Electrotherapy Works Wonders for Back Pain

Electrotherapy can provide the pain relief your clients need to stay active in 2013.  If you are in the physical therapy world, your clients are likely looking for ways to relieve pain.  Wholesaleelectrodes.com has the medical devices you need to provide your clients pain relief.  Electrotherapy can be very effective for treating back pain that is often associated with people who play sports.

The odds of back pain increasing as your clientele ages is likely as core muscles often lose strength over time.  Another reason patients may experience back pain is the torque put on the spine because of sports like golf or tennis.  Regardless, your patients are seeing you to feel better.  And, electrotherapy is a great treatment option.  It is non-habit forming, doesn't require the use of any prescription drugs and isn't invasive.  But, it can be used over and over.  You can feel good providing this option to your patients. 

It works by increasing blood flow to the painful area. The increased blood flow helps relax tense muscles and stimulate them in a beneficial way.  Electrodes, about the size of a cigarette pack send a series of electrical impulses to the affected area.  Wholesaleelectrodes.com can be your source for TENS—a common mode to deliver electrotherapy.  Electrical impulses are sent that create a pumping action within the muscle to help it contract and release.  This helps relieve pain because of improved blood flow.  A treatment only needs to be 10 to 15 minutes in length.  For some the electrical current could feel uncomfortable at first, but most get used to it quite quickly and then relax to feel the benefits.

Most likely you have clients who want pain relief, and electrotherapy can deliver.  With Wholesaleelectrodes.com you can get all the medical devices and supplies needed to provide this service at a reasonable rate.  They basically offer wholesale prices or insurance cost containment.  Contact Wholesaleelectrodes.com today and start offering electrotherapy soon!  

Pain Relief After a Hip Replacement

After a hip replacement there are many ways to achieve pain relief and have a successful recovery.  If your practice includes regular hip replacements make sure you have the medical devices you need, like topical pain relief and electrotherapy to aid the recovery process.  Learn more about recovery options and pain relief for hip replacements.

A hip replacement is a surgical procedure where the diseased hip is removed.  Osteoarthritis is often the major culprit to hip deterioration.  If the body's healing capacity cannot overcome the injuries to the hip, a replacement is often a warranted procedure.  An artificial joint or prosthesis typically replaces the joint.  Quite often electrotherapy is tried before an invasive procedure, like a hip replacement is undertaken.  But, if a patient is not responding to electrotherapy treatment or rehabilitation, and is in severe pain and experiencing a disability, a hip replacement is warranted.

Signs that a hip replacement may be necessary:

• Those with hip conditions
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Ligament damage or infection
• Gout
• Avascular Necrosis
• Abnormal bone growth
• Tumors
• Hip fractures

Factors used to help decide about hip replacement:

• Injury severity and diagnosis
• Degree of disability and pain
• Age, occupation and activity of patient
• Expected improvement from surgery
• Medical history
• Potential complications
• Cost

After surgery, there is great variation of symptoms experienced by the patient.  The reason is based on  a wide variety of factors, like age, degree of degeneration, type of pain relief medication used, etc.  Some only experience minor symptoms like soreness and stiffness.  Others will have a much longer road to recovery.

Physiotherapy is a successful way to treat patients after he or she is discharged from the hospital.  Crutches are important medical device, usually needed for a few days to weeks per the instruction of the surgeon and treating doctor. Patients typically need to sleep with a pillow between their legs.  Putting stress on the hip should be avoided.  Using the RICE regime is beneficial a few days after surgery or whenever signs of inflammation are present.  Anti-inflammatory medication can also help the healing process by reducing the pain that accompanies inflammation.  When it's appropriate regular flexibility and strengthening exercises should be started for rehabilitation.  It's important to restore the hip's range of motion and build strength in the quadriceps, hamstrings and calves.  Electrotherapy becomes a great treatment to improve scar tissue flexibility and range of motion.  This procedure is most effective when done in the first six to twelve weeks after surgery.    

Pain relief and recovery are important for those who have undergone a hip replacement.  To see your patient through the entire process, there are a variety of medical devices needed.  Electrotherapy and other pain relief products can be purchased through wholesaleelectrodes.com.  You'll appreciate getting these medical devices from a trusted source at wholesale prices.  By having the right treatment options, including pain relief, for your patient, he or she will likely be more compliant to following the doctor's orders.

Wholesaleelectrodes.com Will Save You Money on Medical devices

If you are like other small medical facilities, you're trying to find ways to save money on medical devices.  But, you lack the time to do a lot of comparison shopping.  Don't waste any more of those precious moments, and visit Wholesaleelectrodes.com for the best prices on a medical device you've been wanting or other pain relief treatment options.  There's one thing you can't afford in a tough economy, and that's to cut corners.  So, be sure you are offering the treatments your patient’s desire. And make sure you have top of the line equipment to provide those treatments.  There are ways to save money.  Buy your medical devices from an affordable source like Wholesaleelectrodes.com and find other ways to save, other than cutting corners with your patients.

·         Business Operations

If your business is mobile, are you keeping accurate records on mileage and maintenance expenses?  Are you using a credit card to earn you something in exchange for all the gas you're purchasing?  Taking these steps will help you manage your budget better and file appropriate write-offs, come tax time.

·         Negotiating Your Lease

Even with the economy showing signs of improvement there are a lot of business spaces sitting empty.  Use that to your advantage with your landlord, because he or she can't afford to have more buildings sit empty.  The extra money you save can be invested in a new medical device.

·         Be Your Own  Buyer

When you buy things in bulk you'll save on supply expenses, like pain relief products.  Sure, it takes a little planning and somewhere to store the items, but hopefully these don't cost you anything!  Buying from Wholesaleelectrodes.com you'll get as close to wholesale prices without the hassle.

