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Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease affecting nearly 1 million people in the U.S today. While the underlying cause is not well understood, genetic susceptibility and abnormalities in the immune system, as well as unknown environmental factors, are believed to be triggers. Though there is no cure for MS, there are a variety of therapeutic options – including drug therapies, physical therapy, acupuncture, yoga and electrotherapy.
Read MoreWhile healthcare providers may differ on which assessment tool(s) are best, there is widespread acknowledgement that the effective treatment of pain relies upon accurate and detailed assessments occurring at regular intervals – including after pain relief interventions. This is why any patient prescribed an RS-4i Plus® has been asked to complete a baseline survey establishing their pain and activity levels before treatment. Then 30 days into treatment, this is followed by a second survey – resulting in the ability to compare scores and document changes.
Read MoreWhat Traci’s healthcare provider originally thought to be arthritis, turned out to be nothing of the sort. X-rays revealed that she was actually suffering from a pinched nerve. Now using the RS-4i Plus device, she’s feeling much better. After about two weeks, she noticed a significant improvement – with her pain dropping from a six to a two, on a 10-point pain scale.
Read MoreFor patients living with central sensitization, the nervous system goes through a process known as a “wind-up” and devolves into a constant state of high reactivity. This heightened state lowers the threshold for what causes pain and subsequently comes to maintain pain even after its source, whether an injury or illness, is no longer present. The result is it takes almost nothing for these patients to experience severe pain.
Read MoreThis shift away from just treating the pain toward a model that treats the whole person is rooted in a growing trend called patient-centered care – what the VA calls Whole Health. While this change may seem strange at first, it offers patients more options and increased independence for managing chronic conditions. Treatments that can be self-managed – during the day or especially at night – allow patients to get the necessary pain relief in their actual moments of need.
Read MoreNot surprisingly, there’s a wide range of prices for TENS units, and those are influenced by the performance – that is, the sophistication of a device’s features and the variety of programs it offers. Prices range from under $100 to several thousand dollars, but picking the right device doesn’t have to be challenging with a bit of guidance about how to compare units.
Read MoreWorking as a carpenter and serving in the military left Kelly with joint pain and arthritis. Shortly after transitioning to civilian life, she was also diagnosed with stage four thyroid cancer. Treatment left her unable to turn her neck or tilt her head. Today, with the aid of an RS-4i Plus, she’s able to find relief and has regained some flexibility. She’s also been able to pursue a degree in yoga training.
Read MoreA key element to enjoying the benefits of pain relief and/or muscle rehab from an RS-4i Plus or other transcutaneous electrotherapy (TENS) device is having a supply of quality electrodes to use with it. Making sure to hold electrode pads lightly at the edge when applying them and keeping them on the storage liners between treatments are just two ways to get the most life out of your electrodes. Read on to learn more.
Read MoreWhile the notion of PTSD has been with us for generations, it’s gained prominence as a national health concern over the past two decades. Symptoms can vary widely, and often include anxiety, depression and agitation. Studies also show that pain is commonly reported in people suffering from PTSD. The good news, though, is that there can be real, life-changing benefits to combating chronic pain. Learn this and more lifestyle tips for coping.
Read MoreKnowing that all TENS units are different is a start to learning about transcutaneous electrotherapy. Taking a deeper dive into what makes them different reveals that there are varying therapeutic distinctions between devices, and these distinctions can be used to hone in on which device is the best for addressing a patient’s particular condition.
Read MoreAfter serving 23 years in the U.S. Army as an 11th Bravo Infantry Ranger, Matt was no stranger to physical challenges. Four major injuries left Matt with chronic pain and a need to find relief. Today, he continues to see a chiropractor, and he uses a service dog as well, but he credits the RS-4i Plus with helping him walk and exercise daily.
Read MoreIt’s hard to believe, but scientists say it actually is possible to experience more pain as a result of taking opioids – especially high doses over long periods. This is due to changes the drugs cause in the chemical signaling within the central nervous system – making the body generally more sensitive to painful stimuli. The resulting condition is called opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH).
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