How Often Can I Use My Tens Unit

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a method of pain relief involving the utilize of a mild electric current.

A TENS automobile is a minor, battery-operated device that has leads connected to sticky pads called electrodes.

You attach the pads direct to your skin. When the car is switched on, small electrical impulses are delivered to the afflicted surface area of your body, which yous feel as a tingling awareness.

The electrical impulses can reduce the hurting signals going to the spinal cord and brain, which may help salvage pain and relax muscles. They may as well stimulate the production of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers.

What TENS is used for

TENS may be able to help reduce pain and muscle spasms caused past a broad range of conditions including:

• arthritis
• period pain
• pelvic pain caused by endometriosis
• genu pain
• neck pain
• sports injuries

It's also sometimes used equally a method of pain relief during labour.

Does TENS work?

There's not plenty proficient-quality scientific bear witness to say for sure whether TENS is a reliable method of pain relief. More research is needed and clinical trials are ongoing.

Healthcare professionals have reported that it seems to help some people, although how well it works depends on the private and the status existence treated.

TENS is non a cure for pain and often only provides brusk-term relief while the TENS automobile is being used.

However, the treatment is generally very safe and yous may experience it'south worth trying instead of, or in addition to, the usual medical treatments.

Trying TENS

If you're thinking about trying TENS, it's a good thought to speak to a GP nearly a referral to a physiotherapist or hurting dispensary.

A physiotherapist or pain specialist may be able to loan you a TENS machine for a short menstruum if they remember it could aid.

You can choose to buy your ain TENS machine without getting medical advice, just it'south generally amend to have a proper assessment first, so you lot can find out whether a TENS machine is appropriate for you and exist taught how to use it properly.

To get the most do good from TENS, information technology's important that the settings are adjusted correctly for you and your individual condition.

If you notice TENS effective, y'all can buy a TENS motorcar from a pharmacy. They range in toll from well-nigh £10 to £200. More expensive machines are not necessarily any meliorate than lower-priced ones, and so it'due south best to practise some research earlier yous buy.

How to utilize TENS

This is a full general guide on how to employ a TENS automobile. Always follow the manufacturer'due south specific instructions.

TENS machines are small and lightweight, and then you lot tin use them while working or on the movement. You can put it in your pocket, clip information technology to your belt or hold it in your manus.

You can use TENS throughout the mean solar day for equally long as you lot like, although it should not be used while y'all're driving, operating machinery, or in the bath or shower.

Positioning the pads

Make sure the machine is switched off before you attach the pads to your pare. Position the pads either side of the painful area, at least ii.5cm (1 inch) autonomously.

Never identify the pads over:

• the forepart or sides of your cervix
• your temples
• your mouth or optics
• your breast and upper dorsum at the aforementioned time
• irritated, infected or broken peel
• varicose veins
• numb areas

Turning information technology on and adjusting the strength

Turn on the TENS auto when the pads are fastened in the correct places. You lot'll feel a slight tingling sensation laissez passer through your pare.

The machine has a dial that allows you to control the strength of the electrical impulses.

Start on a depression setting and gradually increment it until the awareness feels strong simply comfy. If the tingling sensation starts to feel painful or uncomfortable, reduce it slightly.

Switch the TENS motorcar off afterwards you've finished using it and remove the electrodes from your pare.

Are at that place whatever risks of side effects?

For most people, TENS is a condom treatment with no side effects.

Some people may be allergic to the pads and their skin may go red and irritated, but special pads for people with allergies are available.

TENS is not safety for everyone to use. Exercise non use it without commencement getting medical advice if:

• y'all have a pacemaker or another blazon of electrical or metal implant in your body
• you're pregnant, or there'due south a gamble you lot might exist pregnant – TENS may not be recommended early in pregnancy
• you lot accept epilepsy or a heart problem

Folio last reviewed: x August 2018
Adjacent review due: 10 August 2021

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Source: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/transcutaneous-electrical-nerve-stimulation-tens/