Consider all your money saving options, because skimping on medical devices is not an option.  Wholesaleelectrodes.com has the products you need, maybe a new medical device to take your practice to the next level.  Or, maybe you want to offer more pain relief treatment options.  You want to buy quality medical devices and that means you want Wholesaleelectrodes.com!

Bone Growth Stimulators and Spinal Fusion Surgery

More and more frequently, doctors are prescribing the use of bone growth stimulators to aid the healing process in spinal fusion surgery.  If you are looking to purchase bone growth stimulators, Wholesaleelectrodes.com is a great source.  With bottom line pricing, this is your place to get medical devices and pain relief products.  Learn more about bone growth stimulators, then contact wholesaleelectrodes.com to order one today.

Electricity is run through the bone growth stimulators which have become a therapy to enhance the body's own healing function.  Because human bone is a living tissue, it does have the ability to heal itself if broken or injured.  An electrical stimulator recreates the same techniques the body uses to heal by using electricity.

When spinal fusion is preformed surgically, multiple bone fragments fuse together to create one bone by healing together.  It takes time for this fusion to occur and is a process in and of itself.  The surgeon uses bone fragments from the patient's hip and places them with the part of the spine that is to fuse.  The fusion occurs through a process called “osteogenesis” or how the body grows bony tissue.  After a few months, but even up to a year, the pieces of grafted bone unite with the spine and create a solid bone.  With the bones now fused together, whatever motion was painful for the patient should be absent as the motion is prohibited.

As with all surgeries, there are risks.  A risk with spinal fusion is that the bones won't grow together and fuse in a normal time period.  This incident, called non-fusion can happen with all bone breaks.  But, this where bone growth stimulators can be incredibly useful.  A bone growth stimulator becomes even more important for patients who have certain conditions that might make bone healing difficult.

Not all patients will need electro therapy to obtain a solid spine fusion.  If your patient has one of the following vulnerabilities, a bone growth stimulator may be particularly useful:
-If the patient previously had a failed spine fusion.
-If the patient is having a multi-level spinal fusion.
-Patients who are smokers.
-Patients who are diagnosed with spondylolisthesis at a Grade III level, or higher.
-Also, consider bone growth stimulators for patients who have osteoporosis, vascular disease, obesity, diabetes, renal disease, medications that deplete the body's calcium, or alcoholism.

A surgeon may prescribe the use of a bone growth stimulator for a patient who has certain risk factors for an unsuccessful fusion.  In these scenarios, using a bone growth stimulator would help enhance a successful bone fusion from happening.  Plus, using these devices are non-invasive and aren't habit forming, so you can feel good about when your patient uses them.  Wholesaleelectrodes.com sells external bone growth stimulators for the spine as well as other areas.  In addition to bone growth stimulators, Wholesaleelectrodes.com has pain relief products and other medical devices clinics and hospitals depend on throughout the world.  Whatever medical supplies you are looking for, bone growth stimulators and beyond, check with Wholesaleelectrodes.com.   

Electrotherapy Helps Wounds Heal

If you want to offer your patients the benefits of electrotherapy treatment, Wholesaleelectrodes.com should be your source for supplies.  Whether you need electrodes or lead wires, Wholesaleelectrodes.com can help you out. Most people suffer from some sort of pain that electrotherapy could help alleviate.  Learn more about the benefits of electrotherapy, like pain relief, then order your supplies from Wholesaleelectrodes.com.

Physiological and pathophysiological conditions are closely integrated with the electrical flow in the body.  By using an external electrical source, like with electrotherapy, electrical energy can be used to treat a variety of health conditions.  Electrotherapy has been used to treat neurological diseases through deep brains stimulators and aid the time a wound heals.  Applications are endless:

·         Acute, chronic and intractable pain relief

·         Stimulation, Rehabilitation, Relaxation and Re-education of muscle

·         Enhance blood flow

·         Reduce inflammation and swelling

·         Delivery of drugs

·         Regenerate tissue

·         Wound healing, especially for pressure ulcers, where electrical stimulation may be the only treatment

Because there are many different ailments electrotherapy can benefit, there are many types of electrotherapy. Devices used in electrotherapy can vary in size, waveform, frequency and effect.  The different types of electrotherapy include:

·         TENS- Transcutaneous electrical stimulation

·         GS- Galvanic stimulation

·         EA- Electro-acupuncture

·         NMES- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation

·         PENS- Percutaneous electrical stimulation

·         SCS-Spinal cord stimulation

·         PSD- Pulsed short-wave diathermy

·         TSE- Transcutaneous spinal electroanalgesia

·         IC- Inferential current therapy

For wound healing, electrotherapy has shown promising results.  If you have several patients with diabetes, electrotherapy has been used as an additional treatment with success.  Those with foot ulcers, leg ulcers and pressure ulcers have also benefitted from it.  Electrotherapy mimics the natural current and speeds up the wound healing process.

Wholesaleelectrodes.com has TENS electrotherapy supplies, like electrodes and lead wires, and much, much more!  When wound healing is sped up, pain relief is achieved.  Start offering electrotherapy today and have Wholesaleelectrodes.com be your supplier.

Many Safe Options for Pain Relief

There are a variety of ways to achieve pain relief.  In your clinic you probably offer a variety of methods to relieve the pain of your patients.  If you find that you bounce around from retailer to retailer getting all the supplies you need, you should start shopping at Wholesaleelectrodes.com.  Learn more about the products they sell so that you can get all your supplies from one source.

