By Beatriz Gallagher, PhD, CNSETPS (Electro Therapeutic Point Stimulation) is a Neuro-Mechanical Acupuncture which does not use needles as traditional acupuncture does. It is the newest form of therapy being used to combat chronic pain and acute pain. Is a non-invasive therapy applying concentrated form of low frequency to acupuncture points, to motor/trigger points and also on contracted muscles with the help of a hand held device, similar to a TENS machine. This produces an effective and versatile approach to chronic pain management. ETPS is based on the premise that ancient philosophies combined with modern technology can provide synergistic therapeutic results to people in pain. Applying ETPS stimulation to a unique combination of acupuncture points can provide immediate relief, decrease muscle tonicity, and accelerate tissue repair by improving blood circulation and therefore accelerating tissue repair for any form of musculo-skeletal disorders regardless of the cause.
ETPS therapy also stimulates neural points and helps to reduce swelling, relaxes muscles and relieves pain. Neural points are usually directly involved with the injured muscles and are easy to isolate because they are often hypersensitive or tender when pressed. The contraction of muscles in the limbs can mechanically strain the joints they are attached to, leading or contributing to many chronic degenerative pain syndromes, such as osteoarthritis of the knee. ETPS can help to relax tightened muscles reducing strain on the attached injured joints. Rather than just symptom relief, ETPS therapy goes to the root cause of the problem by providing a physical input, which allows the very cause of some chronic pain syndromes to be treated.
ETPS success rates vary but clinical experience suggests a 75-85% overall success in chronic soft tissue disorders, and over 75% of the people will receive at least a 50% symptomatic relief after the first application. Some examples of conditions treated with this device are: headaches, frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel, low back pain, knee pain, post operative radiculopathy, plantar fascitis, tennis elbow, and most other neuromyofascial pain syndromes.
There is a more advanced use of point combinations for a wide variety of health conditions besides pain by helping to balance the body’s energy meridians. For more information contact Dr Bea Gallagher (376) 766-3150
Note: this article was adapted from the ETPS Neuro-Mechanical Acupuncture manual written by Dr. Bruce R. Hocking.