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Working 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).
Read MoreConstant pain from the middle of her back down her left leg to her toes took a serious toll on Kate’s health. Luckily, she was able to get her independence back after she added the RS-4i Plus to her treatments. She takes one pill twice daily to help with the pain, in addition to using the RS-4i Plus. She can now do many of the things she couldn’t do before – like driving.
Read MoreThe Gate Control Theory of Pain says that pain sensations are involved in an intricate series of communications between the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. Sitting in between are a series of “gates” that can either transmit or block pain signals. Science has shown that hyper-stimulating certain nerve fibers can help close these gates, and therapies such as massage, acupuncture and electrotherapy are all thought to be effective ways of temporarily inhibiting pain signals.
Read MorePatients are learning to play a more proactive role in their own rehabilitation and, in the process, some are discovering an extra ally in the fight against pain. This natural aide comes in the form of tiny molecules that help boost the body’s ability to block pain signals. If this sounds too good to be true, it isn’t. There’s real science behind endorphins – the body’s natural painkillers.
Read MoreWith neck pain affecting a significant portion of US adults – 1 in 7 civilians and 1 in 5 Veterans – it’s no wonder that cervical issues appear in many provider patient populations. If not part of your practitioner treatment plan today, cervical traction is a therapy worthy of consideration and can be optimized to the patient’s needs in clinic or at home.
Read MoreGary has suffered from severe back spasms since being hit in the back with a chunk of concrete during a rocket attack in Vietnam. He credits the RS-4i Plus with diminishing those spasms and helping him to rebuild a more active lifestyle. A self-described crafts person, he soon found he could return to some of his hobbies. He’s also able to do a bit of yard work – something he couldn’t do with his back spasms.
Read MorePainsomnia - the inability to sleep due to pain - can be an exhausting, repetitive experience for those who live with chronic pain. While the name may sound amusing, the condition is anything but. If you’ve spent nights lying awake trying to find the best way to sleep with back pain, you’re not alone. Research shows you actually have a quite a bit of company, and there are steps you can take to break up the pain/sleep duo.
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