For those that are active and prioritize health and fitness, after a hike or an intense workout, they can feel sore and stiff after a day or two. Although it is completely normal to have sore muscles after exercise, muscle pain, though usually temporary, can be a nuisance and throw off a regular exercise routine.
Any change in the exercise routine can cause microscopic injuries and potential damage to the connective tissue and muscle fibers. The soreness after exercise usually peaks at around 48 hours and dissipates throughout the day. In order to treat sore muscles and joint pain, many people are misinformed about the course of action. One of the common questions is whether to apply hot or cold. Scientists and health experts usually recommend indirect ice treatment, usually wrapped with a cloth, for quick relief.
Although heat usually feels soothing at the time, it does not help damage and will not relieve pain as efficiently. For the best results, experts suggest the sore area be iced to reduce the inflammation and then apply heat after the ice treatment to increase blood flow.
For most people, treating sore muscles is a simple matter of taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) or other anti-inflammatories such as Advil, ibuprofen, and Aleve. To prevent future injury and damage to the joints, scientists suggest that individuals stretch before an intense workout in order to prevent sore muscles. Stretching before rigorous exercise warms up the muscles and eliminates the risk of injury.
In addition to stretching, there are a variety of natural substances that can be used to prevent muscle soreness. Antioxidants such as vitamin c can be used to relieve soreness as well as taking protein, whether found in food, or dietary supplements. Even more simply, preventing muscle soreness can be done by cutting down on exercise by implementing moderate exercises and slowly building up to intense workouts.
Aleve has designed the Aleve Direct Therapy which is a safe, drug-free electrical nerve stimulation device that works to relieve lower back pain from sore, aching muscles. Designed with the innovative TENS technology that physicians use, Aleve Direct Therapy allows individuals to manage their pain effectively and safely.
About Aleve Direct Therapy
For athletic and active individuals who suffer with chronic back pain, having pain management at the push of a button is a powerful solution. As mentioned above, the device uses TENS technology (TENS: transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) delivers deep, penetrating relief for the lower back to support a flexible, wireless device designed for active people to sooth and relieve pain in the lower back due to exercise, work, and other daily activities.
TENS technology has been used since the mid-1970s when doctors would treat different types of body pain. Aleve Direct Therapy allows individuals to access the same technology at home without a prescription or physician supervision. Currently, there are two clinical theories that explain how TENS relieves pain. The first theory states that it blocks the transmission of pain. The second theory treats pain by stimulating the endorphins, the body’s naturally-produced pain blocking chemicals. Aleve Direct Therapy uses a 3-stage waveform technology to incorporate both clinical theories of TENS pain relief.
The Aleve Direct Therapy TENS Device is not only innovative for using an advance technology, but it is also noninvasive and drug free. The device is simply placed on the lower back where it delivers electrical stimulation directly to the source of pain. It is safe to use when lower back pain is inhibiting movement.
Technology of Aleve Direct Therapy
As mentioned previously, the Direct Therapy device functions using TENS technology. Using electrical stimulation and two clinical theories, it has successfully proven to relieve pain. TENS devices work to deliver electrical stimulation directly to the source of pain. Although the device is designed differently than other TENS products, the technology is the same and has been cleared by the FDA.
Many people compare TENS to EMS (electrical muscular stimulation) or NMES (neuromuscular electrical stimulation). TENS therapy uses electrical therapy to relieve pain while EMS is used to prevent and relieve muscle atrophy, known as the weakening and loss of muscle tone. Atrophy can be experienced by injury or major surgeries.
Additionally, NMES is used as physical therapy for muscle strengthening or retraining after extended lengths of immobilization, injury, or surgery. Although they all treat muscles, TENS is exclusively used to relieve muscle pain and not treat other neurological issues related to muscles.
As mentioned above, the device uses a patented 3-stage waveform stimulation pattern technology. Each session lasts thirty minutes and begins as soon as the device it turned on and activated with the accompanying remote control. The first stage, which lasts 5 minutes, delivers a high-frequency stimulation and initiates the feeling of pain relief by suppressing the transmission of pain signals from a neurological basis. Intensity level can be chosen through the remote.
The second stage, which lasts 20 minutes, delivers a low-frequency stimulation, a gentle tapping sensation. The second stage stimulates an increased endorphin release to reduce the sensitivity to pain after the 30-minute session. The third and final stage is like stage 1, delivering a high-frequency stimulation that helps to maintain the feelings of pain relief, completing the session. Treatments can be repeated throughout the day as needed.
Features of Aleve Direct Therapy
Built from the highest quality materials, the TENS device comes with latex-free gel pads, adhered to the device, that can last throughout the day for multiple (2-5) applications. Battery operated, the device can last for 120 30-minute treatments before the batteries need to be changed (AAA). The remote control battery can last 6-months depending on usage.
As mentioned before, the device contains TENS technology and is drug free, safe for all day usage. Paired with a user-friendly handheld remote control, Aleve Direct Therapy has 15 adjustable intensity levels based on patented waveform technology.
Purchasing Aleve Direct Therapy TENS Device
There are several purchasing options for Aleve Direct Therapy. Because it was made for mass distribution, it is available to buy online as well as in stores. Partnered with a variety of companies, the external pain relief device as well as gel pad refills are available at the websites listed below.
- Amazon (www.Amazon.com) – $48.74
- Jet (www.Jet.com) – $48.74
- Walmart (www.Walmart.com) – $49.88
- CVS/pharmacy (www.CVS.com) – $59.99
- Walgreens (www.Walgreens.com) – $59.99
Because the prices of the Aleve Direct Therapy Device are subject to change, depending on distribution and where the device is sold, the prices listed above should only be considered rough estimates of the price, even though they were the listed prices at the time of this writing.
