I first learned of Phil Muccio, CPO and Axiobionics about 12 years ago.  At that time, Phil was assisting individuals with spinal cord injuries, providing neuro stimulation to stimulate nerves to move muscles, resulting in improved blood flow to paralyzed limbs thus minimizing the likelihood of skin breakdown.  As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC), I was intrigued with this concept.  Pain management via neurostimulation was an adjunct to follow. 

In my initial interview with consumers, I began to ask more in depth questions regarding pain and functional issues.   Axiobionics offered VRC’s additional options for consumers to decrease their pain and maximize functioning.   While decreasing pain does not remove physician restrictions (lifting, bending, etc.), it can improve the quality and quantity of sleep, improve concentration, and increase one’s endurance to engage in full time employment.

Many of my consumers over the years had significant ongoing issues with pain.  For some, this was not a vocational issue, but, for many, it was.  For the most part, these were individuals who had sought medical treatment specifically for pain.  Treatment often included physical therapy, pain management programs, medications, nerve blocks, and TENS, to name a few.  If consistent pain management remained elusive, I referred these individuals to Axiobionics for a neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) assessment.  These individuals had an opportunity to use the NMES device over a period of several weeks to determine if their pain could be managed more effectively with neurostimulation.  Most of my consumers embraced the opportunity to try neurostimulation as a non-invasive means to control their pain.  They liked the idea of a garment with implanted electrodes for comfort and precise electrode placement – particularly those who had tried TENS units.

While not all consumers demonstrated their ability to benefit from Axiobionics neurostimulation, the vast majority of those I referred to Axiobionics were amazed at the difference it made in their level of pain.  They could control the use of the garment based on their needs and schedule, the electrodes stayed in place and did not slip, they often could decrease or eliminate expensive pain medications thus decreasing unpleasant side effects, and could begin to focus on employment options.  Many who received an Axiobionics garment were successful in their return to work.

Over the years, I have learned that:

• Vocational Rehabilitation consumers are always multi-dimensional.  There is rarely just one issue/disability interfering with employment. 

• There is no substitute for the initial comprehensive assessment of all factors that may be affecting an individual’s ability to sustain employment. 

• The VRC’s role is to provide effective coordination of appropriate services.  This involves partnering with other rehab professionals, vendors, agencies, and private practitioners.

I encourage Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors to ask consumers about their pain and its affect on their employment.  If pain is a significant factor, then consider Axiobionics as one of your rehab options and part of the comprehensive assessment.  I would suggest a call to Phil Muccio, CPO at Axiobionics to discuss the situation with him prior to referral.  He is an excellent resource with a great deal of experience in pain management and functional rehabilitation.