Biofreeze
Also known as ‘cold therapy’, cryotherapy is the application of cold to temporarily relieve pain. The related term cryokinetics refers to the pairing of pain-relieving cryotherapy with exercise. This cooling and re-warming of tissue stimulates the return of blood flow to the affected areas. The most common form of cryotherapy is ice. Biofreeze produces the same sensation of cold that accompanies icing. But unlike ice, Biofreeze products allow you to remain active during treatment.
Product: BioFreeze Pain Relieving Roll-On
BioFreeze Pain Relieving Roll-On provides a number of unique features. The roller ball allows for product application without the need to use your hands also providing a nice massage for soft tissue wherever you apply product, and can be used in trigger point therapy.
How it Works: Mechanism of Action
Traditional thinking is that the pain-relieving mechanism of action of menthol – the active ingredient in Biofreeze Pain Reliever – results from a counter-irritant effect. Simply put, a counter-irritant has an effect of overriding noxious pain signals traveling to the brain through a process modulated between pain-transmitting and non-pain transmitting neurons. This process, known as “gate control” or “gating,” was first described by Melzak and Wall.
Gate control theory is based on the understanding that pain is transmitted by two kinds of afferent nerve fibers. One is the larger myelinated A-delta fiber, which carries quick, intense-pain messages. The other is the smaller, unmyelinated “C” fiber, which transmits throbbing, chronic pain. A third type of nerve fiber, called A-beta, is “nonnociceptive,” meaning it does not transmit pain stimuli. The gate control theory asserts that signals transmitted by the A-delta and C pain fibers can be thwarted by the activation/stimulation of the nonnociceptive A-beta fibers and thus inhibit an individual’s perception of pain.
More recently, laboratory researchers have discovered that menthol stimulates the TRPM8 cold receptors. Even though it has long been accepted that cooling and cold can induce analgesia it has been a poorly understood mechanism. As scientists have continued to isolate these specific heat-sensitive transient receptor potential (TRP) channels within our sensory neurons we are now able to have a much better understanding of the body’s cutaneous temperature detection. With the isolation and further study of these specific TRPM8 receptors there is stronger evidence supporting the benefits achieved with the cooling effect of menthol in functioning as a topical analgesic while activating these receptors and the resulting consequent pain relief.
You can purchase BioFreeze at Lewiston Family Chiropractic, 208-799-3333.
Sombra
Sombra Natural Pain Relieving Gels are alcohol free, non-greasy, non-staining and have a light refreshing citrus scent. Sombra products are made without unhealthy solvents, diluting agents, artificial preservatives, and are cruelty/animal free.
Over 30 years experience in manufacturing premium products and Sombra’s staunch commitment to pure and natural ingredients make Sombra an economical, environmentally sensitive choice.
Product: Pain Relieving Gel
Sombra’s Original Warm Therapy Pain Relieving Gel has become one of the leading topical analgesics in the market today. It is great for chronic conditions, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia as well as basic aches and pains.
Sombra absorbs quickly and has a combination of unique warming and cooling ingredients. It is often used in ultrasounds, and is made in the USA.
You can purchase Sombra at Lewiston Family Chiropractic 208-799-3333.