Below
is a compilation of the most frequently asked questions. If you have
a question that is not listed below, please feel free to contact
us or call 1-800-567-(PAIN)
7246.
What
is the difference between the ETPS and the TENS
US UNIT?
Both of our electro-therapy units are identical in terms of their parameters,
operation, application and results. The only difference is that in the
U.S.A., FDA approval requires the TENS US UNIT to be manufactured with an
external ground, which we've adapted onto a convenient wristband. The
ETPS is unavailable throughout the United States where only
the TENS US UNIT is FDA approved for purchase and sale. TENS
US UNIT requires
a prescription for patients to purchase.
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Is
it the ETPS like a conventional T.E.N.S. (Transcutaneous Electrical
Nerve Stimulation)?
No. The ETPS is exceptionally different.
ETPS uses
Direct Current (DC) microcurrent stimulation applied via a concentrated
point. Conventional TENS applies Alternating Current (AC) stimulation
at millamperage levels (1000 times stronger and more dangerous than
microcurrent levels) using pads, wires and gels.
ETPS is classified
as a "modified" T.E.N.S., which means it is covered for reimbursement
as a TENS, but it produces much different responses.
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Will
my insurance company pay for the ETPS?
Yes. Most private health plans will cover the purchase cost of the
ETPS,
as it is classified as a T.E.N.S. device. Workers' Compensation and
Veteran's Affairs also cover ETPS’s cost as a modified T.E.N.S.
device. In most cases, a Medical Doctor's prescription is required along
with a short trial. For more information, contact your insurance company
and ask for the reimbursement procedure for T.E.N.S. devices. Or simply
call 1-800-567-PAIN (7246) for further details.
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How
does it work?
The battery-operated ETPS works by sending tiny electrical
impulses to first locate, and then stimulate, both nerve (trigger and
motor) and acupuncture points which relate to a given disorder. When
properly stimulated, these points relax nerve entrapping muscles, improve
circulation, and trigger the release of beta-endorphins - the body's
own painkillers. By activating these natural healing responses,
ETPS
has become the preferred non-pharmacological alternative to aggressive
invasive therapies and toxic pharmaceuticals.
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What
are nerve and acupuncture points?
Nerve or Trigger/Motor points (TP/MP’s)
are tiny, tight bundles of nerve endings located throughout our muscles.
They become tender when a muscle or a related muscle is injured. These
points on the skin display a lowered electrical resistance than the
surrounding tissue, and can be precisely identified and stimulated with
the ETPS.
Traditional acupuncture points lie within a system
of bioenergetic pathways called meridians. While these points are connected
to our internal organs and body tissues, they're often located in areas
with no anatomical relationship to the injury. Acupuncture points will
also manifest the same electrical characteristics that our units are
designed to detect with great accuracy.
While many acupuncture points are nerve points,
and vice versa, the most successful results follow ETPSSM
protocols which combine specific acupuncture and trigger points. Combing
energetic therapies (acupuncture) with muscular and neuropathic therapies
(trigger/motor points) produces synergistic pain relief and functional
outcomes that go well beyond conventional forms of treatment.
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Does
an ETPS have to be applied by a trained specialist?
No. With the ETPS, there’s no need to suffer until the next
therapy treatment. Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of our palm-sized
unit is that it's non-invasive (or needle-free) which makes it very
easy, and safe, to apply. Instead, ETPS relies on electronic impulses
to reproduce the physiological results of traditional acupuncture and
trigger point needling, without the obvious dangers. This means
ETPS can be successfully applied by both novices and experienced professionals
– whenever and wherever the need arises. Every
unit comes with a video and a concise, easy-to-digest treatment manual
-- Natural
Health I. You’ll be amazed at how quickly
you can learn to locate and stimulate the correct points for fast, effective
results. Empower yourself to heal yourself and your friends.
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How
do you find the right treatment point?
