In search of effective pain relief in Belmont Heights, Chicago? Look no further than Function 1st Physical Therapy. We offer a variety of treatments including heat and ice therapy, electrical stimulation, laser therapy, and many others, all designed to lessen pain, inflammation, and muscle tension. Whether it’s a sports injury, chronic pain, or post-surgery discomfort, our expert team of physical therapists can formulate a bespoke treatment plan to suit your individual needs and goals. Don’t let pain impede your life. Get in touch with Function 1st Physical Therapy today to arrange your consultation and start your journey to a life without pain.
Heat Pack
Heat is recommended to decrease chronic pain, relax muscles, and relieve pain. It should not be used with an acute or “new” injury.
Cryotherapy or Cold Therapy
Cold therapy is used to cause vasoconstriction (the blood vessels constrict or decrease their diameter) to reduce the amount of fluid that leaks out of the capillaries into the tissue spaces (swelling) in response to tissue injury. Ice or cold is used most frequently in acute injuries, but also an effective pain reliever for even the most chronic pain. Cold therapy may be administered by using a cold pack or an ice massage.
Microcurrent Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (MENS)
Microcurrent treatment is the application of electrical stimulation to treat neurogenic pain (caused by nerves), myofascial pain (muscular), and inflammatory conditions.
The body has a continual flow of resonating electrical impulses that transmit signals through living tissues, utilizing electrons, chemicals, and electromagnetic bonds. The body’s tissues are lined with water-hydrated matrices that act as semiconductors to permit the transfer of electrons and communicate specific frequencies. Each cell, tissue, and organ has its specific frequency that synchronizes its activity within the body. Microcurrent is aligned to support the intricate biological and physiological phenomenon exhibited throughout electrotherapeutics in clinical history – electricity will take the path of least resistance as it flows through tissue.
What Is a MENS Treatment Like?
Microcurrent therapy is passive. You sit with the electrodes placed in the appropriate locations as determined by your therapist. Often a coupling agent (water or gel) is used to facilitate the delivery of the MENS.
Unlike other forms of electrotherapy (i.e., Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) or Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)), the current is so small that the nerves of the sensory system aren’t stimulated. As a result, there’s no uncomfortable feeling of shock.
There are often multiple treatment sessions and MENS is typically part of a complete rehabilitation program that involves patient education, exercise, manual therapy, and a home program.
What Conditions Respond Well to Microcurrent?
- Neck Pain
- Back Pain
- Arthritis-related Pain
- Radiculopathy (Pinched Nerves)
- Sciatica
- Sprains and Strains
