Interferential Therapy: A Non-Opioid Pain Treatment that Can Offer Lasting Relief
A significant concern for contemporary healthcare providers is identifying treatment options that help patients manage chronic pain effectively. The most desirable choices should be fast acting, so patients begin getting pain relief as quickly as possible, and long lasting – optimally 6 hours or more.
Not so long ago, opioids were a top preference – favored in part because they delivered on both the fast-acting and long-lasting need in a simple, self-administered package. What’s become evident, though, is that this pain relief often comes at great cost to the patient – in terms side-effects, as well as risks of addiction.
The Downside of Opioids
In today’s treatment plans, synthetic opioids are rarely considered an acceptable long-term solution for addressing the needs of chronic pain patients. But with codeine’s advertised relief lasting 3-4 hours, oxycodone’s lasting 4-6 hours and some extended-release options lasting 12 hours or more, it’s easy to see why they were once relied upon.
In reality, the results have been less than favorable. A range of studies show both a lack of benefit as well as the risks of addiction, which has led to a major reduction in prescribing. Recent VA statistics show that as of 2016 roughly 16 percent of VA patients received opioid prescriptions, which is down from 41 percent in 2013. The study indicates this is mostly due to a reduction in long-term prescribing, as opposed to lowered short-term use for acute pain.
The Short-Comings of OTC & NSAID Drugs
Non-narcotic, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines could be an alternative, as they may be used to treat chronic pain and carry substantially less risk than opioids. Unfortunately, these drugs are less effective in treating significant chronic pain and, as such, a less viable choice in this scenario.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) options such as ibuprofen, which lasts 5-10 hours, and naproxen sodium, which has peak levels occurring at about 5 hours, have a limit to how much pain they can control and side-effects such as GI and CV harm. In fact, one 2017 study concluded that NSAIDs are not always the best medicine for back pain.
Another OTC option, acetaminophen, is considered appropriate for only mild to moderate pain and carries risks for liver injury. Similarly, prescription-based medicines like meloxicam and celecoxib were designed to reduce the risks of common NSAIDs and provide pain relief. However, these drugs don’t work for all patients and still have been known to cause some side-effects, especially for older patients.
The Potential of Interferential Therapy
The lack of viable drug choices, amplified by the current opioid epidemic, has given momentum to pain management options such as acupuncture, yoga, massage and electrotherapy – many of which have probably been underutilized.
Of these options, one that may provide some of the longest-lasting, non-invasive relief is Interferential therapy (INF) offered by a device like the RS-4i® Plus. This non-opioid treatment goes to work quickly (via the gate theory of pain) and provides long-term relief via endogenous opiates (also called endorphins). In fact, many patients using the RS-4i Plus report pain relief that lasts for extended periods:
25% report pain relief that lasts 8+ hours
10% report pain relief that lasts 6-8 hours
14% report pain relief that lasts 4-6 hours
24% report pain that lasts 2-4 hours
The numbers above show that 35 percent of patients using the RS-4i Plus receive pain relief lasting six or more hours. Overall, the numbers reveal that 73 percent of patients get pain relief lasting more than two hours. By comparison, the percentage of patients receiving no relief or relief lasting less than an hour is under 10 percent.
These results are drawn from an assessment program RS Medical implemented in 2015. Patients prescribed an RS-4i Plus are asked to complete an initial, baseline survey establishing their pain and function levels, followed by a similar survey a month later. To date, more than 11,000 patients have completed assessments.
Surveyed patients suffer from a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions affecting body areas that include the hip, knee, shoulder, neck, upper and lower back, upper and low leg, and foot. It’s significant to note that the bulk of respondents are US Veterans, folks who suffer from chronic pain and an inability to enjoy everyday activities.
As with all forms of treatment, there are potential side-effects if not used within the guidelines. Although INF has relatively few adverse effects, there is a chance of skin irritation or rash caused by the adhesives on the electrodes. Some patients have also reported a burning sensation as a result of overuse. Read more details in the RS-4i instruction guide.
Comparing Alternative Treatments
In evaluating how the INF relief results compare to other non-opioid alternatives, options ranging from acupuncture to exercise have been considered. While none has a recognized duration, all can help provide some degree of pain relief. In brief:
Acupuncture – A well-regarded 2012 study published in JAMA concluded that while acupuncture “is effective for the treatment of chronic pain…there is no accepted mechanism by which it could have persisting effects.” However, it also has few downsides. Says Dr. Lucy Chen, a board-certified anesthesiologist and specialist in pain medicine.
Yoga – Several studies have concluded that routine yoga practice can increase mobility, reduce pain and improve daily function for those with chronic pain conditions. Says Dr. Catherine Bushnell (PhD), an NIH pain researcher, “Practicing yoga has the opposite effect on the brain as does chronic pain.” Again, with negligible downsides when compared to opioids.
Meditation – Several studies have concluded that mindfulness meditation can improve pain and depression symptoms, and the most prominent NCCIH-funded study says this happens without engaging opioid receptors in the brain.
Exercise – Studies support the use of exercise as a treatment for chronic pain, revealing that it can provide an effective, safe and highly individualized component to a comprehensive pain treatment plan.
It’s also worth noting that a recent VA research study concluded that service members who receive non-drug therapies as part of their pain treatment plans may have lower long-term risks for alcohol and drug disorders, as well as self-induced injuries.
In Summary
The takeaway is that, when comparing the effectiveness of the RS-4i Plus with various medications, the device may deliver fast-acting and long-lasting pain relief without the latent risks commonly associated with drugs. Compared to alternative therapies, it often gives pain relief with a similarly low risk of side-effects.
An additional benefit of the RS-4i Plus is that it can be used by the patient at home whenever it’s needed. While some alternative therapies require one-on-one interaction with a healthcare provider, this device can be used in the patient’s moment of need – morning or night.
Take the Next Step
If you’re a healthcare provider interested in discovering how the RS-4i Plus may work for your patients, complete the form below and check the box to receive a virtual product demo. Then judge for yourself how Interferential therapy can work for your patients.
Related Resources
Blog: Non-Drug Therapies May Improve Outcomes for Soldiers with Chronic Pain
Blog: Patient Assessment is Key to Tracking Progress
This blog provides general information and discussion about medicine, health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare professional.