A pain relief device refers to an instrument that is applied directly to an area on the body to bring relief from muscle or joint pain. Typically, a pain relief device will be powered by a battery or batteries, although some devices run on electrical house current. A pain relief device may also incorporate infrared heating to provide warmth and stimulate increased blood flow and circulation to an injured or sore body part. These devices can be used by patients who suffer from illnesses that cause chronic pain, or individuals who suffer an acute injury to a muscle or joint area.
Most often, a pain relief device can be purchased for home use. Typically sold at retail stores, they can also be found at medical supply stores or they can be specially ordered. Many of these are also used in rehabilitation centers, where they are incorporated into a therapy program for patients receiving various treatments.
Most of these beneficial devices are small and offer portability for travel and mobility. It is most common to find such a device in a hand-held model. Many of these helpful gadgets feature multiple speed settings and the option to use heat or massage.
For use on larger areas of the body, such as the back, a pain relief device may be in the form of a large pad. Others incorporate the use of energy waves to relief aches and pain, and to stimulate nerve endings and offer deep-tissue pain relief. These are often used to help patients with symptoms of tendinitis, bursitis, arthritis, and various chronic diseases and conditions.
Many people use pain relief devices for carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel can affect areas of the wrist, when the median nerve is compressed through repetitive strain. By using such a device, mobility can be restored and pain may be alleviated. Individuals who suffer from other injuries caused by repetitive strain often choose to use a pain relief device to control symptoms.
Electrotherapy is another treatment that might be delivered via a pain relief device. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators, sometimes called TENS, often use electrical current in a minimal frequency to help with localized pain. To use this type of device, a patient would attach small nodules or electrodes to the surface of the skin. Depending on where the pain is located, the patient may employ the use of several of these nodules over different parts of the body.
Cold laser pain relief devices are another variation for pain relief. A cold laser device may be used to help control symptoms of inflammation. Also known as biostimulation lasers or therapeutic lasers, these devices are sometimes used in acupuncture treatment. The types of lasers that are used may vary.