Abstract:
Electrical stimulation of a human knee. In one example embodiment, a method for electrical stimulation of a human knee may include positioning first, second, third, and fourth surface electrodes on the skin over acupuncture points Stomach 34, Stomach 36, Spleen 9, and Spleen 10, respectively, and sending, to the first, second, third, and fourth surface electrodes, during a single treatment, a first current followed by a second current. The first current may be sent at a first frequency for a first time period and the second current may be sent at a second frequency for a second time period. The first frequency may be different from the second frequency.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/660,933, filed Oct. 25, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,314,609, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/553,037, filed Oct. 28, 2011, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Chronic knee and joint pain is an affliction that affects millions of people. Often, there is little or no treatment available to eliminate the pain, i.e., the pain sufferer is forced to control the pain using medications rather than eliminating the pain and enjoying long term relief. Alternatively, the sufferer can undergo surgery or other treatment which may be risky. 
         [0003]    One possible treatment for the sufferer is acupuncture. Acupuncture consists of needle insertions at specified locations. Acupuncture may relieve the pain but it requires a highly trained specialist. If the practitioner is inexperienced the treatment may cause more damage than it relieves. In addition, acupuncture may be very time consuming, requiring a large time commitment from the patient. This is especially problematic if the sufferer requires more than a single round of treatment. 
         [0004]    Another possible treatment available to the sufferer is surgery. However, surgery can also be time consuming. In addition, surgery can lead to other problems such as infection and secondary problems as the sufferer favors the joint while recovering from surgery. Further, the recovery time for surgery may be significant and may include supplemental treatments such as physical therapy or other rounds of surgery in order to complete treatment. 
         [0005]    A third possible treatment is the use of pharmaceuticals such as anti-inflammatories. However, these often mask the problem by reducing the swelling of the joint and/or the pain in the joint. This means that the sufferer may not seek appropriate medical attention to ensure that the underlying problem is corrected. This may mean that the sufferer has more extensive damage to the joint before treatment is sought, leading to additional problems. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a treatment for joint pain that is effective both in the short term and in the long term. In addition, there is a need in the art for the treatment to be available for use at home. Further, there is a need in the art for a treatment protocol that equals or surpasses the effectiveness of current pharmelectrical therapy. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0008]    In one example embodiment, a method for electrical stimulation of a human knee may include positioning first, second, third, and fourth surface electrodes on the skin over acupuncture points Stomach 34, Stomach 36, Spleen 9, and Spleen 10, respectively, and sending, to the first, second, third, and fourth surface electrodes, during a single treatment, a first current followed by a second current. The first current may be sent at a first frequency for a first time period and the second current may be sent at a second frequency for a second time period. The first frequency may be different from the second frequency. 
         [0009]    These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    To further clarify various aspects of some example embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates a wrap for placing electrodes; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  illustrates an example of a wrap in use; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  illustrates an example of an electrode; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a top view of the template for placing electrodes; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a bottom view of the template for placing electrodes; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart illustrating a method of treating a joint injury. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    Reference will now be made to the figures wherein like structures will be provided with like reference designations. It is understood that the figures are diagrammatic and schematic representations of some embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale. 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  illustrates a wrap  100  for treating joint pain. In at least one implementation, the wrap  100  can be placed in the appropriate location and automatically locate attached electrodes in the proper location, i.e., the wrap  100  can allow a user to place the electrodes without assistance. This can allow the user to undergo the treatment at home and without medical supervision. 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  shows that the wrap  100  can include a body  102 . In at least one implementation, the body  102  can include the central portion of the wrap  100 . In particular, the body  102  can be placed over the joint. This can allow the user to easily identify if the wrap  100  has been placed correctly. Additionally or alternatively, the body  102  can ensure that the wrap  100  is of appropriate size and/or shape. 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  also shows that the wrap  100  can include a center hole  104 . In at least one implementation, the center hole  104  can be located in the body  102 . The center hole  104  can be used to center the wrap  100 . For example, the center hole  104  can be placed over a specified portion of the joint, such as the patella for the knee. The center hole  104  can be indicative of a center point, such as a round hole, or shaped and sized to fit over the joint. 