Abstract:
A method treating the symptoms of tendonitis, arthritis, capsulities, lymphedema and ganglion cysts in the arm of a user which involves the steps of placing a pressure imparting device around selected portions of the user&#39;s arm and applying controlled pressure to the discrete areas of the skin directly overlying the selected portions. The pressure imparting device includes two discrete compression plates that are placed around selected portions of the user&#39;s arm and are drawn toward one another to apply bipolar transaxial compression of equal magnitude simultaneously to discrete areas of the skin directly overlying the selected portions.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for treating disorders in the arm of a patient. More particularly, the invention concerns methods and apparatus for treating the symptoms of biceps/triceps tendonitis and lymphedema in a patient through the strategic placement about the arm of the patient of novel pressure imparting devices of unique design. 
         [0003]    2. Discussion of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    The prior art is replete with various types of devices that can be positioned about the arms, wrists, legs, ankles and feet of a user that are touted to provide relief from numerous types of physical problems. Most of these devices provide some support to a particular member, but few have any therapeutic value for treating disorders associated with injuries and diseases involving circulation of blood to and from the member. 
         [0005]    A number of highly successful devices, which do have proven therapeutic value, have been developed by the present inventor. One such device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,152,302 entitled Forearm Transaxial Compression Band. This patent, which issued Oct. 6, 1992, describes an adjustable strap or band adapted to be circumferentially fitted around the forearm of a patient to alleviate the symptoms of tennis elbow. The strap is a generally band-shaped device having opposing inwardly protruding means on its forearm contacting surface to direct transaxial compression against the radial extensor, separator complex and flexor muscles when the band is circumferentially tensioned and fastened in place around the forearm. In its preferred form, the band applies an adjustable pressure principally upon the extensor, supinator and flexor wads permitting unimpeded blood circulation along all other portions of the forearm. The two opposing means for applying transaxial compression are limited in their circumferential extent to those areas of the band immediately overlying the extensor and flexor muscle mass. 
         [0006]    Another highly successful therapeutic method and apparatus invented by the present inventor is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,951 entitled Device and Method for Treating Tennis Elbow. This patent, which issued Mar. 22, 1994, discloses a method for treating the symptoms of tennis elbow. One form of this method comprises the steps of presenting a generally circular device that comprises a means for concentrating a radially compressive force onto the forearm, the means for concentrating the force are two surfaces projecting inwardly from the circular device and located at two distinct positions that are transaxially opposed to each other; placing the device around the forearm to encircle at least a portion of the forearm; and applying bipolar transaxial compression of equal magnitude simultaneously to discrete areas of the skin directly overlying the flexor and the extensor muscles of the forearm without substantial compression of other skin of the forearm. 
         [0007]    In the course of extensive use of the device described in the patents identified in the preceding paragraphs, the present inventor has discovered that, surprisingly, the device described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,152,302 relieves and/or resolves intra-articular inflammation, arthritis and synovial impingement from within the elbow joint, which action is independent of its use with tennis elbow and tendonitis. The inventor has also found that patients wearing the device frequently observe improvement of their arthritis. Additionally, it has been observed that use of the device unexpectedly results in the disappearance of ganglion cysts that typically occur in the wrist of a patient. 
         [0008]    Further, it has been observed that people with chronic bilateral lymphedema following mastectomy experience immediate resolution of the lymphedema in the arm to which the device was applied. It has also been determined that when the device is used in conjunction with repetitive grip contraction, the beneficial action of the device dramatically accelerates. 
         [0009]    As a result of the extensive use of the device described in the patents identified in the preceding paragraphs, the present inventor has also developed other highly novel pressure imparting devices, including a novel elbow compressor the character of which will be described in detail in the paragraphs that follow. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    By way of summary, one form of the method of the invention for treating the symptoms of tendonitis, arthritis, capsulities, lymphedema and ganglion cysts in the arm of a user involves the steps of placing a pressure imparting device around selected portions of the user&#39;s arm and applying controlled pressure to the discrete areas of the skin directly overlying the selected portions. More particularly, one form of the method of the invention for treating the symptoms of tendonitis, arthritis, capsulities, lymphedema and ganglion cysts in the arm of a user involves the steps of placing a generally circular device having two discrete compression plates around selected portions of the user&#39;s arm and drawing the compression plates toward one another to apply bipolar transaxial compression of equal magnitude simultaneously to discrete areas of the skin directly overlying the selected portions. 
