In one instance, a recovery system for a user is presented that includes a battery-operated, flexible wrap that applies heat with both conductive heat and radiant heat. The recovery system has a control unit that ramps the temperature applied using primarily perceived conductive heat before leveling at a target temperature. Other systems and devices are presented.

Wearable heat transfer devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a representative heat transfer device can comprise (i) a thermoelectric component (TEC) including a first side configured to be operated at a desired temperature and a second side opposite the first side, (ii) a thermally conductive contact member thermally coupled to the TEC, and (iii) a heat transfer system configured to distribute heat from the TEC. The heat transfer system includes a heat transfer structure thermally coupled to the TEC, and a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the heat transfer structure.

Apparatus and methods for producing thermal comfort using two point or multipoint heating or cooling that is applied to portion of a human body part to produce a warm or cool sensation over a larger area than that where the heating or cooling is directly applied. The body is induced to heat or cool itself by adjusting its neutral temperature setpoints. Increased warming perception from two-point, multipoint, and switching point stimulation causes downward adaptation in the neutral skin temperature of the user. Because spot heating and cooling sources operate at higher temperature differences from the skin than do area sources, they create a stronger perceived thermal sensation for the same power consumption. Point heating or cooling, rather than whole-area heating, can result in power savings and cost savings while improving occupant comfort.

A device for enhancement of visual appearance including a first applicator to be coupled to a first area of a body region, with a first magnetic field generating device and a first radiofrequency electrode, a second applicator to be coupled to a second area of the body region, with a second magnetic field generating device. The device further includes a first energy storage device, a second energy storage device, and a first switching device to discharge energy from the first energy storage device to the first magnetic field generating to generate a first time-varying magnetic field to cause muscle contraction, and a second switching to discharge energy from the second energy storage device to the second magnetic field generating device to generate a second time-varying magnetic field. The first radiofrequency electrode may provide first radiofrequency waves causing heating of tissue within the first area of the body region.

A method of promoting secretion of a growth hormone includes the step of applying a thermal stimulus to specific sites on a body surface of the subject. The step of applying the thermal stimulus includes the steps of placing two or more guide elements made of two different kinds of metals respectively on at least two different sites of the specific sites, and controlling a temperature of the guide elements to be a range from 40 to 50±5° C., thereby applying the thermal stimulus to the specific sites according to a thermal stimulus pattern so as to increase a rate of blood flow in the subject by 60% or more by the application of thermal stimulus.

A system and method for adding or removing heat from a heat exchange fluid circulating between an external heat exchanger and an intravascular heat exchange catheter is described. The system includes a two stage cooling system providing for a high rate of cooling in one stage and a lower rate of cooling in a second stage. Both stages may be used to provide maximal cooling while the second stage is used to provide improved control of the cooling rate as a target temperature is approached. The second stage may also be used to provide heat to the heat exchange fluid.

A molded face mask for treating a user's face, the molded face mask having a rigid, inflexible polycaprolactone body molded to the user's face, the body having: i) two opposed, slightly tapered end portions; ii) a generally straight lower edge; and iii) an upper edge having a concave portion disposed approximately half-way along a length of the upper edge. A kit for providing therapeutic relief and reducing redness and bumps associated with facial shaving.

Methods and apparatus for an improved Contrast Therapy Device that delivers alternating heated and chilled temperature fluids to a contrast thermal therapy pad. Mitigation processes maintain water temperature in hot water tanks and cold water tanks in order to keep water temperatures in the respective tanks from drifting beyond a desired setpoint range when the system switches a therapy state from a cooling cycle to a heating cycle or from heating cycle to a cooling cycle. Thermal shock is reduced to the fluid tanks. Mitigation techniques include delaying actuation of a return path flow, such as via a diverting solenoid. Mitigating delay can be a static time delay based upon one or both of: a volume of water in a therapy pad and related volume and rate of flow; and meeting a threshold transition temperature for return fluid temperature.

A self-heating warming blanket includes a pliable outer shell forming a liquid impermeable enclosure. A heat generation layer disposed inside the enclosure has a plurality of liquid permeable heater compartments containing an exothermic reactant. The blanket also has a heater activation system including a sealed bladder containing an activator liquid inside the enclosure. An activation strip extends from outside the outer shell into the enclosure. One segment of the strip is an unsealing segment connected to the bladder. Another segment of the strip is a handle segment outside the outer shell. Pulling on the handle segment opens the bladder and releases the activator liquid into the enclosure where at least a portion of it permeates at least one heater compartment and combines with the exothermic reactant contained therein to initiate an exothermic chemical reaction that heats the warming blanket.

A rapid contrast therapy system can provide cold, heat/hot/warm (hereafter referred to as “hot”), and/or rapid contrast therapy, which involves rapidly alternating between cold therapy and hot therapy. The system can circulate cold or hot fluid, such as water, through a hose, into a therapy wrap, and then back to the fluid reservoirs of the system. The system can utilize a vapor compression system or other chiller technology to cool the cold water reservoir, and immersion heaters can be used to heat the hot water reservoir.