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  further shows that the wrap  100  can include a first arm  106   a  and a second arm  106   b  (collectively “arms  106 ”). In at least one implementation, the first arm  106   a  can be configured to be placed on a first side of the joint and the second arm  106   b  can be configured to be placed on a second side of the joint. In particular, the arms  106  can secure the wrap  100  relative to the joint to allow the treatment to proceed as desired. For example, the first arm  106   a  can be placed on the upper arm for elbow treatment or on the upper leg for knee treatment and the second arm  106   b  can be placed on the lower arm or lower leg. 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  additionally shows that the arms  106  can include a first attachment  108   a  and a second attachment  108   b  (collectively “attachments  108 ”) on the first arm  106   a  and the second arm  106   b , respectively. In at least one implementation, the attachments  108  can be configured to secure the arms  106  in place relative to the joint. In particular, the attachments  108  can releasably attach the arms  106  at the desired tension, allowing the user to place the wrap without making the wrap  100  too tight, which could inhibit circulation, or too loose, which could allow the wrap  100  to move relative to the joint. For example, the attachments  108  can include a hook and loop fastener, a button, a snap, a clip or any other desired attachment mechanism. 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  moreover shows that the wrap  100  can include electrode locators  110 . In at least one implementation, electrode locators  110  can allow the user to insert the desired electrodes. For example the electrode locators  110  can include a pouch or pocket or other mechanism for receiving the desired electrode. For example, the electrode locators  110  can include an indicator, such as a tag or label, that indicates the electrode to be inserted based on the joint, e.g., a positive electrode could be placed in a particular location for treatment of the right knee, but that same location would require a negative location for the left knee and vice versa. Additionally or alternatively, the electrode locators  110  can ensure that the electrodes are placed correctly relative to the joint. For example, the first arm  106   a  can include an electrode locator  110  on either branch of the first arm  106   a , to be placed over the acupuncture points Stomach 34 and Spleen 10 and an electrode locator  110  on either branch of the second arm  106   b , to be placed over acupuncture points Stomach 36 and Spleen 9. 
         [0024]    In at least one implementation, the wrap  100  can be used to treat joints on both the right side and the left side of the user&#39;s body. In particular, the current can flow from positive to negative electrodes away from the user&#39;s trunk on the inside of the user&#39;s limb and toward the user&#39;s trunk on the outside of the user&#39;s limb. Additionally or alternatively, the current can flow from positive to negative electrodes away from the user&#39;s trunk on the outside of the user&#39;s limb and toward the user&#39;s trunk on the inside of the user&#39;s limb. The electrodes can be reversed to treat the same joint on the other side of the user&#39;s body. 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  also shows that the wrap  100  can include a cover  112 . In at least one implementation, the cover  112  can allow access to the electrode locators  110 . In particular, the cover  112  can be closed to prevent access to the electrode locators  110  or opened to allow access to the electrode locators  110 . In particular, the cover  112  can be releasably attached to the body  102 , the first arm  106   a  or the second arm  106   b  to prevent access to the electrodes during use. 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  further shows that the wrap  100  can include a control  114 . In at least one implementation, the control  114  can provide electrical power to the electrodes. In particular, the control  114  can provide the power in the desired sequence and timing to provide treatment to the joint. 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  additionally shows that the wrap  100  can include one or more leads  116 . In at least one implementation the leads  116  can transfer electrical power from the control  114  to the electrodes, i.e., the leads  116  can include wires or other mechanisms from transferring electrical power from the control  114  to the electrodes. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  moreover shows that the wrap  100  can include a lead guide  118 . In at least one implementation, the lead guide  118  can position the leads  116 . In particular, the lead guide  118  can position the leads  116  such that they remain connected and/or are protected from damage during use. 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  also shows that the wrap  100  can include a centerline  120 . In at least one implementation, the centerline  120  can include a permanent attachment between the body  102  and the cover  112 . Additionally or alternatively, the centerline  120  can serve as a guide, further directing the leads  116  to the correct position to attach to the electrodes. 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  illustrates an example of a wrap  100  in use. In at least one implementation, the wrap  100  can be secured over a joint of a user  202  in the desired location. Once the wrap  100  has been placed in the correct location, the electrodes will be in the preferred location for treatment. Additionally or alternatively, the wrap  100  can provide compression treatment to the joint simultaneous with the electrostimulation. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  illustrates an example of an electrode  300 . In at least one implementation, the electrode  300  can be configured to deliver electrical stimulation to the desired location. In particular, the electrode  300  can provide a voltage difference at different locations on the user, causing an electric current to flow through the skin and underlying tissue of the user. 
