Physical therapy
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Comparative Study
Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on human blood beta-endorphin levels.
We randomly assigned 42 subjects for treatment with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to one of three groups: conventional TENS--80 Hz; low frequency TENS--2 Hz; and a control group--TENS without batteries. Pain threshold measurements and blood beta-endorphin levels were obtained at regular intervals before, during, and for 17 hours after TENS application. We found no significant difference in blood beta-endorphin levels between the groups before, during, or immediately after TENS application. ⋯ The results indicated that TENS, with the stimulation characteristics used in this study, did not significantly change the measured plasma levels of beta-endorphin. The blind administration of naloxone hydrochloride, an opiate antagonist, did not significantly alter the perceived experimental pain of these subjects. We could find no evidence that TENS altered experimental pain threshold or plasma beta-endorphin levels.
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Hypertrophic scars, a common sequelae to burn injuries, represent an overgrowth of dermal components like collagen. To the burn-injured patient, the red, raised, rigid scars represent impaired function and distorted appearance. ⋯ This article describes scarring and provides practical guidelines for pressure materials and stretching techniques. With an appropriate program, caring for a patient with burns becomes extremely beneficial and rewarding.