DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENTS
CONDITIONS TREATED
In the following section we consider the various medical conditions which can be treated with the NEUROCARE 1000/4P. For convenience and because of similarity we have established three broad medical categories namely soft-tissue, blood circulation and atrophy.
SOFT TISSUE DAMAGE
Which we define as any form of trauma to muscles, tendons and ligaments. The word strain is normally applied to muscles and tendons and sprain to ligaments. Typical conditions are usually described using some or all of the following terms:
SPORTS INJURIES, BACK PAIN, SHOULDER PAIN, FROZEN SHOULDER, NECK PAIN, WHIPLASH, PULLED MUSCLE, GROIN STRAIN, MUSCLE STRAIN, REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY, CARPAL TUNNEL, SPRAIN ANKLE, TWISTED KNEE, TENNIS ELBOW, POST SURGICAL RECOVERY, MUSCLE SPASM, TMJ, THIGH STRAIN, HAMSTRING.
DISCUSSION
Whenever trauma occurs in soft tissue, the body's natural healing mechanism is the circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids. Following the trauma event and during the healing process inflammation and swelling will be apparent often accompanied by bruising and of course, pain. During the healing process careful exercise of the soft-tissue affected will be beneficial but is often prevented by the pain.
Should such trauma occur in persons who are normally relatively immobile the natural healing of the wound by exercise may not be possible. Such patients may also have some degree of atrophy associated with their immobility.
For all patients suffering soft tissue damage as described, the NEUROCARE 1000/4P will effectively treat their condition. Results are achieved by working the injured muscle fiber. The intensity of the treatment can be controlled directly by the patient. Broadly speaking the more voltage (up-to 440 volts) which is applied to the muscles around the wound site the more therapeutic (effective) will the treatment be. The operating manual describes the best placement of electrodes on the body and how to adjust voltage for optimum results. Each treatment episode is normally of 45 minutes and up to 3-4 treatments a day can be undertaken.
The electrical output of the NEUROCARE 1000/4P is the crucial difference between this device and all other electrical muscle stimulators which generally have a voltage out-put of around 120volts which is not only insufficient to achieve the required degree of muscle recruitment for therapeutic treatment but at 90 milliamps of current can also be very painful.
BLOOD CIRCULATION
Compromised circulation is normally experienced at the extremities of the body, i.e. hands and feet and particularly in diabetic patients is associated with nerve damage. Symptoms are coldness in the body areas affected diminishing sensation of touch, lack of healthy skin colour and fluid retention particular in the legs and ankles. Typical conditions are usually described using some or all of the following terms:
SWOLLEN FOOT, SWOLLEN LEGS, DIABETIC FOOT, NEUROPATHY, EDEMA, BEDSORES, ULCERS, FLUID RETENTION, PAINFUL FEET, NUMBNESS IN FEET, POST SURGICAL RECOVERY, SCIATICA, GENERAL PAIN RELIEF, WOUND HEALING, PAIN MANAGEMENT.
DISCUSSION
Neuropathy is a progressive condition usually associated with poor control of blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Diabetes is directly related to poor diet, excess body fat and insufficient exercise. Elevated blood sugar levels lead to progressive nerve damage usually in the feet and lower legs which overtime radically reduces sensitivity. This condition is dangerous and requires that particular attention be given to foot health. Despite the progressive reduction in
skin surface sensitivity, most diabetics will also suffer from various sensations of debilitating pain in the feet. Diminishing circulation is a potentially dangerous condition since a key part of the body's natural healing system is weakened.
When ulcers occur it is important to seek urgent medical attention and treatment, Conventional treatment is largely reliant on frequent changes of wound dressings. Ulcers typically take anything from several weeks to several months to cure; many never finally cure. During the curing period there is a high risk of the wound becoming infected. Poor circulation inhibits the passage of antibiotics/medication across the wound site to clear the infection. According to the Charity Diabetes U.K. approximately 5,000 amputations occur each year at considerable cost both to the NHS and to the patients future prospects.
In cases of ulceration wound healing treatment with the NEUROCARE 1000/4P will radically improve blood circulation in the nerve damaged area. Improved blood flow across the wound site will accelerate healing. If medication is necessary to treat infection it will be more successfully transported to the wound site.
The improvement in circulation can relieve the symptoms of neuropathy. Many patients report a reversal of the deadening process and a considerable degree of sensitivity will returned. Nearly all patients report a reduction or elimination of foot pain. In several case studies patients who were schedule for amputation have been return to normal foot health.
The section above describes wound healing with the NEUROCARE 1000/4P in diabetics. Similar results are obtained with other forms of ulceration for example bedsores and the use of the NEUROCARE 1000/4P adjacent to an operation wound site will rapidly reduce post-surgical inflammation and expedite operation wound healing thus reducing hospital length of stay and associated cost and greatly improving the patient experience.
ATROPHY
Which we define as the progressive loss of muscle tissue mass and strength. In order to maintain vitality muscles need to work. Immobility will eventually cause loss of tissue and weaken the muscle. Age related atrophy could be considered a normal part of the ageing process. However, immobility brings risk of other conditions, such as bedsores and DVT. Immobility through hospitalisation brings particular risks for older people. Typical conditions are usually described using one or more of the following terms:
DVT/TRAVEL, MUSCLE WASTING, ATROPHY, BLOOD CLOTTING, THROMBOSIS, VENOUS HYPERTENSION, CAST INDUCED ATROPHY AND DISUSE ATROPHY, IMMOBILITY
DISCUSSION
Atrophy occurs as a consequence of many conditions. It is strongly related to either temporary or permanent immobility of a muscle group. A good example of a temporary condition leading to atrophy would be the placing of a plaster cast around a broken or fractured limb. More permanent atrophy occurs in patients immobile due for example to stroke, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis.
In all of the above situations treatment with the NEUROCARE 1000/4P will improve the vitality of atrophied muscle. The rebuilding of muscle bulk and strength will help in regaining mobility. Revitalised muscle will assist blood circulation both during treatment and thereafter, lessening the risk of DVT.
Regained mobility and accompanying dexterity is a crucial component of self-sufficiency enabling older people to remain in their homes and look after themselves which is generally preferred to hospitalisation and residence in nursing homes.
Regular treatment with the NEUROCARE 1000/4P will restore muscle strength and if thereafter occasional further treatments are given, the beneficial effects can be maintained.
DVT - It is often considered that long periods of immobility during travel particularly by plane can increase the risk of developing DVT. Such risks can be lessened by walking in the plane isle. Travellers can also exercise whilst seated by pulling the toes towards the knees or by pressing the balls of the feet down whilst raising the heal. The NEUROCARE 1000/4P can also be used pre and post travel and included within the product line are battery powered units which can be use during travel.