         [0011]    With the foregoing in mind, it is an object of this invention to provide a method for treating the symptoms of a biceps/triceps tendonitis and lymphedema in the arm of a user through use of a compression band placed around the biceps/triceps portion of the user&#39;s arm. 
         [0012]    Another object of the invention is to provide a treatment method that involves the use of a compression band of the character described in the preceding paragraph with means on the inner surface thereof for selectively applying transaxial counter-compression against the biceps/triceps muscles where the counter-compression means can be easily adjusted by the user while in use. 
         [0013]    Another object of the invention is to provide a method for treating the symptoms of arthritis, tendonitis, capsulities and ganglion cysts in the arm of a user through the use of a compression band of the character described that is placed around the elbow portion of the user&#39;s arm. 
         [0014]    Another object of the invention is to provide a method, as described in the previous paragraph, which uses a compression band that includes means on the inner surface thereof for selectively applying transaxial counter-compression against the elbow portion. 
         [0015]    Another object of the invention is to provide a novel apparatus for treating the symptoms of arthritis, tendonitis, capsulities and ganglion cysts in the arm of a user. 
         [0016]    Another object of the invention to provide a novel elbow compression apparatus for treating and preventing the symptoms of arthritis, capsulitis, synovitis, biceps-triceps tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, lymphedema, ganglion cyst, trigger finger and like maladies. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a generally perspective view illustrating one form of the method of the present invention for treating the symptoms of a biceps/triceps tendonitis and lymphedema in the arm of a user through use of a compression band placed around the biceps/triceps portion of the user&#39;s arm. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a side-elevational view further illustrating the method of one form of the invention for treating the symptoms of a biceps/triceps tendonitis and lymphedema in the arm of a user. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a generally perspective view illustrating another form of the method of the invention for treating the symptoms of arthritis, tendonitis, capsulities and ganglion cysts in the arm of a user through the use of a generally circular compression band placed around the elbow portion of the user&#39;s arm. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  5 - 5  of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a generally perspective view illustrating one form of the apparatus of the invention for treating dysfunctions of the arm of a patient by positioning the apparatus around the elbow portion of the patient&#39;s arm in the manner shown in the drawing. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6A  is an enlarged, generally perspective view of the apparatus of the invention shown in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 6B  is a generally perspective view, similar to  FIG. 6A , but showing the elbow-encircling strap having been pivoted from the first position shown in  FIG. 6A  into a second, lowered position. 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a generally perspective view illustrating the apparatus of the invention as it appears in  FIG. 6B  when positioned around the upper forearm of the patient. 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a generally perspective view illustrating an alternate form of the apparatus of the invention for treating dysfunctions of the arm of a patient by positioning the apparatus around the elbow portion of the patient&#39;s arm in the manner shown in the drawing. 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged, generally perspective view of yet another form of the apparatus of the invention for treating dysfunctions of the arm of a patient. 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is a generally perspective view of still another form of the invention as it appears when positioned about the elbow of the patient. 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged, generally perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 8  of the drawings. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0030]    Referring to the drawings, and particularly to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  4 , the accomplishment of one form of the method of the invention is there illustrated. This method is directed toward the treatment of the symptoms of biceps/triceps tendonitis and lymphedema in a user through the use of a generally circular compression device  14  having two discrete compression plates  16  and  18  that are linked to one another by a compression inducing member here shown as an elongated strap  20  in a manner such that they project inwardly from the circular device. In  FIGS. 2 and 4  of the drawings strap  20  is shown encircling the biceps/triceps portion “B-T” of the user&#39;s arm. 
         [0031]    Tendonitis, which is one of the symptoms treated by the method of the invention, occurs when the tendon(s) around a particular joint have become severely inflamed from overuse, micro-injury, etc. Biceps/triceps tendonitis occurs when the tendon(s) in the area of the biceps/triceps have become severely inflamed. It is this highly unpleasant symptom, among others, that the method of the present invention seeks to alleviate. 
         [0032]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , when in use, the strap  20  is positioned about the upper arm so that the inelastic compression plates  16  and  18 , which have concave inner skin-contacting surfaces  16   a  and  16   b , strategically overlie the bicep area “B” and the triceps area “T” respectively to enable effective transaxial counter-compression of these areas ( FIG. 4 ). The strap  20  passes through spaced-apart slots  21  formed in the compression plates and free end of the strap  20   a  is provided with connector means, such as a material  23  sold under the name and style VELCRO, so that the length of strap  20  can be circumferentially adjusted to optimize transaxial compression. The presence of the strap segments  20   b  and  20   c , which overlie the non-target areas insure unrestricted circulation of the blood. The skin contacting surface of the compression plates are conveniently lined with closed-cell foam  25  for comfort. 
