TREATMENTS FOR

Pain Management

Physiotherapy is effective in the management of acute pain, acute flare ups of chronic conditions or in helping to manage long term chronic pain.

Treatment modalities that may be used for pain management include:

Acupuncture

The Chinese theory behind acupuncture is that energy ‘Qui’ flows through the body. When this energy is obstructed pain or discomfort can result. Acupuncture may be offered to you as part of your treatment programme. It can be used alongside other treatment modalities and is particularly effective in pain management. Recent research supports the use of acupuncture in the treatment of low back pain and osteoarthritic knees.

What does it involve?

Your physiotherapist will insert fine sterile single use needles into the relevant acupuncture points. Acupuncture needling should not be painful although you may feel a pin prick or scratch like sensation. Once the needles are in place the therapist will manipulate them until ‘De Qui’ is achieved. This is a sign that the body’s in built pain relieving mechanisms are being stimulated. Some people may feel a mild ache, a warm or heavy sensation or slight numbness at or around the needles. Usually the needles will be left in for 10-25 minutes.

How many treatments are needed?

Research suggests that for long standing conditions such lower back pain 6-10 sessions may be required to achieve the best results.

Your therapist will re-evaluate progress at each session and will discuss your individual management plan. Each treatment should be tailor made to you and your condition.

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

How does it work?

TENS works by reducing the amount of painful impulses transmitted by the spinal cord to the brain or by encouraging the brain to produce the body’s natural pain killers (endorphins).

TENS is a treatment that you will carry out at home, you will have been instructed on how to apply and use the machine by your therapist.

TENS uses electrodes which are placed on the relevant points, these are then attached to the small unit which attaches to your waist band. The settings for the unit will have been adjusted by your physiotherapist. When you turn on the unit you turn it up until you can feel a comfortable tingle. The intensity can then be increased if or when you need to.

You should use the TENS for 1 -1 ½ hours which can be repeated 4 times a day.

Effective use of TENS will hopefully allow you to have times when your pain is more tolerable enabling you to increase your activity during these periods.

Interferential Therapy

Interferential may be utilised to help reduce pain or oedema (swelling) depending on the settings chosen by your therapist.

How does it work?

It works by using the physiological effects produced by low frequency electrical stimulation of the nerves and tissues. It is different from TENS in the type of current used.

How many treatments are needed?

Treatment times vary depending on whether you are treating chronic or acute pain. In acute conditions the treatment time is 5-10 minutes, chronic cases may need treatment for 20-25 minutes. This treatment will be in the clinic setting.

The number of treatments varies from patient to patient. At each appointment your therapist will reassess and form a treatment plan as appropriate for your individual needs.