Where And When To Not Use Tens Machines
TENS ;electrodes;should NEVER be placed:
- Across your eyes or brain
- On the front of your neck due to the risk of acute hypotension or even a laryngospasm
- Through the chest . Either side of your spinal column is permitted.
- Across an artificial cardiac pacemaker , including across its leads) due to risk of interference and failure of the implanted device. Serious accidents have been recorded in cases when this principle was not observed.
- On open wounds or broken skin areas .
- Over a malignant tumour .
- Directly over the spinal column .
- Internally, except for specific applications of dental, vaginal, and anal stimulation that employ specialised TENS units.
- Epilepsy patients
- On areas of numb skin/decreased sensation TENS should be used with caution because its likely less effective due to nerve damage. It may also cause skin irritation due to the inability to feel currents until they are too high.
- Areas of Infection. Theres an unknown level of risk when placing electrodes over an infection . Cross contamination with the electrodes themselves is of greater concern.
- Patients who are non compliant or have dementia
Tens Machine Side Effects
Through research now we know that TENS machine therapy is a secure and effectual method to alleviate ache. On the other hand, it is significant that a TENS machine user appropriately uses their device to keep away from side effects. Tens unit for neck and shoulder pain has no side effects. Misusing a TENS machine can result in the subsequent symptoms:
- Skin irritation.
- Uncomfortable muscle twitching.
- Uncomfortable tingling sensation.
- Muscle twitching & tingling is normal during TENS therapy when it experiences relaxed. Because of misusing of the device you can feel bad or uncomfortable.
Note: For the ailment of shoulder pain a tens unit is effective. To educate you on this matter we have covered an article on Most Powerful Tens Unit.
How Long Do The Long Life Pads Last
The Long Life Pads are good for up 150 uses or 5 months based on daily usage. Caring for your pads is easy; simply clean the pads as recommended up to 10 times. When replacing your pads, remove the protective film from the pads and place on the holder provided when you;purchased your pain relief unit.
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Properly Maintaining Your Portable Tens Unit
Your TENS electrodes have a substantial lifespan approximately 20-25 stimulation sessions. And you can make them last even longer if you take care of them properly.;
After each use, you should wipe down the sticky side of your PowerDot pads with antiseptic alcohol tissues. This will ensure that you remove any oil or hair that stuck to them from your body and helps to preserve the stickiness.
In between uses and before you pack the device away, you should also make sure that you replace the pads back on the safety film. This helps to preserve the adhesive. You only need to replace the pads when they no longer stick to your skin or theyre covered in lint.
We dont tell you any of this to give you the idea that using your TENS unit is complicated. Essentially, you apply the pads to your skin and turn it on. However, taking care to pay attention to a few extra details like putting your TENS unit pads in the right place, running it at the right intensity, taking it easy while youre using it, and taking care of it between uses will help you get the most impactful experience with PowerDot and prolong the longevity of your TENS device.
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What Are The Parts Of A Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Device And How Do They Work
The battery-powered TENS device is about the size of a small cell phone. The device comes with several sets of electrode wires and end pads. The electrodes connect to the device at one end and are attached to about 2 inch by 2 inch pads at the other end. Each pad has an adhesive backing and is positioned on your skin in specific areas along nerve pathways in the area to be treated.
The device delivers pulses of electrical energy. Pulses can be adjusted for intensity, frequency, duration, and type . A doctor, physical therapist, or acupuncturist determines and adjusts the machines settings.
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How To Use A Tens Unit
Using a TENS unit is quite simple but needs to be used correctly to ensure optimal pain relief. Use these steps on how to set up a TENS unit for guidance:
1. Connect the lead wires to the electrodes
2. Connect the lead wires to the TENS unit device
3. Place the electrodes on the affected area in pain
4. Turn the machine on, keeping it at the lowest intensity level
5. Select the therapy mode
6. Select the desired pulse width
7. Select the desired pulse rate
8. Set the timer
9. If using the TENS unit for the first time, be sure to adjust the intensity, mode, and pulse width and rate until reaching optimal pain relief.
When it comes to the recommended TENS settings, it’s always best to start on the lowest settings possible and then increase the intensity as needed. Make sure you stop at the level when pain is not felt. Be sure not to go too high as the electrical impulses can cause discomfort to the target area. You’ll also want to play with the;tens unit frequency and width as this can help create a more custom treatment based on the pain’s area and type.
The Proper Tens Placement
Most of the time, you already know the pain points in your body from your neck and shoulder, to your lower back and knees. However, you can also use your fingers to gently press on your muscles to find the center of the pain spots.
Once youve zeroed in on the pain area, place the TENS unit pads close together about a few inches apart. One pad isnt enough to bring in optimal results, so its best to use two to four pads per treatment. With PowerDot, you get one or two pods along with lead cables.
Now, lets further explore the TENS electrode placement for each specific body part.
