Patients often report that unrelenting wound pain is one of the worst things about living with a hard-to-heal wound [1]. Severe or moderate wound pain can have a major impact on well-being, affect sleeping patterns, make mobility difficult and can contribute towards anxiety and depression[1]. Pain medications are widely prescribed, but they are often ineffective, can have side effects, such as drowsiness, and can increase the risk of falls [1]. Avoiding escalation up to stronger analgesics, such as opioids, may not only spare patients from the side effects, but may also help to avoid the prescription charges and additional medical consultations associated with long-term analgesic use.
Until now, non-pharmacological options to manage wound pain have not been available. But Accel-Heal Solo, a microcurrent electrical stimulation device, available on the NHS Drug Tariff and through NHS Supply Chain, is a credible alternative with which to support your patients. And the evidence behind the effectiveness of this simple to use therapy continues to strengthen.
During a symposium at the European Wound Management Association (EWMA) conference (London 2024), three speakers presented new compelling evidence that Accel-Heal Solo not only stimulated healing but also reduced wound pain in patients with painful, hard-to-heal wounds. One of the speakers was patient, Spencer, who was bitten by an insect when he was 13-years-old and subsequently developed a chronic wound. In a recent case study, Spencer said: “Living with a chronic wound that doesn’t heal is extremely difficult on so many levels…living with a chronic wound is learning how to manage all types of different pain… the cycle is very demoralising.” After using Accel-Heal, he said: “More patients deserve to benefit from this therapy now, it heals wounds and manages pain.” He is now able to go swimming, fly on a plane without worrying about his leg and said his mental health was much improved.
To see a write up of the symposium [click here] or a recording of it [click here].
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1. Milne J, Swift A, Smith J, Martin R. Electrical stimulation for pain reduction in hard-to-heal wound healing. J Wound Care. 2021 Jul 2;30(7):568-580.