Tech slideshow

Technology Will Save Our Minds and Bodies

By: Amanda Kasserman and Brooke Kiley

TENS Machine and Shockwave Machine

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

What is a TENS Unit?

Non-invasive medical device specifically designed to assist in the management of chronic and acute pain

Sends small, safe, electrical signal into the body via electrodes which are placed on skin and relieves pain in 3 ways:By blocking pain messages from reaching the brain

via the nervesBy stimulating the release of the body’s naturally

occuring pain-relieving endorphinsBy providing a distraction while the pain is occuring

Demonstration of a TENS Unit

http://youtu.be/N1UL460NXvk

History of the Tens Unit

In the 18th century Benjamin Franklin is credited with reforming the original electric condenser which was used to shock patients in an effort to treat ailments. It was refered to as the “magic square”

In the 19th century machines were invented that used static electricity to treat headaches, migraines and other types of pain

In the 1970s the TENS unit became a popular use for treatment of pain instead of pain killers

When to Use a TENS Unit

Symptomatic Relief Control of symptoms rather than cure by single or multiple

therapies

Management of chronic (long-term) intractable pain Constant Severe Disabling Can affect blood pressure, pulse rate, hormone levels and

neurologic systems

Management of post-surgical and post-traumatic pain

Management for labor pains Specialized unit specific to pregnant women

Pros and Cons of a TENS Unit

ProsNon-invasive method of

pain relief

Able to use in your own home

No harmful effects

In control of device so you can use it at the strength you prefer

Can prevent medical pain relief

ConsConflicting research on

the effectiveness of TENS

Some people find they do not like the sensation

TENS machines are expensive. They range from 200-300 dollars

Most effective when used in combination with other pain relief aids

Two Types of TENS Units

TENS Unit for Maternity UseUsed for women who are pregnant and are

experiencing back pains from the added weight in the front from the baby

Can also be used for labor pains

TENS Unit for General PainTENS machine used for everyday aches and pains

Shockwave Machine

What is a Shockwave Machine?

A newer non-invasive solution for chronic pain in shoulder, back, heel, knee or elbow

During the treatment a high-intensity sound wave interacts with the tissues of the body

The primary effect of a shockwave is a direct mechanical force

It is said that the shockwaves cause microtrauma to the diseased tendon tissue which results in inflammation and allows body to send healing cells and increase blood flow to injured site

History of Shockwave Machine

The effect of shockwaves was first documented during World War 2 when the lungs of castaways were noted to be damaged without any superficial evidence of trauma

It was discovered the shockwaves created by depth charges were responsible for the internal injuries

The first medical treatment developed from this research was lithotripsy which allowed focused shockwaves to essentially dissolve kidney stones without surgical intervention

When to Use a Shockwave Machine

Can be used to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions

Most frequently treated conditions:Plantar fasciitisAchilles TendinitisCalcific TendinitisConnective tissue painMuscle pain and injury Joint injuriesMorton’s neuromaKidney Stones

Pros and Cons of Using a Shockwave Machine

Pros Treatment success rate equal to

or greater then surgery

Treatment and minimal procedure time resulting in increase patient compliance and cost effectiveness

Bridges the gap between non-operative and operative treatment

Typically patients feel less pain after treatment and are able to resume normal physical activities

Non-invasive treatment for chronic pain

Cons Some patients may experience

swelling, redness, and/or bruising

Very expensive, can cause in excess of 1000.00 dollars and insurance companies may not cover the expense

The effectiveness of treatment is questioned

Low-energy shockwaves is that one has to provide a repeat application. A comparison of the effectiveness of low-energy and high-energy shockwaves has not been studied

Two Types of Shockwave Machines

Low EnergyAdministered in a clinic and do not require

anesthesia or injectionsA technician places the probe on the area of greatest

tenderness and the shockwaves are delivered over 10-20 minutes

High Energy Administered in the operating room with regional or

general anesthesia

References

http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a542581/tens

http://www.btlnet.com/catalogue/shockwave/

http://www.scoi.com/shockwave-therapy.php

http://www.canadianchiropractor.ca/content/view/998/131/

http://www.tensmachines.co.uk/TENS-History_ep_49-1.html

http://physioworks.com.au/FAQRetrieve.aspx?ID=30901