WO2003072010A1 - Massager and method of using same - Google Patents

Abstract

A surgical massager (10) includes a housing (20), a handle portion (40), and one or more massage nodes (62) for massing body mass and tissue irregularities pre-operatively, intra-operatively and post-operatively. A drive unit contained in the base portion (30) of the housing (20); and a massage node (62) operably connected to the drive unit by coupling means (38) such that operation of the drive unit causes the massage node (62) to provide a massage effect. The housing (20) is preferably watertight or water-resistant, and/or the device is encapsulated in a disposable sterile bag.

Description

MASSAGER AND METHOD OF USING SAME

RELATED APPLICATIONS AND CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority to, and incorporates by reference in its entirety, co-pending United States patent application number 10/080,350, filed February 21, 2002, titled Massager and Method of Using Same.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to massage devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a surgical massage device having one or more massage nodes that, when operated and applied to a patient, produce a therapeutic effect.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Aesthetic body contour surgery has become a routine procedure by which to increase the attractiveness of the human form. One particular method of body contour surgery, suction lipectomy or liposuction, is a procedure that permits elimination of localized fat deposits through small incisions that leave inconspicuous scars. Liposuction is one of the most common aesthetic procedures performed by plastic and reconstructive surgeons today.

[0004] Liposuction has been used to remove fat from many regions of the body. The regions most frequently treated include the trochanteric region, flanks, buttocks, inter- aspect of the knee, the anterior abdominal wall, gynecomastia, and "love handles." Although it was once believed that the fat cells removed by liposuction would later be replaced, the presently accepted theory is that the body contains a limited number of fat cells, which cannot regenerate. Fatty tissue is not caused by an increase in the number of fat cells, but by an increase in the amount of lipid matter found within the cell. Therefore, the removal of fat cells by liposuction should create a contour that will retain its form (absent undue expansion of lipid matter in remaining cells).

[0005] Liposuction was first performed in Europe by J. Schrudde in 1972 using a uterine curette. Currently, the procedure is performed using a special type of curette known as a cannula. The cannula is attached to a vacuum source, which carries away the fat tissue. The vacuum required is inversely proportional to the size of the suction aperture and the tube diameter (i.e., the smaller the tube and the orifice, the higher the negative pressure needed for the evacuation of the fat). The vacuum pressure in one often used cannula, known as the Aspiradeps, manufactured by Ulrich A.G., in St. Gall, Switzerland, is usually on the order of 0.4 to 0.6 atmospheres.

[0006] There are theoretically two different methods by which to remove fat through liposuction. The first of these methods is the tunneling procedure as proposed by Y. G. Illouz. In the Illouz method, one or two incisions are made. Radial excursions of the instrument into the flesh via the incisions are then made. The result is a multitude of concomitant sinuses. The second method is the original liposuction procedure as proposed by U.K. Kesserling. In the second technique, an entire layer of regular, deep fat is removed, leaving a smooth, deep surface of residual panniculus. The space created is then transformed by compression into a virtual space in which primary healing can take place. Optimally, skin retractions may follow.

[0007] Both of the above techniques require the surgeon to push and pull a portion of the cannula back and forth multiple times for each tunnel made. Generally, twenty to thirty tunnels per incision are made to ensure even removal of fat in the targeted regions. The surgeon typically massages the flesh in the area of the aperture in the cannula, while at the same time thrusting the rod in and out of the tunnel. This method is extremely traumatic, both for the patient and the doctor. Many surgeons practicing liposuction find it physically 03 05378 taxing, and most come out of the operating room extremely tired after procedures in which large areas are liposuctioned. Moreover, the removal of deep fat causes damage to blood vessels thereby causing the patient's flesh to turn black and blue for several days.

[0008] Furthermore, the removal of deep fat causes inflammation of the soft tissue post-operatively. Inflammation of soft tissue areas of the human body may occur as the result of a major trauma, such as surgery including liposuction procedures. The body responds by forming fibrous adhesions, or scar tissue, which is an unavoidable by-product of the healing process. The scar tissue forms in soft tissue areas of the human body, such as muscles, tendons and ligaments. As scar tissue builds up, it prevents the muscles, tendons, and ligaments from lengthening and contracting, thereby resulting in lost range of motion, pain, and decreased stability.

