Description PHYSICAL TREATMENT DEVICE

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a physical treatment device, and more particularly to a physical treatment device which can improve a treatment effect for a knee joint, an elbow joint, etc., and also be easily applied to body regions such as the waist, shoulder, etc. Background Art

[2] Generally, a supersonic treatment device, a low frequency treatment device, and an electric potential treatment device have been known as physical treatment devices.

[3] The supersonic treatment device has been widely used to relieve diseases, pain and the like in a musculoskeletal system. Further, according to recent medical research, it has been known that the supersonic treatment device has enhanced cartilage of a damaged joint so as to have an effect on the treatment for degenerative arthritis. It has been known that the low frequency treatment device and the electric potential treatment device have treatment effects on improvement of blood circulation, alleviation of acute and chronic diseases, relief from fatigue, and increase in muscular strength.

[4] The physical treatment devices, such as the supersonic treatment device, low frequency treatment device, and electric potential treatment device, have been large- sized so that patients can be treated while lying or seated in a physical treatment room of a hospital or a clinic, and are also manufactured so as to be applied to various body regions. However, there is a problem in that such a physical treatment device is expensive and it is difficult to handle the physical treatment device.

[5] The supersonic wave generator of the supersonic physical treatment device, which is used up to now, has a similar configuration to a supersonic tester for diagnosing an embryo and fetus, used in a general obstetrical hospital. In the supersonic physical treatment device, one supersonic wave generator is used and is gripped with a hand, while facing or being rubbed against the knee, the elbow, etc. for a desired time.

[6] However, the conventional physical treatment device as described above has a limitation to a treatment effect. Furthermore, there is inconvenience in that a user maintains a grip with the conventional physical treatment device. For example, supersonic waves are applied to a cartilage region of a knee in three-dimensions in order to treat degenerative arthritis of the knee. However, since only one specific region can be treated when one supersonic wave generator is used, there may be a limitation to the treatment effect. Further, where different regions of a knee s cartilage

will be simultaneously treated in three-dimensions by using a plurality of supersonic wave generators, a user must grip the plurality of supersonic wave generators simultaneously as well, and it is very difficult to grip multiple supersonic wave generators.

[7] In addition, when the supersonic wave generator is pushed with user s hands, there is a problem in that skin has a different absorption rate of supersonic waves according to the extent of close contact because the pressure and position of the supersonic wave generator to be pushed are changed each time.

[8] Although it is known that the treatment effect of the supersonic waves to the degenerative arthritis exists somewhat, it is difficult to apply supersonic wave to a physical treatment device because of the above-mentioned problem. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[9] Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems occurring in the prior art, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a physical treatment device which includes a supersonic wave generator, which can be applied for treatment of body regions such as a shoulder or the waist as well as joints such as a knee, which have flexibility, thereby maximizing the treatment effect to a knee joint or an elbow joint.

[10] It is another object of the present invention to provide a physical treatment device, which can generate electric stimulation between two supersonic wave generators, so as to perform various kinds of physical treatments.

Technical Solution

[11] In order to accomplish these objects of the present invention, there is provided a physical treatment device, which comprises: an electric power source; a plurality of supersonic wave generators electrically connected to the electric power source, for generating supersonic wave vibration when electricity is applied from the electric power source to the supersonic wave generators; a support band to which the supersonic wave generators are fixed and which is worn on a body region; and an expansion tube installed in the support band and expanding to press the supersonic wave generators outside as gas is introduced into the expansion tube.

[12] Further, the electric power source includes an electric switch for turning the electric power source on/off, and a supersonic wave controller for controlling electricity applied to the supersonic wave generators.

[13] Additionally, the electric power source further includes an electric stimulation controller for applying electricity to electric wires connected to the supersonic wave generators, so as to enable the supersonic wave generators to generate electric stimulation.

