Medical therapy arrangement for applying an electrical stimulation to a human or animal subject

Abstract

A garment worn by the patient is provided. The garment has a first module electrically connected to a second module. The first module has a first sub-control unit electrically connected to a first electrode and a second electrode placed at a first muscle of the patient and a third electrode and a fourth electrode placed at a second muscle. The sub-control unit is electrically connected to a master unit. The first muscle is stimulated with a first stimulation signal without shortening the first muscle by sending the first stimulation signal to the first electrode placed at the first muscle. The stimulation of the first muscle relaxes the second muscle. A measuring unit (U1) of the master unit determines a first current value flowing from the first electrode through the first muscle to the second electrode and sends the first current value to a central processing unit (CPU). The CPU compares the first current value to a current reference value and increases a voltage of the first stimulation signal when the first current value is below the current reference value.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method for treating a patient, comprising:
 providing a garment worn by the patient, the garment having a first sub-control unit electrically connected to a first electrode and a second electrode placed at a first muscle or first nerve, the first sub-control unit being electrically connected to a master unit;   the master unit sending a first stimulation signal to the first sub-control unit, the first sub-control unit receiving the first stimulation signal and forwarding the first stimulation signal to the first electrode, the first stimulation signal flowing from the first electrode via the first muscle or first nerve to the second electrode, to stimulate the first muscle or first nerve with the first stimulation signal;   the first sub-control unit changing a direction of current flowing from the first electrode via the first muscle or first nerve to the second electrode; and   the master unit sending a second stimulation signal to the first sub-control unit, the first sub-control unit receiving the second stimulation signal and forwarding the second stimulation signal to the second electrode, the second stimulation signal flowing from the second electrode via the first muscle or first nerve to the first electrode.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the method further comprises the step of intermittently changing a direction of the current. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the method further comprises the step of the first sub-control unit changing a positive pole of the first electrode to a negative pole and changing a negative pole of the second electrode to a positive pole. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the method further comprises the step of sending more than one stimulation signal through the first muscle or first nerve before switching the direction of the current flowing through the first muscle or first nerve. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the method further comprises the step of changing the direction of the current during the stimulation of the first muscle or first nerve by the first stimulation signal. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the method further comprises the step of the first sub-control unit receiving a pulse signal via an output unit that receives the pulse signal from an output of the master unit. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the method further comprises the step of switching the output unit to a closed position so that no stimulation signal is passable through the output unit.