[0009] Scar tissue is removed by a process known as soft tissue therapy, which involves the manual massaging of the skin over the affected soft tissue areas to release scar tissue adhesions to regain lost resting length in the tissue. This type of massage includes cross-frictional massage, deep muscle massage, and rolling. One problem associated with manual massage of soft tissue areas is the difficulty in applying the appropriate amount of manual pressure. In some instances, too much pressure may be exerted on some soft tissue areas, thereby causing unnecessary discomfort to the patient. In other instances in which hardened scar tissue has built up on the tendons and ligaments near bone surfaces, manual massage pressure may not be sufficient pressure to provide an effective treatment. In addition, it is frequently difficult to manually locate scar tissue with sufficient specificity using one's hand. Furthermore, it has been found that performing manual massage for an extended period of time may result in hand injuries, such as tendonitis, to the person performing the massage. [0010] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a massage device that can be used: 1) pre-operatively to condition and loosen the fat in preparation for liposuction to minimize blood vessel damage; 2) intra-operatively during a liposuction procedure where the operating surgeon will immediately use the massage device to smooth the tissue after removing the fat to minimize scar tissue build up; and 3) post-operatively on patients who have undergone a liposuction procedure within at least one year to massage and remove the scar tissue. The present invention would also have applicability to augment or pre-treat patients undergoing bariatric or gastric bypass surgery.

SUMMARY OF THE F VENTION

[0011] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a massage device having at least one massage node to be used before, during and/or after a surgical procedure. In a preferred embodiment a massager having independently movable massage nodes is provided. The massager has a housing that includes a base portion and a handle portion.

[0012] Preferably, the housing is comprised of a chemically-resistant material and the handle portion provides a plurality of grips. A drive unit is contained in the base portion of the housing. At least one massage node is operably connected to the drive unit by coupling means such that operation of the drive unit causes each massage node to move and provide a therapeutic effect when applied to the skin of a person.

[0013] The novel features and advantages of the preferred embodiments of the present invention are more readily understood from a review of the attached drawings and the accompanying specification and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Fig. 1 is a side view of the preferred massager 10 in accordance with the present invention;

[0015] Fig. 2 is a bottom view of a preferred massager 10 having two massage nodes;

[0016] Fig. 3 is a bottom view of a preferred massager 10 having four massage nodes;

[0017] Fig. 4 is a side view of a preferred massager 10 utilizing a disposable sterile bag during operation;

[0018] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the base portion 30 of the preferred massager 10 taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 2 illustrating a prior art motor as the drive unit having an output shaft protruding from both sides of the motor;

[0019] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the base portion 30 of an alternate preferred massager 10 taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 2 illustrating a prior art motor as the drive unit having an output shaft protruding from only one side of the motor;

[0020] Fig. 7 is a bottom view of a preferred massager 110 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

[0021] Fig. 8 is a side view of the massager 110 shown in Fig. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0022] Referring to Figs. 1-3, a massager in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and indicated by reference numeral 10. Massager 10 comprises a housing 20 formed generally as two portions, a base portion 30 and a handle portion 40. The handle portion 40 preferably includes two handles 42, 44 that are disposed on opposite sides of the base portion 30. The handles 42 and 44 may be straight, as shown in Figs. 1-3, or they may be curved or contoured in optional embodiments. In addition, as shown in Fig. 7, the handles may be attached to optional gripes or additional curved handles 142 and 144 to provide easier gripping and handling.

