Pain, soreness, numbness, and weakness in the arms and legs are symptoms that signal many serious diseases, such as office syndrome, stroke, paralysis, etc. These symptoms also prevent us from living a normal and happy life. Currently, with advanced medical technology, there are treatment methods that help alleviate these abnormal symptoms more effectively. The PMS device is one of the medical tools that offers an option for those who want to recover and improve their symptoms from pain, with the most effective treatment available today.
What is the PMS device? Get to know it as a treatment option
PMS or Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation is a device that stimulates the nervous system using electromagnetic waves. It is effective for all neurological diseases that cause numbness, weakness in the arms and legs, stroke, paralysis, as well as facial nerve inflammation and distortion. It is also effective for pain conditions, both chronic and acute pain. The principle of the PMS device is to send electromagnetic waves to stimulate the nerves, sending signals to the brain, which then commands signals to the affected or diseased area. For example, in patients with stroke or paralysis, doctors use the PMS device to send magnetic wave signals to stimulate the paralyzed arms or legs, sending signals to the brain to help the functioning parts recover and send signals back to improve movement. In terms of pain therapy, nerve stimulation sends signals that help inhibit pain by causing chemical changes in the spinal cord or brain and releasing chemicals that reduce pain.
Diseases effectively treated with the PMS device include:
- Office syndrome
- Stroke
- Numbness symptoms such as peripheral neuropathy, nerve compression (Carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Pain from nerve conditions such as post-shingles pain, facial nerve pain
Who is suitable for using the PMS device?
Groups suitable for using the PMS device for therapeutic rehabilitation include patients with office syndrome, athletes injured during training or competition, those who have suffered sprains, strains, pain, numbness from accidents, as well as patients with neurological diseases, stroke, and paralysis. However, there are contraindications and precautions to be aware of when using the PMS device, as follows:
- Patients must have no history of seizures
- Patients must not have a pacemaker
- Patients with metal implants in the treatment area
What is the treatment procedure when using the PMS device?
For using the PMS electromagnetic nerve stimulation device, patients do not need any special preparation. Just ensure they are not in the contraindicated group, and they can receive treatment immediately. The treatment procedure includes the following important details:
- For stroke and paralysis patients
The PMS device will stimulate along the nerve pathways in the affected area and the muscle groups with problems, which helps improve symptoms. However, this depends on the disease stage and individual symptoms, as brain lesions vary. Patients with mild or early-stage symptoms will improve and recover faster with continuous PMS treatment as recommended by the doctor, usually within about one month. For cases with extensive brain damage, recovery takes longer and may not be complete, but symptoms will still improve compared to no treatment. Additionally, stroke and paralysis patients should also undergo physical therapy to stimulate muscles and practice muscle use as much as possible, leading to better treatment outcomes. The PMS device is most effective for stroke and paralysis patients within 6 months to 2 years of onset. It may have less effect on recovery after this period but can help reduce muscle spasticity.
- For pain conditions
Pain symptoms are divided into nerve pain or muscle pain. The PMS electromagnetic nerve stimulator is used similarly to stroke and paralysis cases by applying the device head to the painful area. No gel is needed, and treatment can be done through clothing. Continuous treatment as recommended by the doctor will gradually reduce and eventually eliminate the pain.
- How long does each treatment session last?
Each PMS electromagnetic nerve stimulation session lasts 10-20 minutes, depending on the area and symptoms. For mild localized pain, the session is shorter, while stroke and paralysis cases may require 20-30 minutes per session. The number and duration of sessions depend on the disease stage. Acute or recent cases may see improvement after 3-5 sessions or even after one session. Chronic cases require longer and more frequent sessions according to severity and disease duration.
Are there any side effects from using the PMS device?
Possible side effects from using the PMS electromagnetic nerve stimulator include soreness during treatment. However, doctors will apply cold compresses immediately after treatment to relieve soreness, which is rare. The PMS device must be operated by specialized doctors because it involves nervous system treatment. Especially when stimulating the face, great caution, expertise, and experience are required to avoid errors. For patients with severe symptoms such as intense pain or severe disability from stroke or paralysis, treatment must be coordinated between doctors and physical therapists to ensure smooth and effective therapy.
Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation (PMS) or electromagnetic nerve stimulation device is the latest technology used to treat neurological diseases and patients with pain, numbness, and weakness effectively. Currently, it is only available in major hospitals. If you experience pain, soreness, weakness, numbness, or stroke/paralysis symptoms and want to improve, choosing the PMS device is an effective treatment option that can lead to a better quality of life.
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Dr. Jittima Aysanont
Physiatrist and Physical Therapy Specialist, Phyathai 3 Hospital
For more information, call 02-467-1111 ext. 1601-1602
