Thermographic Imaging| Thermographic Imaging |
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Carried out by Equitherm The Personal Massage System is a portable massage system using cycloidal massage action together with infrared heat therapy. The massage bed is placed on a flat surface (the floor, a bed or treatment couch) and the user lies down on the system in the appropriate position for the required treatment. The Cyclo-ssage systems are medically approved devices providing non-invasive Cycloidal massage and heat treatment for general relaxation or relief from common health and lifestyle conditions such as arthritis, back pain or poor circulation. The Personal Massage System has been designed to achieve deep tissue and muscle activity with no side effects to relieve aches and pains associated with many conditions, stimulate the lymphatic system or alternatively it may be simply used as a form of relaxation. The system combines seven oscillating massage units with four thermal Infrared panels and a carbon fibre heated calf/foot panel. There are several pre-programmed 15 or 30-minute treatment options with further options to adjust as required. Infrared Thermography is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that uses the very latest infrared imaging equipment and computer software to detect minute changes in thermal and in conditions allowing for quick and efficient identity of trauma, stress or injury. Infrared Thermography measures the surface temperature through the detection of radiation from the skin in the form of thermal patterns. Normal thermal patterns in a person should appear symmetrical left to right. A person with soreness, trauma or injury will have uneven thermal patterns and temperature differences according to the level of trauma. 5 people were selected for the study. All 5 of the subjects were suffering from specific or non-specific back pain (1 x lumber pain, 1 x cervical pain, 1 x thoracic pain, 2 x general non-specific back ache). A male subject suffering from acute thoracic back pain was imaged prior to using the Cyclo-ssage Massage System to identify their normal thermal patterns. The subject had a 15min back massage treatment (Programme 2) with maximum strength applied to the thoracic region. The subject was then imaged again immediately after the treatment and again after a further 15minutes. The objective was to show increased heat patterns and blood flow promoted by the Cyclo-ssage system. A female subject suffering from persistent cervical back pain was imaged prior to using the Cyclo-ssage Massage System to identify their normal thermal patterns. The subject then had a 15min medical programme massage treatment using the Cyclo-ssage system. The subject was then imaged again immediately after the treatment and again after a further 15minutes. The objective was to show increased heat patterns and blood flow promoted by the Cyclo-ssage system. A female subject suffering from chronic non-specific backache was imaged prior to using the Cyclo-ssage Massage System to identify their normal thermal patterns. The subject then had a 30min heat treatment using the Cyclo-ssage system. The subject was then imaged again immediately after the treatment and again after a further 15minutes. The objective was to show increased heat patterns and blood flow promoted by the Cyclo-ssage system. A male subject suffering from persistent lumbar back was imaged prior to using the Cyclo-ssage Massage System to identify their normal thermal patterns. The subject then had a 15min back massage treatment (Programme 2) with maximum strength applied to the lumbar area. The subject was then imaged again immediately after the treatment and again after a further 15minutes. The objective was to show increased heat patterns and blood flow promoted by the Cyclo-ssage system. A male subject suffering from acute non-specific back pain was imaged prior to using the Cyclo-ssage Massage System to identify their normal thermal patterns. The subject then had a 15min back massage treatment programme using the Cyclo-ssage system. The subject was then imaged again immediately after the treatment and again after a further 15minutes. The objective was to show increased heat patterns and blood flow promoted by the Cyclo-ssage system. In each case the infrared imaging detected improved thermal patterns following use of the Cyclo-ssage Personal Massage System. Each subject’s post-treatment thermal patterns distribution was symmetrical, indicating improved blood flow to the injured or painful area. All of the subjects reported feeling more relaxed with decreased pain and discomfort and improved flexibility. Pre and Post-treatment imaging identified more consistent and symmetrical thermal patterns in the subjects back after having received the massage. The subject reported feeling a reduction in pain and improved relaxation after the treatment. The increased thermal patterns indicated improved blood supply to the whole of the back area and would therefore support the subject’s pain relief statement. The subject reported the pain relief continued throughout the test day and into the following day. Click here to view Thermographic imaging for Study 1 STUDY 2 Pre and post-treatment imaging identified more consistent and symmetrical thermal heat patterns in the subject’s back after the massage programme. The subject reported a reduction in pain in the upper lumbar, cervical and trapezius areas of the back. This is consistent with the increased blood flow and heat patterns identified by the imaging. The subject also reported having headaches for two days following the beginning of treatments that can be a symptom of lymphatic drainage and the clearance of accumulated waste products. Click here to view Thermographic imaging for Study 2 Pre and Post-treatment imaging identified increased heat in the treated areas as a result of the increased blood flow and absorption of heat from the massage unit’s infrared heat panels. The subject reported increased relaxation, a decrease in pain and improved mobility. Click here to view Thermographic imaging for Study 3 Pre and post-treatment imaging identified more consistent and symmetrical thermal heat patterns in the subject’s back after the massage programme. The subject reported increased mobility and reduced discomfort in the lumbar area and improved relaxation across the back generally. Post-treatment imaging clearly shows improved blood flow to all parts of the back consistent with the subjects reported improvements. Click here to view Thermographic imaging for Study 4 Pre and post-treatment imaging identified more consistent and symmetrical thermal heat patterns in the subject’s back after the massage programme. The images indicated an improved blood flow and heat to all areas of the subjects back. The subject reported feeling more relaxed and improved mobility consistent with the thermal images. The subject also reported slight headaches following the treatment, which could be a symptom of lymphatic drainage and the removal of waste products. Click here to view Thermographic imaging for Study 5 In all five case studies, the images of the subjects showed a positive change to their physical state. The subjects all felt improved mobility and found the treatment improved their state of relaxation. Blood flow was increased during and after treatment and the thermal patterns were even and consistent with the treatment programme administered. This pattern of blood flow change after application of the Cyclo-ssage system would support the manufacturer’s claims that it relieves aches and pains associated with many conditions and can be used as a form of relaxation. The subjects reports of headaches following treatment could be a sign of the benefits of lymph drainage which although not a direct part of this study would again add support to the manufactures claims as a therapeutic aid. Click here for general Thermographic imaging study Any unauthorised copying will constitute an infringement of copyright. |
