Additional treatments
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS unit
(also called electrotherapy), involves placing an external
device over the skin that applies low-voltage electricity
via electrodes. Generally, TENS units are applied for
moderate to moderately severe acute to subacute pain,
and for some people they may be effective for chronic
pain as well.
Exercises supervised by a physical therapist and/or
occupational therapist and eventually performed independently
may be beneficial to help rehabilitate weakened muscles
and prevent injury, as well as to develop and maintain
flexibility and aerobic conditioning.
Finally, because of the profoundly devastating effect
that chronic, intractable pain can have on all aspects
of one’s life - physical, psychological, emotional—it
is often beneficial for patients to participate in psychological
counseling.
Some psychologists specialize in helping patients manage
chronic pain through use of biofeedback, imaging techniques,
meditation, and other methods. Developing useful psychological
tools and techniques can help a patient feel more empowered,
with a greater sense of control over their pain, which
can ultimately lead to a better outcome.
By: Ralph
F. Rashbaum, MD
June 27, 2001
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