Frequently Asked Questions
My Neurologist did a NCV test or an EMG test...
An NCV (nerve conduction velocity) test records the speed at which the nerve impulse travels a specified distance in relation to the diameter of the nerve and degree of myelination (insulation) on the axon of the nerve. NCV tests show the condition of the best nerve fibers. Damaged nerves - neuropathy - may not be shown in the test.
An EMG test looks for electrical activity in the muscle during contraction. EMG tests may help differentiate between nerve damage or dysfunction and neurological disorders.
Both of these tests will confirm what is already known: the nerves are not working properly, nerves feel things they shouldn’t and don’t feel what they should. This test may also indicate that nerves and muscles are not communicating properly with each other.
551 individuals who purchased the ReBuilder® between December 2002 and May 2004 comprised this convenience sample. These individuals responded to an Internet advertisement offering a financial incentive for trying a new treatment for peripheral neuropathy. The package the 551 respondents received included a ReBuilder® device and a simple survey questionnaire which they filled out and returned within three months. They were also asked to record their reason for using the device (pain or other symptoms) and to rate their pain, if applicable, on a numerical rating scale (NRS) of 1 (least) to 10 (worst) before and after using the device.
Does the ReBuilder® treatment hurt? What does it feel like?
Not at all. The ReBuilder® treatment feels good. The signal that it sends out feels like a tiny, tingling massage that quickly pulses on and off. The patient can manually adjust the intensity setting to deliver optimum comfort. Treatment typically brings color and warmth back to the feet and extremities as a result of increased blood flow. It also relaxes the muscles, delivering pain relief.
How is the ReBuilder® different from a common TENS?
The ReBuilder® requires a prescription, while a common over the counter TENS device can overload your nerves with dangerously high power and send its unnatural impulses at too high a frequency. Every person gets the same unchanging signal, and this signal stops all their normal nerve impulses (both sensory and motor) and can thus cause numbness resulting in permanent damage. Common TENS do not discriminate between sensory nerves and motor nerves, so they can overstimulate muscles, causing muscle imbalances, resulting in falls. Using a common over-the-counter device for peripheral neuropathy is contraindicated. If your doctor is suggesting treating your nerve pain with a non-prescription TENS device, seek another doctor immediately!
Do you ship outside the United States?
Yes! The ReBuilder® is used by patients in 165 countries all over the world. Orders received before 2 PM EST are shipped out the same day.
Can the ReBuilder® be used on other areas of the body?
Yes! The ReBuilder® can be used on other parts of the body such as shoulders, knees, elbows, fingers, and back with our various accessories.
What about LED, Laser, EMS, TENS, FSM, PEMF, and IFC?
Laser and LED
Laser and LED therapy are designed to perform deep tissue warming which "vasodilates" - enhances blood flow. They may also stimulate ATP production - ATP is what your cells use for energy. They do very little if anything to stimulate the nerve itself. Laser and LED treatments are an excellent supplement when used with ReBuilder® - in fact many physicians use these methods along with ReBuilder®. Laser and LED treatments are not cures by themselves.
Electronic Muscle Stimulator (EMS)
EMS machines directly stimulate the muscles to enhance blood flow through a mechanical contraction - they work by placing electrode pairs in close proximity (2-10”) apart from each other and by stimulating only the small, isolated area in between the location of the electrodes. This method may result in improved temporary flow and over time - a strengthening of the treated area. There are, however, no nerve components factored into the output of this method that leads to rebuilding the nerves. A variant of this neuromuscular electronic stimulator (NMES) stimulates muscle contraction indirectly through the motor neuron.
Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM)
FSM devices are a form of the TENS units, although they have a much lower output. FSMs' run at less than 1 µA (1 millionth of an ampere). That is 1/1000th of the power of TENS. TENS Units usually run at 1mA (1 thousandth of an ampere). The idea with an FSM is to stimulate electrical activity at a cellular level. Unfortunately, generating a stable - square wave current at this level is challenging and the mechanism of action very much depends on proper application. There are also no benefits to the muscles by using this method.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF)
Orthopedics mostly use this to promote bone healing. PEMF works by using the piezoelectric properties of pulsed magnetic fields. With this output, no direct nerve or muscle stimulus occurs - it is, however, thought that the rapid change in field intensity induces an electrical component, that causes muscle contraction which may enhance blood flow at the point of contact.
Interferential (IFC)
IFC is based on a very high-frequency square wave signal. This signal crosses the skin with greater ease than the standard TENS units and reaches deeper tissue. By crossing 2 signals of varying frequency, the IFC stimulation, concentrated at the point of intersection (interference) to block the patient's pain messages. This is a similar method of action to TENS, but it reaches a deeper tissue level. There have been IFC claims regarding reduction in inflammation or edema. Practical application of this treatment method, particularly in a home setting is difficult. Proper coordination at the "point of intersection" is very important when using the IFC method. IFC is highly variable and is based on pad placement and frequency choices. IFC is a ‘hit or miss’ treatment process. It provides only temporary relief at best. Neuropathy affects the entire peripheral nerve pathway. Treatments using close proximity electrodes are local treatments and are therefore doomed to fail. The ReBuilder® treats all peripheral nerves at once using a patented waveform that allows for the patient's nerves to recover/repair.
What is the success rate of the ReBuilder®?
The ReBuilder® has over a 94% success rate!* This is supported by over 500,000 customers and many peer-reviewed studies. The ReBuilder® has been in production since 1988, with continual technical improvements. You can be confident that your ReBuilder® is an ethical, safe, and effective treatment for your symptoms.
