Device and method for applying pressure to a mammalian limb

Abstract

A therapeutic pressure band for applying pressure across a muscle or muscle groups on a mammalian limb is described. The band is particularly well suited for treating “shin splints.” The band includes a plurality of straps that are connected together via a connecting material. Ends of each of the straps have adjustable fasteners for securing and tightening the band around a limb. The band also possesses a plurality of pressure members (e.g., elongated rubber tubes) that apply separate and discrete areas or points of pressure in a line across a muscle, tendon, bone, or muscle group and generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the limb.

1 . A therapeutic pressure device comprising:
 a compression sleeve configured for placement over a limb of a user and for applying compressive force to said limb;   a plurality of flexible straps attached to said compression sleeve, each strap comprising:
 a first end connected to said sleeve; 
 a second end comprising an adjustable fastener component for selectively securing said second end to said sleeve and for adjustably positioning said strap about the limb; and 
 a pressure member positioned between said adjustable fastener component and said first end; and 
   wherein each said strap is configured to be secured in a substantially perpendicular orientation to a longitudinal axis of said limb when said device is in use, and whereby each pressure member is configured to provide a discrete line of pressure to a part of said limb when said device is in use.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said compression sleeve comprises one or more openings extending through a material of said sleeve, wherein the one or more openings are operable to assist said user in applying the device to said limb. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said compression sleeve comprises a material comprising neoprene. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said material comprising neoprene is a first material, and said sleeve further comprises a second material secured to a portion of an exterior of said sleeve. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein said second material is secured to said first material such that said second material is positioned between said flexible straps and said limb when said device is in use. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said fastener components comprise hook and loop material. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein each of said straps includes a pocket and wherein each pocket retains at least one of said pressure members such that each said pressure member is radially displaced from said adjustable cooperative fastener component when said strap is secured to said sleeve. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein each said strap pocket comprises a first layer attached to a second layer forming said pocket therebetween. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein adjacent pressure members are separated by a distance between 1 inch and 4 inches. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said pressure members are solid in cross-section. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said pressure members are hollow in cross-section. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said sleeve comprises a substantially cylindrical shape such that a diameter of said sleeve is generally the same along a longitudinal length of said sleeve. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said sleeve comprises a frustoconical shape such that a diameter of an upper portion of said sleeve is generally greater than a diameter of a lower portion of said sleeve. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein each of said pressure members has a length, wherein said lengths of all of said pressure members are not equal. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein:
 a first pressure member is positioned below a second pressure member; and   a first length of said first pressure member is less than a second length of said second pressure member, wherein said first length is between 75 percent and 95 percent of said second length.   
     
     
         16 . A method of applying pressure to a limb of a user with a therapeutic pressure device having a compression sleeve and a plurality of flexible straps, each strap including a first end connected to the sleeve, a second end having an adjustable fastener component, and a pressure member positioned between the adjustable fastener component and the first end, the method comprising the steps of:
 placing said sleeve over said limb such that said sleeve applies a compressive force to said limb;   placing each said strap about said limb in a substantially perpendicular orientation to a longitudinal axis of said limb and securing said adjustable fastener component of each strap to said sleeve; and   each said pressure member providing a discrete line of pressure to a part of said limb.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein each said strap further comprises a pocket, the method further comprising the step of:
 placing said pressure member within said pocket of each strap.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said sleeve comprises a frustoconical shape such that a diameter of an upper portion of said sleeve is generally greater than a diameter of a lower portion of said sleeve. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein each of said pressure members has a length, and the lengths of all of said pressure members are not equal, such that a first length of a first pressure member positioned below a second pressure member is less than a second length of the second pressure member, and wherein the first length is between 75 percent and 95 percent of the second length. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein each said pressure member is radially displaced from said respective adjustable fastener component when said strap is secured to said sleeve.