A damp towel that has been completely wrung out and frozen can provide relief from pain. Freezing a plastic, resealable bag filled with water makes a good ice bag. A TENS machine is a small device that sends electrical impulses to certain parts of the body to block pain signals. Two electrodes are placed on the body where the person is experiencing the pain. The electrical current that is produced is very mild, but it can prevent pain messages from being transmitted to the brain.
Pain relief can last for several hours.
Some people may use a small, portable TENS unit that hooks on a belt for more continuous relief. TENS machines should be used under the supervision of a physician or physical therapist. Other forms of electrical therapy that can be beneficial include high volt, low volt, micro stimulation, bipolar, interferential, and Russian stimulation. Each of these therapies has different properties to control not only pain but to decrease swelling and strengthen weakened muscles. Most of them, however, must be used in the physician's office.