If youre experiencing neck pain, you might be carrying a lot of tension on your upper neck and back , making the muscles tight and sore. To relieve this, simply place the TENS pads on your traps, the nape, or near the upper spine. Sometimes, neck pain can be caused by stiff back muscles, so you can also apply your pads on the upper back.; ; ;
For knee pain, place your TENS unit pads just a little below the kneecap and the pod just above it. If its the quads youre treating, apply the pads slightly above the knee and the pod on your upper thigh. Be careful not to place these directly on your knees as it will be difficult for the pads to stay in place if you move that joint.;
Thats also why, for optimal results, its best to stay seated during the treatment.; ; ; ;
For arm pain, attach the pod on your shoulders or shoulder blades and the TENS unit pads on the pain areas in upper arms.
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How To Apply A Tens Apparatus For Back Pain
Spinal cord and back pain is unbearable and painful. If you are planning on a substitute ache release technique you can spotlight the Tens unit gadget. These include the low back muscles, the erector spinal, and the shoulder area. You may reap from the advantages particularly for chronic backache victims as a non-invasive option By knowing how to use a tens unit for shoulder & back pain.
How Does A Tens Machine Work
- Transcutaneous – means through the skin.
- Electrical – TENS machines deliver small electrical pulses to the body via electrodes placed on the skin. TENS machines are thought to affect the way pain signals are sent to the brain.
- Nerve – pain signals reach the brain via nerves and the spinal cord.
- Stimulation – if pain signals can be blocked by the tiny electrical shocks from the TENS machine then the brain will receive fewer signals from the source of the pain.
TENS machines are thought to work in two ways:
- On a high pulse rate of 90-130 Hz , the electrical impulses generated by the TENS machine interfere with and block pain messages sent to the brain. This is due to the gate control theory of pain. This proposes that there is a gate mechanism in the brain and spinal cord nerves . When the gate is open, pain messages get through to the brain and we feel pain. When the gate is closed, these pain messages are blocked and we do not feel pain. TENS machines are thought to stimulate certain non-pain-carrying nerves and close the gate. In effect, the brain is busy dealing with the messages it receives quickly from the TENS machine, rather than the slower pain signals that the body is receiving from elsewhere. It explains why, if you injure yourself, rubbing that area can temporarily reduce the pain.
- When the machine is set on a low pulse rate it stimulates the body to make its own pain-easing chemicals called endorphins. These act a bit like morphine to block pain signals.
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Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease
There is insufficient evidence to suggest that TENS units reduce Parkinsons disease symptoms.
People with Parkinsons disease often have uncontrollable shaking . Two studies suggested that using TENS on the hands and arms of Parkinsons patients can help suppress their uncontrollable shaking by an average of 62% .
Another common symptom of Parkinsons is difficulty walking . A study found that applying TENS to the feet and legs of Parkinsons patients improved the ability to walk in 12% of the patients tested, and increased the amount of time that these patients could walk by an average of about 20% .
Large-scale studies are lacking.
Does Healthmateforever Help Pain Relief Due To Hamstring Strain
Yes, it does.
Unfortunately, hamstring strains are both common and painful. They strike athletes of all sorts — including runners, skaters, and football, soccer, and basketball players.
But what is a hamstring? It isn’t actually a single ”string.” It’s a group of three muscles that run along the back of your thigh. They allow you to bend your leg at the;knee.
During a hamstring;strain, one or more of these muscles gets overloaded. The muscles might even start to tear. You’re likely to get a hamstring strain during activities that involve a lot of;running;and jumping or sudden stopping and starting.
Some people use an elastic bandage around the leg to keep down swelling. Elevate your leg on a pillow when you’re sitting or lying down. Take anti-inflammatory painkillers. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will help with pain and swelling, but may result in drug side effects.;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;As a matter of fact, when you try to use a bandage to keep down swelling, it could result in poor circulation of blood, still painful, but hundreds of testimonials prove that HealthmateForever is an alternative way to heal fast in a natural way without drug side effects, normally treat the affected area for a couple of days, it can dramatically reduce swelling and relieve pain.
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How Do I Place My Tens Machines Electrode Pads For Neck Pain
The way to place the electrode pads is similar to how to place them for the lower back pain, except of course place them higher.
Here is also suggested to use four pads to better triangulate the area of pain. You can either place two of the electrode pads on either side of the spine at the base of the hairline and two lower on the shoulder or cross them as an x as the image suggests.
Are The Long Life Pads Available In Different Sizes
The Long Life Pads come in two different sizes. Standard size pads come with the TENS units and are 4 H x 2.5 W each and work on multiple body parts. Standard size pad refills can be purchased separately. Large sized Long Life Pads are 25% larger than standard pads 4.75 H x 3 W and are good for covering a wider area of pain while ergonomically shaped to fit curves.