[14] Furthermore, the electric power source further comprises a compressed air generator which is communicated with the expansion tube through an air pipe. [15] In addition, the air pipe includes a valve for controlling the supply of compressed air. [16] Further, the supersonic wave generator includes a piezoelectric element for generating supersonic waves when the electricity is applied from the electric power source to the piezoelectric element, and an element case containing the piezoelectric element, partially protruding out of the support band. [17] In addition, the element case has a flange portion formed at one end of the element case. [18] Further, the element case has a coupling groove formed on an exterior surface of the element case, and the support band has a support ring so that the support ring is engaged with the coupling groove. [19] Furthermore, the piezoelectric element has a first conductive layer formed on an exterior surface of the piezoelectric element, and a second conductive layer formed by a desired distance over the first conductive layer, so that the electricity is applied to the piezoelectric element through the first and second conductive layers. [20] Further, an insulation body is disposed between the piezoelectric element and the element case. [21] Additionally, a plurality of the element cases is made of a conductive material, in which some element cases are connected to first electrode wires and all or some of the residual element cases are connected to second electrode wires, and wherein electricity is applied to the first and second electrode wires so as to enable the piezoelectric elements to generate electric stimulation. [22] The support band includes an intermediate support portion in which a plurality of supersonic generators is arranged and fixed, and an extension support portion extending from both sides of the intermediate support portion and having a desired length. [23] The extension support portion is detachably connected to the intermediate support portion. [24] Alternatively, the detachable extension support portion includes a female fixture member and a male fixture member at both ends of the extension support portion. [25] Further, the extension support portion is integrated with the intermediate support portion. [26] The intermediate support portion has a pair of adhesive members located at both sides of the arrangement of the plural supersonic wave generators. [27] Additionally, the adhesive members respectively include a base member fixed to the intermediate support portion, and a double-sided adhesive member, one surface of

which is attached to the base member.

[28] Preferably, the expansion tube includes at least one expansion portion.

[29] The expansion portion is made of a thinner or softer material than other portions of the expansion tube, and is expanded as gas is introduced into the expansion tube under a desired pressure. [30] Further, the number of expansion portions corresponding to the plural number of supersonic wave generators is formed, and the expansion portions are communicated with one another through communication pipes. [31] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Advantageous Effects

[32] As described above, according to the physical treatment device of the present invention, supersonic wave generators, which respectively have a size suitable for treatment of joints such as a knee joint and an elbow joint, are arranged at a desired distance in a predetermined area so as to effectively transmit vibration of supersonic waves to cartilage cells of a knee and the like, thereby having an effect on the activation of the cartilage cells and treating degenerative arthritis caused by the degradation of the cartilage.

[33] Further, since the physical treatment device has a configuration in which an expansion tube expands and enables element cases of the supersonic wave generators to come into close contact with a body region, the supersonic vibrations can be effectively transmitted to the body region. Furthermore, the physical treatment device can transmit the vibration even when the supersonic wave generators protrude by a small amount.

[34] In addition, since the physical treatment device can be attached to a body region, such as the waist and shoulder, etc., to which a support band cannot be applied by using an adhesive member, it is possible to remove inconvenience in which an assistant grips the physical treatment device during the treatment. Accordingly, the assistant need not stand by a patient while physical treatment is performed for a long time. Hence, there is an advantage in that the physical treatment device can be efficiently used in a hospital, etc.

[35] Further, since the physical treatment device is worn on a hand with the exposure of the supersonic wave generators to outside, it is possible to treat various body regions such as shoulder, waist, and neck, etc. Thus, this can remove conventional absurdity in which various products (with different lengths) are prepared in order to treat specific body regions (especially, waist). As a result, there is an advantage in that costs can be

significantly reduced. [36] In addition, since it is possible to generate electric stimulation between electric cases which generate supersonic vibration, there is an advantages in that the physical treatment device provides a treatment effect such as improvement of blood circulation, relief of an acute or chronic pain, relief of fatigue, and increasing of muscular strength.

Brief Description of the Drawings [37] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [38] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a physical treatment device according to the present invention; [39] FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a configuration of the physical treatment device according to the present invention; [40] FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the physical treatment device according to the present invention, in which a supersonic wave generator is mounted on a support band; [41] FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view showing a portion of the physical treatment device, marked by a circle A in FIG. 3; [42] FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing an expansion tube of the physical treatment device according to the present invention, in which the expansion tube is installed in the support band; [43] FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing another expansion tube of the physical treatment device according to the present invention, in which the expansion tube is installed in the support band;

[44] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the expansion tube shown in FIG. 6;

