What are the Pain Control Theories?
The Gate Theory of pain control is based on the fact the non-painful stimuli that travel quickly to the spinal cord can block the transmission of slower-moving painful stimuli. To increase the messages along the non-painful pathway, techniques like massage, mobilization, compression, Stretch, vibration, counterirritants (ie. TENS) and continuous passive motion are all valuable. The Endorphin Theory of pain control involves the release of chemicals within the body called endorphins, which have many effects on the body and assist in the regulation of body systems. One of these affects pain relief, which is accomplished by the release of a number of endorphins, each with their own trigger frequency and duration of pain relief. At a low frequency, a stimulation of 1-4 pulses per second with a TENS unit, the body releases enkephalins. The pain relief occurs after 20 30 minutes or stimulation and lasts for about 4 hours. An intermediate frequency or 15 128 pulses per second can release dynor
