Technology
Pulsed electromagnetic stimulation (PES) technologies have been developed and refined over the course of several decades of scientific research. These technologies found relatively early application in the setting of medical diagnostics with the commercialization of several devices that have been utilized since the early 1990s at medical centers throughout the United States for the diagnosis of nerve and muscle disorders.
The results of emerging scientific trials, however, have demonstrated the dramatic potential for PES to painlessly and non-invasively treat, rather than simply diagnose, a variety of medical conditions. Studies have shown PES to be effective in: 1) causing muscles to contract, 2) altering nerve signal transmission to decrease experienced pain, and 3) causing new cell growth in cartilage. A number of additional therapeutic effects are postulated and being researched extensively.
It is on this well-established base of research that Premium Therapy has developed and patented an innovative medical device to deliver ElectroMagnetic Induction Therapy (EMIT). Premium Therapy's technology is a further advance in this field designed to effectively treat muscular atrophy, neurogenic bladder/bowel, musculoskeletal pain and arthritis through the use of electromagnetic stimulation in a highly user-friendly format.
Background
The renowned scientist Michael Faraday first observed the concept of pulsed electromagnetic stimulation in 1831. Faraday was able to demonstrate that time varying, or pulsed electromagnetic fields, have the potential to induce current in a conductive object. Faraday's experimental setup was simple. He found that by passing strong electric current through a coil of wire he was able to produce pulsed electromagnetic stimuli. This pulsed electromagnetic stimulus was able to induce the flow of current in a nearby electrically conductive body.
In the years since the discoveries of Faraday, pulsed electromagnetic stimulators have found application in countless areas of scientific investigation. In 1965, the scientists Bickford and Freming demonstrated the use of pulsed electromagnetic stimulation to induce conduction within nerves of the face. Later, in 1982 Polson et al. produced a device capable of stimulating peripheral nerves of the body. This group of investigators was able to stimulate peripheral nerves of the body sufficiently to cause muscle activity, recording the first evoked potentials from pulsed electromagnetic stimulation.
The ability of pulsed electromagnetic stimulation to induce electrical currents within tissues of the human body has prompted medical research in recent years with respect to the diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy of a variety of important conditions.
Technologic Advances
Since the days of Bickford, Freming, and Polson, magnetic fields have been clinically applied to both central and peripheral nerves through the utilization of a single, large coil. Repetitive electromagnetic stimulation of the brain, for instance, has been utilized as an alternative to electroconvulsive "shock" therapy in treating depression, and as a means to trigger seizure activity in locating the source of epilepsy. Peripherally, magnetic stimulation has been used for pain syndromes, for improving neuromuscular function in the setting of chronic progressive multiple sclerosis and for the stimulation of peripheral nerves in the diagnostic detection of nerve conduction abnormalities.
Due to the promise of electromagnetic stimulation in painlessly and non-invasively treating a variety of diseases, research in this field is progressing rapidly. New indications for treatment with electromagnetic stimulation are arising every year with strong, scientifically-supported results. Premium Therapy's technology is a further advance in this field designed to effectively treat muscular atrophy, neurogenic bladder/bowel, musculoskeletal pain and arthritis through the use of electromagnetic stimulation in a user-friendly format appropriate for home healthcare applications.
Strategy & Implementation Summary
