RE: scoliosis
LEO FREYER (LEO_4084(AT)classic.msn.com)
Tue, 26 Aug 1997 00:25:44 -0700
Some years ago I saw a report on TV about a medical doctor in India who's
child had scoliosis. The doctor developed a small inexpensive battery powered
device about shirt pocket size. The device sent small electrical pulses
through the skin to the back muscles. It used the small sticky pad electrodes
similar to the ones used for EKG's. The patient operated the controls on the
device, which adjusted both the intensity and the frequency of the electrical
pulses. This allowed the patient to constantly control the pulses for his
comfort level. The concept behind the device was to electrically stimulate
the appropriate back muscles to flex and strengthen them, thus pulling the
spine back into proper alignment. In addition to being non invasive, this
process of using the body's own structures to correct the spinal deformity
eliminated surgery, braces, office visits, and other expensive medical fees.
The doctor reported very dramatic results with his own child and others under
his care. Close up views of the child's back when the device was in operation
showed the muscles flexing under the skin, repeatedly tugging the "S" shape
out of the spine. Because of the relative simplicity of the device, it could
be used at home, and the patient could control the number and duration of the
daily treatments. I don't know if such devices are currently marketed in the
U.S. specifically for scoliosis, but a neighbor purchased a U.S. product that
had the same characteristics, e.g..: sticky pad electrodes, wire leads, and a
control box that could adjust the electrical pulses. I tried it on my
shoulders, back and leg muscles. There was a slight discomfort from the
small current, but I could definitely feel the muscles being repeatedly flexed
by the electrical pulses.
Warm regards
Leo