         [0032]      FIG. 3  shows that the electrode  300  can include a pad  302 . In at least one implementation, the pad  302  is configured to apply an electrical current to the skin of the user. In particular, the pad  302  is configured to be placed on or near the skin of the user. A current delivered to the pad  302  via the lead  116  is then transferred to the underlying tissue of the user. 
         [0033]    In at least one implementation, the electrical stimulation can include transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). TENS is the use of electric current produced by a device to stimulate the nerves for therapeutic purposes. In particular, the electrical stimulation can include electrical stimulation applied to the skin of the user, which then stimulates the underlying muscle and nervous tissue. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate a template  400  for placing electrodes.  FIG. 4A  illustrates a top view of the template  400  for placing electrodes; and  FIG. 4B  illustrates a bottom view of the template  400  for placing electrodes. In at least one implementation, the template  400  can ensure that a user can place the electrodes in the correct position without compression treatment of the joint. In particular, the template  400  can allow a user to place the electrodes without assistance. This can allow the user to undergo the treatment at home and without medical supervision. For example, the user can place the electrodes on his/her right knee with the surface shown in  FIG. 4A  away from his/her skin and can place the electrodes on his/her left knee with the surface shown in  FIG. 4B  away from his/her skin. 
         [0035]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  show that the template  400  can include a body  402 . In at least one implementation, the body  402  can include the central portion of the template  400 . In particular, the body  402  can be placed over the joint. This can allow the user to easily identify if the template  400  has been placed correctly. Additionally or alternatively, the body  402  can ensure that the template  400  is of appropriate size and/or shape. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  also show that the template  400  can include a center hole. In at least one implementation, the center hole can be located in the body  402 . The center hole can be used to center the template  400 . For example, the center hole can be placed over a specified portion of the joint, such as the patella for the knee. The center hole can be indicative of a center point, such as a round hole, or shaped and sized to fit over the joint. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  also show that the template  400  can include a first arm  410 . In at least one implementation, the first arm  410  can be configured to be placed on a first side of the joint. For example, the first arm  410  can be placed on the upper arm for elbow treatment or on the upper leg for knee treatment. The first arm  410  can include one or more location indicators  412 . For example, the first arm  410  can include a location indicator  412  at either end of the first arm  410 . The location indicators  412  can identify the acupuncture points Stomach 34 and Spleen 10. In addition, the one or more location indicators  412  can be used to determine the correct location for electrode placement in small, medium and large sizes. The first arm  410  can also include one or more polarity indicators  414 . In at least one implementation, the one or more polarity indicators  414  can indicate which electrode should be placed on which location indicator  412 . 
         [0038]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  further show that the template  400  can include a second arm  404 . In at least one implementation the second arm  404  can be configured to be placed on a second side of the joint. For example, the second arm  404  can be placed on the lower arm for elbow treatment or on the lower leg for knee treatment. The second arm  404  can include one or more locations indicators  406 . For example, the second arm  404  can include a location indicator  406  at either end of the second arm  404 . The location indicators  406  can identify the acupuncture points Stomach 36 and Spleen 9. In addition, the one or more location indicators  406  can be used to determine the correct location for electrode placement in small, medium and large sizes. The second arm  404  can also include one or more polarity indicators  406 . In at least one implementation, the one or more polarity indicators  408  can indicate which electrode should be placed on which location indicator  406 . 
