METHOD OF INCREASING THORACIC ROTATION RANGE OF MOTION

Abstract

A method for treating deficiencies of a patient's thoracic rotation. The method includes comparing the symmetry of the range of motion for the thoracic rotation, lumbar rotation, thoracic flexion, and/or lumbar flexion about the spine using a motion capture system. The method further includes providing electrical simulation to a sequence of muscles associated with the thoracic rotation, lumbar rotation, thoracic flexion, and/or lumbar flexion for increasing the symmetry by elongating relevant muscles of the sequence of muscles.

Claims

1. A method of increase a range of motion for thoracic rotation about a spine of a patient, the method comprising: determining whether the patient has one or more thoracic range of motion deficiencies by: obtaining said range of motion relative within a tenth of a degree; and performing or having performed a pre-treatment report comparing a symmetry of thoracic rotation about a spine; and if the patient has said one or more thoracic range of motion deficiencies, then externally administering an electrical stimulation for less than infinity to the patient along a sequence of muscles operatively associated with said symmetry.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising performing or having performed a post-treatment report comparing the symmetry of thoracic rotation about the spine; and if the patient has said one or more thoracic range of motion deficiencies after the post-treatment report, then externally administering the electrical stimulation to the patient along said sequence of muscles.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the electrical stimulation endures for less than thirty minutes.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the pre-treatment report further compares a symmetry of lumbar rotation about said spine.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the pre-treatment report further compares a symmetry of thoracic flexion about said spine.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the pre-treatment report further compares a symmetry of lumbar flexion about said spine.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the electric simulation elongates said sequence of muscles, whereby said symmetry is increased.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0018] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

[0020] Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method providing treatment for deficiencies of a patient's thoracic rotation. The method includes comparing the symmetry of the range of motion for the thoracic rotation, lumbar rotation, thoracic flexion, and/or lumbar flexion about the spine using a three-dimensional motion capture system. The method further includes providing electrical simulation to a sequence of muscles associated with the thoracic rotation, lumbar rotation, thoracic flexion, and/or lumbar flexion for increasing the symmetry by elongating relevant muscles of the sequence of muscles.

[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention may include the following systemic components. First, a trained practitioner would screen a patient 12 according to a golfer spine protocol using a marker-less motion capture system 10. Golfer spine protocol uses measurement of flexion of the thoracic spine and flexion of the lumbar spine, followed by unrestricted trunk rotation, reverse lunge combined with right and left rotation, hip abduction, and balance sway measurement.

[0022] After review of the video and initial range of motion data 14 captured by the motion capture system 10 during an initial screening, the practitioner takes note of range of motion restrictions of the thoracic spine. Then the practitioner may create a pre-treatment data report 16, and then treat patient with direct current electrical stimulation device, by way of electrodes 18, with the above-mentioned protocols designed to restore range of motion deficits From there, the practitioner rescreens 20 the patient subject on the motion capture system 10 to evaluate improvement of thoracic range of motion, and then generates a post-treatment data report 22.

[0023] The steps of the invention must be followed in order. There must be accurate data with the motion capture system. Once that data is collected it is essential to interpret the data properly. Specifically, a medical practitioner may use the data to make a treatment plan that addresses the deficits found on the screening process. For example if subject is lacking thoracic range of motion, electrical stimulation pads are placed on internal and external oblique muscles and the subject is taken through a progression of increased intensity of electrical stimulation coupled with active range of motion movements that increase thoracic rotation. Once the range of motion deficient is identified, it is essential to understand how the human body works, what muscle groups are involved the restriction and normal rotational function of the thoracic spine. It is then essential to know how to use the electrical stimulation device to produce desired outcomes, including elongating the proper sequence of muscles—for instance, elongation and symmetry of internal and external oblique muscles along with smaller spinal muscles—to allow for restoration of the range of motion. A deep understanding of the golf swing and the human body is needed to properly screen and obtain the response desired with restoration of the thoracic range of motion.

[0024] Relatedly, a manufacturer would have to have extended knowledge of the motion capture system and the electrical stimulation device to screen patients/subjects for restrictions of the thoracic spine and be able to use the machine to produce desired outcomes. This takes significant time and trial and error efforts. Hundreds of patients/subjects would need to be scanned and hundreds of hours using the electrical stimulation device would be necessary to design a protocol that allows for the restoration of thoracic range of motion.

[0025] In short, an accurate motion capture system is necessary. An electrical stimulation device that allows for elongation of muscles and muscle groups is necessary. The extensive knowledge of the human body and the mechanics of the spine are necessary. Extensive knowledge of the golf swing and how it affects the human body is also paramount.

[0026] The inventor has been able to demonstrate that thoracic range of motion deficits can be identified through 3D motion capture system and that after one 30-minute electrical-stimulation treatment, a meaningful improvement in thoracic rotation has been evidenced, as illustrated in FIG. 1. For instance, FIG. 1 illustrates that the difference between the pre-treatment data report 16 and the post-treatment data report 22 reflects a 3.9-degree left thoracic rotation increase, a 8.5-degree right thoracic rotation increase, and thus an improvement from a 68.9-degree total thoracic arc to a 81.3-degree total thoracic arc (an 18% increase), all observed on the same day. The inventor has also been able to demonstrate that the increase in the range of motion is maintained and enduring once it is obtained.

[0027] It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.