Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
The TENS unit is used to relieve pain by producing a tingling sensation in the skin using self-adhesive electrodes.
You can use either 2 or 4 electrodes at a time.
There are 2 types of Tens machine.
High Frequency Tens uses frequencies in the range of 80 to 100 Hz. This blocks the pain impulses going to the brain .
Low frequency Tens uses frequencies from 2 to 4 Hz . This will help the body produce its own endorphins and increase local blood flow to relieve pain ( this can last for hours ) .
Square waves are universally encountered in digital switching circuits and are naturally generated by binary (two-level) logic devices. They are used as timing references or "clock signals", because their fast transitions are suitable for triggering synchronous logic circuits at precisely determined intervals. However, as the frequency-domain shows, square waves contain a wide range of harmonics.
Position of the Electrodes
The electrodes need to be placed around or near the painful area. If possible, try to avoid putting the electrodes on boney areas as these tend to be more uncomfortable. The best positions to try will be personal to you.
Setting the Controls
Set the pulse rate (or frequency) to 80 Hz (pulses per second).
The pulse width to 150 μs (micro seconds).
Turn the unit on, then use the control which increases what you feel until it is a strong but comfortable tingling or pulsing sensation. If the tingling or pulsing fades, turn this control up to keep the sensation at a strong but comfortable level.
Length of Treatment Time
You should start by using the unit for 30 minutes, or more, at a time. The affect is likely to be poor if you use it for shorter times.
You may start by using the unit 3 – 4 times a day, but it can be used more or less often.
What Are The Benefits?
TENS is not a cure, but a treatment that can help relieve pain. Pain relief occurs either by reducing the pain signalling in the brain, or by the production of the body’s own pain killing chemicals. The actual effect of TENS differs for each person.
Making the Most of Your TENS Unit:
Try changing the frequency.
Try either to B (burst) or M (modulated) mode. When set on ‘B’, you may get a muscle twitch as well as a skin
sensation. This is not at all harmful.
It is safe for you to make any other adjustments to the settings that you find
helpful.
Chose the times of day you use the unit to match times of increased activity or increased pain.
If you have a problem sleeping, you can use the TENS unit directly before going to bed (but not while you are asleep).
There is no limit to the number of times you can use the TENS unit in a day.
There is no limit to the length of time that you can use the TENS unit in one go, but be careful of the condition of the skin under the electrodes.
You can continue with normal activity (apart from driving or operating
machinery) while using TENS. You do not need to lie down or sit.
You can continue to take your normal medication while you are using the
TENS unit. However, if the unit works well, you may find that you are able to reduce some of your pain medication.
Are There Any Risks Involved?
TENS is often a good choice for helping to control pain. However, there are some circumstances where it is not safe.
Do not:
use TENS while driving or operating machinery.
use TENS if you have a cardiac pacemaker.
use TENS if you are pregnant without specific advice from a health-care professional.
use TENS if you have heart disease or problems with you circulation.
use TENS if you have epilepsy, except with medical advice.
use TENS over numb, broken, infected or inflamed skin.
use TENS while you are sleeping.
place the electrodes on the front or sides of your neck. place the electrodes in your mouth, over your eyes or on any other sensitive area.
place the electrodes close to drug releasing patches.
place the electrodes over the site of a recent bruise.
position the electrodes so that one is on the front, and the other is on the back of your chest
allow the TENS unit to become wet.
lend your TENS unit to other people.
use TENS on children.
use cream, lotion or talcum powder under the electrodes.
use TENS if the electrodes produce skin irritation or soreness.
Caffeine can affect how well TENS works, so try reducing the number of caffeine containing drinks you take.
Your nervous system can get used to the sensations produced by THE Q. If you feel that it is not working so well, try changing some of the settings