Scenar Therapy for the Treatment of Acute and Chronic Pain

The Scenar

Scenar is the newest therapy that we have added to the Center's growing list of integrative options for health care.  This innovative device is used in pain management and musculoskeletal complaints, as well as more systemic problems such as fatigue or insomnia.  The scenar is an electro-stimulation device that will send a small and comfortable current across the skin, and at the same time measure the skin resistance to that current.  Thus far, we have seen results that have both met and exceeded our expectations in the area of pain management.  The device works through interacting with the body's nervous system and acupuncture channels, and so has uses beyond simple pain management as well.  We have come to have very high expectations of this innovative device, and look forward to establishing its role alongside the many other integrative therapies provided at the Center.

Scenar Therapy

Scenar Therapy

What Makes the Scenar Unique

There are two key points that separate the scenar from other electro-stimulation devices.  The first is that it will vary the frequency and intensity of the current as it continuously stimulates the sensory nerves.  This prevents "habituation" of the body's sensory nerves to the stimulus.  That means that since the stimulus to the body is constantly changing, your nervous system won't begin to simply block it out like it does the sensation of your socks and shoes on your feet, or background noise on a street corner.  By continuously varying the stimulation, the scenar is keeping the body constantly engaged and focused on the area where the device is working to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect.

The second key difference between scenar and other electro-stimulation devices, is that the scenar adjusts its electrical output in response to the changes in skin conductance that it continuously measures while it works.  In this way, the practitioner knows where the scenar stimulation is most needed at any given time, and can also know when the change in skin conductance has changed in response to the electro-stimulation.  This information helps guide the operator of the device to ensure the proper balance between not enough, or too much stimulation.

Who Can Benefit From Scenar Therapy

The scenar is a FDA approved device used in the treatment of pain.  Scenar offers relief to those with chronic as well as acute pain, including pain from arthritis, tendonitis, neuralgia (nerve pain), sprains and many other ailments too numerous to list all together.  The varied electrical stimulation usually creates immediate pain relief, and after a course of treatments, the pain relief can last indefinitely.  How many sessions someone will need must be determined individually based on the cause of pain and how long it has been since the pain began.  In general you can initially expect about one to four sessions for acute pain, and about five to ten sessions for chronic pain.

The scenar sends electrical signals that are picked up by the body's nervous system.  This ability to interact with the main information and communication system of the body may offer a powerful tool to address a variety of complaints beyond pain relief including the symptoms of chronic lyme disease.  Those who have been using the device for years report success with illnesses ranging from fibromyalgia, to fatigue, insomnia and digestive complaints.  These are just a few examples of the possible applications for scenar that are being actively researched and explored.  

What to Expect

The scenar creates a tingling and buzzing sensation where it is applied.  The practitioner will work with you to ensure that the amount of stimulation is comfortable for you, and the therapy is a very relaxing one.  The electrical stimulation will be applied usually for about thirty minutes, or until a change in symptoms is noticed.  The device will then be turned off, and the patient is asked to rest for between 15 to 30 minutes before going about the rest of his or her day.  The rest period following stimulation allows the effects of the scenar to sink in.  The device works by stimulating your body to heal itself where needed, and so allowing that effect to linger without disruption is very beneficial.

There are many different techniques and protocols that are performed with the scenar, most of which are based on stimulating established acupuncture and nerve pathways.  These treatment regions are located in a variety of areas, so usually the patient will wear comfortable and loose fitting clothing.  Gowns, sheets and blankets are provided as needed to ensure a comfortable and respectful environment.  For pain management, the scenar is applied directly to the area of pain, and does a wonderful job of providing immediate reduction of pain in most cases.

The Practitioners

There are very few trained and certified practitioners of scenar in upstate New York.  We have four certified practitioners collaborating together under one roof, who come from medical and traditional Chinese medical backgrounds.  They bring this knowledge into the treatment room, and are able to use their training and experience to get the highest therapeutic value possible out of the device.  
If you have any questions regarding scenar or our practitioners, please call the Center, and we'll be happy to answer your questions. (518) 689-2244.

Our Special Team Approach To Your Health Care

At the Center, our scenar practitioners have the opportunity to consult with complementary practitioners and medical doctors about your health concerns and the progress you are making. These practitioners are always available to you as well.

We take great pride in our staff's special team consulting approach to the care of our patients, giving you the best that Integrative Medicine has to offer.

Make An Appointment

Call The Center at 518.689.2244 to make an appointment for scenar therapy or Click Here to Contact Us by Email.

 

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