Hot and cold treatment is a very effective way to help minimize pain.  One option is a topical analgesic which can come in the form of a cream, spray, gel or lotion.  These products can block nerve signals, reduce inflammation, and help to numb away the pain.  By having the rush of the blood to the area the area is soothed.  Wholesaleelectrodes.com offers a variety of analgesics as well as gel packs that can be cooled or heated.  Applying a cold pack reduces inflammation, while heat encourages blood flow.  Both techniques can help with pain relief when used at the right times.

Electrotherapy is another way to achieve pain relief.  One of the modes to deliver electrotherapy is through TENS, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.  You can get all your supplies at Wholesaleelectrodes.com including lead wires and electrodes.  Sensory nerves are stimulated through electrical stimulation.  This stimulation either works the pain gate mechanism or the opioid system or both.  Although not everyone is a believer in TENS, it is gaining popularity as a legitimate way to treat pain.  Also, literature shows that TENS is stronger than a placebo intervention.  

Both of these treatment options are beneficial for countless reasons.  The most significant are that the techniques are non-habit forming like most prescription pain relief drugs and they are not invasive, like surgical procedures to relieve pain symptoms.  Additionally, most people can afford these types of treatments where prescription and surgery are unaffordable by many. 

Products to Aid Your Electrotherapy Practice

When starting or operating a practice with electrotherapy, there are a variety of complimentary products you may need.  Because electrotherapy is a popular choice for those who have allergies and sensitivities to other treatments, it's a good idea to use products for sensitive skin.  You'll also want to products that will aid in the ability of the device to work properly for many sessions.  And, you may want a private way to carry around these devices and products.  Learn more about the products offered at Wholesaleelectrodes.com that can complement your practice.

The benefits of using electrotherapy as a way to achieve pain relief are many.  The process is non-invasive and there is no need to use habit forming pain relief prescription medication.  The only complication that can be experienced with electrotherapy is irritation to the skin.  While very minor compared to most types of medical procedure complications, with proper precaution, even this can be avoided.  When you are looking to purchase your electrotherapy equipment, like electrodes, and lead wires shop at Wholesaleelectrodes.com.  They carry a variety of hypoallergenic options to reduce the likelihood of skin irritation in addition to other supplies you need for a successful health operation.  

To make sure your electro therapy practice is safe and effective there are some simple steps you can take. Make sure your hands have been thoroughly washed and dried before you handle the equipment and interact with your patient.  Before you place the electrode on the patient's skin make sure the site is clean, dry and free of any cosmetic product like lotions, oils, etc.  Do not place any of the equipment on skin that is broken or looks irritated.  The process is more effective if the electrode can be placed on skin that is taut.  If you have a patient with sensitive skin use adhesives that aren't as sticky and use smaller adhesives.  During treatments of longer than normal stimulation, it can be helpful to move the electrodes to nearby areas.  If after the treatment there are notable signs of irritation, do not treat again until the irritation has cleared and healed.  If irritation continues, the patient may need more medical treatment.

A common and popular product to use before a treatment session is Pre-TENS Skin Prep with Antiperspirant.  When used before electrode placement, adhesion and conductivity are increased while the likelihood of irritation is decreased.  With the addition of antiperspirant, electrodes are less likely to slip with the onset of perspiration or in environments with high heat and humidity.

To increase the effectiveness and longevity of electrodes, Lectron Conductive Gel and TAC/Conductive Gel Tubes are beneficial products.  Using the product will make electrodes you planned to throw out operate like they're brand new.  Adhesion and conduction are needed for electrotherapy to work, and these products aid these properties.

If you find that you take your electrotherapy practice on the road to visit patients, you should consider getting a travel pack.  Wholesaleelectrodes.com has a fanny pack that accommodates all electrotherapy products for privacy and convenience. With an adjustable shoulder strap, plenty of zipper pockets, and a spot to loop it through your belt, it really will make your practice easier.

Precautions with Electrotherapy

Electrotherapy has become more widely accepted as a beneficial medical treatment in many situations.  However, like any medical treatment there are types of patients and times when the process is not advised.  Learn more about the adverse effects, precautions, warnings and contraindications of using this medical treatment.

Before any treatment using electrodes and lead wires begins, make sure that the manual and other pieces of information for the products have been thoroughly read and understood.  Every piece of equipment is different and there are the different effects from using it.  Also, a doctor should be the only one to advise the use of electrical stimulation device.  Without a written prescription from a licensed doctor a person will not be able to get an electrical stimulation device legally.  The main reason for this is because there are certain times when a patient shouldn't use electrotherapy.   So, having a doctor review the patient's medical history helps determine if the choice is safe.  As long as the patient is cleared from the reasons not to use one, it should be relatively easy to obtain a prescription.  Electrical stimulation devices are overall quite safe compared to most alternative methods to treating pain.  There are no invasive procedure and no habit forming prescription pain killers.

Do not use electrotherapy if:
·         the patient has a cardiac pacemaker
·         the patient has a diagnosis of cancer
·         the patient is pregnant or trying to become pregnant, because electrical stimulation hasn't been tested in this setting
·         there is a risk of hemorrhage
·         there are other electronic device present, like heart monitors or EKGs

Take precautions when using electrotherapy if:
·         the patient has a diagnosis of heart disease or this diagnosis is suspected
·         the patient has a diagnosis of epilepsy or this diagnosis is suspected
·         the patient has sensory nerve damage
·         the patient is menstruating and the electrodes are placed over the uterus area

Be sure to avoid these situations during a treatment:
·         placing electrodes over the carotid sinus nerves should be avoided in patients with known sensitivity in this area
·         spasms of the laryngeal and pharyngeal muscles could occur if electrodes are placed over the neck and mouth
·         keep electrical stimulation devices out of the hands of children

Be aware of the following reactions:
·         It is important to use a proper coupling agent to minimize the risk of skin irritation and burn which can occur underneath electrodes
·         Try to determine the cause of irritation, if it does occur.  You may need to replace tape, coupling agent or electrode)
·         Tape or gel can also cause a reaction.

