Sunday 4 August 2013

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.

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