[0023] Returning to Figs. 1-3, the base portion 30 includes a drive unit (not shown in Figs. 1-3) housed within the base portion 30 and a massage head 60 having an external massage surface that is contoured substantially symmetrically about a median plane P generally perpendicular to a notional plane N representing a surface to be massaged. The actual massage surface of the massage head 60 is, in this embodiment, defined by a pair of generally hemispherical massage nodes 62 and 62'which are symmetrical about plane P. The massage head 60 is situated in such a way as to provide for movement of the massage nodes 62 and 62' which are substantially symmetrical about plane P. The massage head 60 is situated in such a way as to provide for movement of the massage nodes 62 about axes A and A' disposed substantially parallel to the median plane P. As illustrated in the preferred embodiment of Fig. 5, the drive unit 14 may be coupled to the massage nodes 62 and 62' by coupling means 38 and 38' known in the art. The coupling means 38 and 38' permit the massage nodes 62 and 62' to reciprocate along or across the axes A and A' at a position spaced apart from the median plane P to thereby produce asynchronous movement of the massage heads 62 and 62'. Optionally and preferably, the device includes a variable speed lever or other means to vary the speed of the motor, thus varying the speed of the massage effect.

[0024] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1-3, the housing 20 is generally shaped like a flat "T". However, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the housing may be straight, curved, angled and/or adjustable depending on the region of the body to be treated. Because the massager 10 may be used during any liposuction proceeding (e.g., pre-operatively, intra-operatively, and post-operatively), it is preferred that the housing 20 be waterproof or water-resistant such that chemicals or bodily fluids are prevented from penetrating into the electrical and mechanical components within the housing 20. The housing 20 itself can be constructed by any means necessary to ensure water tightness including, but not limited to, tongue and groove edges, use of a gasket and/or o-rings, or any other means known in the art. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 4, the massager 10 may be placed into a disposable sterile bag 80 and operated while in the plastic bag during the liposuction procedure. The bag 80, which may be made of plastic or other suitable material, will ensure that the massager is isolated from any fluids, tissue, or other contaminating materials and also reduces the need to clean the massager 10 since the bag 80 is disposable. Furthermore, the housing 30 may be constructed of a material that is sufficient for use in an operating room, surgeon's office, or any other medical office. Accordingly, the housing should be constructed of titanium, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or any other chemically resistant metal or metal alloy. Also, any chemically resistant plastics may be utilized, especially when a disposable sterile bag 80 is used during the massaging procedure.

[0025] The handle arrangement of the preferred embodiment has been found to be particularly useful in that it allows the massager 10 to be held in an almost infinite variety of positions as required by the particular treatment being given. However, it is contemplated that the handle arrangement may be varied to treat any region of the body. Although the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 1-3 includes two handles 42, 44 disposed on opposite sides of the base portion 30 and parallel to the notional plane N, the two handles 42, 44 may be arranged in any fashion. For example, in another embodiment, one handle 42 may be disposed parallel to the notional plane N similar to the preferred embodiment, while the other handle 44 may be disposed approximately ninety degrees from the handle parallel to the notional plane N. In other words, the two handles 42, 44 may be disposed mutually at right angles from each other and are parallel to the notional plane N. Furthermore, one skilled in the art would understand and appreciate that the massager may incorporate only one handle or more than two handles and still be within the scope of the invention. Additionally, one or more of the handles may be adjustable. Also, the handles may be preferably contoured to facilitate a user's grasp and may be provided with a foam cushion to provide an operator with an easy and comfortable grip.

[0026] Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 illustrate an alternative embodiment wherein each of the handles includes curved or C-shaped handles 142 and 144 which may provide a better ergonomic design from the perspective of the patient or doctor.

[0027] In the preferred embodiment, the massage surface is shown in Figs. 1-3 as being provided by two hemispherical shaped massage nodes 62 and 62', but it is to be understood that a larger number of semi-hemispherical shaped massage nodes could be provided substantially symmetrically about plane P. In preferred embodiments, the number of massage nodes may be between two and 50, although an embodiment with one node is possible, as well as embodiments with higher numbers of nodes. For example, Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment with a total of four massage nodes 62a, 62b, 62c and 62d. Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 4,730,605, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, for an illustration of a device having multiple hemispherical shaped massage nodes. It is understood, of course, that each massage node can have any shape and size suitable to impart the desired massage effect. Also, the size and/or shape of one massage node may be different than the size and/or shape of another massage node on the same massager 10. Preferably, the size of the massage nodes is between about 1 cm and about 10 cm in diameter, although other sizes are possible. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the massage nodes preferably have a plastic internal frame that includes a tapped cylinder 70 and 70' such that each massage node can be fastened to the frame by receiving a screw 56 and 56'. Optionally, the massage nodes may be equipped with a screw or other protruding element 80 that is received by a receptacle 81 or other suitable receiving means in the frame. On the exterior surface, massage nodes 62 comprise a resilient material, preferably rubber. Preferably, alternate sets (not shown) of massage nodes 62 are provided for attachment to massager 10 of the present invention. The sets of massage nodes 62 would be of different densities to provide the options of soft, medium, or hard massage application. To change to a different set, an operator can simply unscrew the set that is currently attached to massager 10 via the screws and screw in the desired set. It is also contemplated that the massage nodes may be spaced apart a certain distance, and that the distance may be adjustable by any means known in the art.

