Anodyne physical therapy treatment offered

Avera St. Luke’s in Aberdeen is now offering Anodyne Infrared Therapy, an FDA-cleared device for increasing circulation and reducing pain.

The main use of this device is for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy of the hands and feet, according to Leonard Suel, director of the Physical Therapy Department at Avera St. Luke’s. Peripheral neuropathy describes damage to the peripheral nervous system. In everyday language, that means damage to the nerves that run through our bodies sending important physical messages and cues to and from the brain and spine. The nervous system is a vast communications network that transmits information from the brain and spinal cord to every other part of the body and back again, such as a message that the feet are cold or a finger is burned. Damage to the peripheral nervous system interferes with these vital connections. Like static on a telephone line, peripheral neuropathy distorts and sometimes interrupts messages between the brain and the rest of the body. This can be a painful condition.

Peripheral neuropathy of the hands and feet is often marked by pain that can eventually turn to numbness. Diabetes is a major cause of peripheral neuropathy, but there are several others. “Many patients with peripheral neuropathy will not only benefit from the pain relief with Anodyne Therapy, but see improvement in function from the increased sensation and physical therapy program,” said physical therapist Scot Kram, who works with outpatients on the Midland campus of Avera St Luke’s. Decreased function and feeling in the feet can lead to falls. “Falls are the greatest cause for morbidity and mortality among the elderly, and a major concern with the population demographic in eastern South Dakota .”

With Anodyne Therapy, patients can simply relax and enjoy the soothing warmth of the therapy pads as they increase circulation. Most patients experience warmth, tingling and some pulsing in the area being treated. “The device is very safe and easy to use,” Kram said. “A typical treatment course has the unit on for 30 minutes at a time. Home units are available if long-term treatment proves beneficial.”

The Anodyne treatment is covered by Medicare if the patient also has a functional problem (such as problems walking or decreased balance) that the physical therapist is currently working on. For more information, contact Kram at the outpatient Physical Therapy Department at Avera St. Luke’s at (605) 622-5878.