Treating Frozen Shoulder & Range-of-Motion Shoulder Injuries
Practitioners who care for patients with musculoskeletal pain know that shoulder injuries can present significant range-of-motion treatment challenges. Specifically, frozen shoulder treatment often requires continuous physical therapy to “loosen” the joint.
And while this condition is considered to be fairly common – statistics show up to 20% of adults will suffer its affects – frozen shoulder mainly affects those over 40, as well as those with diabetes, thyroid issues and heart disease.
Healthcare providers unfamiliar with the RS-4i® Plus may be interested to learn how electrotherapy can aid in treatment for patients suffering from frozen shoulder, as well as other painful shoulder conditions.
Treatment Protocol for Frozen Shoulder
After a period of worsening symptoms, frozen shoulder tends to get better, although full recovery may take up to three years.
Shoulder conditions, such as frozen shoulder, are a primary reason that the RS-4i Plus includes Alternating NMES (neuromuscular electrical stimulation) as a treatment option. By strategically placing electrode pads on muscles responsible for shoulder joint movements and then stimulating “alternate” sets of these pads, the RS-4i Plus can mimic movements used during everyday life, PT sessions and while exercising. For example:
A patient suffering from frozen shoulder can begin therapy utilizing two pairs of electrodes – where channel 1 is placed on the Semispinalis Cervicis and channel 2 on the Trapezius muscles. When stimulus is applied to these two channels, the shoulder will be raised and lowered during the stimulation/relax cycle.
Next, when the patient is ready, another pair of electrodes for channel 3 is placed on the Deltoid muscle. Applying stimulus to this channel, the shoulder will be pulled back and returned forward during the stimulation/relax cycle.
Note that when the patient is using all three channels for an Alternating NMES treatment, channels 1 and 2 are active while channel 3 is not, and vice versa. In the above example, the patient would experience the shoulder first being raised and lowered, next pulled back and returned forward. This cycle would repeat for the duration of the treatment.
Designed for Independent At-Home Use
Like all healthcare programs looking to provide quality care in this evolving era of telehealth, the ability to include independently managed treatments is another key to on-going relief and/or recovery for many patients.
The RS-4i Plus is designed for at-home use, and all aspects of patient training can be managed remotely. Once the unit has been prescribed, it’s shipped to the patient at home. The patient then receives personalized instruction and training on the device, which enables them to follow the prescribed treatment plan independently.
By having treatments that patients can self-manage – whether that’s during the day or especially in the middle of the night – they can get the necessary treatment in their actual moments of need.
Electrode Pad Placement for Shoulder Pain
The RS Medical Interactive Pad Placement Guide, which offers three protocols for treating shoulder conditions, is an easy way to review proper electrode placement. These brief, color-coded guides show exactly where to place pads – and which muscles are being targeted – so your patients get the most benefit from an electrotherapy session.
A Closer Look at the RS-4i Plus
The RS-4i Plus is an advanced home-use electrotherapy device that combines high frequency (5000 Hz) Interferential Therapy (IFT) for long-lasting pain relief, with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle rehabilitation. Patented Intersperse technology delivers both IFT and NMES during the same, uninterrupted treatment session. This excites the body’s natural beta-endorphin production to relieve pain for up to 8 hours, and provides rehabilitative muscle therapy that reduces muscle spasms, increases circulation and prevents disuse atrophy.
Take the Next Step
Healthcare Practitioners
If you are interested in a more detailed review of the RS-4i Plus mechanisms of action and clinical evidence, we invite you to request a demonstration.
Patients
The RS-4i Plus requires a prescription. If you are interested in discussing this drug-free pain relief solution with your healthcare practitioner, download our patient discussion guide to help start a conversation.