Gary’s Story: Managing Pain and Stiffness from Parkinson's Disease
For Gary, movement has always been part of life.
From playing high school basketball to coaching multiple sports and teaching for over 30 years, staying active has always been part of who he is. But over time, persistent back pain and a later diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease made even simple daily movements more difficult.
Today, Gary has found a routine that helps him start his day with more control and less stiffness
A Lifetime of Activity—Paired with Ongoing Back Pain
Gary’s back pain began early.
He first noticed it in high school, where he played basketball and was part of a state championship team his senior year. At the time, the pain was manageable, but as he continued to stay active through college and into adulthood, it gradually increased.
“I started experiencing back pain probably in my junior or senior year of high school,” Gary explains. “College, it was a lot more. The more I played, the more I ran, the more it came.”
Over the years, Gary relied on daily stretching to keep moving. But with underlying scoliosis contributing to his symptoms, stiffness and soreness became a consistent part of his mornings.
“And the lower back, every morning it was just tough to get out of bed. It was stiff and sore, and that's not a way to start your day.”
When Everyday Movement Becomes a Challenge
After years of managing stiffness and back pain, Gary faced a new challenge.
In January 2018, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a condition that significantly impacts muscle stiffness and movement.
The combination of Parkinson’s-related rigidity and long-standing back issues made even routine movements more difficult.
“Like I said, I couldn't move. It was hard to get in the car. It was hard to get out of the car. It was hard to get out of my chair every day from my desk when I was working.”
Finding a Daily Routine That Supports Movement
When Gary was introduced to the RS‑4i® Plus, he approached it with an open mind.
“I thought, why not give it a try?”
After his first experience, he noticed a difference—but what mattered most was how he could incorporate it into a consistent daily routine.
Today, using the device is the first thing he does each morning.
“Every day, the first thing I do is put it on my back and sit down in front of the TV for 35 minutes and go through the process.”
That consistency has become an important part of how he prepares for the day.
“It settles me, at least for the morning part, and that seems to get me through the day.”
For Gary, the benefit isn’t just how he feels during treatment—it’s what he’s able to do afterward.
“Having the RS‑4i Plus allows me to do things that probably I wouldn’t even attempt if I didn’t have it on.”
A Tool That Became Part of His Routine
Over time, the device has become more than just a treatment—it’s part of Gary’s daily structure.
“It’s part of me. It’s part of who I am. It’s what I do.”
For patients managing chronic musculoskeletal pain or neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s, Gary’s experience highlights how a consistent, self-managed routine can support daily movement and function.
About the RS-4i Plus with Intersperse
The RS-4i Plus is an advanced home-use electrotherapy device that combines true high frequency (5000 Hz) Interferential Therapy (IFT) for long-lasting pain relief, with Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) for muscle rehabilitation. During the same, uninterrupted treatment session, the RS-4i Plus both excites the body’s natural endorphin production to relieve pain, 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.