Empi Active Manual - How Does Empi Active Work?
EMPI Active User Guide
EMPI Active User Guide
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How does Empi Active work?
What is pain?
Pain is an unpleasant sensation that can serve a useful purpose by alerting us to
a possible or actual injury or disease. When the body is functioning normally, pain
serves as a warning device that something is not right. Without pain a person would
not know when to get away from danger or seek medical help. But pain becomes
a problem when it continues after treatment has started or long after an injury is
healed. There are two types of pain: acute and chronic. Acute pain is limited in dura-
tion. Typical examples are sprains, incisional pain, and muscle strain. This type of
pain is typically associated with workplace or recreational injuries. Chronic pain, on
the other hand, is a long-lasting, persistent pain that ceases to serve as a warn-
ing device and becomes a problem. The Empi Active device was developed to help
relieve some types of both acute and chronic pain.
What is TENS?
TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. Pain, whether chronic
(long-term) or acute (short-term), can be relieved through a variety of methods,
including drugs, topical ointments, surgery, and electrical stimulation. TENS devices
deliver electrical pulses through the skin to the cutaneous (surface) and afferent
(deep) nerves to control pain. Unlike drugs and topical ointments, TENS does not
have any systemic side effects.
How does TENS control pain?
Empi Active pain control uses a patented SMP (simple modulated pulse) waveform
designed to maximize pain relief in two ways. One is the gate control mechanism.
When the body is injured, both pain and non-pain impulses are sent to the brain
from the nervous system. These pulses travel through nerves in your skin to deeper
nerves, and then to the spinal cord and brain. Along the path are many areas referred
to as “gates”. These gates determine which impulses are allowed to continue on
to the brain. The gates prevent the brain from receiving too much information too
quickly. Since the same nerve cannot carry a pain and a non-pain impulse at the
same time, the stronger, non-pain impulse from the Empi Active device
“controls the gate”.
The other mechanism of pain control is endorphin release. The Empi Active device
can trigger the body’s natural pain killers, called endorphins. These chemicals
interact with receptors, blocking the perception of pain. This is similar to the way the
pharmaceutical drug, morphine works, but without morphine’s side effects.
No matter which pain control mechanism is employed, Empi Active has been proven
useful in pain management. By reading this manual and carefully following the treat-
ment instructions provided by your clinician, you can receive maximum benefit from
your Empi Active device.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I wear my Empi Active?
Please follow directions provided by your clinician.
Can I wear my Empi Active to bed?
No. Do not wear your Empi Active while sleeping. There is a danger that the
electrode or specialized wrap may become disconnected from the device.
Can I wear my Empi Active while driving?
No. See the “Precautions” section of this user guide.
How should I care for electrodes/specialized wrap?
Follow the instructions provided on the packaging for these products as well
as on the box that your Empi Active came in.
Prescribing Information
Introduction
You should use electrical stimulation only under medical supervision to manage
specific conditions. Read, understand, and practice the precautionary and operating
instructions in this user guide. Know the limitations and hazards associated with the
Empi Active pain control device. Observe all precautions and warnings on the device
and in this manual.
Indications
TENS devices are indicated for:
Symptomatic relief and management of chronic, intractable pain.
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Adjunctive treatment for post-surgical and post-trauma acute pain.
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Relief of pain associated with arthritis.
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Contraindications
TENS treatments should not be used in any of the following situations:
Cardiac pacemakers: Do not use this device if the patient has a demand type
cardiac pacemaker or any implanted defibrillator.
Transcerebral stimulation: Do not apply electrical stimulation transcerebrally
(through the head).
Carotid sinus: Do not use electrical stimulation over the carotid sinus
nerves (throat).
Unknown etiology: Do not use this device when pain syndromes are undiagnosed.
Use only after origin of pain has been diagnosed.
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