Can everyone use the ReBuilder®?
ReBuilder® is safe for almost everyone. As with all medical equipment, pregnant women and children should not use ReBuilder®. ReBuilder® is safe to use with all non-electric surgical implants such as screws, plates, pins, etc. ReBuilder® is contraindicated for patients with certain pacemakers, especially patients that have the defibrillator accessory. Check with your cardiologist. Even better, have your doctor call us for technical consultation to determine if the use of ReBuilder® will benefit you under their direct supervision. ReBuilder® is your help for neuropathy, nerve pain and painful numbness.
The ReBuilder® seems expensive, why is that?
ReBuilder® is a very sophisticated, highly technical medical device that performs more functions than a pacemaker. ReBuilder® = 3 microprocessors that equal more computing power than an iPhone® - ReBuilder® is inexpensive compared to this similar complex technology.
Factored costs in addition to the actual manufacturing include quality control, administrative operations, credit card processing, distribution and advertising cost for the ReBuilder®. Pricing reflects these considerations. along with government mandated licensing, regulatory fees and insurances.
Because the reduction of current medications will most likely occur, surgical interventions avoided, etc., ReBuilder® pays for itself in no time. The value of maintaining mobility, freedom, and independence, the ReBuilder® is truly one of life's bargains!
"Quality care is not expensive; it's priceless." - DK
How will I know when it is working?
To see if the ReBuilder® itself is operating properly, it has an indicator light that lights up every time a signal is sent. This will tells the patient if the unit is generating a "pulse". To test the wires that lead to the signal pads, apply the adhesive signal pads to the forearm (a few inches from each other) and slowly increase the intensity setting until the patient feels the ReBuilder® pulse. ReBuilder® works on battery power; if the battery is dead, it will not work.
To know if ReBuilder® is working to reduce your neuropathy symptoms, elimination of pain occurs during the 30-minute treatment session (a subjective analysis). After treatment, the patient will experience a significant reduction in pain for 4 to 5 hours. The post-treatment relief will gradually increase in duration over time as the treatments work to rebuild nerves. If pain medications are being prescribed, the patient may be able to reduce their dosage amounts with the guidance of their physician.
The cost of this program is not (entirely) covered by my insurance...
Some private insurance companies will reimburse patients for ReBuilder® therapy. Please call us to discuss. (877) 717-5487
They say there is nothing they can do for me except give me pills for the pain...
A lot of different medications can help neuropathy (nerve pain) and mask nerve pain and painful numbness. Anti-depressants, anti-convulsants, and narcotics prescribed by doctors to help patients live with nerve pain don't do much good. Unfortunately, as they numb the pain, they numb all nerve sensations. These medications contribute to the diminished sensory perception which may adversely affect balance and gait, including cognitive function. Drugs are not a solution, they "mask" the problem. As a patient's body becomes used to their prescribed drugs, dosages will increase - and the side-effects will increase also. 94% of the patients who use ReBuilder® manage their pain without drugs or side effects.
My MD/Neurologist says the ReBuilder® will not work...
Hundreds of thousands of patients say otherwise. More than 5,000 doctors regularly prescribe it. Take a look at the list of treatment centers who currently use ReBuilder® this list includes Cancer Treatment Centers of America. Could they all be wrong? If you're still not convinced look at our seemingly endless patient testimonials. There is help for neuropathy, nerve pain, and painful numbness.
Doctors today are overloaded with regulatory issues, running a business, taking care of patients and trying to maintain a family, etc. It is difficult for doctors to keep up with all credible technologies available on the market. Ask your physician to call our office to discuss ReBuilder® with us. (877) 717-5487
I have been told there is no help for my nerve pain or painful neuropathy symptoms.
There is help for nerve pain, and painful neuropathy symptoms - most times they are completely eliminated during treatment. With continued use, the level of post-treatment relief improves. The beneficial effects will last longer and longer with repeated use of ReBuilder®. After about 6-8 weeks of two 30-minute daily treatments, patients will be able to reduce their treatments to once per day and then to 2-3 treatments per week for maintenance.
Will the ReBuilder® work for my type of nerve pain?
Yes, ReBuilder® therapy provides successful outcomes for all types of neuropathy regardless of the cause. The ReBuilder® comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee and a lifetime warranty. This allows time to try the device out for yourself 100% Risk-Free to see if it works for your particular pain, painful symptoms, or tingling. The only thing you have to lose is your pain.
What if I do not have a licensed healthcare professional?
We have an extensive database of doctors all over the world. Call us, and we can find the nearest doctor to you!
What if it stops operating? How long is it warrantied for?
ReBuilder® carries a 5 Year Warranty if bought through us, and a 90 Day Money-Back Guarantee. The warranty and guarantee cover against problems with workmanship. If a problem occurs, return the unit, we will repair or replace it when necessary and return it to you. ReBuilder Medical, Inc. will pay the return shipping cost. We have customers who call in about their ReBuilder® built in 1987 that are still working perfectly and still being used today! Non-workmanship, customer-caused damages or failures occur on an individual basis, so call us to see if you're covered; we will do our best to make sure you get the full value of our device. 85% of ReBuilder® sales come from referrals. We believe your ReBuilder® should be working at its best so that success stories remain abundant.
ReBuilder® Premium Conductive Garments carry a 90-day warranty against defects.
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