초록 ▼

A modality of twitch obtaining intramuscular stimulation (IMS) pain relief therapy employs an EMG needle having a Teflon coated shaft and exposed conductive tip to apply micro-electrical stimulation locally and focally to muscle motor end plate zones or regions of adjacent motor end plate zones. The

A modality of twitch obtaining intramuscular stimulation (IMS) pain relief therapy employs an EMG needle having a Teflon coated shaft and exposed conductive tip to apply micro-electrical stimulation locally and focally to muscle motor end plate zones or regions of adjacent motor end plate zones. The electrical stimulation facilitates the elicitation of strong twitch responses from muscle fibers associated with the stimulated motor end plates, generally without requiring physical needle manipulation following the initial pin insertion. Less skill is required to effectively elicit pain relieving twitch responses, thus facilitating training of medical personnel to carry the procedure. Rapid movement between multiple treatment sites is possible allowing treatment of a larger number of afflicted muscles and muscle areas in a single treatment session. The strength and number of twitches obtained at the treatment sites can provide substantial relief from regional and diffuse myofacsial pain of radiculopathic origin. In addition, since physical manipulation of the pin is generally unnecessary, patients experience less pain and discomfort during the procedure, and the risk of repetitive stress injury to the therapist is reduced.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of conducting an intramuscular stimulation therapy session, comprising:(A) locating a first muscle motor end plate zone or region of adjacent motor end plate zones within an afflicted muscle of a patient;(B) inserting a pin into the patient's flesh such that an e

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method of conducting an intramuscular stimulation therapy session, comprising:(A) locating a first muscle motor end plate zone or region of adjacent motor end plate zones within an afflicted muscle of a patient;(B) inserting a pin into the patient's flesh such that an exposed conductive tip of said pin is placed within or adjacent one of said motor end plate zones; and(C) providing localized electrical stimulation to said motor end plate zone or region of motor end plate zones by conducting an electrical current through an insulated inserted shaft portion of said pin to said exposed conductive tip, said current flowing from said tip, through said motor end plate zone or region of motor end plate zones and to a reference electrode space from said pin, said electrical stimulation serving to elicit twitch responses of muscle fibers associated with motor end plates within said motor end plate zones, unless said motor end plate zones are or become refractory to electrical stimulation;(D) withdrawing said pin from the patient upon determining that the motor end plate zones are or have become refractory to the electrical stimulation, or, in the event that twitching is evoked by the electrical stimulation, within a time period of said twitching; and(E) repeating steps (A) through (D) to elicit twitches at a total of at least four treatment points within the afflicted muscle.