TENS Unit Complete Research and Review
At Opry Medical Group we have done TENS unit complete research and review. In this article, you will find what is TENS unit, Types of pain, Specs of TENS unit and How to use TENS unit.
If you’re coping with chronic pain, inflammatory conditions or muscle spasms, the chances are that you have thought of using a TENS unit.
TENS – namely transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is a widespread technique of alleviating acute and chronic pain.
Pain is the body’s way of communicating that something isn’t right.
In fact, pain plays a fundamental role in aiding US to stay healthy and practical.
The pitfall is that it will interfere with the standard of our life-style – significantly when we’re dealing with chronic pain.
Unattended, chronic pain might end in serious emotional and physical stress. which will further lead to different ailments?
So, using a device that uses electrical nerve stimulation will be liberating.
What Is A TENS Unit?
The most commonly met form of electrical stimulation used for pain management is TENS therapy.
This aims at providing short-run pain relief from a wide range of conditions, including back pain.
According to official reports, 8 out of 10 Americans can deal with back problems at some point in their lives. other than that, lower back pain seems to be on the rise.
Therefore, more and more folks are trying to find effective ways of relieving pain, such as obtaining the most effective TENS unit for back pain.
The TENS unit is a battery-operated, little device. It delivers low-voltage electrical current to the skin by using electrodes.
The electricity supplied by the electrodes aims at stimulating the nerves within the affected area.
Apart from that, these transmit signals to the brain so that it perceives the pain differently.
You should note that TENS isn’t a painful therapy.
Apart from that, it should be effective in addressing all types of pains. in this regard, health care professionals have utilized TENS therapy to provide pain relief since the 1960s.
The primary advantage of obtaining such an item is that it has the potential of reducing the necessity for treatment
In alternative words, if may not need to require drugs or pain killers thanks to TENS aspect of effects, this might very well be a a decent possibility.
Types of Pain
Electrotherapy TENS machines are suggested to treat discomfort and pain determined by distinct illnesses and health conditions.
Back Pain
TENS units might also relieve pain and muscle spasms that develop when vertebral fractures caused by osteoporosis.
other than that, they’ll diminish the pain related to spinal cord trauma, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and herniated discs
Also, if you’re coping with unforeseen or acute pain from labor and delivery, such a device could facilitate.
Knee Pain
If you’re suffering from knee joint inflammatory disease, a TENS machine can provide pain relief.
Neck Pain
Ideally, you ought to avoid placing the electrode pads on the front or side of the neck.
Pelvic pain
TENS devices are widely utilized for treating pelvic pain, as well as interstitial cystitis, which is stated as painful bladder syndrome, menstrual pain, and prostatitis.
According to the National Institute of diabetes and digestive and kidney Diseases, TENS devices are potent at decreasing pelvic pain by increasing circulation to the bladder and by strengthening the pelvic muscles.
The Specs of TENS Unit
Design
Evidently, TENS units are available in several forms and styles. for example, at times, having the machine at home won’t do.
Therefore, you might need to take it with you to work, on vacation, so on and so forth.
So, obtaining a device that features a compact style could be a smart plan.
Programmable choices
Let’s say that you intend to have full control of the TENS machine you get.
In this case, you ought to choose one that enables you to customize the intensity, channels, mode, time and program.
Essentially, everyone responds to each setting differently.
on that note, being able to program the device consistent with your preferences can enhance its practicality.
LCD display
Some models have large LCDs that present graphic data such as mode, intensity, time remaining, so on and so forth
Reckoning on the value of the product, the display might be either large or small, include a touch-screen, so on and so forth.
Adjustable Timer
Having AN adjustable timer on a TENS device will be sensible. It enables you to apprehend once the session is over.
Although there aren’t any strict boundaries regarding the acceptable amount of time for using a TENS machine, you shouldn’t overdo it either.
TENS Unit Pads
Electrode pads have a limited lifetime. Therefore, they’ll be the primary ones that necessitate replacement. the range of pads is quite massive.
For example, you ought to make sure that the pads you decide on are compatible together with your device.
Also, you’ll make a choice from a bunch of sizes and shapes like sq., butterfly, round, strips.
Depending on what proportion you intend to utilize the pads, you may acquire a higher deal if you get them in bulk.
other than that, bear in mind that you simply ought to also get a fitting type.
How To Use A TENS Unit?
- Before using the device, ensure it’s totally charged.
- Typically, the most effective TENS unit to shop for features 2 control knobs. one among them regulates the strength of the signals sent out by the machine. the opposite knob can create the electrical signals slow or fast. Before you start using the unit, the control knobs ought to be in the off position.
- Clean the area wherever you propose on positioning the electrodes. permit the skin to dry.
- Place a coat of gel on the bottom of each electrode. The gel allows the electrical signals to reach the nerves beneath the skin.
- The next step is to position the electrodes on the skin. you’ll utilize sticky patches or medical tape to cover the electrodes. which will prevent the electrode from projecting to the skin.
- Link the pin connectors to the electrodes. Afterward, you may connect the wires into the unit.
- Slowly, regulate the control knobs to the right setting. You’ll start feeling a tingly sensation. the sensation ought to be notable, nevertheless not too uncomfortable.