[0028] As described above, the drive means located inside the massager may be any drive means known in the art. For example, and referring now to the cross-section view of Fig. 5 (taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 2), a massager 10 is provided with a drive unit such as 14 to produce motion and transmit the motion via coupling means 38 and 38' to the massage nodes 62 and 62' thereby producing asynchronous movement of the massage heads 62 and 62', preferably in a direction that is along axes A and A' and generally parallel to the median plane P. Alternatively, the movement of the massage heads 62 and 62' may cross axes A and A' in a direction generally alternating toward and away from plane P. Also alternatively, the movement of massage heads 62 and 62' may include movement both along and across axes A and A'.

[0029] In the preferred embodiment, the drive unit 14 includes an electric motor 48 that is disposed within the base portion 30 of the housing and is capable of producing percussive motion utilizing means known in the art. The motor 48 rotates an output shaft 34 that protrudes from the motor 48 on each side of the motor (see Fig. 5). In an alternate embodiment, the output shaft 38 may protrude from only one side of the motor (see Fig. 6). Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,332, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, for an illustration of the mechanics of a percussive massager wherein the output shaft protrudes from only one side of the motor. Reference also may be made to U.S. Patent Application No. 10/108,871 (publication number 20030028134A1), hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, for an illustration of the mechanics of a percussive massager wherein the output shaft protrudes from the motor on both sides thereof. Preferably, the motor 48 operates under AC voltage when a transformer is installed within the massager 10. However, the motor may operate under DC voltage thereby allowing the massager 10 to be powered by batteries or the like. Also, the motor is capable of providing variable speeds and may be adjustable by the user.

[0030] An example of the coupling means is shown in Fig. 5 which illustrates the drive unit as a motor wherein the output shaft protrudes from the motor 48 on both sides thereof. Referring to the embodiment of Fig. 5, on one side of motor 48, the connecting pole 90 is attached to the wheel 36 in a first offset location, such as above a longitudinal axis 44 of output shaft 34. On the other side of motor 48, connecting pole 90' is attached to the wheel 36' in a second offset location, such as below the longitudinal axis 44 of output shaft 34. The second offset location is preferably 180 degrees from the first offset location. Therefore, as the output shaft 34 rotates, connecting poles 90 and 90' are moved up and down asynchronously due their different eccentric attachment locations. Although the above example is the preferred coupling means, one skilled in the art would recognize that other coupling means are possible such as the use of a "single" coupling means for a single output shaft (which is similar to the above example, but only includes one set of parts) as illustrated in Fig. 6, the use of a cam shaft to create the reciprocal axial movement, and other technologies known in the art.

[0031] Although the drive unit 14 in the preferred embodiment includes a motor 48, other drive units contemplated to be within the scope of the invention include the use of pneumatic components or electromagnetic technologies similar to that of a solenoid. Electromagnetic technology has already been developed for use in combustion engines to open and close valves thereby replacing cam shafts. See U.S. Patent No. 4,794,890, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Each massage node 62 may be coupled to an electromagnet via coupling means known in the art. When the electromagnet is energized, the coupling means forces the massage node away from the electromagnet thereby producing movement away from the base portion. At the same time the one electromagnet is energized, the other electromagnet coupled to the other massage node is de-energized, thus pulling the massage node toward the electromagnet and producing movement towards the base portion. When the energizing is synchronized properly, the movement of the massage nodes can produce a percussive effect.

