What Makes Our Approach Different
Electroacupuncture in Greenville, SC
Chronic pain and nerve problems aren't responding to medications. Your nervous system may need electrical stimulation to reset pain pathways and promote healing.
Dr. Hendry combines precise acupuncture with controlled electrical stimulation using medical-grade equipment. His 25 years of Chinese medicine experience and expertise in functional medicine ensure evidence-based protocols rather than generic machine settings.
Unlike basic TENS units that provide temporary relief, this approach delivers therapeutic frequencies that may address underlying dysfunction.
How Electroacupuncture Actually Works
Your body runs on electrical signals. Every nerve impulse, muscle contraction, and brain function uses electricity. When you're injured or in chronic pain, these electrical signals get disrupted.
Dr. Hendry places thin acupuncture needles at specific points, then connects them to a device that sends controlled electrical pulses through the needles. This electrical stimulation may:
- Block pain signals from reaching your brain
- Stimulate your body's natural pain-relieving chemicals (endorphins)
- Increase blood flow to damaged tissues
- Help reduce inflammation
- Reset disrupted nerve pathways
Different electrical frequencies target different problems. Lower frequencies (2-10 Hz) may help with chronic pain and inflammation. Higher frequencies (80-100 Hz) may better interrupt acute pain signals.
Dr. Hendry adjusts the frequency, intensity, and timing based on your specific condition. Your nervous system responds differently than someone else's, so generic settings often don't work well.
⚡ Frequency Precision: Your nervous system responds best to specific electrical frequencies—just 2Hz difference can mean the difference between pain relief and no effect.
What We Treat in Greenville
Consult your physician before combining with existing treatments for serious medical conditions
Nerve Pain Conditions
- Neuropathy and nerve damage
- Sciatica and radicular pain
- Post-herpetic neuralgia
- Diabetic peripheral neuropathyn
Muscle and Joint Pain
- Chronic back and neck pain
- Arthritis and joint inflammation
- Post-surgical pain management
- Sports injury recovery
Circulatory Issues
- Stroke recovery assistance
- Bell's palsy rehabilitation
- Multiple sclerosis symptom management
- Parkinson's disease tremor control
Neurological Support
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Fibromyalgia tender points
- TMJ-related jaw muscle tension
- Chronic fatigue muscle dysfunction
🧬 Cellular Communication: Electrostim works because every cell in your body operates at specific electrical frequencies—we're literally speaking your cells' language.
What to Expect During Treatment
First Visit (45-60 minutes)
Dr. Hendry will ask detailed questions about your pain - when it started, what makes it better or worse, what treatments you've tried. He'll examine the problem areas and test how your skin responds to gentle electrical stimulation.
He'll explain exactly what electroacupuncture can and cannot do for your specific condition. You'll understand the treatment plan, how many sessions you might need, and what kind of improvement to expect.
Treatment Sessions
You'll lie comfortably on a treatment table. Dr. Hendry places thin needles at specific acupuncture points related to your condition. The needles are much thinner than injection needles - most people barely feel them going in.
Small electrodes connect to the needles, delivering gentle electrical pulses. You'll feel mild tingling, gentle vibration, or slight muscle twitching. The sensation should never be painful - Dr. Hendry adjusts the intensity to your comfort level.
Sessions typically last 20-45 minutes depending on your condition. Many patients find the treatment relaxing and even fall asleep.
Timeline for Results
Every person responds differently, but here's what Dr. Hendry typically sees:
Acute pain (recent injuries): Many patients notice improvement within 1-3 sessions. Complete resolution often occurs within 5-8 treatments.
Chronic pain (lasting months or years): Initial improvement may take 3-6 sessions. Significant change usually requires 8-12 treatments over 6-8 weeks.
Nerve conditions: These often respond more slowly. Noticeable improvement may take 6-10 sessions, with optimal results after 12-16 treatments over 3-4 months.
Maintenance: Some patients need occasional follow-up treatments to maintain improvement, especially for chronic conditions.
Potential Side Effects
Electroacupuncture is generally very safe when performed by trained practitioners like Dr. Hendry. Possible side effects include:
- Mild skin irritation where electrodes attach
- Temporary muscle fatigue after treatment
- Slight bruising at needle sites (uncommon)
- Temporary increase in pain as your body adjusts (rare)
Who cannot receive electroacupuncture:
- People with pacemakers or implanted electrical devices
- Pregnant women (without physician approval)
- People with bleeding disorders
- Active cancer patients (in treatment areas)
- Severe heart conditions
- Epilepsy or seizure disorders
Dr. Hendry reviews your medical history and current medications to ensure electroacupuncture is safe for you.
🔬 Endorphin Factory: Twenty minutes of properly calibrated electrostim produces the same endorphin levels as an hour of intense exercise, without the physical strain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the electricity hurt?
No. The electrical stimulation feels like gentle tingling, mild vibration, or slight muscle twitching. Dr. Hendry starts with very low intensity and gradually increases to your comfort level. You control how much stimulation you receive.
How is this different from getting shocked?
Completely different. Electrical shock is sudden, uncontrolled, and painful. Electroacupuncture uses precisely controlled, gentle currents that work with your body's natural electrical system.
Can I feel the electricity when the machine is off?
No. Once the treatment ends, there's no lingering electrical sensation. Your body doesn't store the electricity.
What if I'm scared of needles or electricity?
Dr. Hendry works with nervous patients regularly. The needles are extremely thin, and the electrical stimulation is always kept within comfortable limits. Many needle-phobic patients become comfortable with treatment once they experience how gentle it is.
Will this interfere with my medications?
Electroacupuncture generally doesn't interfere with medications. However, Dr. Hendry reviews all your medications to ensure safety and may coordinate with your prescribing physician if needed.
What if it doesn't work for me?
Not everyone responds to electroacupuncture. If you don't see improvement after a reasonable trial period, Dr. Hendry will discuss alternative approaches or refer you to other specialists.
Safety & Compliance
All needles FDA-approved, sterile, single-use
Professional liability insurance maintained
Practice operates under SC Board of Medical Examiners oversight
Ready for Electroacupuncture in Greenville?
Call (864) 365-6156 to schedule your electrostim consultation at Integrative Health Partners, 319 Wade Hampton Blvd, Greenville, SC 29609.
During your first visit, Dr. Hendry will determine if electroacupuncture is appropriate for your specific condition. He'll explain exactly how the treatment works, what you can realistically expect, and how it might fit into your overall pain management plan.
You'll understand the difference between medical-grade electroacupuncture and basic electrotherapy devices, and why this approach might succeed where other treatments have fallen short.
Serving patients from Greenville, Greer, Simpsonville, Travelers Rest, and throughout the Upstate.