The ELFcare system brings together heat therapy, cold
therapy and electrotherapy in synergy on the same
electrode surface. The ELFcareTM can be
programmed to combine thermotherapy (constant heat, constant cold
or alternating between hot and cold) and different electrotherapy
stimulations in order to provide high quality performance in pain
management and rehabilitation.
The use of Cold
Therapy
Cold
therapy is the best immediate treatment for acute injuries because
it reduces swelling and pain. Cold is a vaso-constrictor (it causes
the blood vessels to narrow) and it limits internal bleeding at the
injury site. Cold therapy is also helpful in treating some overuse
injuries or chronic pain in athletes. An athlete who has chronic
knee pain that increases after running may want to ice the injured
area after each run to reduce or prevent
inflammation.
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The use of Heat
Therapy
Heat is generally used for chronic injuries or injuries that
have no inflammation or swelling. Sore, stiff, nagging muscle or
joint pain is ideal for the use of heat therapy. Athletes with
chronic pain or injuries may use heat therapy before exercise to
increase the elasticity of joint connective tissues and to
stimulate blood flow. Heat can also help relax tight muscles or
muscle spasms.
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Electrotherapy:
Electrotherapy has three major clinical benefits: the
reduction of pain, the stimulation of healing and the reduction in
recovery time.
Pain reduction occurs because the applied electrical
fields act to close the body's "pain gate mechanism". That is, pain
signals are blocked from reaching the brain so that the patient
never experiences them. In addition, electrical stimulation causes
the body to produce more endorphins - pain reducing chemicals made
naturally by the body.
Electrotherapy Stimulation also activates the body's motor
nerves. This results in increased blood flow and reduced edema
(excess fluid). Electrotherapy is safe and has no
known side effects.
Electrotherapy is not recommended, however, for patients
with pacemakers or pregnant women. Consult your doctor with
questions regarding these conditions.