[45] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the support band having a supersonic wave generator in the physical treatment device according to the present invention, in which the support band is worn on a body region; [46] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing another example of the support band in the physical treatment device according to the present invention; [47] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing still another example of the support band in the physical treatment device according to the present invention; [48] FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing the support band worn on the body region in

FIG. 10; [49] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing an intermediate support of the support band for the physical treatment device according to the present invention, into which the supersonic wave generators are installed; [50] FIG. 13 is a sectional view showing a part of an element case of the supersonic

wave generator in the physical treatment device according to the present invention; and

[51] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing the supersonic wave generator in the physical treatment device according to the present invention, in which electric wire is separated from the element case. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[52] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[53] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a physical treatment device according to the present invention includes an electric source 10, supersonic wave generators 20, a support band 30, and an expansion tube.

[54] As shown in FIG. 1, the electric source 10 may have a configuration similar to an electric source for generating supersonic waves which is popularly used. For example, the electric source 10 includes an electric switch 12 for turning on/off the electric source 10, and a supersonic wave controller 14 for controlling electricity applied to the supersonic wave generators 20 which are described below. The electric source 10 is electrically connected to the supersonic wave generators 20 by electric wires 13. Further, the electric source 10 may have an electric stimulation controller 16 which controls the application of electricity to first and second electric wires 17 and 18 connected to the supersonic wave generators 20 described below and enables the first and second electric wires 17 and 18 to generate electric stimulation, as shown in FIG. 2. Specifically, the electric stimulation controller 16 is configured such that the first electric wire 17 is connected to some of the element cases 24 and the second electric wire 18 is connected to the residual element cases 24. The electric stimulation controller controls the electricity applied to the first and second electric wires 17 and 18 from the electric source 10 in order to generate the electric stimulation between the element case 24, to which the first electric wire 17 is connected, and the element case 24 to which the second electric wire 18 is connected.

[55] In addition, the electric source 10 further includes a compressed air generator (not shown), which is communicated with the expansion tube described below through an air pipe. The air pipe is provided with a valve for controlling the supply of the compressed air. The compressed air generator may include an air compressor provided to a side of the electric source 10.

[56] On the other hand, a plurality of the supersonic wave generators 20 is prepared and electrically connected to the electric source 10, so as to make supersonic vibration if the electricity is applied from the electric source 10 to the supersonic wave generators 20. Each of supersonic wave generators 20 includes a piezoelectric element 22 for generating supersonic waves when electricity is applied from the electric source to the

piezoelectric element 22, and an element case 24 having the piezoelectric element 22 therein and partially protruding out of the support band 30, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[57] As shown in FIG. 4, a first conductive layer 22a is partially formed on a bottom surface, an upper surface, and both side surfaces, and a second conductive layer 22b may be formed at a predetermined distance on the residual portion of the upper surface. As described above, where the first and second conductive layers 22a and 22b are formed on the piezoelectric element 22, the electricity may be applied from the electric source to the piezoelectric element 22 through the first and second conductive layers 22a and 22b. The piezoelectric element is embedded in and integrated with the element case 24. In the above-mentioned supersonic wave generator, the piezoelectric element may be formed to be of a circular shape or a polygonal shape with a desired thickness. In a case where the piezoelectric element 22 is formed to be in circular shape, the piezoelectric element has a diameter of about 5~40mm. In a case where the piezoelectric element is formed to be in polygonal shape, the piezoelectric element has a length of a diagonal line, which extends between the two farthest vertexes, of about 5~40mm. In consideration of area, in which the supersonic waves are generated, and a contact surface between the skin (of a joint region) and the supersonic wave generator, the diameter and the length of diagonal line of the piezoelectric element preferably are about 15~30mm. It is described that the piezoelectric element has a circular shape or a polygonal shape, but the shape of the piezoelectric element is not limited to that. The piezoelectric element may be formed in various shapes.

[58] Further, in order to secure the element case 24 and the intermediate portion 32, a flange portion 25 is formed at one end of the element case 24, as shown in FIG. 4. The flange portion 25 is fixed to the intermediate portion 32 by an adhesive agent or screws. Alternatively, in order to secure the element case 24 and the intermediate portion 32, a predetermined coupling groove 26 is formed on an exterior surface of the element case 24 as shown in FIG. 13, and a support ring 44 formed on the intermediate portion 32 and described below is coupled with the coupling groove 26, as shown in FIG. 12. The element case 24 is made of a light and conductive material, such as aluminum and copper, etc. However, the element case 24 may be made of a stainless material.

