AFTER YOUR FIRST ELECTRO-ACUSCOPE TREATMENT

After you have just received the first of a series of ELECTRO-ACUSCOPE treatments, you may have additional questions regarding the instrument, the treatment procedure, and what results to expect.

This section is intended to provide a more detailed explanation of this unique TENS instrument and to offer you additional understanding of the type of therapy you are receiving.

Here is an in-depth explanation of how the Electro-Acuscope reduces pain:

The human body is made up of a vast number of cells. In many ways, the cells of the human body act like tiny batteries, storing and releasing energy. Each cell has a measurable electrical charge and therefore, there is a constant energy flow maintained between cells throughout the electrical circuits of the body.

When damage or trauma occurs, there is a disruption in the production of electricity and a measurable decrease in the flow of energy through the tissues involved. This condition is generally accompanied by sensation of pain in the area, and usually results in the body’s inability to readily repair itself.

During treatment, the ELECTRO-ACUSCOPE introduces mild electrical currents into the cells of your body in order to return the tissue to a normal level of electrical activity. This process may be likened to a "jump start" or "putting a charge" on the battery of a car. In this way, the instrument assists the body in accelerating the natural self-healing processes.

In addition to providing the body with beneficial electrical currents, the treatment causes the body to produce its own natural pain reducing chemicals called "endorphins." The immediate pain relieving results of an ACUSCOPE treatment may therefore be considered an electro-chemical response occurring in the involved area at a cellular level.

Incorporating the most advanced electronic technology, the ELECTRO-ACUSCOPE is capable of detecting subtle electrical blockages and imbalances in the painful areas of the body. This may be heard as a low pitched tone from the instrument’s biofeedback sound mechanisms, and seen as numbers reading low on the lighted digital display which ranges from 1 to 100.

When the tissues of the painful area being treated have returned to a highly conductive electrical state, the instrument gives a clear, high-pitched tone and the lighted numbers on the instrument face give a readout consistently over 100. Most patients find it interesting to see and hear this process occur as they are being treated and relief from pain generally occurs at this time or soon after.

The amount of electricity produced by the ACUSCOPE is measured in microamps (Millionths of an amp), an extremely tiny amount of current in comparison to the amount of electricity flowing from a wall socket. It has been scientifically proven that this level of current produces the most beneficial effect on the body’s cells. An ACUSCOPE treatment introduces a gentle battery generated electrical stimulation in patterns similar to and compatible with that which is constantly flowing through every living person and animal.

By definition, the cumulative effect means that each treatment of a given area will take a shorter amount of time ant the pain relief which follow will last longer and longer. Unlike other forms of pain relief, such as therapy with certain drugs, the body does not build up a tolerance to ACUSCOPE treatments. In fact just the opposite effect occurs. Mild current electrical stimulation has been proven (Cheng, 1972) to stimulate the cells to treat the shoulders, neck and back than simply to treat painful wrist, foot, or ankle.

Since the effects are cumulative, each additional ACUSCOPE treatment generally takes less and less time. In other words, the relief will last longer and longer with each additional treatment. The goal, of course, is permanent relief. After the initial series of treatments, many people have permanent pain relief and never need another ELECTRO-ACUSCOPE treatment for the same condition. For some, the relief is more temporary and booster treatments may be needed as often as weekly, or as seldom as one a year. Your physician or therapist will prescribe a maintenance program tailored to your specific case in order to maintain the pain- free state.

ACUSCOPE treatments are usually painless. Some patients will feel a tiny pulse, vibrating, or just a slight stinging like tiny needles lightly pricking the skin. Have no fear. If there is any discomfort whatsoever, simply mention it during treatment and you doctor or therapist will adjust the setting to your comfort. It is not best for you to just "grin and bear it."

During treatment, most patients feel nothing except relief and report only the sensation of general relaxation, warmth or a comfortable tingling in the area being treated.

The probes or electrodes, generally moistened with specially formulated wetting solution, are applied to the surface of the skin. Some patients with swelling and extreme sensitivity to touch may experience some discomfort from the pressure of the probes. Most patients, however, feel only a gentle or firm pressure at the points of contact, or the massaging effect of some of the larger, rounded brass electrodes.

Contact pads may be taped in place to provide extended stimulation to a specific area in need of prolonged treatment. Your hands, feet or other surfaces may be places in contact with the large plates; or you may be treated with a headband or ear clip set to produce overall body relief or relaxation.

There are no true side effects; that is, there are no long-term side effects. Some temporary discomfort may be experienced after the treatment. The possibilities include headache, nausea, and increase pain.

Fortunately these side effects are rare and usually occur, if at all, following the first one to three treatments only.

GOOD NEWS!! Any change, including temporary increased discomfort, is a good sign. It shows change (and you must admit, you could use a change) is going on in your body. Almost everyone who feels some increases in pain immediately or soon after the first treatment has a very good long-term pain relief response.

There are various theories as to why an initial increase in discomfort within 24 hours following the treatment may be experienced.

One explanation is that the increased range of motion (sometimes barely noticeable) which often results from an ACUSCOPE treatment will allow you to use muscles, which have been unused for some time. The pain, which can result, is similar to the effect of over-exercising normal muscles and feeling sore afterwards.

Therefore, what you may feel is the return of your pain with an additional, temporary muscle soreness.

Other theories have been postulated as to why it may hurt more initially. If this happens to you, and you are curious, do not be concerned. Ask your doctor or therapist for his/her opinion as to why this has occurred. And remember the effect is temporary. Relief will follow.

What should I do if the pain increases after treatment?

Should you have the experience of "hurting worse" than before the treatment, be tolerant and patient. Pay attention to how long this effect lasts and report it to your doctor.

Remember: change, however temporary, is a good sign. After a few treatments this therapy reaction will not occur again.

What should I do to help get the best result?

Do not overuse the area immediately after treatment; allow for the treatment to "absorb" and take effect. In other words, if your damaged knee has just been treated and it feels great, don’t go right out jogging.

Be sure to follow whatever program of rest or exercise your doctor or therapist recommends.