[0032] Although the above embodiments describe the massage effect utilizing percussive motion, one skilled in the art would appreciate that any means may be utilized to create a massaging effect including vibratory motion, rubbing motion, or rolling motion.

[0033] In operation, the massager 10 of the present invention and as shown by example in Fig. 5 operates as follows. Motor 48 rotatably drives output shaft 34, which in turn rotates affixed wheels 36 and 36' to cause asynchronous, axial movement of eccentrically attached connecting poles 90 and 90'. Studs 46 and 46' are preferably comprised of rubber and are affixed to connecting poles 90 and 90', which interface with pressing strip 50 to cause it to move back and forth about its central pivot attachment 52 to the housing 30. From protrusions 54 and 54' formed in pressing plate 63, screws 56 and 56' extend through sleeves 60 and 60', which are preferably made of rubber and which are designed to expand and contract through apertures 58 and 58' formed in massage head portion of bottom housing part 20. Massage nodes 62 and 62', which form the massage surface, preferably include receptacles 70 and 70' that fastenably receive the screws 56 and 56', such that the massage nodes 62 and 62' are moved asynchronously and independently by connecting poles 90 and 90', preferably in a direction that is toward and away from the massage head to provide a percussive massage effect. However, as noted above side-to side movement of the massage nodes is also possible.

[0034] Another embodiment of the present invention includes a massager 10 having only one massage node 62. One skilled in the art would understand and appreciate that providing an output shaft that only protrudes from one side of the drive unit or providing only one electromagnet coupled to the one massage node will result in an operable massager having a single massage node. In operation, rotation of the output shaft or energizing and de- energizing the electromagnet causes the coupling means to reciprocate axially thereby moving the massage node toward and away from the massage head portion creating a percussive massage effect.

[0035] The present invention also provides various methods of using a massager for body mass management and tissue rehabilitation. The embodiments described above are examples of a type of massager that may be used in accordance with the present invention. In certain methods described herein, even known massage devices may be used to accomplish the methods of the present invention. Although the massager of Figs. 1-3 is preferred, other massagers, e.g., that shown in Figs. 7 and 8, may be used to massage skin and fatty tissue.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the massager is used to improve the contour of the skin. The massager. may specifically be used to improve contour irregularities associated with "cellulite" or other areas of the skin which do not appear smooth due to underlying fatty tissue. A typical procedure including providing a massager according to the present invention, identifying an area to be treated such as an area having "cellulite", and applying the massager to the area to be treated to improve contour irregularities in the skin caused by the "cellulite". The massager will be placed onto the skin and moved over the treatment area in a slow manner. Preferably, the application time is between about 5 minutes and about 15 minutes.

[0037] Much like the contour irregularities and fixed appearance of the skin that can be present after liposuction, cellulite can have a similar appearance. Cellulite is a descriptive term used to describe skin and its underlying fat that has a "cottage cheese" appearance. It is the result of stretching and contracting of the volume of fat under the skin that leaves the normal fibrous septa more prominently visible. The dimpling of the skin results from these septa fixing the skin to the underlying fascia in a manner that creates an unpleasing appearance. Additionally, the dermis of the skin can be injured such that stretch marks may also be present in these areas, further causing aesthetic difficulties.

[0038] Methods to treat cellulite have been variably effective. To date, endermology is the most studied technique where suction coupled with rolling massage of the skin is performed at regular time intervals. This can be used to treat cellulite, as well as patients who have had liposuction.

[0039] An operator such as a surgeon, physician, or nurse may use the massager 10 before (i.e., pre-operatively), during (i.e., intra-operatively), or after (post-operatively) any liposuction procedure. During pre-operative use, an operator may use the massager to condition skin andor fat in a pre-identified treatment area. By conditioning the skin and or fat, the operator essentially loosens up the fatty tissue beneath the skin layer thereby making it easier to suction the fat during the subsequent liposuction procedure and possibly reducing bruising caused by damage to blood vessels. A typical procedure includes providing a massager according to the present invention, identifying an area to be treated, and applying the massager to the area to be treated to condition the skin and or fat in anticipation of an impending liposuction procedure. The massager 10 will be placed onto the skin and moved over the treatment area in a slow manner. Preferably, the application time is between about 5 minutes and about 15 minutes.

