surfaces or against the patient&#39;s entire body. The pressure may be provided continually for a predetermined duration. Alternatively, the system  10  may be configured to apply a pulsating or variable pressure that approximates pressure applied during massage therapy. 
         [0027]    The present inventor has recognized that exerting a strong pressure against a body tissue provides numerous benefits that contribute to overall improved health and well-being of the patient  12 . More specifically, the patient&#39;s body reacts to applied compressive forces by actuating muscle tissues to counteract the applied pressure. These efforts to counteract applied pressure lead to improved muscle tone, function, and strength. Similarly, various internal organs are strengthened by the applied pressure. For example, pressure increases resistance in the patient&#39;s peripheral arteries. Cardiovascular health is improved as the heart is required to apply increased force to circulate blood through the contracted arteries. Additionally, pulmonary strength, lung capacity, diaphragm strength, and other muscles associated with breathing are also actuated in response to pressure applied to the chest cavity. Breathing functions are strengthened to counteract the applied pressure. Finally, a pulsating pressure force has been found to improve joint mobility and to reduce pain. Specifically, the variable or pulsating pressure creates a massage or stretching feeling in muscle tissue that improves joint mobility, releases tensed muscles, and increases blood flow to affected regions to reduce pain and encourage healing. 
         [0028]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , the system  10  includes a flexible enclosure  14  configured to cover or enclose at least a portion of the body of the patient  12 . As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, the enclosure  14  could be a suit, sleeve, bandage, bag, or other suitable structure sized to receive a portion of the patient&#39;s body. The enclosure  14  is formed from a flexible material, such as polyurethane, vinyl, polychloroprene (e.g., neoprene), or natural rubber (polyisoprene). The material need not be completely airtight or impervious to airflow. However, desirably, the material is sufficiently airtight to form a low-pressure or negative-pressure cavity  16  between the enclosure  14  and the patient  12  when a fluid, such as air or water, is removed from the cavity  16 . As a result of the negative-pressure cavity  16 , the flexible enclosure  14  is pressed against the patient  12  by atmospheric pressure or, alternatively, by water pressure if the patient  12  is in a water body such as a pool or hot tub. The pressure causes the enclosure  14  to apply compression against the patient  12 . It is noted that since the enclosure  14  need not be completely airtight, a pressure gradient may be created within the cavity  16  extending from the source of the negative-pressure (e.g a fluid evacuation pump) to the areas of the cavity  16  farthest from the source. Consequently, areas in the cavity  16  nearest to the source of the negative pressure will have a greater compression force than more distant areas. As a result of this pressure gradient, portions of the patient&#39;s  12  body that require treatment can be exposed to greater compressive force; areas that require less treatment can be exposed to a lower compression force. 
         [0029]    In certain embodiments, the suction force is provided by a fluid evacuation pump, such as a vacuum pump  18 . The vacuum pump  18  may be integrally formed with or attached to the flexible enclosure  14 . Alternatively, the vacuum pump  18  may be separate from the enclosure and connected to a port  20  of the enclosure  14  via a common conduit  22 , such as a flexible tube, hose, pipe, or similar structure for withdrawing fluid or air from the cavity  16 . Desirably, the conduit  22  is removeably attached to the port  20  so that the connector  22  can be removed when not in use. For example, the connection between the port  20  and conduit  22  may be any sort of releasable connector or quick release mechanism, such as a luer lock, threaded connector, or snap fit connection. As will be described hereinafter, in embodiments of the enclosure  14  having multiple ports  20 , the releasable connector allows a user to easily and quickly switch the conduit  22  between ports  20  during treatment. Being able to remove the conduit  22  makes it easier to transport or store the system  10  between uses. The vacuum pump  18  may be any suitable mechanical or electronic device for evacuating air from an enclosed chamber. Exemplary vacuum pumps  18  usable with the system  10  of the present invention, include, but are not limited to, a mechanical diaphragm, piston, rotary pump, plunger, or vane. A pneumatic pump, referred to as a venturi, may also be used within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0030]    In certain preferred and non-limiting embodiments, the vacuum pump  18  is associated with and controlled by a controller  24  for turning the pump on and off based on the therapeutic needs of a particular patient  12 . The controller  24  may be any sort of mechanical or electric switch, as is known in the art. For example, the controller  24  may be a binary or on/off type switch. In more complex embodiments, the controller  24  is an electrical device capable of providing varying the suction force provided by the vacuum pump  18 . In that case, the controller  24  may be a dedicated electrical device configured for turning the pump  18  on and off and for varying pump  18  power. The controller  24  may also be an electronic device such as a smartphone, tabletPC, or computer running software for controlling the pump  18 . In a simplest embodiment, the vacuum pump  18  operates continuously for the duration of a therapeutic treatment. The therapeutic treatment may be short duration (on the order of several minutes) to long duration (several hours). The controller  24  may also allow an operator to select between various vacuum pressure intensity levels. The operator can modify the intensity based on the area of the body being treated, size and strength of the patient  12 , or a desired therapeutic result. 