         [0033]    For a more detailed description of the details of the construction of the compression device  14 , reference should be made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,152,302, which patent is hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein. 
         [0034]    Referring next to  FIGS. 3 and 5 , the accomplishment of an alternate form of the method of the invention is there illustrated. The method of this form of the invention is directed toward the treatment of the symptoms of arthritis, tendonitis, capsulities and ganglion cysts in the arm of a user through the use of the previously identified compression device  14  which is identical in construction to that previously described. 
         [0035]    This alternate method of the invention comprises the steps of first placing the device  14  around the elbow portion “E” of the user&#39;s arm in the manner shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 . In this position, the device encircles the elbow portion so that the discrete compression plates  16  and  18  overlie the elbow portion in the manner best seen in  FIG. 5 . This done, using the strap  20 , the compression plates are drawn toward one another to apply bipolar compression to the elbow portion. 
         [0036]    Arthritis, which is one of the symptoms treated by this alternate method of the invention, is frequently accompanied by joint pain and occurs when one or more joints have become inflamed and sometimes overproduces fibrous tissue to the area of the inflammation. Capsulitis, which is another of the symptoms treated by this alternate method of the invention, means that the connective tissue which surrounds the bony joints of the body has become inflamed. The cause is usually muscle weakness. The word “ganglion” means “knot” and is used to describe the knot-like mass or lump of cells that forms below the surface of the skin. The ganglion cysts, which are treated by this alternate method of the invention, comprise the knot-like mass or gel-filled sack of cells that have formed in the forearm and wrist area of the patient distant from the site of the application. 
         [0037]    As previously discussed, in the course of extensive use of the device described in the preceding paragraphs, the inventor discovered that, quite unexpectedly, the device relieves and/or resolves the foregoing forearm, wrist and hand symptoms independent of its use with tennis elbow and tendonitis. The inventor has also observed that use of the device in the manner described herein surprisingly results in the disappearance of ganglion cysts that typically occur in the wrist of a patient. 
         [0038]    Referring next to  FIGS. 6 ,  6 A and  6 B, an alternate form of the apparatus and the method of the invention is there illustrated. The apparatus, the details of which will presently be described, is somewhat similar to the apparatus illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 5  of the drawings. The method of this alternate form of the invention is also similar to that described in connection with  FIGS. 1 through 5  and is directed toward the treatment of the symptoms of arthritis, tendonitis, capsulities, carpal tunnel syndrome, lympedema, trigger finger and ganglion cysts in the arm of a user through the use of a modification of the previously identified compression device  14 . 
         [0039]    This modified device, which is generally designated by the numeral  30 , comprises a first portion  32  which includes a first forearm-engaging member  34  and a circumferentially spaced forearm-engaging second member  36  that is linked to first  34  by means of a compression inducing member here provided as an adjustable, flexible strap  38 . Flexible strap  38  is constructed and arranged as to cause the spaced-apart arm-engaging members to exert pressure on selected areas of the forearm without substantially compressing other non-target areas and tissues. More particularly, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , when in use, the strap  38  is positioned about the patient&#39;s arm proximate the elbow so that the inelastic compression members  34  and  36 , which have concave inner skin-contacting surfaces  34   a  and  36   a , strategically overlie the forearm so as to enable effective transaxial counter-compression of the contact areas. The strap  38  passes through spaced-apart slots  39  formed in the compression members and free end  38   a  of the strap  38  is provided with connector means, such as a suitable material sold under the name and style VELCRO, so that the length of strap  38  can be circumferentially adjusted to optimize transaxial compression. The presence of the strap segments  38   c  and  38   d , which overlie the non-target areas insure unrestricted circulation of the blood. 
         [0040]    The modified device,  30  of this latest form of the invention also comprises a second portion which is generally designated by the numeral  42 . Second portion  42 , which is interconnected with first portion  32 , here comprises a generally U-shaped flexible strap  44  having a bite portion  44   a  for engaging the patient&#39;s arm proximate the triceps and first and second end portions  44   b  and  44   c  that are pivotally connected to first portion  32  by means of suitable pivot pins  45  ( FIGS. 6 and 6A ). With this construction, second flexible strap  44  can be moved between the first elbow-encircling position shown in  FIG. 6  (and shown by the phantom lines in  FIG. 6B ) and a second position shown in  FIG. 6B  wherein the bite portion  44   a  of the strap is in close proximity with said first flexible strap,  38 . 