[0040] During intra-operative use, an operator may use the massager to smooth skin and/or fat in a pre-identified treatment area. By smoothing the skin and or the fat, the operator intends to improve the contour irregularities of the skin caused by the liposuction procedure. A typical procedure includes providing a massager according to the present invention, identifying an area to be treated, and applying the massager to the area to be treated to smooth the skin and/or fat to improve the contour irregularities of the skin. The massager will be placed onto the skin and moved over the treatment area in a slow manner. Preferably, the application time is between about 5 minutes and about 15 minutes. The application procedure may be repeated a few times during the liposuction procedure in order to help reduce contour irregularities produced during the liposuction procedure. Preferably, the housing of the massager is either watertight or the massager is placed into a disposable sterile plastic bag to prevent any fluids, tissue, or other materials from getting into the massager.

[0041] During post-operative use, an operator may use the massager to smooth skin and/or fat in a pre-identified treatment area. By smoothing the skin andor fat, the operator intends to improve the contour irregularities of the skin caused by the liposuction procedure and remove unwanted scar tissue that forms during the liposuction procedure. A typical procedure includes providing a massager according to the present invention, identifying an area to be treated, and applying the massager to the area to be treated to smooth the skin and or fat to improve the contour irregularities of the skin. The massager will be placed onto the skin and moved over the treatment area in a slow manner. Preferably, the application time is between about 5 minutes and about 15 minutes. [0042] The preferred massage device of the present invention is capable of performing the following functions, including, but not limited to: 1) smoothing of skin and fat irregularities associated with any liposuction procedure including suction assisted lipectomy, ultrasonic assisted lipectomy, and direct lipectomy; 2) improving the contour irregularities associated with any liposuction procedure; 3) pre-conditioning the skin and fat prior to any liposuction procedure to minimize blood vessel damage; 4) removing scar tissue from patients who have recently undergone any liposuction procedure; 5) treating skin irregularities due to "cellulite"; 6) assisting in "skin shrinkage" by stimulating production of elastin and or collagen; and 7) avoiding unnecessary surgery after surgery or weight loss.

[0043] The housing is preferably constructed from titanium or stainless steel and assembled from a top housing part and a bottom housing part. Also, the housing is preferably made watertight. Alternatively, the massage device may further comprise a disposable sterile plastic bag to assure sterility while preventing fluid, tissue, or other materials from penetrating the housing and getting into the electronics of the massage.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the massage nodes are hemispherically shaped, have an internal frame constructed from a plastic material, and have an exterior surface constructed from a resilient material to impart the percussive massage effect.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, the device may be used for a method of conditioning tissue in a treatment area prior to a surgical procedure. This method generally comprises the steps of providing a massager suitable for pretreatment of a treatment or target area; identifying the tissue which is to be conditioned, thus the treatment area; and applying the massager to the treatment area in order to smooth the tissue prior to a surgical procedure such as liposuction. Generally the tissue is skin or fat or unwanted cellulite. [0046] Another embodiment of the present invention, the device may be used in a method of smoothing tissue in a treatment area during a liposuction procedure which comprises steps similar to those provided above with regard to treatment prior to a surgical procedure, the method also involves providing the massager; identifying the tissue to be conditioned, therefore defining a treatment area; and applying the massager to the treatment to smooth the tissue during the surgical procedure itself. In this method, it is preferable that the massager is water-tight and is otherwise equipped and designed for surgical procedures as is well known in the art. Generally the method described in this embodiment will be used to treat skin or fat to reduce the irregularities found, or resulting from, surgical procedures.

