| abstract |
A hand-held probe device capable of providing electro-stimulation and thermo-stimulation to a patient is described herein. While the probe device can include any suitable component, in some instances, it includes a probe head made with an electrically and thermally-conductive material. In some instances, the probe device also includes a temperature control mechanism that is configured to raise and lower a temperature of the probe head. The probe head is also connectable to an electro-stimulation unit (such as a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit) such that the probe head is able to provide electro-stimulation simultaneously with thermo-stimulation. Although the temperature control mechanism can include any suitable component, in some instances, it includes a thermoelectric device, such as a Peltier circuit. Other implementations are also described. |