A physician should always be consulted before an electrical stimulation treatment is given to any individual.  It can be effective to manage pain relief and stimulate nerves.  Plus, the risks are quite low compared to most other pain treatment options.  Like with all medicines, treatments, procedures, etc. it's important to look at the patient's history to ensure electrical stimulation is a safe choice.

Simple Pain Relief Methods

s winter gives way to spring, people know summer will show up eventually, so they check with their doctors and start a workout routine. This leads to tight, aching muscles, which leads to a need for pain relief. That said do you know the best ways to treat sore muscles? Here are a few options:

Topical Pain Relief:
Whether it’s in the form of salves, patches, gels or creams, topical pain relief offers a non-invasive, often inexpensive option to soothing aching or sore muscles. There are four basic types: analgesics, capsaicin, counter-irritants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. These all work differently but are used to provide some cessation of soft tissue pain.

Hot and Cold Treatment:
People tend to know they can use heat or ice packs for sore muscles, but many of them don’t know when to use which method. Use a towel-wrapped ice pack on muscled for immediate relief. This will control inflammation and even reduce it. Use heat after some time has passed to relieve joint pain and improve blood flow.

Stretch:
It used to be thought that stretching should be done before an activity, but now people are being coached to follow a good warm-up routine, follow through with their activity and then stretch. This is effective because your muscles are warm and more pliable than before your exertion.

Massage:
A post-workout massage provides documented relief to exerted muscles. A study published in Science Translational Medicine showed what happened to muscles after a massage. It turns out that massage can reduce the production of Cytokines, compounds that promote inflammation. Massage also stimulated mitochondria, which turns glucose into energy used for cell function and repair. Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky, a Professor and Division Head of Neuromuscular and Neurometabolic Disorders in the Department of Pediatrics at McMaster University said, “There’s some theoretical concern that there is a maladaptive response in the long run if you’re constantly suppressing inflammation with drugs, but with massage, you can have your cake and eat it too—massage can suppress inflammation and actually enhance cell recovery.”
Of course there are numerous ways to combat sore muscles, but the ones listed here are simple and inexpensive pain relief options. Talk with your medical professional before using any remedy, but know that having sore muscles often just means you’re using them.

Electrotherapy Provides Effective Pain Relief

It’s not a new treatment, but electrotherapy is an effective one. It offers a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option that holds minimal risks for complications or side effects. And it is offered in several different forms, providing pain relief and tissue repair where traditional medicinal treatments often fail.

As its name induces, electrotherapy is controlled electrical stimulation. When used correctly and in a safe setting, it produces an electromagnetic spectrum of energy waves that result in chemical and physiological responses in the body. Because electrotherapy is non-invasive and drug-free, use of these medical devices provide therapy without ever compromising a patient’s health.

Many people are not familiar with this type of treatment, though it’s fairly common and mainstream. It is frequently used as pain relief following a sports injury, surgery, arthritis, tendinitis, muscle weakness and even depression. Its primary functions are pain relief, muscle contraction stimulation and physiochemical stimulation. To accomplish these it uses electric signals that actually slow down the transmission of neural pain signals to the brain, so it effectively reduces the feeling of pain and makes the patient more comfortable. Sometimes it is used to actually heat the muscle, which improves blood flow and encourages deep tissue recovery.

While electrotherapy is a recommended therapy for many, there are some patients who are not ideal candidates for this. Here are some contraindications for the therapy:
·         Hyposensitivity at specific points on your body
·         Pregnancy (although sometimes used to help manage labor and delivery pains)
·         Undiagnosed pain
·         Currently using narcotics
·         Metal implants
·         Acute inflammation
·         Phlebitis
·         Hemorrhage
·         New fractures
·         Pulmonary tuberculosis
·         Etc…

Electrotherapy is a proven treatment, but, like most others, is best when done under medical supervision. It is possible to get burned by poorly placed wires. There is also a possibility of chemical burns when using iontophoresis. These injuries are most often caused by a lack of understanding and training, so be sure, if you are interested in the merits of electrotherapy, to talk to your medical provider before you place any electrodes on your injury.

What do Ultrasound Equipment Supplies Provide?

You’ve heard of ultrasounds, but do you really know what they’re used for? They actually have several different uses. When your technician has the right ultrasound equipment supplies they can provide you with a multitude of images. The sonography (ultrasound) imagery happens in real time. It’s painless and very exact in its reporting, but should never be used by someone not trained.

·         Pregnancy: Today having ultrasounds during your pregnancy is quite normal. The machines are used to detect any abnormalities and fetal growth. Placenta previa, spina bifida, multiple pregnancies, blighted ovum and the gestational age of the fetus can be determined with ultrasounds. Doppler ultrasound shows blood flow so it can be determined if the fetus’s heart is developing correctly.

·         Guiding Tool: Sometimes ultrasounds are used to help a doctor navigate their way through intricate procedures, such as an amniocentesis or needle biopsy. The imaging helps the doctor be precise in her performance.

·         Diagnosis: When sonography is used to diagnose it’s called diagnostic ultrasound imaging. This procedure helps medical teams see thyroid, scrotum, gallbladder, prostate, and muscles and tendons that are otherwise difficult to view. Most of the time this is done with a wand outside of the body, but sometimes it is inserted into the body for a better view.

·         Therapy: Ultrasound can also be used for therapy. The sound waves are set at specific wavelengths and can help medicines be absorbed by patients who do not tolerate needles. Ultrasound is also used to break up blood clots, treat cataracts and destroy tumors.