         [0031]    In a further embodiment of the system  10 , the controller  24  operates the vacuum pump  18  in an auto-cycling fashion. In that case, the system  10  includes one or more pressure sensors  26 . The sensors  26  may be placed at any convenient location in the system  10 , including within the cavity  16 , attached to the port  20  or connector  22 , or within a portion of the pump  18 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , in a preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the sensors  26  are positioned within the cavity  16  below the enclosure  14 . The sensors  26  may be any sort of mechanical or electromechanical sensor for measuring the force between two surfaces. The sensors  26  measure pressure between the enclosure  14  and the patient  12 . In certain embodiments, the controller  24  may be configured to turn the pump  18  on or off when the pressure drops below a predetermined level. The auto-cycling operation provides a pulsating pressure, alternating between instances of increased and decreased pressure. As used herein, the term “increased pressure” refers to increased suction between the enclosure  14  and patient  12 . However, it is understood that to achieve such an increased pressure, the pressure within the cavity  16  must actually become more negative. The pulsating pressure effectively mimics the feeling of message therapy in which pressure is selectively and intermittently applied to body tissue. 
         [0032]    In certain embodiments, the system  10  further includes thermal elements  28  for hot or cold treatment. The thermal elements  28  may be integrally formed with the enclosure  14 . For example, thermal elements  28  may be threaded within the flexible material that forms the enclosure  14 . Alternatively, the thermal elements  28  may be placed on top of the flexible enclosure  14  so that thermal energy is transferred to the patient  12  through the enclosure  14 . The thermal elements  28  may be flexible tubes or conduits configured to receive hot or cold fluids. The thermal elements  28  may be connected to a power supply  19 , such as a battery or power outlet, for providing power for the coils or heating/cooling elements. Alternatively, the thermal elements  28  may be hot or cold compresses, such as ice packs, heating pads, and the like. In other embodiments, the system  10  may be used with a Jacuzzi or whirlpool having hot or cold water. In that case, the patient  12  wears the flexible enclosure  14  while sitting in the whirlpool. Accordingly, the patient  12  is exposed to thermal treatments in conjunction with the pressure applied by the therapeutic treatment system  10 . 
         [0033]    Having described elements of the system  10 , the structure of various flexible enclosures  14  for use with the invented system will be described in detail. With reference to  FIG. 2 , the flexible enclosure  14  is a body suit. The enclosure  14  is similar in appearance to a wet suit. The suit may be a single garment or, alternatively, may be formed from separate pieces, such as a pair of pants and a separate shirt. The separate pieces may connect together with a fastener such as a zipper or elastic band (e.g. a waist band), so that a single cavity  16  is created beneath the pieces that make up the enclosure  14 . Alternatively, the patient  12  may only wear a piece of the suit, such as pants or a shirt, if treatment is only needed in a more limited area of the patient&#39;s  12  body. 