         [0041]    Turning particularly to  FIG. 6 , an alternate method of the invention for treating arthritis, capsulitis, synovitis and like maladies relating to the arm of the patient is there shown. This latest method of the invention comprises the steps of first placing the modified device  30  around the elbow portion “E” of the user&#39;s arm in the manner shown in  FIG. 6 . In this position, the device encircles the elbow portion so that the discrete compression members  34  and  36  overlie the forearm portion of the patient and the U-shaped flexible strap  44  extends around the elbow so that a bite portion  44   a  thereof engages the rear portion of the arm at a location just above the elbow portion “E”. With the device in this position the strap  38  is tightened so that the compression members are drawn toward one another to apply a uniform bipolar compression to the forearm. 
         [0042]    With the device of the invention in the configuration shown in  FIG. 6B  it can be used in the manner shown in  FIG. 7  of the drawings to accomplish yet another method of the invention. This alternate form of the method of the invention is directed to the treatment of disorders related directly and indirectly to the patient&#39;s forearm as, for example, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, tendonitis, capsulities, lympaedema, trigger finger and ganglion cysts in the arm of a user, including symptoms related to the hand and fingers of the patient. This latest method of the invention comprises the steps of first placing the modified device  30  around the forearm portion “FA” of the patient in the manner shown in  FIG. 7 . In this position, the device encircles the forearm portion so that the discrete compression members  34  and  36  overlie the forearm with the U-shaped flexible strap  44  having been pivoted into the second position in close proximity with compression member  36 . With the device in this position the strap  38  is tightened so that the compression members are drawn toward one another to apply a uniform bipolar compression to the forearm portion. 
         [0043]    Turning now to  FIGS. 8 and 11 , still another form of the method and apparatus of the invention is there illustrated. The compression device of this embodiment of the invention, which is generally designated by the numeral  50 , is also somewhat similar to that illustrated in  FIGS. 6 ,  6 A and  6 B of the drawings. The method of this alternate form of the invention is also similar to that described in connection with  FIGS. 6 and 7  and is directed toward the treatment of arthritis, tendonitis, capsulities, carpal tunnel syndrome, lympedema, trigger finger and ganglion cysts in areas directly and indirectly related to the arm of the patient. 
         [0044]    As best seen in  FIG. 11  of the drawings, the compression device  50  here comprises a first portion  52  which includes a first forearm-engaging assembly generally designated by the numeral  54 . Assembly  54  includes first and second spaced-apart side members  56  and  58  that are interconnected by a compression inducing connector member shown here as a polymer cord  59 . Assembly  54  also includes a flexible strap  60  that is interconnected with and depends downwardly from the side members  56  and  58 . Also comprising a part of first forearm-engaging assembly  54  is a compression pad  62  that is carried by flexible strap  60  in the manner shown in the drawings. Polymer cord  59  is constructed and arranged so as to cause the spaced-apart arm-engaging side members  56  and  58  to exert an inward pressure on selected areas of the forearm without substantially compressing other non-target areas and tissues. More particularly, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , when the device is in use, the side members  56  and  58  are positioned about the patient&#39;s forearm proximate the elbow so that the inelastic side members  56  and  58 , which have concave inner skin-contacting surfaces  56   a  and  58   a  respectively, strategically overlie the forearm so as to enable effective transaxial counter-compression of the contact areas. 
         [0045]    The device,  50  of this latest form of the invention also includes a second portion which is generally designated by the numeral  64 . Second portion  64  here comprises a generally U-shaped flexible strap  66  having a bite portion  66   a  and first and second end portions  66   b  and  66   c . As illustrated in  FIG. 11  of the drawings, end portions  66   b  and  66   c  are interconnected with side members  56  and  58  by any suitable means such as sewing. For certain applications, it is desirable that the second strap  44  be constructed from a stretchable material. Also forming a part of second portion  64  is a compression member  67  which is carried by the bite portion  66   a  of strap  66  in the manner shown in  FIG. 11  of the drawings. 
