TENS Machines

Yes!! Its possible to control your aches & pains with this electronic pain Reliever. TENS Machine is a commonly used modality in a Physiotherapy clinic & is available at the Pharmacists.

What is TENS?

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Muscle Stimulation. TENS is a drug-free alternative for managing pain. For the past twenty years, doctors have been prescribing TENS as an effective way to relieve pain.

TENS offers safe comforting relief from pain. It reduces and often even eliminates pain. It is FDA approved, and it is reimbursable by most insurance providers. It is one of the most commonly used modalities in a Physiotherapy department & rehabilitation centres.

How Does TENS Work?

TENS Machine is designed to relieve pain by sending gentle electrical impulses through the skin to the nerves. This suppresses pain by blocking the pain signals before they reach the brain.

TENS sends these gentle impulses through wires that are connected to the electrodes. These electrodes are strategically placed at appropriate pain sights on the body. Because there are many different kinds of pain, and each individual is unique, pain relief varies from person to person. Some users experience pain relief only while the TENS unit is turned on. For others, relief continues for a length of time even after the unit is turned off.

TENS is an excellent, non-drug alternative for chronic pain such as lower-back ache and arthritis. It is also useful in relieving acute pain associated with surgery, traumatic injury, and other conditions.

Does TENS treatment have any risks or side effects?

Unlike surgery or prescription drugs, TENS is virtually risk free from injury, side effects or addiction. The low-volt electrical current delivered by the electrodes only penetrates the skin to the level of the nerve fibers, usually only one to two inches. This poses no danger to most individuals. However, those with cardiac conditions and/or pacemakers, and pregnant women should consult their doctors before using TENS. Also, neck and head pain that requires locating electrodes on these areas of the body should be conducted only with the consent of a physician. Use caution when you drive or operate heavy machinery. Most importantly, always use TENS according to your physician's directions

Do you have constant back pain and don't know how to relieve it? Well, try a Tens Unit. I have constant back pain, and I do the ice pack for twenty minutes and then a heating pad for twenty minutes. At times that is all I need, but if it doesn't help I use a Tens Unit, especially when I have a pinched nerve or my back is just hurting from over doing it.

TENS stand for Transcutaneous Electrical Never Stimulation. TENs machine produces small electrical impulses which are transmitted from the machine through the skin by means of a wire connected to a small conductive patch which is placed on the skin. It is these electrical impulses which effectively close the gate to normal pain signals going to the brain resulting in pain relief

More recently some TENs machines are now available with an electrical probe which can be used to stimulate acupuncture points to bring pain relief. While almost all TENs machines have cautions about placing the electrode pads on the head and neck these "accu TENs" machines will permit users to stimulate the accu points or channels elsewhere on the body to bring relief to head or neck pain.

TENS machines should only be used on the advice of a doctor or other health professional. They may not be suitable for all types of pain or all conditions. Always follow the manufactures instructions supplied with the machine. TENS machines should never be used by people who have a pacemaker or have heart problems. Pregnant women should avoid using TENs machines as the affects on the unborn baby are not known. Never place TENs electrodes on your head or neck.

So if you have constant backache and don't know what to do about it, ask your doctor about the TENS unit. Most insurance companies will cover most or all of the expense of one.