Physical Analgesia: Methods, Mechanisms and Algorithms for Post-Operative Pain

Abstract

Physical analgesia is the application of physical modalities for pain relief. Our objective is to present the potential of some physical factors and correspondent methods of application; and to explain their mechanisms of action. For pain reduction we use: low and middle frequency electric currents (e.g. TENS, interferential currents), electrostatic field (Deep oscillation), magnetic field, light (including Laser), some mineral waters and peloids, physiotherapy (e.g. analytic exercises, mechanotherapy, post-isometric relaxation, massage), reflexotherapy (e.g. acupuncture, acupressure). In rehabilitation practice, we use reflectory connections between the surface of the body and the internal organs (cutaneous-visceral, subcutaneous-visceral, proprio-visceral, periostal-visceral). The theory of Melzack and Wall for gate-control explains some effects of physical factors. We propose our own theory for explanation of mechanisms of physical analgesia. We propose our concept about rehabilitation algorithms in diseases of the nervous and locomotor systems, accentuating on conditions after surgical intervention (neurosurgical and orthopedic operations, including joint endoprosthesis and limb amputations). We present some of our own results in patients with post-operative pain.