         [0034]    The enclosure  14  may also include openings  30  for the patient&#39;s hands, feet, and head. Alternatively, the patient  12  may wear elastomeric gloves or booties covering the hands and feet, respectively. The gloves and booties extend the cavity  16  around the patient&#39;s hands and feet for treatment of these extremities. For example, applying compression force to the hands may be beneficial for increasing muscle strength of fingers and for treatment of conditions, such as tendinitis or Carpal tunnel syndrome. Similarly, application of compression force to the feet may treat muscle weakness conditions, such as plantar fasciitis. The enclosure  14  may also include a hood partially enclosing the patient&#39;s  12  head for exerting pressure to specific areas of the head. 
         [0035]    With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , any opening  30  of the enclosure  14  include a collar  32  that contracts to form a suitable seal between the enclosure  14  and the patient  12 . The collar  32  may be positioned to prevent the enclosure  14  from moving along the patient&#39;s body when the pump  18  is engaged. The enclosure  14  further includes a slit  35 , which allows a wearer (e.g., patient  12 ) to take the enclosure  14  on or off. The slit  35  may be held in a closed position with a zipper, a fabric hook and loop fastener (e.g., Velcro®) closure, or snaps. The enclosure  14  further includes the port  20  for connection with the vacuum pump  18  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). An enclosure  14  in the form of a whole body suit is suitable for applying approximately equal pressure against all areas of the patient&#39;s body. Beneficially, application of consistent pressure across the entire body strengthens and improves function of numerous muscle systems simultaneously, which reduces treatment times compared with more target treatment methods. 
         [0036]    It is recognized that certain portions of the body may not be able to withstand higher pressures. Therefore, the enclosure  14  may include one or more shields  34  for protecting various body regions. For example, the shield  34  may be placed about the cardio-thoracic region to protect the heart and lungs. Desirably, the shield  34  is a rigid frame inserted between the enclosure  14  and the patient  12 , which prevents the enclosure  14  from compressing against the chest region of the patient. The shield  34  may also include a plurality of spacers or studs extending between the enclosure  14  and patient  12  for reducing contact with the chest region. Reducing pressure on the lungs makes breathing easier and prevents the patient  12  from becoming short of breath during treatment. Other body regions that may require a shield  34  during treatment with the system  10  include the stomach and diaphragm region of the torso. Similarly, if extremities such as hands and feet are enclosed in the cavity  16 , portions of the fingers and toes may be covered with a shield  34  to prevent hyperextension or improper bending of such members. 
         [0037]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , another embodiment of a system  10   b  having a flexible enclosure  14   b  is illustrated. The flexible enclosure  14   b  is a sleeve for targeted treatment of a specific body region. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the flexible enclosure  14   b  is a tubular sleeve having a collar  32  on each end thereof for forming the negative-pressure cavity  16  within the enclosure  14 . The enclosure  14   b  also includes the vacuum port  20 . The enclosure  14   b  can be pulled around a body region, such as an arm, shoulder, wrist, calf, or quadriceps, for treatment thereof. The enclosure  14   b  may be in the form of other garments such as shorts, pants, or a short sleeve shirt, depending on the type of treatment desired. 
         [0038]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , in a further embodiment, the enclosure is a vacuum bag  36 . The vacuum bag  36  is a substantially rectangular bag  36  about seven (7) feet by three (3) feet. The vacuum bag  36  includes three sealed sides  38  and a re-sealable closure defining an opening  40 . A second smaller opening  30  is positioned on one of the sealed sides  38 , generally the side opposite the opening  40 . The patient  12  is able to slip the smaller opening  30  over his or her head such that the bag  36  hangs around the patient&#39;s  12  shoulders. The opening  40  is then sealed by a common fastening means  42 , such as a zipper, clip, snap, or other available fastener. The bag  36  may also include a zip-lock mechanism, as is used for zip-lock bags, for forming a suitable seal. The vacuum bag  36  also includes the vacuum port  20  for connection with the fluid evacuation pump  18  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). As shown in  FIG. 4 , the vacuum bag  36  covers the patient&#39;s feet. The patient  12  may be required to wear shoes or other protective structures to prevent the vacuum bag  36  from exerting high force against the patient&#39;s toes or other areas of the foot which may be painful for some wearers. 
