Portable unit for treating chronic pain

Abstract

A portable pain treatment unit includes: a first pulse generator configured to deliver pulses in a frequency range typical for interferential treatment; a second pulse generator configured to deliver pulses in the frequency range for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) treatment; electrodes operatively connected with the first and second pulse generators that are configured for application to a treatment area; and a power source operatively connected to the first and second pulse generators. A device of this configuration enables the patient to receive either IF or TENS treatment at a location of his/her choosing rather than being forced to receive IF treatment in a clinical setting.

1 . A portable pain treatment unit, comprising: 
 a first pulse generator configured to deliver pulses in a frequency range typical for interferential treatment;    a second pulse generator configured to deliver pulses in the frequency range for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) treatment;    electrodes operatively connected with the first and second pulse generators that are configured for application to a treatment area; and    a power source operatively connected to the first and second pulse generators.    
   
   
       2 . The treatment unit defined in  claim 1 , wherein the second pulse generator is configured to provide a pulse width of at least 300 microseconds.  
   
   
       3 . The treatment unit defined in  claim 1 , wherein the power source comprises a nickel metal hydride battery.  
   
   
       4 . The treatment unit defined in  claim 3 , wherein the battery is a 9-volt battery.  
   
   
       5 . The treatment unit defined in  claim 1 , wherein the unit comprises four electrodes.  
   
   
       6 . The treatment unit defined in  claim 1 , wherein the first pulse generator is configured to deliver pulses in the frequency range between about 3,900 and 5,250 Hz per channel.  
   
   
       7 . The treatment unit defined in  claim 1 , wherein the second pulse generator is configured to deliver pulses in the frequency range between about 0.5 and 300 Hz.  
   
   
       8 . The treatment unit defined in  claim 1 , further comprising a switch configured to alternatively activate the first pulse generator or the second pulse generator.  
   
   
       9 . A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit, comprising: 
 a pulse generator configured to deliver pulses in the frequency range for TENS treatment;    electrodes operatively connected to the pulse generator that are configured for application to a treatment area; and    a power source operatively connected to the pulse generator;    wherein the pulse generator has an enhanced pulse width of at least 300 microseconds.    
   
   
       10 . The treatment unit defined in  claim 9 , wherein the power source comprises a nickel metal hydride battery.  
   
   
       11 . The treatment unit defined in  claim 10 , wherein the battery is a 9-volt battery.  
   
   
       12 . The treatment unit defined in  claim 9 , wherein the unit comprises four electrodes.  
   
   
       13 . The treatment unit defined in  claim 9 , wherein the pulse generator is configured to deliver pulses in the frequency range between about 0.5 and 300 Hz.