External vibratory exercising device for pelvic muscles

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an external exercising device which is positionable upon the crotch of a patient to identify target muscle groups responsible for fecal and/or urinary continence and provide a signal to the patient to perform the appropriate muscle strengthening exercises therefor.
The device generally comprises a saddle member having a signaling device housed therein, the latter being designed and configured to impart a perceptible stimulus against a portion of the crotch of the individual upon which the saddle member is positioned to thus remind the patient to perform the desired pelvic muscles strengthening exercises.
The signaling device may preferably comprise a vibrator, pressure-exerting device, heater, or any other like device capable of generating a perceptible stimulus.
A powersource, i.
e.
, a battery, coupled to the signaling device and preferably housed within the saddle member is provided to drive the signaling device.
Additionally, a timer apparatus may be mounted on or within the device to trigger and control the timing, duration, repetitions, and frequency of perceptible stimulus signals generated by the signaling device on a predetermined time schedule.
Still further in accordance with the invention, a remote controlled triggering device may be used in addition to, or in place of, a timer or other control apparatus mounted or housed within the saddle member.
Such remote control apparatus may be utilized to trigger, control and/or schedule all operational parameters of stimulus produced by the signaling device from a remote location.
Still further in accordance with the invention, there is provided a method of treating urinary and/or fecal incontinence in a patient.
In general, the method comprises the steps of compressively positioning an external exercising device of the forgoing character upon the crotch of a patient, and utilizing the device to intermittently deliver stretch, resistance, vibration, pressure or heat stimuli against the crotch and/or adjacent muscles thereabout to facilitate the performance of pelvic muscle strengthening exercises by the patient upon whom the device is positioned