Effective Non-Pharmacological Pain Management Alternatives

Cold Packs – help to reduce inflammation and decrease pain. Good in relieving acute pain such as sports injury pain or acute neck pain following a motor vehicle accident.
Heat Packs – heat packs can reduce the pain of muscle spasm and osteoarthritic pain. Gentle 12 hr heat patches can be used for chronic pain. These are good to use during long flights if you suffer from low back pain.

Dry Needling – As the acupuncture needle enters the skin is sets up a central nervous system reaction. This reaction results in an increase in circulation to the area which helps to assist in the reduction of pain.
Massage – hands on approach. It is well known about the effect massage can have on lowering blood pressure. This can then also help to induce relaxation and thus reduce pain.
Mobilization of tight structures that are the cause of pain then assist in the reduction of pain.
Stretching exercises to reduce tightness in structures that are causing pain. We also do some of these excerises using music to promote relaxation.

Interferential therapy – these currents have been known to be effective in reducing both acute and chronic pain.

Taping Techniques – Different taping techniques can support painful structures and therefore help to decrease pain. Taping techniques can also facilitate better function of muscles and joint sthat can lead to a reduction in pain.