With all the medical advances involving ultrasound, it’s no surprise that most clinics and hospitals have their own ultrasound equipment supplies. There are also mobile units that often travel between satellite clinics and remote hospitals, usually on a set schedule but typically available for emergency use, too. If you ever find yourself needing an ultrasound medical device, talk to the professionals at Wholesale Electrodes. They offer “offer the most respected name brand TENS electrodes, TENS supplies, medical traction, ultrasound, and other medical equipment and medical supplies at cost containment pricing with free shipping on many 'small bulk' orders.” Call them for your medical device needs at: (888) 607-4436

Prescription Painkillers Need to be Supplemented with Alternative Therapies

Pain management is a huge industry.  And while pain medications – namely opioids – can be an important part of a pain management plan, too many times patients become depend on certain types of these medications and the consequences can be devastating.  The fact that these painkillers work well with little effort makes them an easy choice.  Rather than exploring other ways of managing pain, many people reach for another pill.
The issue of painkiller addiction is all over the news these days and that is no surprise.  Prescriptions for opioids – such as Oxycontin and codeine – have increased more than 10 times since 1990.  Even more disturbing – but certainly not surprising – is that the number of people addicted to painkillers is also on the rise.  A 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that nearly two million Americans were dependent on, or abusing, prescription pain relievers and that number is expected to continue to rise.
The American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians states that Americans are the world’s largest consumers of opiates each year.  While these drugs are legal when prescribed by a doctor, many people believe they are over-prescribed.  And even when they are legally prescribed, many individuals over-medicate themselves.  Such prescription drug abuse leads to approximately 15,000 deaths every year.  According to the latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2007 opioid painkiller addiction was more common than abuse of or dependence on any other type of prescription drug.
In its clinical guidelines for prescribing opioids, the American Pain Society notes that the most significant risk factor for developing a painkiller addiction is a personal or family history of an alcohol or other substance abuse disorder.  However, many patients are not aware of a family history or propensity toward substance abuse.  Prolonged exposure to these drugs also is a factor in addiction.  This is particularly troublesome since painkillers are often prescribed to patients with chronic pain that is less likely to go away over time.
 Another important although little known fact about painkillers is that the longer a patient uses painkillers, the more the patient feels like they need them.  This phenomenon is called hyperalgesia.  Hyperalgesia actually increases a patient’s pain sensitivity because chronic, long-term use of opiate painkillers causes a decrease in the ability to tolerate pain, and an increase in the sensitivity to pain.
Doctors, patients, and health professionals all agree that other pain management techniques must be used instead of, or in combination with, prescription painkillers to combat the staggering rate of addiction.  These techniques can include ultrasound, TENS therapy, hot and cold treatment, massage, biofeedback, massage, and many more.

TENS Therapy Used to Supplement - or Eliminate - Pain Meds

Doctors, patients, and health care professionals all agree that pain medications can be an important part of any pain management program.  However, due to a rise in prescription painkiller abuse and the inability of some patients to tolerate medication because of side effects and drug interactions, it is important to employ other pain management techniques to replace or supplement pain medication.  One effective and popular option to combatting pain without the use of drugs is a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulator) machine.
A TENS machine sends impulses through the skin that stimulate the nerve (or nerves) to help reduce pain.  These impulses are not painful and significantly reduce and, in some cases, even eliminate the pain a patient feels.  Many patients also report that their pain remains at bay after the electrodes are removed.  What’s best, unlike many forms of pain management, TENS machines work immediately.  Plus, unlike drugs which get into the bloodstream, a TENS machine will target only the area of the body where pain is present.
TENS machines are used for a variety of illnesses and conditions – both chronic and acute.  TENS therapy is most frequently prescribed for muscle or joint pain which occurs as a result of osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.  It also is used for back and neck pain, tendinitis, and bursitis.
There are a few theories as to why TENS therapy is so effective in treating pain.  One theory postulates that electrical stimulations interrupt the transmission of pain through nerve endings.  Another theory states that the electrical currents involved in TENS therapy produces endorphins which help the body fight pain.  The use of TENS therapy dates back to the 1960s when the gate control theory of pain was introduced.  This theory was based on the belief that stimulating nerves closes a "gate" mechanism in the spinal cord and that would help eliminate the sensation of pain.
While the benefits of TENS therapy are many, it is still extremely important to remember the following before starting a TENS program:

• Do not use a TENS machine unless a doctor orders it.  If your condition changes or worsens, contact your health care provider immediately.
• Never use a TENS machine while sleeping, driving, showering, or bathing.
• Make sure you never place electrodes on broken or irritated skin.  If you develop a rash or burn, discontinue use immediately and call your doctor or health care provider.
• Make sure you check and clean the skin under the electrodes on a regular basis.
• Do not use TENS with heating pads or cold packs.

Is Hot or Cold Therapy Better for Arthritis Pain?

