Anodyne Therapy
Anodyne Therapy, also referred to as MIRE or “Monochromatic Infrared Energy,” is a physical therapy treatment used to non-invasively reduce pain and increase circulation. It can help provide relief for a number of conditions, such as restoring sensation in the feet of diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy, or improving walking patterns and balance in patients with balance and gait disorders. To find out more about Anodyne Therapy and how it may benefit you, contact St. Luke’s & East Tennessee Rehab Center today!
What is Anodyne Therapy?
The word “anodyne” refers to a medical treatment used to soothe or relieve pain. Anodyne Therapy was designed and used for the first time in 1994, using the MIRE system, which is an innovative technology used to relieve pain and promote healing. It uses near-infrared light to release nitric oxide, which is a powerful vasodilator, from your red blood cells. The localized release of nitric oxide improves nerve function, and it is also important for growing new blood vessels and skin cells necessary for wound healing.
You can benefit from Anodyne Therapy, especially if you are experiencing numbness or pain in your legs or feet. If you experience difficulties with gait or balance abnormalities, you are also a strong candidate for Anodyne Therapy. If you have diabetes, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), or chronic wounds, you most likely will benefit from this treatment method. Some other common conditions that Anodyne Therapy has been known to treat include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Strains and sprains
- Degenerative disc disease
- Contractures
- Frozen shoulder
- Plantar fasciitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Chronic pain
How does Anodyne Therapy work?
Anodyne Therapy can be used to relieve several uncomfortable symptoms in patients, including pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, and circulation irregularities. It is typically given in tandem with traditional physical therapy treatments, including therapeutic exercises and stretches.
When an Anodyne Therapy treatment is administered, the affected body part(s) will be exposed in phototherapy, also referred to as “light therapy” using a specialized machine. The specific wavelengths emitted by the machine, as well as the prescribed amount of time the injured area will be exposed to them, will be determined by your Morristown, Kingsport, and Newport, TN physical therapist in regards to the nature of your condition.
While Anodyne Therapy may still be a fairly new form of treatment, it fits perfectly in line with the American Physical Therapy Association’s definition of what physical therapy is:
“The goal of physical therapy or physiotherapy is to improve mobility, restore function, reduce pain, and prevent further injury by using a variety of methods, including exercises, stretches, traction, electrical stimulation, and massage.”
Based on this definition, Anodyne Therapy can easily be included in that list.
How will Anodyne Therapy benefit me?
During an Anodyne Therapy treatment, pads emitting infrared light will be applied to the surface of your skin. In many cases, this form of treatment will resolve your symptoms of an underlying condition in just one or a few short sessions. However, even in cases where ongoing treatments are necessary in order to maintain consistent relief, patients have reported feeling more in control, with less symptoms and little-to-no manageable pain. Anodyne Therapy has been known to improve several mechanical aspects of the body that have been hindered by underlying conditions, including, but not limited to:
- Balance
- Range of motion
- Endurance
- Strength
- Flexibility
At your initial appointment, your physical therapist will perform a physical evaluation and analysis of medical records in order to determine if Anodyne Therapy would be the best course of treatment for you. If you are interested in learning more about Anodyne Therapy and how it could be incorporated into your treatment program, Contact Us Today at Morristown, Newport & Kingsport, TN Centers! One of our Morristown, Kingsport, and Newport, TN physical therapists would be happy to assist you and get you started on the path toward long-lasting relief.
