title: Cutaneous Application of Silicone Wafers Containing Carbon Microcoils: Efficacy in Relieving Chronic Muscle Tension and Pain.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Chronic musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent worldwide.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Helical(®) microcoils, a new, noninvasive treatment for chronic musculoskeletal pain.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a prospective, observational study.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was conducted at the main author's private clinic, in São Paulo, Brazil.
  
  
  METHODS
  We evaluated 20 physicians, from 2 different hospitals, who suffered from chronic musculoskeletal pain and volunteered to participate in the study.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Helical(®) microcoils were applied to the skin over the affected areas. Before and after the intervention, the physician-patients completed questionnaires and a visual analog scale.
  
  
  METHODS
  We quantified postintervention improvement or worsening of pain and muscle tension.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant improvements in pain and muscle tension were observed in 95% of the physician-patients evaluated. The only side effect reported was mild pruritus at the application site, which occurred in 5 of the 20 cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of Helical microcoils was found to be safe and efficacious in relieving muscle tension and pain.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Otolaryngology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine , São Paulo, Brazil .
authors.forename: Domingos H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Tsuji
authors.affiliation: 2 Department of Anesthesiology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine Hospital das Clínicas , São Paulo, Brazil .
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Awade
authors.affiliation: 3 Department of Anesthesiology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine , São Paulo, Brazil .
authors.forename: Irimar Paula
authors.initials: IP
authors.lastname: Posso
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002244:Carbon / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009129:Muscle Tonus / Q000187:drug effects*; D063806:Myalgia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010820:Physicians / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012828:Silicones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D012828:Silicones; D002244:Carbon