When it comes to arthritis pain, it’s hard to know whether hot or cold therapy will best relieve the symptoms.  Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast rule and patients sometimes must try several methods before they decide which one is right for them.  Even doctors can’t say for sure which method works best to relieve pain.
The general rule of thumb is that for acute injuries such as a sprained ankle, ice works best.  But when it comes to arthritis pain, heat and cold both reduce inflammation so both can work on the pain.  Many arthritis suffers say that when it comes to choosing between hot and cold therapy, it depends on the day.  When joints feel warm and especially painful, most arthritis sufferers will turn to cold therapy.  When their joints are stiff, heat therapy works best.
Hot therapy includes the use of heating pads, heat lamps, warm baths, and heat packs.  Cold treatments include ice bags and cold packs.  No matter which pain therapy works best for an individual, it is import to keep track of the methods used in order to refer back to those methods when the pain flares up again.
It also is important to use hot and cold therapies safely.  Before using a hot or cold treatment, make sure your skin is dry and healthy.  Use hot or cold therapy for no more than 20 minutes at a time.  If you are taking a warm bath, make sure that it is not too hot or you may get dizzy.  Always place a towel between any type of pack and your skin.  Do not use cold packs if you have poor circulation and do not use anything that is too hot or too cold.  Blisters can occur in both cases.  Don’t use heat rubs or lotions on your skin in combination with heat or ice treatment.
For many arthritis suffers, a contrast bath is especially effective.  Contrast baths work best with hand or foot pain.  Begin by placing your hands or feet in warm water for three minutes and then cold water for one minute.  Repeat this three times.
It is important that you explore all your options when it comes to arthritis pain.  Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are not as popular as they once were and they carry some risks of heart disease and gastrointestinal bleeding.  Opioid drugs such as morphine also aren’t popular due to the risk of dependence and some unpleasant side effects.  Thankfully, there are many drug-free alternatives to combat arthritis pain.  And sometimes it is just a matter of trying different methods of pain control before discovering what works best for you.

Athletes Tout the Benefits of Electrotherapy

Electrotherapy involves the use of electrical impulses to reduce muscle pain by activating muscle tissues, causing them to contract and then relax.  Electrotherapy also can block pain from nerve signals.  Sports injuries that best respond to electrotherapy include sprained muscles and injuries resulting from overuse, like tennis or golf elbow.  Electrotherapy promotes muscle and soft tissue healing, and also stimulates your body’s production of its natural pain killer, endorphins.  Further, it helps to reduce swelling by sending an electrical current to release the tension that strains nerves and causes them to swell.

Electrotherapy is also particularly useful when an athlete is sidelined for any amount of time.  This is because electrotherapy causes muscles to contract, preventing atrophy from disuse.  The electric signals from electrotherapy bring heat into the deep tissues. This increases blood flow to the affected region and stimulates muscle contraction.  Further, it draws a current to the injured area to relieve muscle spasms and re-educate the muscles after trauma.

Athletes have long touted the healing and pain-relieving benefits of electrotherapy.  These benefits include reduced pain and increased strength and range of motion.  Another major benefit of using electrotherapy is that it is a drug-free solution to pain, eliminating many side effects that can adversely affect performance.

While many athletes use electrotherapy instead of pain medications, some use it in combination with medicine.  In many cases, electrotherapy can help shorten the duration an athlete needs to be on pain meds, or can allow the strength of such medications to be reduced.  Electrotherapy also works well with other therapies such as massage.

Electrotherapy equipment comes in different sizes and shapes.  Portable units can be used on the sidelines of a football game, for instance.  Physical therapists who work exclusively with athletes are able to select the specific machine and stimulation necessary to best treat an athlete in their office or on the sidelines. 

The term electrotherapy may conjure up frightening images of electricity pulsing through a person’s body but nothing could be further from the truth.  Athletes report that their electrotherapy sessions are not only effective; they are relaxing, as well.  Electrotherapy also is used to aid in the recovery of muscles from extensive training.

Electrotherapy is beneficial for professional athletes and weekend warriors alike.  In fact, recreational athletes may actually suffer from more aches and pains than professionals because they aren’t able to stay in top condition like their professional counterparts.

Electrotherapy Provides Pain Relief

Electrotherapy relies on electricity to heal, whether it is needed for pain relief, cardiac benefits, anti-atrophy treatments and more. Electrotherapy involves an electrical current that works to stimulate muscles and nerves. Cardiologists, chiropractors and physical therapists frequently see improved quality of life with their patients who use electro therapy and have documented cases of proven pain relief.

Here are just a few examples of how electrotherapy can help people improve their quality of life:

Pain Relief: Physical therapists and chiropractors often include electrotherapy as part of pain relief treatment for muscle sprains and strains. Though it’s considered topical pain relief, as it is transmitted through ones skin, it penetrates tissue without damaging it. It is also known to relax muscles that, when tight, may contribute to neck and back pain. This often reduces or prevents migraine headaches and can reduce the need for surgery or long-term disabilities.

Cardiac Benefits: Cardiologists sometimes use electrotherapy for EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) to help strengthen the heat muscle in people living with congestive heart failure. It has been found to improve not only overall health, but had a part in lowering body mass index, weight loss and muscular endurance.

Improved ROM (range of motion): When people have repeated muscle spasm they often develop a limited ROM, or range of motion. Their muscles may get atrophied and shrink from lack of use. Electrotherapy can reduce swelling that occurs with injuries or muscle spasms, improving the use of the muscle, the ROM and coordinated movement. Electrotherapy stimulates the weakened/underused muscle and helps maintain its tone as it heals and recovers.

If you suffer from sprains and strains, tight muscles, migraine headaches or other painful issues, talk with your medical provider to see if electrotherapy is a good pain relief option for you.

How to Use Hot and Cold Treatment for Pain Relief

When people need pain relief, they are often told to use hot and cold treatment. This is likely the most common type of non-addictive, passive and non-invasive pain relief used. It works when the two are used alternatively and many times are used before any other type of therapy or pain relief is administered.

Though it sounds simple enough, using hot and cold treatment for pain relief should not be done without some knowledge of how and why it works. If you are not sure of how to use it effectively, you should research it or talk with your healthcare provider before you attempt it.

Heat Therapy for Pain Relief:

Using hot packs, heating pads and other forms of heat therapy brings on vasodilation. It brings blood to the target tissues, which delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the injured area and takes away cell wastes. The heat can reduce muscle spasms, minimize pain, relax tense muscles and increase/improve range of motion.

