by Rachelle de Bretagne

Created on: July 13, 2010

A TENS unit produces a form of electrical stimulation which sends signals which reduce pain. These are used in many medical conditions, and they are easily portable. Coming in different sizes, these can also be bought with a discount, if the person buying them is disabled. It is certainly worthwhile checking for available discounts, since these may help you to make the decision to buy one in the first place. They are solid investment, and looked after properly will give you years of service.

How it is used.

When you buy a TENS machine, look carefully at the diagram which comes with it. This shows all the points on the body where it is safe to use the TENS. Open the pack and check that the batteries are working, by turning the switch and feeling the pulse of the machine. The area where the pads will be placed should be clean and dry. A little rubbing alcohol is advised, although just after a shower, when the skin has been thoroughly dried will work as well.

Place a little of the gel which comes with the unit onto the pads. This is what passes the current into the area concerned. Don't be too experimental, as it is important to respect the placement of the pads in the correct positions to alleviate pain. Place the pads into position. The pin connectors between the electrode pads and the machine should be firmly in place and if doing this alone, ensure that the wires are connected before final placement of the pads.

Try different strengths.

Different people get benefit from different strengths. The skin should feel a slight tingle and pull. Don't be fooled into thinking that stronger pulses will give better results, as this may not be the case. It is important to find the ideal setting which is comfortable for the whole session. If there is no sensation, the pulse is not strong enough, and if there is a real feeling of shock, then the setting is too high. Short term, while testing, there is no danger, but finding the acceptable level is important.

Get ready for a relaxed session, and have everything you need around you, so that you do not have to exert yourself during the treatment. Take the pads off their plastic sheet, and place these in the recommended spots on the body. Have your clothing loosened so that you can relax. Waist bands or tight clothing really does need to be loose during the process so as not to add any additional stresses on the body.

Duration of treatment.

This should be advised by professionals and will differ with different ailments.

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>