[59] Some element cases 24 among the plurality of element cases 24 are connected to the first electric wire 17 as shown in FIG. 2, and the residual element case 24 or another element case 24 are connected to the second electric wire 18. The electricity is applied to the first and second electric wires 17 and 18, resulting in the generation of the electric stimulation. The first and second electric wires 17 and 18 are fixed and electrically connected to the element case 24. For example, in a case where aluminum material, which cannot be adhered by soldering, is chosen as a material for the element

case, the element case and the electric wire cannot be soldered to each other. Thus, a hole 25a is formed in the flange portion 25 of the element case 24, and first and second terminals 17a and 18a are formed at end portions of the first and second electric wires 17 and 18. Then, securing screws 27 extend through the first and second terminals 17a and 18a, and are coupled to the holes 25a, as shown in FIG. 14. Further, a conductive wire is wound along the coupling groove 26 as shown in FIG. 13, and then the first and second electric wires 17 and 18 may be fixed to one end of the conductive wire by soldering and the like. On the other hand, in a case where the element case is made of a material such as copper and the like, which can be soldered, the first and second electric wires 17 and 18 may be integrally fixed to the element case by soldering.

[60] Further, the element case 24 has an inner circumference corresponding to the shape of the piezoelectric element 22. For example, in a case where the piezoelectric element has a cylindrical shape, the element case must be formed to have a cylindrical shape. Otherwise, in a case where the piezoelectric element has a polygonal shape, the element case must be formed to have a polygonal shape.

[61] The plurality of supersonic wave generators is arranged in the support band described below so that one surface of each of the supersonic wave generators protrudes in a range of about 0.1~8mm. If the supersonic wave generator protrudes by a height less than 0. lmm, it seems to be a state in which the supersonic wave generator does not actually protrude over the support band. As a result, when the surface of the support band comes into contact with user s skin, it is concerned that the supersonic wave generator may not be in close contact with the user s skin. Further, if the supersonic wave generator protrudes by a height more than 8mm, the supersonic wave generators are spaced apart from the user s skin, so as to cause the user to posture unstably. Where the physical treatment device is worn on the knee joint or elbow joint, it appears to protrude, so as to harm beauty. The plurality of supersonic wave generators is arranged to have a predetermined pattern at a central portion of the support band described below in a range of a length of about 50- 150mm, and a width of about 30- 100mm in the support band. In a case where the installing range of the supersonic wave generator is less than 50mm in a longitudinal direction, both men and women of small stature cannot apply supersonic energy to a knee joint or an elbow joint at both sides of the knee or elbow with standing by the knee or elbow. Thus, the supersonic energy with high effectiveness cannot be uniformly applied to the entire joint region. Further, in a case where the installing range of the supersonic generator exceeds 150mm in the longitudinal direction, the supersonic wave generator is located to enclose a knee joint or elbow joint of both men and women of large stature. Therefore, there is a problem in that since the supersonic wave generator is located below a knee, the supersonic wave cannot appropriately act on cartilage. On the other

hand, in a case where the installing range of the supersonic wave generator is less than 50mm in a width direction, both men and women of small stature cannot apply supersonic energy to a knee joint or an elbow joint at both sides of the knee or elbow with standing by the knee or elbow. Thus, the supersonic energy with high effectiveness cannot be uniformly applied to the entire joint region. Further, in a case where the installing range of the supersonic generator exceeds 100mm in the width direction, the supersonic wave generator is located at a position apart from a knee joint or elbow joint of both men or women of large stature. Therefore, it is a concern that the supersonic wave cannot act on cartilage sufficiently. The supersonic wave generator is preferably arranged in a range of a length of 70- 120mm and a width of 50~80mm of a support band described below so that supersonic vibration is effectively applied to the entire knee joint or elbow joint.

