The H-Wave small muscle fiber stimulator, a nonpharmacologic alternative for the treatment of chronic soft-tissue injury and neuropathic pain: an extended population observational study

Adv Ther. 2006 Sep-Oct;23(5):739-49. doi: 10.1007/BF02850314.

Abstract

In a previous study, the H-Wave small-muscle fiber stimulator significantly reduced chronic pain and restored physical function among patients with pain in the lower and upper extremities and spine. In this extended population observational study, a cross-sectional,computer-administered 10-item survey was administered to 6774 patients (3367 men [49.7%], 3406 women [50.3%], and 1 sex not reported [<1%]; mean+/-SD age, 45.28+/-10.08 y; range, 18-65 y) with chronic soft-tissue injury or neuropathic pain to assess their therapeutic response. The mean+/-SE duration of self-administered H-Wave treatment before the survey was completed was 87.35+/-1.39 d. Sixty-five percent of study participants reported a reduced or eliminated need for pain medication; 79% reported improved functional capacity or activity; and 78% reported 25% or greater reduction of pain. This cross-sectional evaluation represents the largest outcome study on the benefits of the H-Wave device in patients with chronic soft-tissue injury or neuropathic pain. The results suggest that this nonpharmacologic approach may provide an important alternative to standard pharmacologic treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain / physiopathology
  • Pain Management*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / therapy*
  • Soft Tissue Injuries / therapy*