What methods have you tried for managing the pain of fibromyalgia, arthritis, inflammation, and chronic illness? What about microcurrent biostimulation? Have you tried PainKare?
A PainKare device is different.
It does use electrical stimulation but it’s not the same thing as a TENS unit. Perhaps you’ve tried TENS technology before.
TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. TENS units have been used in clinical settings and home use for decades. However, this article focuses on a new microcurrent technology.
Here’s the difference.
A TENS unit works by disrupting or intercepting the pain cycle. Through electrical stimulation, a TENS unit can send a sensation through the skin near the site of the pain.[1] These electrical impulses can vary between barely noticeable to definitely noticeable – downright twitchy.
I’ve used TENS technology in my chiropractor’s office and have found it to be helpful.
But microcurrent technology
is NOT the same thing as TENS technology.
Microcurrent technology doesn’t block or interfere with the pain pathway for temporary relief. Instead, it actually stimulates unhealthy cells, putting them into a healing state where cells have an opportunity to recover.
For a great overview on the unit (less than two minutes long), check out this informative PainKare YouTube video.
Additionally, you may wish to check out the PainKare product website.
I’ve certainly put the PainKare unit provided to me through its paces. Fortunately for me (and for others), I’ve been able to use it on myself, my hubby, and unsuspecting visitors. You’ll never know what might happen when you knock on my door. My tai chi group members have used it as well as several clients. Talk about a win/win situation! My clients receive a session from me AND a microcurrent treatment.
Here are my observations:
–While it’s working, it doesn’t feel like it’s working. If you’re used to a TENS unit and you’re waiting for the skin to feel jumpy or twitchy, you can stop waiting. That doesn’t happen. In fact, there’s not much to feel at all.
–I found the hookup and charging of the unit to be simple and easy to use. There are only 3 cords – 1 to each electrode and 1 to plug into a USB adaptor.
–I really love the portability of the unit. I can wear it under clothing and continue my daily activities.
–My hubby has worn it at night and was able to sleep unhindered. As a bonus, he felt significant relief from his weekend warrior backache.
–I love the free PainKare app and enjoy being able to monitor and track my treatments as well as view the informative diagrams and obtain suggestions for electrode placement depending on the pain area. At first, I tried to over-complicate how the app works. I couldn’t figure out how to connect my device to the app until I realized that it’s smarter than I am. Once I turned the PainKare device ON, the app automatically picked up the presence of the device and it synced beautifully.
–Obviously, some treatment areas require a second person to help. It’s difficult (if not impossible) to place the electrodes and turn them on, in the middle of your back, for example. And, it’s worth mentioning that the directions state that the electrode pads should be used (and re-used) for one person only. I’m sure for hygienic purposes, that’s a good idea.
Here’s what I’m not sure about:
I’ve mentioned before that my fibromyalgia pain is minimal, if present at all. While I do still have pain, I think it’s more situational. I find my lower back hurts when I sit for prolonged periods of time (oh the woes – and ow’s – of being a writer!). And, I periodically have temporary pain from a workout, an injury, picking up my grands, or something silly that I’ve done like tripping over Pup.
Recently I’ve had a return of foot and ankle pain from an injury that I had in February of 2015. It took me a couple of days of limping around this past weekend before I thought to use the PainKare unit. I’ve only done two treatments so far, but the pain is diminished and I’ll definitely continue use.
So, what I’m not certain of, is the efficacy on the difference between localized inflammation (an actual injury, strain, or sprain) and the central nervous system processing pain familiar to fibromyalgia. What I can be sure of is that I’ve found relief with the PainKare unit and definitely wish I’d had it 15 years ago when I was in relentless fibromyalgia pain.
That said, I can only mention that the clients and friends who’ve used it – who do experience fibromyalgia pain – have said that they felt improvements in their pain levels.
Personally, I’m pretty impressed and optimistic about the technology used in the PainKare product. In fact, I’m wearing it right now on my lower back. (Maybe it helps me to write more efficiently? I’m all for that.) I love treatments that work at the root level – meaning that they encourage the body to heal on it’s own. That’s always ideal.
Have you ever tried microcurrent technology? What do you think about trying it?
Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
[1]https://www.verywell.com/what-is-tens-and-how-does-it-work-2564548