         [0046]    Device  50  can be used in the manner illustrated in  FIG. 8  to accomplish still another method of the invention that is directed to the treatment of disorders related directly and indirectly to the patient&#39;s forearm as, for example, treatment of the symptoms of arthritis, tendonitis, capsulities, carpal tunnel syndrome, lymphedema, trigger finger and ganglion cysts in the arm of a user, including symptoms related to the hand and fingers of the patient. This latest method of the invention comprises the step of placing the device  50  around the forearm portion “FA” of the patient in the manner shown in  FIG. 8 . In this position, the first portion  54  of the device encircles the forearm portion so that the discrete side compression members  56  and  58  compressively engage the sides of the forearm proximate the elbow and so that the pad  62  compressively engages the underside of the forearm. As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , with the device correctly in position, the generally U-shaped flexible strap  66  of the second portion  64  of the device encircles the arm at a location just above the elbow so that the pad  67  compressively engages the arm at this location. 
         [0047]    Referring next to  FIG. 9 , still another form of the apparatus of the invention is there illustrated. The compression device of this embodiment of the invention, which is generally designated by the numeral  70 , is quite similar to that illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 11  of the drawings and like numerals are used in  FIG. 9  to identify like components. The primary difference between this latest form of the invention and that shown in  FIGS. 8 and 11  resides in the fact that the second portion of the device is pivotally interconnected with the first portion. Compression device  70  here comprises a first portion  72  which includes a first forearm-engaging assembly generally designated by the numeral  74 . Assembly  74  includes first and second spaced-apart side members  76  and  78  that are interconnected by an adjustable connector member here shown as a polymer cord  59 . Assembly  74  also includes a flexible strap  80  that is interconnected with and depends downwardly from the side members  76  and  78 . Also comprising a part of first forearm-engaging assembly  74  is a compression pad  82  that is carried by flexible strap  80  in the manner shown in the drawings. As before, polymer cord  59  is constructed and arranged so as to cause the spaced-apart arm-engaging side members  76  and  78  to exert an inward pressure on selected areas of the forearm without substantially compressing other non-target areas and tissues. More particularly, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , when the device is in use, the side members  76  and  78  are positioned about the patient&#39;s forearm proximate the elbow so that the inelastic side members  76  and  78 , which have concave inner skin-contacting surfaces  76   a  and  78   a  respectively, strategically overlie the forearm so as to enable effective transaxial counter-compression of the contact areas. 
         [0048]    The device,  70  of this latest form of the invention, also includes a second portion which is generally designated by the numeral  84 . Second portion  84  here comprises a generally U-shaped flexible strap  66  having a bite portion  66   a  and first and second end portions  66   b  and  66   c . As illustrated in  FIG. 9  of the drawings, end portions  66   b  and  66   c  are interconnected with the connector portions  86  and  88 , which here comprise a part of second portion  84 . Also forming a part of second portion  84  is a compression band  67  which is carried by the bite portion  66   a  of strap  66  in the manner shown in  FIG. 9  of the drawings. Connector portions  86  and  88  are pivotally interconnected with side members  76  and  78  by any suitable means, such as pivot pins  89 . With this construction, second portion  84  can be pivoted relative to first portion  72  as may be required to comfortably fit the patient. 
         [0049]    Turning now to  FIG. 10 , yet another form of the apparatus of the invention is there illustrated. The compression device of this embodiment of the invention, which is generally designated by the numeral  90 , is somewhat similar to that illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 11  of the drawings and like numerals are used in  FIG. 10  to identify like components. The primary difference between this latest form of the invention and that shown in  FIGS. 8 and 11  resides in the fact that both strap  60  and strap  66  are pivotally interconnected by pivot pins  91  with the first and second spaced-apart side members  92  and  94  that are of similar construction to side members  76  and  78 . As before, side members  92  and  94  are interconnected by adjustable connector member, or polymer cord  59 , which is constructed and arranged so as to cause the spaced-apart arm-engaging side members to exert an inward pressure on selected areas of the forearm without substantially compressing other non-target areas and tissues. As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , when the device is in use, the side members  92  and  94  are positioned about the patient&#39;s forearm proximate the elbow so that the inelastic side members, which have concave inner skin-contacting surfaces  92   a  and  94   a  respectively, strategically overlie the forearm so as to enable effective transaxial counter-compression of the contact areas. With the construction shown in  FIG. 10 , straps  60  and  66  can be pivoted relative to the side members as may be required to comfortably fit the patient. 
         [0050]    Device  90  can be used in the manner illustrated in  FIG. 10  to effectively treat disorders related directly and indirectly to the patients forearm as, for example, treatment of the symptoms of arthritis, tendonitis, capsulities, carpal tunnel syndrome, lymphedema, trigger finger and ganglion cysts in the arm of a user, including symptoms related to the hand and fingers of the patient. 
         [0051]    Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.