The present invention features an portable, programmable interferential stimulator for the administering of neuromuscular electrotherapy to a human subject. A number of pre-programmed modulation modes are easily selectable using a keypad and a self-contained alpha-numeric display. Compliance data including the number, length and mode of usage sessions is captured and stored internally in non-volatile memory. Automatic shut-off at the end of a therapy session is also included. An optional bi-directional, serial interface allows for loading custom programs from an external computer session into the instant stimulator. The interface also allows for uploading compliance data to the external computer for analysis or archiving.

An interferential stimulation device for providing transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to a living body. The device applies current at two difference frequencies, each across two contact points on the body, spaced about a selected crossing point. The different frequencies produce at the crossing point a low frequency beat by the heterodyne process for specific stimulation at the crossing point. Electronic circuitry is provided to generate the desired signals and apply them through body contacting pads. Several modes for changing the stimulation smoothly, with the interference beat frequency ramped over a selected range over a selected time period provides superior results and prevents accommodation to the device. Several different ramp beat frequency ranges are provided, including a long range ramp, a relatively low frequency ramp and a relatively high frequency ramp.

A method of treatment of pain to provide permanent pain relief in a patient by applying an electrical signal having the shape of a monophasic wave across the region of a patient that is perceiving pain for an extended period of time to relieve the pain and permitting the patient to adjust the electrical signal to maintain a constant level of feeling in the treated area.

An electrical muscle stimulator converts electromyographic (EMG) signals to digital words for analysis and display by a computer program. The therapist selects a variety of different parameters appropriate for the individual patient, and instructs the device to initiate stimulating signals on command, or upon detection of a suitable EMG signal from the patient. The device that converts digital words representing the selected parameters into complex, bipolar therapeutic pulses. The device can digitally model a wide variety of wave forms and graphically assist the therapist in developing and shaping various wave pulse trains.

An apparatus for providing therapeutic electric current to a treatment site of a patient is disclosed, which provides two oscillating or pulsing electric alternating currents, of frequencies which differ from each other by as little as 1 Hz and up to about 250 Hz, but each being of frequency at least about 1 KHz. The apparatus requires only one feed electrode adapted to feed the electric currents to selected feed sites on or beneath the epidermal or mucous surface of the patient, and only one return electrode adapted to be positioned on or beneath the epidermal or mucous surface of the patient, locally to the treatment site. The apparatus includes a feedback subsystem to detect impedance changes in the patient and accordingly adjust the output of the apparatus.