JTECH Medical, a leading source for medical diagnostic equipment -- has launched a computerized Algometer Tool, a new component for its Tracker™ Brand Diagnostic System. This pain tolerance measurement device will be marketed to the approximately 60,000 chiropractors in the U.S.

Algometers, sometimes referred to as dolorimeters, palpameters, algesiometers, or pressure threshold meters, are designed to quantify and document levels of tenderness via pressure threshold measurement and pain sensitivity via pain tolerance measurements. JTECH Medical continues to build on our robust line of computerized diagnostic product offerings with the addition of algometry. Algometry is an important tool for any clinician practicing today. Therefore, it represents an exciting expansion of the Tracker™ System for our current and future customers.

Many clinical applications of the Algometer have been documented, including evaluation of fibrositis and fibromyalgia, identification of trigger points, quantification of joint tenderness in arthritis conditions, evaluation of pain sensitivity, abdominal pain, and in psychological research. Pressure measurement has also been shown effective for evaluating the results of pain relieving modalities such as anesthetic blocks, heat, manipulation and anti-inflammatories, in addition to the documentation of the long-term effectiveness of treatment.

Dr. Christopher Colloca, President of NeuroMechanical Innovations and noted author and clinician, stated, "I am excited about JTECH's Computerized Algometry System, which will allow clinicians to quantify patient pain thresholds using reliable and valid means." Dr. Colloca continued, "With the new Tracker™ Algometer from JTECH, we are able to take the guesswork out of knowing a patient's pain threshold. The Algometry system gives us an actual number that we can use to understand not only the patient's pain tolerance, but also the seriousness of their condition and how it responds to a given treatment. This can equate to significant savings in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain, where estimates of the impact on productivity exceed 50 billion dollars per year in the U.S. alone."