~1.jpg&newwidth=80 "Jeanine Clancy")
Written by Jeanine Clancy, MEd, BSN, RN
Living with chronic pain is an unfortunate reality for people worldwide. A recent national survey indicated that more than 20% of adults reported experiencing chronic pain in the past three months, and 7.4% of those respondents reported a high-impact level of pain that frequently interrupted life or work activities. Everyone living with pain deserves a safe and effective remedy, but unfortunately, it is not always as simple as seeing a doctor and taking medication. In addition, commonly prescribed pain medications can come with their problems, including unwanted side effects or the risk of drug dependency.
Many people seeking relief look for an alternative to prescription painkillers but may need more than standard over-the-counter options. Pain Management Technologies, PMT, can offer solutions. They make products specifically designed to treat chronic pain without pharmaceuticals. Please continue reading to look into the types of products they manufacture.
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Deep tissue massage is a well-established remedy for individuals dealing with chronic muscle pain. But, of course, this type of treatment requires access to a massage therapist, which can be expensive if done regularly. One possible solution might be switching over to a handheld massage gun.
The massage gun is a battery-operated device designed to apply percussion and vibration to specific areas to improve muscle flexibility and decrease pain. Most massage guns fit in the palm of your hand and come with various attachments to target particular body areas.
Like deep tissue massage, percussion and pressure promote blood circulation in the affected area. In addition, this therapy can release knots in the muscle and help relieve stress and strain. Professional athletes widely use this technology to recover from training or competition, but non-athletes can benefit. It is essential to talk with your care team before considering this type of treatment because certain conditions, such as bone fracture, might not be well suited to massage gun use.
 | Ice Therapy Machine with Portable Design for Cryotherapy - Polar Vortex View Product |
While it may sound like something out of science fiction, cryotherapy is relatively simple and commonplace. In fact, in pain management, 'cryotherapy' refers to the application of cold as a therapeutic agent. The last time you put ice on a sore joint, you were practicing cryotherapy to some extent. Devices such as the PMT product linked below greatly enhance the cold application experience and allow for more precise treatment.
The exact pain reduction mechanism from cryotherapy is uncertain. However, plausible theories involve reducing inflammation/edema, oxidative stress, and nerve transmission in pain fibers. Experts also believe cold therapy can reduce swelling by constricting the vessels, thus reducing blood flow to the affected area. Other experts maintain that the cold from cryotherapy reduces the velocity of nerve transmission in pain fibers which produces an analgesic effect.
In any case, cryotherapy at home decreases inflammation and reduces pain for many users. Cryotherapy devices generally involve a pump that continuously cycles ice cold water from a reservoir to a soft pad. Then, the individual applies it to the affected joint or area.
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Another high-tech pain intervention offered by the team at Pain Management Technologies comes in infrared light therapy. Infrared or IR is one of the more recent electricity-based pain management technology developments. IR therapy devices convert electricity into infrared energy and administer that energy at a specific wavelength. Unfortunately, this treatment creates a warming sensation in the application area, so it may not suit some skin conditions. Outside of that, however, IR is very safe.
Research in this area has been fascinating. IR therapy has already shown promise in the areas of improved wound healing, treating arthritic joint pain, and as a means to increase endorphins. Studies of back pain treated with infrared therapy have also been encouraging. Evidence suggests that this type of treatment may reduce chronic back pain by as much as 50%.
Infrared therapy can be delivered in different ways, either through a handheld device or a wearable wrap. The Infrarex light therapy wand linked here is an example of the former.
 | Vibration Plate for Vibration Therapy with 30 Speeds and IR Remote for Neuropathy, Circulation, and Pain Relief - Quake Plate by PMT View Product |
Having a foot massage may sound like a rare indulgence, but should it be? Like how deep tissue massage might be indicated for muscular pain, a foot massage can provide relief directly to the area with the added benefit of overall anxiety reduction. For example, in a study of the effects of foot massage on patients directly after heart surgery, findings indicated that massage significantly decreased pain intensity and anxiety among this population. This technique suggests that foot massage doesn't just reduce pain in the feet. It can have a holistic benefit to the whole body.
Again, much like the case of deep tissue massage, access to regular foot massages from a therapist can be cost-prohibitive. A great alternative, however, is an electric foot massage device. Models vary widely, but one basic design involves a textured vibrating plate positioned under the soles of the feet. The percussion and vibration from the device will enrich blood flow and work to reduce swelling and discomfort.
 | Thermacycle Hot and Cold Therapy Water Circulating Mattress Pad by PMT View Product |
Anyone who has experienced the stress of being unable to sleep due to temperature knows that there are only so many blankets you can add or remove. Imagine if you could go straight to the source and control the bed's temperature to keep your sleeping surface cool in the summer and warm in the winter. This process is precisely the idea behind a water circulating mattress pad to create the perfect sleeping climate through thermoregulation.
This device consists of a base heating/cooling unit and a medical-grade sleeping pad on top of the mattress. Users can control the temperature at the click of a button to keep a consistent temperature throughout the night.
Whether you are interested in infrared or electrical stimulation, targeted massage, or even advanced cryogenic technologies, PMT has a product that will suit your needs. First, look at our extensive list of Pain Management Technologies products. Next, keep a constant temperature throughout the night. Chronic pain often makes sleeping even more difficult, but quality rest is essential for recovery and effective treatment. A thermoregulating mattress pad, such as the Thermacycle from PMT, can help patients suffering from chronic pain rest more easily.
 | Electro Muscle Stimulator - TENS / EMS Combo Unit - Quad Stim Plus View Product |
TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. This device is the most common type of electric stimulation device, and it is intended for temporary pain relief for sore or aching muscles. TENS units consist of a small, battery-powered device that uses attached electrodes to administer alternating current to the painful or inflamed area. This electric current blocks the transmission of pain signals from that area to your brain, thus alleviating painful sensations.
TENS therapy has been used for many years and has proven a safe and effective option for non-narcotic, non-invasive pain management. Use in the home is simple. The TENS unit offers handheld controls once you apply electrodes to the target area. Some models, like the Quad Stim Plus, linked below, provide the additional benefit of an EMS setting. This acronym stands for electrical muscle stimulation, another type of electrical stimulation therapy popular with athletes.
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Traction orthotics is a relatively unique category within pain management devices. 'Orthotics' refers to any brace or support used on the limbs or spine. Many companies specialize in the orthotic design, but traction orthotics are even more specific. Traction is using tension or pressure to pull the body into certain positions or keep muscle groups stretched.
In the case of cervical traction, the device stretches neck muscles to reduce spasms and decrease pain. Traction Orthotics are wearable traction devices designed to stabilize the neck and relieve pain. The system adjusts with a pneumatic pump for customized pressure, and a manual pump allows the wearable neck brace to inflate and maintain constant pressure across the painful area.
Chronic pain can present in many different ways and come from various sources. However, it becomes a significant problem when chronic pain negatively impacts daily life activities. Therefore, it is essential for individuals living with this debilitating pain to understand what treatment options are available.
While many existing pain management treatments are pharmaceutical, medications can come with the added danger of addiction. Pain Management Technologies is a company that recognizes the large population of patients who are looking for alternative solutions without sacrificing efficacy. Their products leverage advanced medical technology to provide non-invasive treatment modalities at an affordable price.
>> Shop Red Light Therapy Handheld <<
Jeanine has been a nurse for twenty-seven years with an extensive background in perioperative services, school/community health, quality/education, and leadership/administrative roles. Jeanine creates high-quality health content and is a mom (to 4 fabulous kids), dog mom, and avid hiker.
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