[62] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the supersonic wave generators 20 of about 2 to 8 are arranged in one, two or three lines in the support band 30. The number of the supersonic wave generators 20 to be installed is preferably set according to the installing range of the generators to be installed in longitudinal and width directions, the magnitude of the piezoelectric element 22 and the element case 24, and the width and length of the support band 30. For example, the wider the installing range of the supersonic generators is, the larger number of the supersonic wave generators is installed. When the magnitude of the piezoelectric element increases, the installation of a small number of the supersonic generators can be arranged. In addition, the supersonic generators can be arranged in various shapes such as a straight line, a polygonal shape such as a triangle or square, a circle, an ellipse, or a star. Preferably, the magnitude and installing distance of the piezoelectric element or the element case is set so that the supersonic wave generators of about 4-6 are arranged in the support band.

[63] When the piezoelectric element or the element case has too small a size, its structure is complicated, thereby degrading workability. On the other hand, when the piezoelectric element or the element case has too large a size, the flexibility of the support band is degraded, so that the wearing sensation of the support band also is degraded. When the piezoelectric elements or the element cases are installed at too wide a distance, the supersonic wave cannot be uniformly applied to a body region to be treated, thereby making it impossible to obtain efficient treatment. Otherwise, when the piezoelectric elements or the element cases are installed at too narrow a distance, the supersonic wave is applied too much to a body region to be treated, thereby degrading the treatment effect or causing an adverse effect.

[64] Meanwhile, an insulation body 23 is installed between the piezoelectric element 22 and the element case 24 of the supersonic wave generator 20 as shown in FIG. 4. The

insulation body 23 may be made of the same material as that of a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) which is generally used, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

[65] The support band 30 is used to receive the supersonic wave generators 20 to be fixed thereto, and is worn on a body region. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the support band 30 includes an intermediate support portion 32 in which a plurality of the supersonic wave generators 20 is arranged and fixed, extension support portions 34 extend from both sides of the intermediate support portions 32, and they have a desired length.

[66] The extension support portions 34 may be formed in a separation type in which the extension support portions 34 can be detachably connected to the intermediate support portion 32, or may be integrated with the intermediate support portion 32. At this time, a female fixture member 35 and a male fixture member 36 are attached to both ends of the detachable type of the extension support portion 34, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 11.

[67] In addition, the intermediate support portion 32, in which the plural number of the supersonic wave generators 20 is arranged, may be provided at both sides thereof with adhesive members 33. The adhesive members 33 respectively include a base member 33a fixed to the intermediate support portion 32, and a double-sided adhesive member 33b, one surface of which is adhered to the base member 33a.

[68] The base member 33a is made of a material which has an excellent adhesive force between the base member 33a and the double-sided adhesive member 33b, and also has a smooth surface to allow the double-sided adhesive member 33b to separate from the base member 33a. The double-sided adhesive member 33b may include double- sided tape which is widely used, and a member having the same function as the double-sided tape. The double-sided adhesive member 33b can be replaced by a new one after being used 1-3 times. The adhesive member 33 as described above has an advantageous effect when the physical treatment device is worn on a body region 1 (for example, shoulder, waist, and neck, etc.) where it is difficult to place the physical treatment device, using the female fixture member 35 and the male fixture member 36.

[69] The support band 30 has a width of about 40~200mm, and a length of 250~800mm.

When the width of the support band is less than 40mm, it is possible to sufficiently enclose a knee joint or an elbow joint of both men or women of small stature with the support band. On the other hand, in a case where the width of the support band exceeds 200mm, even if a knee joint or an elbow joint of a man or woman of large stature is enclosed with the support band, both ends of the support band are lifted up so as to show the device and degrade enclosing force. Further, if the length of the support band is less than 250mm, the support band cannot enclose a knee joint or an elbow joint of both men or women of small stature sufficiently. If the length of the support band

exceeds 800mm, the support band can enclose a knee joint or an elbow joint of a man or woman of large stature sufficiently, but both ends thereof remain and provide a user with inconvenience when the support band is kept and used.

