1 4 . H O W T O U S E T H E W I R E L E S S P R O F E S S I O N A L O N S P E C I F I C
I N D I C AT I O N S
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WIRELESS PROFESSIONAL
14.10.1 endorphinic treatment of cervical pain
Chronic contractures of the levator scapulae and/or superior trapezius are often responsible for the painful
symptoms in patients with neck pain. The use of endorphinic treatment on these contractured muscles is
thus the treatment of choice for this condition.
However, it must be ensured that the stimulation energy levels are sufficient to obtain clearly visible
muscle twitches (leading to a marked hyperaemic effect) so that the acid metabolites swamping the
capillary bed of the contractured muscle can be drained away.
This treatment should be continued for at least ten sessions in order to restore the capillary network,
which is usually atrophic in chronically contractured muscles.
14.10.1.1 Protocol
Cervical pain: 10 to 12 weeks
14.10.1.2 treatment frequency
Three to five sessions per week for two to three weeks (10 to 12 sessions in total).
Each session should last at least 20 minutes. Ideally, it may be beneficial to carry out two successive
stimulation sessions with the Neck pain programme, ensuring a ten-minute rest period is taken between
the two sessions to allow the stimulated muscles to recover.
14.10.1.3 electrode position
Depending on the location of the pain (unilateral or bilateral), one or two stimulation channels are used:
• A small electrode is placed on the most painful point that can be found by palpation. In most cases this
point of maximum contracture is found in the levator scapulae or superior trapezius.
• In the case of bilateral pain, another small electrode is likewise placed on the most painful point. For
optimum effectiveness, the positive pole of each channel should preferably be positioned on the painful
area.
One or two small electrodes are placed on the cervical paravertebral muscles at C3 - C4 level.