The accompanying manual, Natural
Health I, will become your treatment
bible. It clearly illustrates and describes appropriate treatment points
for over 100 different pain disorders. Just turn to the page corresponding
to your pain condition and use your ETPS to locate and treat the
points listed. As for the actual application,
it couldn’t be easier. The tip of the ETPS acts as a point finder
and treatment probe. Glide the tip over the general area of the treatment
points illustrated in Natural
Health I. When the point finder has
successfully located a treatment point, the indicator light near the
tip will activate off and the audible tone will change from a low-pitch
to a high-pitch. Once the correct point is located, relief begins by
pushing the treatment button and holding for 15-30 seconds. Sensation
during treatment will vary from a mild "pin prick" to a strong,
pulsing or tingling-like sensation known as "De Chi" in acupuncture.
Hypersensitive or active points often will feel "warm" or "needle-like".
These responses are very favorable and will all activate the body’s
natural healing processes. Points which feel the strongest will always
produce the most favorable responses.
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How
can I reach every treatment point throughout my body?
Treatment points on the arms, legs,
face and torso are easily treated with the hand-held Acuhealth. For
those harder-to-reach areas, an extension probe is attached to the
ETPS,
which permits the user to locate and treat points behind the neck and
back. Using this system, treatment points may be conveniently and safely
located throughout the body.
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Is
the ETPS difficult to use?
We think you'll find that both our self-help unit and our systematic
approach to pain management are extremely user-friendly. To hasten the
learning curve, we include an instructional video and an easy-to-follow
treatment guide with every ETPS. For additional questions or
advice, we provide a toll-free support line where professionals and
patients may speak to an experienced therapist.
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Is
the ETPS safe?
The ETPS is battery-operated and very safe. It produces stimulation
in the low microcurrent range, hundreds of times less than conventional
TENS. ETPS may be applied facially, to children (not infants under
2 years old), and to the elderly to benefit their health and chronic
pain.
Contraindications:
Patients who are pregnant, have cancer, are epileptic (or prone to seizures)
or fitted with cardiac pacemakers, should NOT use the
ETPS.
For further information, please contact
us.
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How
effective is the ETPS for pain relief?
Across the board, the majority of patients, therapists and doctors have
reported excellent relief (50-75% range) within 1-4 treatments.
Most patients respond favourably, and some respond remarkably. Properly
applied, almost every patient will receive benefits with this form of
therapy.
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How
long does the ETPS take to relieve pain?
In many cases, this powerful therapy can provide instant symptomatic
pain relief within minutes of application. Chronic or severe conditions
may require repeated treatments over several days or weeks before significant
progress is noted.
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How
long does the relief from pain last?
The relief from pain can last anywhere from a few hours, to days or
even weeks after one application. The average first response is 24-72
hours, with results usually cumulative with each successive treatment.
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What
can be treated with the ETPS?
Whether you are looking to relieve pain, reduce muscular tenderness/tightness,
combat insomnia or PMS, or simply wish to re-energize and bring your
body back into balance, the ETPS will provide quick and effective
results. If desired results are not received the
ETPS may be
returned for a full refund (minus shipping-within 30 days).
Over 100 conditions are detailed in our manuals.
To view a sample, go to Natural
Health I -Pain Management or Natural
Health II- Health Maintenance. REMEMBER:
It is always important that you have an accurate diagnosis of your condition
by a Medical Doctor or therapist before you begin treatment with the
ETPS system.
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How
will I feel after a treatment?
Like exercise or massage, treatment with the ETPS releases
the biochemicals responsible for that warm, euphoric feeling known as
"runner's high". Some patients also experience mild stiffness, which
is a positive signal that the muscles are realigning, and the body is
being brought back into balance.
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Can
you overdo it?
It is very difficult to overdue treatment if you follow our instructions.
We advise against treating more than once per day (at the beginning)
and no more than 15-20 points per application. Highly sensitive conditions
such as migraines and fibromyalgia, should be treated with the calming
(parasympathetic) points first, to ensure the most successful outcomes.
For the highest rate of safety and success, always consult the accompanying
manual Natural
Health I -Pain Management, or call our
toll free Acumed support line (1-800-567-7246) for professional advice.
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What
does the medical profession say about ETPS?
Health practitioners all over the world are discovering the benefits
of ETPS’s pain relieving abilities. The
ETPS, combined
with our protocols (called ETPSSM Therapy),
is now helping many thousands of patients in hospitals, pain and physical
therapy clinics manage their pain. For professional feedback on clinical
outcomes, take a look at our
testimonials page.
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