Over the counter medications

A combination of Tylenol and anti-inflammatory medication has proven to be a potent pain reliever.  Of course, as with any medication, there are potentially serious side effects.  Tylenol can harm the liver if taken in large quantities.  Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen can harm the kidneys and stomach.  If you do not know whether these medications are right for you please contact your primary care provider or your pharmacist.  Neither of these medications is intended to be taken over extended periods of time unless directed by your medical professional. 

Topical medications can be helpful.  They come in the form of patches, creams, ointments, roll-ons, and sprays.  Common topical medications include salicylate (an anti-inflammatory medication), lidocaine (a numbing medication), camphor (topical pain reliever), and menthol (topical pain reliever).  Even with these relatively modest medications complications can occur, primarily in the form of skin reactions.

Electrical devices

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) may be the best known of the electrical devices.  Although TENS does not usually provide permanent relief of pain, the device can be worn while going about one's daily activities.  The caveat is that the more the device is used each day, the more likely the effect will fade.  Typically, 2 or 4 pads are placed on the skin in the vicinity of the injury.  When activated an electrical tingling sensation is felt that can be programmed for intensity, duration, and pattern of stimulus.  TENS can also be purchased with additional electrical modalities such as interferential current and/or muscle stimulation

Pain management tools

Massage tools

There are many different massage tools that can be purchased through the internet.  Pictured here is the Body Back Buddy that is designed to massage hard to reach areas.  A similar massage tool is the Theracane.

Specializing in work injuries and in motor vehicle related injuries

Attitude

It is easy to become discouraged, sad, depressed, or anxious if recovery is slow or stalled.  Although such moods may feel warranted, they will slow recovery further. 

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can't--you're right.”  --Henry Ford

A better tool to massage the long muscles of the legs is the Stick, a flexible rod with loosely fitting rings.  A popular alternative is the foam roller.

Sleep

Good sleep may be the most overlooked key to recovery and the most difficult to achieve.  7-8 hours per night are recommended for most people.  Lack of sleep adversely affects cognition and mood.  Naps and/or mindful meditation can make up for some of the sleep loss.  

Traction

Some people respond well to traction.  For neck injuries an inflatable collar provides gentle support and traction allowing the wearer to get up and move about.  For the low back an inversion table can be helpful but is more expensive and there is some risk.

Exercise

Walking is often the best exercise for those recovering from injury.  Daily walks of 15-20 minutes are recommended

An interesting alternative is the piezo pen which emits an electrical impulse with depressing the head of the pen.

Successful recovery from injury is a full-time job requiring self-treatment in addition to formal treatment. 

For buttock muscles many people like to use a tennis ball, but some enjoy using a harder, plastic ball.

Of course, there are innumerable mechanized massage tools  but these tend to be more expensive.  Tools like those listed here are probably more durable and can be used with more precision. 

Physical

Medicine

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