Importance

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Abstract

A fluid operated device for applying continuous passive motion (CPM) to a person's spine is described, which comprises adjacent inflatable bladders adapted to be positioned transversely on opposite sides of a person's spine, against a fixed object and the person's body, a fluid conduit with a fluid control valve connecting the interiors of the bladders, a pump to force fluid intermittently into the first bladder and an exhaust to exhaust fluid from the second bladder, the intermittent pump rate and the flow restriction being selected so that the bladders fill and exhaust in sequence such that the peak pressure application to the body by the first bladder occurs before that of the second bladder. Also described is a method for applying CPM to a person's spine. Broadly the method utilizes a bladder placed adjacent one side of the spine, then inflated and deflated intermittently to simulate multi-dimensional natural motion of the spine. Preferably the CPM is applied in a desired sequence, by positioning the person against at least two adjacent inflatable bladders aligned transversely on opposite sides of the person's spine, each bladder positioned against a fixed object and the person's body; forcing fluid under pressure intermittently into the first bladder to expand the first bladder against the person's body on one side of the spine; exhausting the fluid into the second bladder to expand the second bladder against the person's body on the other side of the spine; and exhausting fluid from the second bladder; with the peak pressure application to the body by the first bladder occuring before that of the second bladder and the CPM simulating multi-dimensional movement. CPM can be applied to the lower back and pelvic region, the lumbar and thoracic spine or the cervical spine and the neck. The operating fluid may be a gas such as air or a liquid such as water and may be recycled. Multiple devices may be operated simultaneously. A person may use the system while seated or reclining.

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First Claim