- After a couple of minutes, the sensation will slowly diminish – that is known as accommodation. once that happens, we advise you to turn the machine up a bit and leave it in use for the rest of the time. it would be best to avoid turning the machine too high – this could result in overstimulation, which may worsen the pain.
- At the end of the session, shut down the unit. Also, disconnect the electrodes from the machine. nonetheless, if you intend on reusing the machine later, you shouldn’t essentially remove the electrodes.
- Make sure the pads don’t irritate the skin. If that happens, you ought to use another variety of pad, tape or contact gel.
In general, you’ll like better to place the electrodes on virtually every part of the body. Still, some areas ought to be avoided:
- Your heart
- Your temples
- Your eyes or mouth
- The side or front of the neck
- Varicose veins
- Damaged or broken skin
- Areas of diminished sensation
Ideally, you ought to avoid placing the pads specifically on a joint such as AN elbow, knee or mortise joint.
That’s because its movement might change the adherence of the pad.
Let’s say that the pain extends to a substantial a part of the body
During this case, you ought to locate one of the pads on the highest of the pain, and therefore the other one at the bottom.
On the opposite hand, if the painful surface is small, it might be best to position the pads in parallel, on the opposing sides of the affected space.
TENS Unit Vs. EMS Unit
Although in today’s article we concentrate on TENS units, you should apprehend that these are similar to EMS units.
So, in this section, we’ll present the distinctions and similarities between the TENS units, EMS units.
It’s important to grasp that these items work differently.
Each of them features a outlined purpose, aiming to address bound conditions.
An EMS unit stands for AN Electronic Muscle Stimulator.
We’re talking about a technological, medical device. It sends custom-made electrical impulses to the targeted muscles.
using such a unit is AN efficient way of rehabilitating the muscles.
Additionally, this device is known to prevent complete muscle atrophy.
This condition is featured by the weakening of the muscles and the loss of muscle tone.
That’s common for folks that have seasoned an injury or underwent surgery.
What Is The Distinction Between EMS Units And TENS Units?
Read also – WHAT ARE THE KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TENS AND AN EMS MACHINE?
The fundamental distinction between the two is that EMS units concentrate on specific muscles, whereas TENS units target specific nerves.
What is more, some TENS units might also be used as EMS units. nevertheless, EMS units cannot be used as TENS units.
Furthermore, the latter are more commonly used for managing and treating the pain.
As for the former, they deliver a therapeutic intervention for muscle rehabilitation.
EMS devices are suggested for the following:
- Rehabilitation
- Cosmetic muscle toning
- Strengthening the muscles
- Prevention of disuse muscular atrophy
- Enhancing local blood circulation
- Muscular relaxation
In other words, if you intend to build muscle, that is part of a rehabilitation or training program, you should opt for AN EMS machine.
However, if you would like to get pain relief, a TENS machine will do.
In some things, people suffer from pain that suggests both the muscles and the nerves.
As a result, one may find relief by combining the units.
Most significantly, you ought to establish what causes your pain so that you’ll be able to create the foremost smart choices for your health and well-being.
Are TENS Units Safe?
Each call we have a tendency to create has its professionals and cons. the identical applies when it involves getting the best transportable TENS unit.
whereas the majority UN agency use these devices won’t expertise any aspect effects, it’s best to understand what to expect.
The first aspect result is associated with the self-adhesive pads.
So, several users reported unpleasant skin reactions when applying the pads. That’s because they’re made of latex. about 3% of individuals experience allergic reactions.
However, most of the time, those reactions could also be avoided. The key is to steer clear of placing the pads in the actual place use after use.
Additionally, if one uses the machine too often, or their pulse is just too high, the electrical stimulation may further cause muscle pain and twitch.
Aside from these potential side effects, using these units is safe. however, some individuals should steer beyond these devices. we’ll discuss this in a bit (see section below).
How often should you Use A TENS Unit?
How often you use a TENS device will depend primarily on however quickly the pain returns.
Most of the people tend to use the device about 2-3 times per day. However, it’s not uncommon to use it more often than that.
As for the length of the sessions, they range between 20 to 40 minutes. nevertheless, this will depend on the individual.
Some folks would possibly get pain relief sooner than others.
20 Minutes 40 Minutes
While over-using the device isn’t linked to any health issues, it might be best if you avoid doing this.
Other than that, you ought to always check the instructions of the product, and take into consideration the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Who Shouldn’t Use A TENS Unit?
The consensus is that TENS devices are generally safe. nonetheless, some individuals shouldn’t use these items, for safety reasons.
So, you shouldn’t use this type of therapy:
- If you’ve got heart disease
- If you’ve got epilepsy
- You have a pacemaker
- You are pregnant – unless your healthcare provider has recommended you to try and do therefore.
- If the reason behind your pain isn’t diagnosed yet
Conclusion
Patients also need to consider the fact that there’s no guarantee that such a machine will make your pain vanish into thin air, it will help during this direction.
Considering that this decision will directly impact your health, it’s best to analyze the pros and cons related to making the purchase
At the end of the day, it’s up to you to establish whether or not a TENS unit could be a good investment or not.
We have done our half by presenting to you the foremost vital details regarding this machine.
This way, you’ll be able to make an informed decision.
In All Good Health…
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