Neuropathic pain can be debilitating, crippling, and even fatal for some patients. Treatments for neuropathic pain commonly include nonpharmacological therapies, medications, and invasive procedures such as spinal-cord stimulation. Conventional pain medications may mask the symptoms associated with neuropathy; however, they are sometimes associated with significant side effects and addiction profiles. Many patients have moderate to severe pain and may require chronic use of multiple medications, which may lead to undesirable adverse reactions and, ultimately, poor patient compliance. Pain is one of the primary reasons patients seek medical attention. If it is improperly controlled, quality of life can be affected, resulting in decreased productivity at work, sleep deprivation, or anxiety or depression.
What happens with the nerves when you have neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a result of damage to the nerves often causing weakness, pain, numbness,tingling, and balance problems. This damage is commonly caused by a lack of blood flow to the nerves in the hands and feet which causes the nerves to begin to degenerate due to lack of nutrient flow.
We use the ReBuilder, a noninvasive hand-held device approved by the FDA, for the treatment of pain. This treatment device was designed based on the premise that oxygen deficiency is responsible for physical atrophy of nerve cells, which leads to the enlargement of the synaptic junction between the axon of one cell and the dendrites of the next. As a result, it is more difficult for normal-intensity electrical impulses to jump across this synaptic gap, ultimately causing neuropathy. The ReBuilder is designed to circumvent this gap by waking up dormant nerve cells, relaxing shrinking nerve cells, and restoring normal plus/minus polarity along the nerve axons and dendrites.
How does the Rebuilder works?
The ReBuilder works simultaneously on three separate levels: stimulation of the nerves, stimulation of the muscles, and combined electrostimulation. The first signal is designed to stimulate the nerves by sending an electrical impulse with a very narrow wave-form and a relatively high transient voltage: 40 to 90 volts AC. This signal restores the nerve function and repolarizes synaptic junctions.
The second signal stimulates the muscles by a different, wider waveform with a larger subthreshold amount of current under the curve and a much smaller voltage (5 to 20 AC).4 Simultaneously stimulating the muscles of the feet, calves, thighs, and buttocks, the ReBuilder evokes complete relaxation between each contraction stimulus. This increases the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the synaptic junctions, affording effective and efficient conduction of nerve signals. Combined electro stimulation uses twin electrical signals to stimulate the nerves and muscle cells.
The manufacturer states that the twin electrical signals cause the brain to release endorphins, inducing a sense of well-being and reducing anxiety as well as physical and emotional trauma. Reduction of pain will lead to improvement in patient compliance and quality of life. Additionally, the Rebuilder features a simultaneous weighted DC signal designed to stabilize the trigger threshold that regulates the sensitivity of the nerve cell. By sending this constant DC signal, the resting potential is held at a fixed voltage long enough for the cell to stabilize itself and regain control.
Benefits of the Rebuilder Therapy
- Relieves Chronic Pain
- Boosts Circulation
- Increases Muscle Strength
- Relax Muscle Spasms
- Increase range of motion
The Rebuilder relieves painful symptoms related to:
- Neuropathy
- Diabetic nerve pain
- Intermittent Claudication
- Peripheral Vascular Disease
- Post Surgical Recovery
- Plantar Fascitis
- Carpal tunnel
Efficacy of the Rebuilder
Rebuilder Medical, Inc. conducted an internal feedback study evaluating 450 cases. This study observed several different factors to determine the success rate in patients, including average pain level, highest level of pain, and improvement in quality of life. Initially and at the end of 10 treatment sessions, the average pain level was calculated. Observations indicate an average reduction in pain by 27.35% and an increase in quality of life by 81.14%. A decrease in symptoms was reported by 95.76% of patients, and 74.56% of patients felt immediate relief after the first session.
Although several pharmacologic modalities may be employed to address neuropathic pain, pain control may not be achieved in all patients. The Rebuilder shows promise for pain mitigation and increased overall quality of life.