A muscle spasm after workouts puts a cramp in continued exercise or mindfulness. Taking drugs to relieve pain often defeats the mindful awareness gained from the activity. Modern day equipment can help bypass the need for drugs in the form of personal home TENS units or even laser therapy for muscle pain.
TENS Unit Applied after Yoga
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is the use of mild electrical jolts or stimulation to the affected muscle or nerve by blocking the reception of the pain to the brain. The home device is usually battery operated and works by placing the electrode or pad on the body part in pain, usually the back or thigh or neck. Endorphins are stimulated to help alleviate the muscle distress. The pad from the unit is placed on the thigh or on the low back area where the spasm or pain is felt. This is a therapy retraining or recycling the pain channels, not an instantaneous cure
Lasers for Muscle Pain After Exercise
Lasers have gained popularity for surgical and non-surgical procedures as well as cosmetic treatments. The theory in pain relief is the energy from the laser helps heal microscopic tears in muscles which have created the pain and spasms of chronic or of acute muscle pain. The laser increases circulation to the area that in turn increases the speed of healing. Lasers are either high or low power depending on need. Some offer both high and low power.
While home TENS units can be inexpensive starting at less than $50, a good home laser may run over $2000. Since lasers are promoted for everything from skin care to muscle pain relief, starting with a professional operated device and eventually branching out to self-care if necessary is an advisable option. There is no such thing as an effective cheap laser at this time.
Other Non-Pill Modalities for Pain Relief
Cold, alternating with heat, should be the first line of defense for treating muscle spasm and pain. This can be in the form of moist or dry heat. Cold can be moist cold compresses or ice wrapped in a rag. Some prefer icy gels to rub on the muscle. Kwan Loong Oil sold in Asian markets is a physical therapy staple for some. Massage or acupuncture may help. Resting the muscle also aids relaxing the spasm. Treatments for Charley horse leg spasms are described as well as sciatic pain relief with yoga. If these fail, purchasing a home tens unit may be just the relief needed. If no relief is obtained seek medical attention and ask about laser treatments before taking a pain pill or pain shot.
References
Effect of phototherapy on delayed onset muscle soreness. Douris P, Southard V, Ferrigi R, Grauer J, Katz D, Nascimento C, Podbielski P.accessed September 27 2010
The Journal of Pain, Electrical muscle stimulation 2(5) P 295-300 October 2001
Amy Andersen - Amy Andersen, MSN, ARNP, family & pediatrics certified, practices yoga and explores the inter-relationships of mind body fitness and ...
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