         [0039]    In at least one implementation, the template  400  can be used to treat joints on both the right side and the left side of the user&#39;s body. In particular, the current can flow from positive to negative electrodes away from the user&#39;s trunk on the inside of the user&#39;s limb and toward the user&#39;s trunk on the outside of the user&#39;s limb, i.e., the template  400  in the configuration shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  can be used to treat joints on the right side of the user&#39;s body. Additionally or alternatively, the template  400  can be turned over about the long axis of the body  402  for treatment on the user&#39;s left side. This can maintain the current flow away from the user&#39;s trunk on the inside of the user&#39;s limb and toward the user&#39;s trunk on the outside of the user&#39;s limb. 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart illustrating a method  500  of treating a joint injury. In at least one implementation, the method  500  can include electrical stimulation of the joint. In particular, the method  500  can include electostimulation of a joint, such as an elbow or a knee, for the reduction or elimination of pain within the joint. 
         [0041]      FIG. 5  shows that the treatment method  500  can include treating  502  the joint with platelet rich plasma (PRP). PRP is blood plasma that has been enriched with platelets. As a concentrated source of autologous platelets, PRP contains (and releases through degranulation) several different growth factors and other cytokines that stimulate healing of bone and soft tissue. The efficacy of certain growth factors in healing various injuries and the concentrations of these growth factors found within PRP are the theoretical basis for the use of PRP in tissue repair. The platelets collected in PRP are activated by the addition of thrombin and calcium chloride, which induces the release of these factors from alpha granules. The growth factors and other cytokines present in PRP may include: platelet-derived growth factor; transforming growth factor beta; fibroblast growth factor; insulin-like growth factor 1; insulin-like growth factor 2; vascular endothelial growth factor; epidermal growth factor; Interleukin 8; keratinocyte growth factor; and connective tissue growth factor. There are, at present, two methods of PRP preparation approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Both processes involve the collection of whole blood that is anticoagulated with citrate dextrose) before undergoing two stages of centrifugation designed to separate the PRP aliquot from platelet-poor plasma and red blood cells. In humans, the typical baseline blood platelet count is approximately 200,000 per μL; therapeutic PRP concentrates the platelets by roughly five-fold. There is however broad variability in the production of PRP by various concentrating equipment and techniques. 
         [0042]      FIG. 5  also shows that the treatment method  500  can include applying  504  electrodes to the joint. In at least one implementation, the electrodes can be applied  504  in a specified location using the wrap  100  of  FIG. 1  or the template  400  of  FIGS. 4A and 4B . In particular, the electrodes can be applied  504  to acupuncture points around the joint. Additionally or alternatively, the direction of current flow, as directed by the electrode placement, can aid in the healing process. 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  further shows that the treatment method  500  can include applying  506  electrical stimulation at a first frequency. The first frequency can be any desired therapeutic frequency. For example, the first frequency can be between 120 and 180 Hz. In particular, the first frequency can be approximately 150 Hz. Additionally or alternatively, the first frequency can be between 80 and 120 Hz. In particular, the first frequency can be approximately 100 Hz. The first frequency can be applied for a first time period. For example, the first frequency can be applied for between 15 and 30 minutes. Additionally or alternatively, the time period can be between 6 and 8 hours. The first frequency can be applied for a specific pulse width, i.e., the first frequency can be applied in an “on/off” pattern with a specific period. For example, the pulse width can be between 180 and 250 microseconds. The first frequency can be applied with a current at a subthreshold level, i.e., the current can be small enough that the user cannot perceive the current. For example, the current can be less than 1 mA (milliamp). Additionally or alternatively, the current can be small enough to prevent disruption of cellular production of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP). For example, the current can be between 50 and 1000 microamps. As used in the specification and the claims, the term approximately shall mean that the value is within 10% of the stated value, unless otherwise specified. 
         [0044]      FIG. 5  additionally shows that the treatment method  500  can include applying  508  electrical stimulation at a second frequency. The second frequency can be any desired therapeutic frequency. For example, the second frequency can be between 1 and 3 Hz. In particular, the second frequency can be approximately 2 Hz. The second frequency can be applied for a second time period. The second time period can be the same as the first time period or a different amount of time. For example, the second frequency can be applied for between 15 and 30 minutes. The second frequency can be applied for a specific pulse width. The second pulse width can have the same period as the first pulse width or a different period. For example, the pulse width can be between 180 and 250 microseconds. 
         [0045]    One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, the functions performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations without detracting from the essence of the disclosed embodiments. 
         [0046]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.