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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Speare Memorial Hospital (603) 536-1120 | |
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November 21 , 2006 | |
New Treatment for Painful Circulatory Conditions Introduced at SMH
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| PLYMOUTH, N.H. --- Infrared photo therapy has been added to the therapy programs offered by Speare Memorial Hospital’s Rehabilitation Services to treat patients who suffer from painful circulatory conditions. “This innovative new physical therapy program is non-invasive, drug free and safe, involving Anodyne Therapy and traditional physical therapy for balance, gait and strength training,” states SMH’s Director of Rehabilitation Services Gillian Cavezzali. Anodyne Therapy is a new form of infrared photo energy that is cleared by the FDA to increase circulation and reduce pain. The treatment was unveiled at SMH’s Diabetes Fair on November 20. |  |
| Cavezzali explains that circulatory problems, as a result of chronic conditions such as diabetes, or as a side effect from some drugs or chemotherapy treatments, can lead to peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage in the extremities. Loss of sensation or pain can make it harder to walk and can lead to inactivity, then weakness, poor balance and a fear of falling. Using Anodyne Therapy, the infrared light releases molecules called nitric oxide at the site of application. Stimulating the release of nitric oxide rapidly increases circulation, which can reduce pain and secondarily promote improved mobility. Cavezzali says a typical application would include 30 minutes of Anodyne Therapy, followed by 30 minutes of exercises to improve function and patients’ ability to walk and perform their daily activities. | |
| The success of Anodyne Therapy has been demonstrated in 15 published studies on nearly 5,000 patients nationwide to reduce foot and leg pain and improve gait and balance, reducing the risk of falls. Dr. Dale Carnegie, foot and ankle surgeon at Denver Health Medical Center reports, “I have used the Anodyne Therapy System since 1995 to treat several thousand patients, and have seen improvements in circulation and reductions in pain within 12 – 24 treatments. | |
| For more information about Anodyne Therapy at Speare Memorial Hospital, contact Rehabilitation Services at 603-238-2225. | |
| Speare Memorial Hospital is a 24-hour, acute care, non-profit community hospital and health care provider serving Plymouth, and the communities of central New Hampshire, for more than a century. | |
| Michele Barney Hutchins Director of Community Relations Speare Memorial Hospital (603) 238-6468 mhutchins@spearehospital.com | |