[0047] Another use of the present invention is in a method of smoothing tissue irregularities in a treatment area following a liposuction procedure which includes the steps provided above and is generally to be used for extensive period preferably from about five to sixty minutes, more preferably from about ten to thirty minutes, and most preferably for about fifteen minutes. When used after a surgical procedure such as liposuction the method of the present invention can be used to remove scar tissue in the treatment area as well as to reduce the degree or amount of irregularities found in the tissue as a result of the surgical procedure. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention an ergonomically designed massager is used so that a surgeon or therapist may use the device to accomplish desirable body mass management including the management of scar tissue, cellulite, fat and irregularities in the skin. The device is particularly useful for intra-operative and postoperative procedures as it smoothes the contours in the skin or tissue and eliminates or reduces fibrous septa. One particular application of the present invention is a use of a massager in conjunction with, or after the surgical procedure, known as bariatric procedure or gastric by-pass procedure. It has been found that procedures involving suction of the tissue may result in increased thickness of the skin due to collagen production and elastin production. Accordingly, utilizing the methods described herein, as well as the devices, one may accomplish "skin shrinkage" which would be very advantageous to individuals undergoing such bariatric or gastric by-pass procedures. Stimulation of collagen or elastin may result in skin shrinkage and thus lessen the likelihood of surgery required to remove excess skin.

[0048] It is understood, of course, that while the form of the invention herein shown and described constitutes a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is not intended to illustrate all possible forms thereof. It will also be understood that the words used are words of description rather than limitation, and that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention disclosed.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A massager comprising: a housing including a base portion and a handle portion, the handle portion providing a plurality of grips; a drive unit contained in the base portion of the housing; at least one massage node operably connected to the drive unit.

2. The massager of claim 1, wherein each massage node is operably connected to the drive unit such that operation of the drive unit causes each massage mode to reciprocate.

3. The massager of claim 1, wherein the drive unit comprises a motor having an output shaft.

4. The massager of claim 3, wherein the motor is a variable speed motor.

5. The massager of claim 3, wherein the drive unit further comprises an output shaft that protrudes from one side of the motor defining a first shaft portion.

6. The massager of claim 3, wherein the drive unit further comprises an output shaft that protrudes from two sides of the motor to define a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion.

7. The massager of claim 1, wherein the drive unit is an electromagnet.

8. The massager of claim 1, wherein the housing is watertight or water-resistant.

9. The massager of claim 1, wherein the housing is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, titanium, and a metal alloy.

10. The massager of claim 1, wherein the housing is constructed from a plastic material.

11. The massager of claim 1 , further comprising a sterile bag that fits around the housing to protect the massager from fluids.

12. The massager of claim 1, wherein each massage node is removable and interchangeable with another massage node.

13. The massager of claim 1, wherein at least one massage node is hemispherically shaped.

14. The massager of claim 1, wherein the handle portion includes two handles disposed on opposite sides of the base portion.

15. The massager of claim 14 wherein each handle portion includes a curved grip.

16. The massager of claim 1, wherein operation of the massager produces a therapeutic effect of body mass management.

17. The massager of claim 1 , wherein operation of the massager produces a therapeutic effect of skin shrinkage.

18. The massager of claim 1, wherein operation of the massager produces a therapeutic effect of elastin production.

19. The massager of claim 1, wherein operation of the massager produces a therapeutic effect of collagen production.

20. The massager of claim 1 , wherein said therapeutic effect is reduced scar formulation.

21. The massager of claim 1, wherein operation of the massager produces a therapeutic effect of smoothing of tissue irregularities.

22. A surgical massage device comprising: a housing including a base portion and a handle portion, the housing comprised of a chemically-resistant material and the handle portion providing a plurality of grips; a drive unit contained in the base portion of the housing; at least one massage node operably connected to the drive unit by a coupling means such that operation of the drive unit causes each massage node to move and provide a therapeutic effect when applied to the skin of a person.

23. The surgical massage device of claim 22, wherein the handle portion includes two handles disposed on opposite sides of the base portion.

24. The surgical massage device of claim 22, wherein each handle portion includes a curved grip.

25. The surgical massage device of claim 22, wherein the housing is watertight.

26. The surgical massage device of claim 22, wherein the housing is constructed from a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, titanium, and metal alloy.

27. The surgical massage device of claim 22, wherein the housing is constructed from a plastic material.

28. The surgical massage device of claim 22, further comprising a sterile bag that fits around the housing to protect the massager from fluids.

29. The surgical massage device of claim 22, wherein each massage node is removable and interchangeable with another massage node.

30. The surgical massage device of claim 22, wherein at least one massage node is hemispherically shaped.