         [0039]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , a further embodiment of a system  10   c  including a flexible enclosure  14   c  is illustrated. The enclosure  14   c  is generally similar in shape to the body suit depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The enclosure  14   c  may be a single garment or formed from a number of pieces (e.g. shirt, pants, gloves, and booties). As in previous embodiments, the enclosure  14   c  surrounds a cavity  16 . However, unlike in previous embodiments, the enclosure  14   c  includes a plurality of vacuum ports  20 . For example, a port  20  may be positioned on both arms and both legs of the enclosure  14   c . A fifth port  20  may be positioned near the torso of the patient  12 . Each port  20  is covered by either a cap  21  or check-valve  23  for preventing air from escaping from the cavity  16 . The cap  21  and check-valve  23  are transitionable from an open position, when the port  20  is connected to a vacuum pump  18  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), to a closed position, when the port  20  is not connected to the pump  18 . 
         [0040]    Including multiple ports  20  provides greater control over the level of pressure and compressive force exposed to different areas of the patient&#39;s  12  body. Particularly, as described above, a pressure gradient is created in the cavity  16  since the enclosure  14   c  is not completely airtight. In the embodiment of the enclosure  14   c  illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the port  20  nearest to the area of the patient&#39;s  12  body that requires treatment is connected to the pump  18 . Other ports  20  remain in the closed position. Areas of the patient&#39;s  12  body nearest the port  20  connected to the pump  18  experience the highest compressive force and, as a result, the highest level of treatment. Other areas of the patent&#39;s  12  body that do not require treatment are exposed to reduced compressive force. Optionally, multiple ports  20  may be connected to the vacuum pump  18  at the same time, so that multiple areas of the cavity  16  have high compressive force. Similarly, different ports  20  could be connected to pumps  18  operating at different pressure levels, thereby providing even greater variation of the pressure gradient within the cavity  16 . 
         [0041]    With reference again to  FIGS. 1-5 , in use, the patient  12  begins by putting on the flexible enclosure  14 ,  14   b ,  14   c  or vacuum bag  36 . For flexible enclosures  14 ,  14   c  that are shaped like clothing garments, the process for putting on the garment is substantially similar to putting on an article of clothing. It is noted, however, that, unlike various compression garments, as are known in the art, the flexible enclosure  14 ,  14   b ,  14   c  of the present invention is loose fitting and easy to put on. Specifically, since the enclosure  14 ,  14   c  is not yet under compression, the enclosure  14 ,  14   c  can hang loosely about the patient&#39;s  12  body. To enhance the seal around openings  30  of the flexible enclosure,  14 ,  14   b ,  14   c  the patient or an assistant may wrap tape (not shown) around the openings  30 . Similarly, in cases in which the flexible enclosure  14 ,  14   b ,  14   c  is formed from multiple pieces (e.g., pants and a shirt), the user or an assistant may apply tape between the pieces of the enclosure  14 ,  14   b ,  14   c  to enhance the connection therebetween. The tape may be athletic tape, as is known in the art, which is easily removed from the patient&#39;s skin. The tape need not be completely airtight, but is sufficient for enhancing the seal and reducing airflow. For the vacuum bag  36  depicted in  FIG. 4 , the patient  12  slips his or her head through the opening  30 . Once the patient  12  is in the bag  36 , the patient  12  (or an operator, trainer, or other assistant) seals the open side  40  of the bag  36  with the fastening means  42 . 
