Importance

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Abstract

Apparatus is provided for applying heat/cold to selected target regions of the human anatomy such as the temporalis and masseter muscles and to the region of the temporo-mandibular joint of the human cranial anatomy as well as other selected regions of the human anatomy such as the shoulders, knees, etc. At least one heat/cold compliant thermal cell is defined by a rigid back having a thin and compliant membrane connected thereto and defining a chamber for containing a substantial volume of a liquid or semi-liquid such as water or a gel, at a preselected temperature. The rigid back or shell defines a circumferential rim to which the compliant membrane is secured. The compliant membrane may have a side wall portion extending in substantially contiguous relation from the rim of the rigid shell and incorporates an integral substantially planar front wall portion which establishes intimate face-to-face heat/cold transferring relation with an anatomical target region. The membrane will engage the target region with low pressure per unit area and thus will readily conform to the configuration of the target region. The rigid shell defines a liquid inlet/outlet opening which is provided with a removable closure enabling heated or cooled liquid to be poured into or from the internal compartment. The thermal cell may include a heating or cooling system to enable prolonged therapeutic use. The thermal cell is adapted for releasable assembly with a support device such as a headband so that therapy may be conducted in hands-free manner. The headband assembly provides for a wide range of adjustment for selective location of the thermal cell and also provides substantially omnidirectional support so that the thermal cell can be readily oriented in conformance with the anatomical target region.

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First Claim