Cover Story:
The Versatile Analgesic+2
A close look at BioStim™'s "dark horse".

Therapy Closeup:
The Analgesic+2 for:
* Lower Back Pain
* Sprained Ankle
* Period Pain

Bits n' Pieces:
Generation to Generation
A look at the on-going evolution of TENS technology and therapy techniques.

User Profiles:
A working Mum's view.

The Fact Files:
Greater pain-relief with the Analgesic+2?

Generation to Generation

The history of electrotherapy equipment is one of improvement after improvement, spanning a period of decades. This has not been due to a quirk in the nature of those who chose to design and develop electrotherapy machines. Far from it in fact. The progressive nature of equipment design is an essential factor in keeping the therapy abreast of changes in technology, and up to date with an ever deeper understanding of the body and its systems.

The continual adoption of new technologies and improvements on existing techniques have led to three clearly identifiable stages in each of equipment and applicator design (called 'generations').

Equipment

1st Generation
Large Clinical Machines

2nd Generation
Portable Machines

examples	advantages	disadvantages
Most modern TENS machines	Portability	Most modern TENS are low powered machines, which generate stimulation that is unbalanced as well as prickly and irritating to the skin, and are only single function (pain relief).

examples	advantages	disadvantages
BioStim™	Effective Proven effectiveness for a range of painful and debilitating conditions. Do It Yourself One of the few decisions in health care you will take that empowers you with the ability to control your own treatment. Portable Take it anywhere. This is a therapy that conforms toyour lifestyle - not demanding that you conform to it. Powerful Highly efficient use of a controlling how strong the stimulation is to be. Easy to Use Simply apply the self adhesive electrodes to the skin and turn it on. Comfortable The BioStim™ Electro Medicine benchmark - comfortable stimulation that doesn't prickle the skin. Affordable With a lifespan of over 10 years on the generator unit, and minimal running costs - this is one of the lowest cost therapies available.	BioStim™ has few complications and no side-effects.

examples	advantages	disadvantages
Watch this space for a revolutionary new piece of equipment from BioStim™ code named "Project Q" (sorry that we can't give away any more than that).	A remarkable new technology for the management of pain and the acceleration of healing.	No disadvantages have been discovered at this point in "Project Q"'s R&D.

1st Generation
Metal in Absorbent Cloth

2nd Generation
Conductive Rubber

advantages	disadvantages
This technology involves impregnating rubber with carbon to make it electrically conductive. An important advantage over the metal in absorbant cloth technology is that it is able to conform well to variously shaped body parts.	Requires the addition of a conductive medium (electrolytic gel) and still has to be fastened down to maintain good contact with the skin.

advantages	disadvantages
The first electrodes ever to have a sticky conductive medium combined with the electrode during the manufacturing process. Allows the form-fitting cloth electrode to be stuck down to the body part without the need for strapping or tapes.	Limited life-span. With regular use (and diligent care), these electrodes can last up to 4 weeks.

advantages	disadvantages
Unique electrode material for use over specific body parts, which will eliminate the uncertainty of electrode placement. Research continues into the viability of a much more "user friendly" conductive medium.	At this stage in research and development, no disadvantages have been discovered.