A water soluble polymer thin film of polyvinyl alcohol is manufactured and placed in contact with the skin, or through a buffering layer of cream, and then lightly sprayed on the exposed side with water to achieve conformal contact with the skin microstructures by transition from a solid state to a partial liquid/solid or gel state, and then upon drying back to a solid state. As the polymer thin film dries it contracts over a prolonged period, thereby producing a tightening effect of sustained tensile and compressive forces propagating through the skin surface layers with concurrent modulation of sensory nerve endings of the peripheral nervous system, with certain therapeutic effects depending upon the applied area, including reducing pain associated with arthritis or soreness of joint areas, inducing a relaxed and attentive cognitive state, inducing inflammation control or relief of cellular hydrostatic pressure, and reducing gastric reflex.
