Patent ID: 7976468

Claim:
A soft tissue diagnostic apparatus for detecting abnormalities in anatomical soft tissue by detecting the response of the soft tissue to acoustic energy comprising: an acoustic transmitter configured to transmit excitation acoustic energy toward a target area of soft tissue of a subject; an acoustic receiver configured to receive responsive acoustic energy generated by the soft tissue in response to the excitation acoustic energy transmitted by said acoustic transmitter, said acoustic receiver generating an output signal representative of the response of the soft tissue to the excitation acoustic energy transmitted by said acoustic transmitter; an analyzer coupled to said acoustic receiver to receive the output signal of said acoustic receiver and to provide an indication signal of at least one of altered behavior and mechanical properties which are associated with stress and injury in said soft tissue based on said output signal of said acoustic receiver; and a pressure device configured to be physically pressed against areas of soft tissue to thereby apply pressure to areas of the soft tissue having a maximum response of the soft tissue to the excitation acoustic energy transmitted by said acoustic transmitter, and to thereby inhibit at least one of tension and a characteristic tension acoustic response.