You can use many different heat sources for pain relief. Some forms include heating pads, commercial chemical/gel packs, moist, hot compresses and hydrotherapy. If you choose to use hot packs, wrap them in a towel so you do not get burned. Throw away damaged commercial hot packs because the chemicals in the gel can stain and burn your skin.

Cold Therapy for Pain Relief:

Using cold packs or cold therapy (Cryotherapy) for pain relief brings on vasoconstriction. This reduces pain, muscle spasm and swelling by slowing down circulation.

As with heat therapy, there are many different ways you can create cold therapies. Some of these include iced towels or compresses, commercial cold packs, ice cubes wrapped in a towel, frozen vegetable bags and hydrotherapies. It is a safe and common practice to only use cold therapy for 15 minutes or less, as the effect lasts a while longer than the actual therapy is performed.

Never place ice or a frozen therapy item directly on your skin. Wrap it in a towel to prevent damage to your nerves and skin. And always throw away damaged commercial cold packs, as the chemicals in the gel can stain and burn your skin.

Pain Relief with Electrotherapy

Pain relief can come in many forms.  Electricity has been used for over 100 years in pain treatment.  At times electrotherapy was looked at as an unscientific way to treat pain.  However, studies have shown electricity can reduce chronic and acute pain.  Electrotherapy is the use of a medical device that electrically stimulates affected nerves and muscles.  The stimulation encourages the body to release pain-killing chemicals and block pain signals from getting to the brain.  The intended end result is pain relief.
A medical device stimulates nerve fibers with small electrical currents when using electrotherapy.  The stimulation is often delivered through pads that adhere to the skin.  The device is usually battery operated or requires electrical outlet power.  When used immediately following an injury or in early stages of pain management, electrotherapy seems particularly effective.  Often, electrotherapy is used with other forms of pain management like heat therapy, cold therapy, exercise or other manipulations.  Most times, the treatment is delivered by a licensed therapist or doctor.    
Patients do not usually indicate that electrotherapy is painful.  Some feel slight stinging after a treatment has concluded.  Electrotherapy is present in many forms with differences in frequency, waveform, and effect.  Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) is one common type of electrotherapy.  A medical device with TENS units may be used in a clinic.  Or, you may be given a medical device with TENS to use at home.
Pain relief without the use of habit-forming pain killers is a major benefit for electrotherapy users.  And, there are no unwanted side effects by using electrotherapy; it is a popular method of treating pain by using medical devices safe for home use.
Don't discount the use of electricity for pain relief.  The method for reducing pain has been around for a century and is regaining popularity.  There are medical devices safe for home use that can deliver the benefits of electrotherapy.  Pain relief can be achieved with methods other than prescriptions.

What to Offer in Hot and Cold Treatment

When you are looking to have comprehensive pain relief treatment options make sure to include hot and cold treatment.  There are many products that wholesaleectrodes.com provides in hot and cold treatment.  It's important to have topical pain relief offered in a variety of ways.  This will ensure that your patients and customers can find the pain relief they are looking for.  At wholesaleectrodes.com, it's important to offer costumers several avenues for pain relief.  Learn more about the benefits of hot and cold therapy treatment and the variety of treatment options available.

How hot and cold therapy works
Hot therapy is used to increase blood flow and cold therapy is used to restrict blood flow.  When and why would you choose one over the other?  If you need to relax an area and decrease pain you would choose heat therapy for pain relief.  Heat is relaxing, stimulates blood flow, improves circulation, can increase range of motion and reduce stiffness. If you need to decrease swelling and promote healing, cold therapy is the best option.  Those affected by arthritis often have painful burning sensations in their joints.  Cold therapy reduces inflammation which causes joint pain and stiffness.  By bringing a swollen joint back down to size, pain is usually decreased.  For injuries like sprains, strains and tendinitis a combination of hot and cold therapy creates a dynamic and powerful treatment option.  Common sense applies when deciding which avenue to take: hot or cold.  If something feels tight and needs to be relaxed, use heat.  If the affected area already feels hot, is red or feels irritated cold would be the best option.

Hot and cold treatment products
At wholesaleelectrode.com a variety of products are available when it comes to hot and cold therapy.  Wholesaleelectrode.com carries the following:

·         Hot/Cold Packs: Gel packs can either be frozen or refrigerated to achieve cold therapy.  And, the pack can be microwaved to create heat therapy.  Gel packs come in a variety of sizes.  They can be applied to virtually an area of the body, from the head to the toe and everywhere in between!  And, gel packs are effective in a wide variety of fields of medicine from geriatric care to sports medicine.  It's a great option for non-invasive, topical pain management. 

·         Topical analgesic: An analgesic is intended to relieve pain.  Topical references that the pain reliever is applied externally, to the skin.  Topical pain relief relieves minor body pains and aches, sunburn, insect bites or other skin irritations.  Wholesaleectrodes.com offers sprays, gels, lotions and roll-on topical analgesics.  Some have a cooling effect, while others have a warming effect.

When treating pain, hot and cold treatment can be very effective.  It's important you provide your patients and customers the best in the industry.  Wholesaleectrodes.com is proud to offer many products in topical pain relief utilizing hot and cold therapy.  Quality products, excellent customer service and low prices are mainstays of wholesaleectrodes.com.  Check out the website which provides safe and secure browsing and purchasing options.  Contact them today to learn more about pain relief options that utilize hot and cold treatment.

Heal Broken Bones with Bone Growth Stimulators

Broken bones typically heal within 6-8 weeks, but if yours has not healed after 12 weeks a more aggressive treatment plan may be recommended. At this point many medical practitioners consider using bone growth stimulators that actually promote bone growth. This works with slow healing (delayed union) and hard-to-heal (nonunion) fractures, regardless of how the trauma occurred. Sometimes slow-healing bones are a result of smoking, diabetes, advanced age, renal disease, infections and more.