[70] The support band described above may be formed of a material having elasticity in order to apply desired pressure to a knee or elbow when the support band is worn on the knee or elbow. The support band has the extension support portion made of a material having elasticity in order to apply a desired pressure to the knee or elbow. Further, the intermediate support portion may be made of a material (for example, a fabric or non- woven fabric) having flexibility and excellent wearing sensations, fixing in place the supersonic wave generator. Two or three-layered intermediate support portions of the support band are advantageous to fix in place and support the supersonic wave generators and/or the wires. For example, after the flange portion and/ or the wires of the element cases for the supersonic wave generators are disposed in the two-layered intermediate support portion, the two-layered intermediate support portion is sewn so that the supersonic wave generators and wires are easily fixed to and supported by the intermediate support portion of the support band.

[71] In addition, at least one layered-pad member 50 may be added on one surface or both surfaces of the intermediate support portion 32 of the support band 30, as shown in FIG. 4. The pad member 50 may have a size corresponding to the intermediate support portion 32 and be added on the intermediate support portion 32. Alternatively, the pad member 50 may have a size corresponding to the flange portion 25 of the element case 24 for the supersonic wave generator and be added on the intermediate support portion 32.

[72] In a case where a two-layered intermediate support portion 32 is used, the element case 24 of the supersonic wave generator extends through one layer of the two-layered intermediate support portion so that a portion opposite to the flange portion is exposed.

[73] A ring-shaped reinforce strip 39 may be attached to the intermediate support portion along a circumference of a hole (not shown) through which the element case of the supersonic wave generator extends, as shown in FIG. 4.

[74] The female fixture member 35 and male fixture member 36 installed in the support band 30 include Velcro, snap fasteners, rings and latches, and laces, etc. The female fixture member 35 and the male fixture member 36 are used to fix the physical treatment device to a body region 1 such as a knee or an elbow, as shown in FIG. 8.

[75] The physical treatment device further includes an auxiliary female fixture member

37 and an auxiliary male fixture member 38 which are installed to the support band 30 so as to be spaced by a desired distance from the female fixture member 35 and the male fixture member 36 to the supersonic wave generator 20, and detachably fixed to each other, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The auxiliary female fixture member 37 and

the auxiliary male fixture member 38 include Velcro, snap fasteners, rings and latches, and laces, etc., as the female fixture member 35 and the male fixture member 36 have. The auxiliary female fixture member 37 and the auxiliary male fixture member 38 can be conveniently used when the physical treatment device is applied to a body region 1 such as shoulder, waist, and neck, etc. while being worn on a hand Ia, as shown in FIG. 11.

[76] Meanwhile, the expansion tube 40 is installed in the support band 30 as shown in

FIGS. 5 and 6, and expands and forces the supersonic wave generator 20 outside when gas is introduced into the expansion tube 40. The expansion tube 40 includes at least one expansion portion 42 as shown in FIG. 7. The expansion portion 42 is made of a softer or narrower material than other portion of the expansion tube 40, i.e. non- expansion portion 43, and can be expansible as gas is introduced into the expansion tube 40 through an air inlet 45. The expansion tube 40 is configured like a sphygmomanometer or a rubber tube such that air is manually and automatically introduced into the expansion tube 40 under a desired pressure and the introduced air can be discharged. The expansion tube 40 can expand as much as the entire volume of the intermediate support portion 32 of the support band 30.

[77] The expansion tube 40 may include a plurality of expansion portions 42 which can expand by a desired volume at plural positions corresponding to the locations of the plural number of the supersonic wave generator 20, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. At this time, the plural expansion portions 42 may be communicated with one another through desired communication pipes 46. Since the expansion portions are communicated with one another through the communication pipes 46, it is possible to introduce gas into the expansion tube 40 through the air inlet 45, thereby allowing a user to introduce the gas into the expansion tube 40 with convenience.

[78] Since the expansion portions 42 are made of a thinner or softer material than that of the non-expansion portions 43, the expansion portions 42 can be expansible as the gas is introduced into the expansion tube under a desired pressure.

[79] In FIG. 7, a reference numeral 47 denotes a hole for electric power source.

Industrial Applicability

[80] The present invention refers to a physical treatment device which is used for treating musculoskeletal system ailments such as degenerative arthritis, relieving pain, improving blood circulation, relief from fatigue, and increasing muscular strength, and can be widely applied to an industry such as manufacturing of physical treatment devices and physiotherapy because the physical treatment device can be easily used in a clinic and a hospital as well as home.

[81] Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described for il-

lustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.