Although PAT is extremely easy to use, treatments will vary according to the condition that created the pain. Consider that your pain is in your elbow. However, before simply putting electrodes at your elbow, be aware we must consider that the pain may be caused by compression of the nerve coming off the spinal cord which goes to the elbow that may create pain in the elbow. In this case, it is logical that we treat the nerve at the spinal cord rather than treat the elbow. But we must be detectives in determining the source of the pain. If the person is a tennis player, a golfer or a carpenter, the pain may be from tendinitis or bursitis. That’s when we treat at the elbow.
But don’t worry, we are here to help you. I am putting together an information table that will be available soon which will help a lot!
Generally, you can simply prepare the skin over any painful area by using a wet paper towel or washcloth and rubbing the skin to remove any dead skin or debris. Then place one electrode over the most painful area and the other on nearby skin.
This will actually give you a very good result without going through the suggestions we make to maximize your treatment. However, some painful conditions, especially ones that are chronic (long standing) should receive the full treatment as suggested as it will get the quickest and most thorough relief of your pain.
*Things to consider for different types of painful problems:
- For acute pain, that is, less than 48 hours old such as a sprain or bruised muscle or tendon, use an ice or cold pack for 10-15 minutes maximum (so as not to damage the skin from the cold). This will help decrease inflammation in the tissues as well as temporarily numb any pain. It will also stop any bleeding within the tissues from cell damage.
- For more chronic (long standing) painful areas it is usually more comfortable to use a heat pack. Even so, some people love the feel of the ice and that is fine.
- Release of metabolites: There is an unusual problem that occasionally occurs with chronic painful conditions which is caused from tissue damage and then the area not being moved either because of pain or muscle spasm. When this occurs the surrounding tissue become full of the products of the metabolism that the tissues continue to produce. When the PAT treatment begins to normalize the surrounding tissue, these waste products (such as lactic acid) are released into the tissues and some painful aching may occur. This is a one- time occurrence so it should only be felt after the first treatment session.
- For referred pain-that is pain created from another area which affects the nerve(s) which travel to another area. For example: sciatic nerve pain will often hurt at the mid buttock (sciatic notch) but the sciatic nerve can be irritated and felt throughout its length down into the leg. The pain is in the leg but the treatment should be at the sciatic notch. This is not always easy to determine. For more specifics, our blog should be very helpful.