         [0042]    Once the flexible enclosure  14 ,  14   b ,  14   c , or vacuum bag  36  is sealed about the patient  12 , the patient  12  (or an assistant) attaches the enclosure  14 ,  14   b ,  14   c  or vacuum bag  36  to the fluid evacuation pump  18  via the connector  22 . The patient  12  or an assistant, may then manually turn on the fluid evacuation pump  18  to evacuate air or another fluid from the cavity  16 . The pump  18  may also be automatically controlled by the controller  24 . The pump  18  creates a negative pressure within the cavity  16 . As a result of the negative pressure, the enclosure  14 ,  14   b ,  14   c  or vacuum bag  36  is forced against the surface of the patient&#39;s  12  body by a suction force. The enclosure  14 ,  14   b ,  14   c  or vacuum bag  36  exerts pressure against the surface of the patient&#39;s  12  body. In response to the applied pressure, the patient&#39;s  12  muscles contract. In addition, circulatory and pulmonary muscle systems may be required to exert greater force to compensate for the applied pressure. Additionally, the compressive force against body tissue increases circulation and blood flow. Further still, the pressure supports injured muscle tissues to encourage healing of injured or pulled tissues. 
         [0043]    As the compressive pressure is being provided by the flexible enclosure  14 ,  14   b ,  14   c , or vacuum bag  36 , the patient  12  either remains in a stationary position or may perform a variety of physical activities or movements. Most simply, the patient  12  lies on his or her back on a bed or mat as treatment is being provided. The patient  12  may also sit in a body of water, such a hot tub or warm bath to combine heat and pressure treatments. Alternatively, the patient  12  may receive treatment from a physical therapist or physical trainer while the pressure is being provided to increase and/or supplement therapeutic benefits provided by the system  10 ,  10   b ,  10   c  alone. For example, the physical therapist may help stretch the patient&#39;s muscles or provide massage. In still other embodiments, the patient engages in physical activity or exercises while the compressive pressure is being provided. For example, the patient  12  may walk or run on a treadmill, swim in a pool, perform strength building and flexibility improving exercises such as Pilates or yoga, or may lift weights. In these cases, the system  10  can be used in combination with other physical training routines or devices to improve physical conditioning for athletes. 
         [0044]    The pressure may be applied as a continuous force for the entire duration of the treatment. In that case, the wearer or user only needs to turn the pump  18  on at the beginning of the treatment and turn the pump  18  off after a predetermined period of time. Alternatively, the pressure could be applied in a cyclical or pulsating pattern in which pressure is turned on and off throughout the course of the treatment. Pulsating pressure provides a massage sensation in which the muscle tissue contracts (e.g., is exposed to pressure) and releases multiple times over the course of the treatment. It is believed that such pulsating pressure provides especially beneficial results which increase muscle activity and physiological benefits. The treatment is performed for a predetermined period of time, generally a few minutes, though certain treatments may last an hour or more. 
         [0045]    Once the treatment is completed, air is introduced into the cavity  16  causing the enclosure  14 ,  14   b ,  14   c  or vacuum bag  36  to release from the body surface. Once the enclosure  14 ,  14   b ,  14   c  or vacuum bag  36  releases, the patient  12  (or assistant) removes the enclosure  14 ,  14   b ,  14   c  or vacuum bag  36 . The treatment can be repeated several times during a single office visit to a doctor or physical therapist. Alternatively, a patient  12  may schedule a treatment every few weeks or once a month. Further still, in certain embodiments, the patient  12  may alternate between treatment and physical exercise. In that case, the strengthening and pain reducing effects of the therapeutic treatment may allow for greater physical exertion during exercise. 
         [0046]    While several embodiments of the therapeutic devices, systems for compression treatment with vacuum pressure, and flexible enclosures for use with such systems are shown in the accompanying figures and described hereinabove in detail, other embodiments will be apparent to, and readily made by, those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, it is to be understood that this disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0