Range of Motion System and Method

Abstract

The application is directed to devices and methods useful for expanding the range of motion of joints based on principles of stress relaxation and creep. Expanded range of motion is achieved by placing body parts near the joint in positions that stretch tissue around the joint. Even when the device is in any one position, it can impart forces on the body members to urge them to stretch surrounding tissue even further.

1 - 22 . (canceled) 
     
     
         23 . A device for increasing the range of motion of a tissue in a body of a patient, the device comprising:
 a first arm member configured to couple to a first body portion;   a second arm member configured to couple to a second body portion;   a control assembly operatively connected to the first and second arm members and configured to selectively move the second arm member relative to the first arm member, the control assembly comprising
 a drive assembly operable to drive movement of the second arm member relative to the first arm member, and 
 a force application assembly integrated with the drive assembly and configured to apply a force to the second arm member to urge movement of the second arm member relative to the first arm member. 
   
     
     
         24 . The device for increasing the range of motion of a tissue in a body of a patient as set forth in  claim 23 , wherein the force application assembly includes a spring operatively connected to the drive assembly and the second arm member. 
     
     
         25 . The device for increasing the range of motion of a tissue in a body of a patient as set forth in  claim 24 , wherein the force application assembly includes a slip member operatively connecting the spring to second arm member. 
     
     
         26 . The device for increasing the range of motion of a tissue in a body of a patient as set forth in  claim 25 , wherein the slip member is movable independent of the drive assembly. 
     
     
         27 . The device for increasing the range of motion of a tissue in a body of a patient as set forth in  claim 25 , wherein the drive assembly includes a drive member and an input member operatively connected to the drive member such that rotation of the drive member inputs rotation to the input member. 
     
     
         28 . The device for increasing the range of motion of a tissue in a body of a patient as set forth in  claim 27 , wherein the slip member is movable relative to the input member. 
     
     
         29 . The device for increasing the range of motion of a tissue in a body of a patient as set forth in  claim 28 , wherein the spring is interposed between the input member and the slip member. 
     
     
         30 . The device for increasing the range of motion of a tissue in a body of a patient at set forth in  claim 29 , wherein the input member and the slip member are movably connected to one another by elongate connectors. 
     
     
         31 . The device for increasing the range of motion of a tissue in a body of a patient as set forth in  claim 30 , wherein the drive member is threaded. 
     
     
         32 . The device for increasing the range of motion of a tissue in a body of a patient as set forth in  claim 31 , wherein the drive member is in threaded engagement with the input member. 
     
     
         33 . The device for increasing the range of motion of a tissue in a body of a patient as set forth in  claim 23 , wherein the force application assembly is capable of applying the force to the second arm member independent of the operation of the drive assembly.