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How Long Do The Gel Refills Last On The Heat Pain Pro
The Gel Pads last up to 30 uses. We recommend changing the gel when they no longer firmly stick to your skin or when less than 25% sticks to the skin. When replacing your gels on the Heat pain Pro, remove the protective film and install gel on the original pad. Do not rinse under water or clean the gel pads.
Many Tens Models And Modes
The modes for operation are usually three in most units in todays marketplace. Some units are pre-programmed and others you can program yourself.
- Standard Mode – is typically 50 to 200Hz with the pulse with of 200S for quick pain relief. Its a good thing.
- Burst Mode – will provide you with a comparable result to acupuncture. The unit will emit short pulsating bursts that will provide you with pain relief for a longer time.
- Modulation Mode – has a pulse width that is continually cycling almost the same as the burst method but it feels like a massage.
You might not find the perfect solution the first few times. Investigate with some trial and error and see what feels best. Do this in an organized way and make some notes for your reference for the next time.
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Does Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Therapy Relieve Pain
Results from using TENS for pain relief have been variable and inconclusive. In some studies, patients have reported pain relief with the use of TENS. In other studies, pain relief using TENS was not significantly greater than reported by sham TENS ; in other studies, results were better than placebo. Efficacy may depend on many factors including the type of condition for which pain relief is sought, where electrodes are positioned on the skin, and the settings of the TENS unit itself . Researchers say that a lack of randomized trials of TENS versus conventional therapy makes it difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of TENS and that more study is needed.
Physical therapists, acupuncturists, and other healthcare professionals may offer TENS therapy. TENS devices are also available by prescription. Other electrical stimulation devices can be purchased over-the-counter. Always check with your doctor or healthcare professional before using the device. Carefully follow the instructions of the device manufacturer.
How To Use A Tens Machine
First, identify the main area that is experiencing pain. Position the electrodes to either side of the pains source. If the electrode pads are meant for repeated use, they may require a very little water to encourage their connectivity. Prepare the machine; some machines require the setting to be applied before turning the unit on, others require power to make a setting selection for the session. Especially for first-time use, start on the lowest setting, turning on the unit as appropriate. Then adjust the frequency and pulse length. Intensity, generally a dial on the TENS machine, adjusts how intense the electrical stimulation is.
Frequency refers to each seconds number of pulses of electricity. High-frequency units range between 80 and 120 cycles per second. This is most commonly used on acute pain. Low frequency, which cycles one to 20 times per second, is frequently used to treat chronic pain. This is pain that is ongoing for a long period of time. Finally, duration refers to the length of time, in microseconds, that the current passes into the skin for each pulse. You may need to try out several settings before you find the right combination to ease your particular pain. Repeat as is needed, in sessions that last about half an hour each.
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How Tens Therapy Works
Your pain journey is unique to you, and thats why its essential that your pain relief program is customized according to your needs. And with PowerDots Smart TENS, you can do just that.
Once youve settled your problem area and TENS electrode placement, you can confirm the type of pain whether chronic, acute, muscle pain, sports injury-related, and the like. Then, set your maximum pain tolerance score. PowerDots algorithms will take all of this information to tailor a specialized program for your specific needs.
One important point to note is that your TENS therapy does not and should not hurt, even though the body area its working on does. Your muscles may be vibrating from the pulses, but it shouldnt give you unbearable sensations. Throughout the session, you are in full control of the pulsing intensity, so you can increase or decrease it as you see fit.
Whats more, PowerDot is not just a portable and wireless TENS unit. Its also app-based, so you can easily track your progress and monitor your pain score over time. This will help you understand how your body reacts to your daily activities and how these affect your levels of pain. This allows you to have an even more personalized experience with your device.
Using a wireless TENS unit is easy and effectively relieves your pain if used properly. Essentially, you apply the TENS pads to your pain area, adjust the TENS electrode placement, manage the pulse intensity, and allow it to work its magic on you.
Care Considerations For Use
- Never get into a bathtub, shower, or swimming pool with your TENS unit attached to your body.
- Do not put the TENS on your head or face especially if you have seizures.
- If you feel your muscles twitch, lower the settings on your TENS unit.
- Always follow the manufacturers instructions that came with your TENS unit.
- Check with your doctor if you are not sure the TENS is safe for you.
- People with pacemakers, chronic numbness, and epilepsy should not use TENS.
- Do not use when sleeping at night.
- Do not place on the left side next to your heart.
Image via Wikivisual under;Creative Commons
- Do not put on the side or front of your neck where the major arteries, such as the carotid are located.
- Never put on varicose veins, broken skin, or a scar thats healing.
- Not a good idea to use when drivingits a distraction that could harm you or others.
- Never use with children unless advised by a doctor.
- Never use when pregnant without the consent of a doctor.
- Never use if allergic to the electrodes, the pad materials, the gel or adhesive straps.
- Never use on eczema.
- People with circulation issues need to consult their doctor.
- Check with your doctor for applying to the upper trunk or neck areas.
Image via Wikivisual under;Creative Commons
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