Diagnosis Tools: Inflammation & Pain
Fascia Innovation’s diagnostic tools for tissue inflammation and inflammation-related pain will make it easier to understand the causes of currently difficult-to-diagnose and very common conditions such as back pain, frozen shoulder, and whiplash. It will also facilitate the clinical testing of various treatment methods.
Today, we know that there is a direct link between pain, in areas such as the back, neck, and shoulders, and inflammation in the fascia (tissue inflammation), as well as with the densification of collagen structures and restructuring of hyaluronic acid that occurs under pressure (for example, from a fall or collision). Back pain is the third most common diagnosis for long-term sick leave, but the few options for measuring tissue inflammation available today are neither easily accessible, investigative, nor cost-effective.
Fascia Innovation’s solution combines existing technologies for measuring tissue inflammation (thermography) and digital 3D scanning with an understanding of the body as a living whole. The diagnostic tool will give healthcare providers worldwide the ability to examine pain in a new and significant way, and the tool’s design makes it easier to detect problems at an early stage.
The patient steps into a photo booth where thermal cameras and measuring tools create a digital 3D figure that collects data points on heat, load, posture, and balance, among other things. The figure is matched against a database, compared with any previous scans, and analyzed. The database itself is built up, developed, and calibrated with the help of AI. The result is presented in the form of a diagnosis of tissue inflammation, posture, and balance, including suggestions for treatment.
A concrete, understandable, and affordable diagnostic tool that takes the whole into account simplifies how we understand and investigate pain, which can revolutionize care worldwide.
Questions about the project?
Contact Hans Bohlin at +46(0) 70 776 04 02
or at [email protected]
Project plan & budget
Phase 1 – Testing & Evaluation
The first step is to collect data that shows the idea works, to develop a prototype that can be tested, evaluated, and adapted if necessary.
Phase 1 is estimated to take about 10-12 months, with a budget of 12M SEK, and consists of the following sub-projects
1. Preliminary study
Initial literature studies regarding skin temperature in contrast to inflammation and tissue inflammation in relation to issues such as back pain and frozen shoulder. This is to compile what we measure and what the measurement shows.
2. Idea testing
Purchase and evaluation of existing technology (thermography and 3D scanning) to identify possible adaptations. Verification through a series of thermographic measurements and data analysis to verify that we have found a correct way to measure inflammation based on the results of the literature study.
3. Prototype development
During an initial idea and innovation phase, concepts for tools of analysis, design and requirement aspects such as ergonomics, hardware development, software development, data management requirements, user aspects, etc., are discussed. This forms the basis for a design brief.
The design phase begins based on the design brief, guidelines, and component information, as well as what has been learned in the preliminary study and test phase, resulting in a design concept that forms the basis for prototype manufacturing.
4. Testing and evaluation
With an existing prototype, the concept can be tested by examining as many patients as needed to determine the prototype’s desired function. Ongoing evaluation serves as the basis for further development. Any improvements to the prototype are tested and evaluated until the desired result is achieved.
Phase 2 – Productionisation
The second step is to go from a working prototype to a finished product.
Phase 2 is estimated to take about 9-12 months, with a budget of 8M SEK, and consists of the following sub-projects:
5. Application
What can the solution be used for? Application areas are explored, evaluated, delimited, and established in a new design brief as the basis for app development, serial production, and packaging.
6. App development
How do we make the solution easy to use? Includes adaptation, design for different target groups, data management, and user interface.
7. Serial production
How do we make production cost-effective? To fulfill the vision of making the diagnostic tool available worldwide and affordable, a suitable process for purchasing components and serial production is developed.
8. Marknadsföring
How should the solution be packaged, marketed, and sold to best reach horse owners worldwide? Results in a complete marketing and launch plan ready to be executed.
“If we fully understand all elements affecting the Fascia, we can become older in a better way”– Carla Stecco, Professor of Anatomy
Fascia – A New Anatomical Perspective
- Recent years’ research shows that Fascia has a much greater significance for health, pain, and discomfort than previously understood.
- There are also connections between pain and chronic inflammation, the densification of collagen structures (fascia), and the restructuring of hyaluronic acid (fascia) that occurs due to pressure (e.g., a fall or collision).
Frozen Shoulder, Inflammation, and Innovative Treatment
- In 2019, a research study was published that showed a new type of treatment, which increases mobility and reduces inflammation, could be a good solution for patients with Frozen Shoulder – a condition linked to Fascia, pain, and chronic inflammation.
- 87% experienced an increase in mobility of 30 degrees or more, 52% of 60 degrees or more, and 30% achieved full mobility.
- Using thermography, it was also possible to observe inflammation before and after treatment – something that can be used for easier and more cost-effective diagnosis of inflammation compared to methods like d-depronyl.
- In 2022, a report about the study was made with the doctor Håkan Borg.
Experienced Research & Development Team