There are different types of bone growth stimulators. One type is applied to the fracture site inside your body and the other is used on the outside. Patients who are otherwise healthy and in good physical condition are good candidates for invasive bone growth stimulators; many can be fully or partially implanted. Once implanted at the fracture site the stimulator provides electric current to the injury 24 hours a day with little intervention or application from the patient. After the fracture site has healed the stimulator is taken out.

Noninvasive stimulators are good options for those who are not able to successfully withstand surgery. Most noninvasive stimulators are set on either side of the injury and strapped on. It is not a permanent placement and is typically used for several hours a day, often for only one hour at a time. These can be effectively used over a cast, brace and clothing and can be worn while remaining active.

Another type of bone growth stimulation uses ultrasound. This is getting to be more popular as it only needs to be used several minutes a day. This certainly frees up a patient’s and practitioner’s time.

Bone growth stimulators encourage the growth of blood vessels at the site of the injury, along with osteoblasts, cells that create a fibrocartilage bridge connecting the broken bone. The stimulator then helps the fibrocartilage turn into bone.

Whether you opt for an internal or external bone growth stimulator, the aid it gives to restructuring a broken bone is an effective and safe treatment. If you’ve got a fracture that’s slow healing, consider talking with your health care provider about using bone growth stimulators. And, if your provider is looking for bone growth stimulators, have them call wholesaleelectrodes.com at (480) 946 – 8070.

Electrotherapy Options: TENS or EMS

If you are familiar with electrotherapy you may wonder what the difference is between EMS and TENS medical devices.  EMS stands for electronic muscle stimulators.  And, TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators.  Both are considered modes to achieve electro therapy.  Both EMS and TENS work by generating electrical impulses.  The impulses then stimulate nerves which cause the muscles controlled by those nerves to contract.  EMS machines essentially are TENS medical devices.  But, the difference is that EMS stimulate muscle motor nerves, while TENS devices stimulate sensory nerves. Learn more about EMS and TENS as medical devices for electrotherapy.

Electronic Muscle Stimulators -EMS
A proven and efficient way of treating muscle injuries is through electrical pulses transmitted by EMS devices.  The pulses cause a passive form of exercise.  Blood flow and muscle stimulation are achieved by the stimulation, contraction, and relaxation cycle created by EMS devices.  EMS has gained international recognition to treating muscle injuries.  A wave signal is delivered via dual isolated channels.  EMS is effective because it has low frequency coupled with a square wave pattern, which allows direct work on the muscle groups to occur.  Hospitals and sports clinics depend on this technology not only to treat muscle injuries.  EMS is also used to re-educate paralyzed muscles, improve muscle tone and circulation, and prevent atrophy.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators -TENS
TENS units are an electro therapy device intended for temporary pain relief.  This is achieved by providing relief to the nerves via a dual channel use.  Adjustable intensity and asymmetrical bi-phase square wave patterns allows for a variety of treatment options.  A set of electrodes are attached on the skin of the patient's back.  An electrical signal is emitted which stimulates the neurons under the skin.  Many describe the sensation as the tingling and numbness you may feel after dental work.  So, it isn't painful.

Both EMS and TENS are great medical devices for electrotherapy.  Both electro therapy devices have similar features so that pulse width is adjustable, and there are controls for channels and intensity.  The difference lies with what needs to be treated: muscles or nerves and what is being sought: temporary pain relief or healing.  TENS provides temporary pain relief by stimulating nerves.  EMS helps with the rebuilding process because it passively exercises muscles.  Determine what your needs are when choosing an EMS or TENS electrotherapy device.

WholesaleElectrodes.com is Your Electrotherapy Headquarters

Electrotherapy and other types of pain relief require medical devices to carry out the treatment.  Lead wires and electrodes are just some of the materials you'll need.  Instead of surfing the web to find a supplier for topical pain relief, then another for lead wires and another for electrodes, shop wholesaleelectrodes.com.  They carry all the accessories needed to offer electrotherapy, bone growth stimulation and other forms of pain relief.   And, you can feel assured the brand of electrodes they carry are top of the line.  They're offered to you at cost-containment, basically the price of a true wholesale.  Plus they are drop-ship prices.  The brands that you've come to trust in electrotherapy are sold at wholesaleelectrodes.com.  Whether you need TENS supplies, ultrasound, medical traction, electrodes or other medical devices, they've got it!  Discounts are offered on bulk orders and free shipping is given on many small bulk orders.  Equip your clinic with all the necessary pieces of equipment to carry out pain relief treatment options.

Wholesaleelectrodes.com offers a variety of TENS electrodes products and accessories
Electrodes:

·         Back electrodes

·         Bodymed reliamed

·         Carbon rubber

·         Cosmetic TENS

·         Current Solutions

·         Round TENS

·         Small TENS

·         Larger size TENS

·         Oval TENS

·         Square TENS

·         Sterile TENS

·         Galvanic (Ground- Dispersive) TENS

Lead Wires and Accessories:

·         Lead Wire Extenders

·         Bifurcating Lead Wires – Splitters

·         Alligator Clips

·         Pin to Snaps

·         Ear Clips

·         Tester

·         Conductive Spray

As you can see, when it comes to pain relief, electrotherapy supplies, or whatever supplies your clinic needs wholesaleelectrodes.com is where you should shop.  They also sell cervical pillows, bone growth stimulators, hot and cold therapy treatment, and topical pain relief.  Don't shop at one website for lead wires and another for electrodes; get all your pain relief supplies here!