You may have heard about or considered TENS units regarding pain relief. People swear by them to relieve all sorts of ailments nowadays, and they're extremely popular. It can be overwhelming to research what TENS therapy is and whether it's right for you if you are new to it. What are TENS units, and how do you use them? In this guide, you'll discover every aspect of them.
What is a TENS unit?
TENS units are small, battery-operated devices used to treat acute and chronic pain. Electrotherapy is a treatment in which mild electric shocks are administered to the body's affected region using adhesive Tens pads called electrodes. TENS units typically use lead wires to connect electrodes to the skin, but wireless options are also available.
Use of TENS unit for pain
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is known as TENS. The term transcutaneous means "across the skin ."An electrical current passes through your skin via a TENS unit to stimulate your nerves.
TENS units produce pain-relieving electrical pulses with the help of a 9-volt battery. Lead wires connect the TENS unit to the self-adhesive electrodes, either two (single channel) or four (dual channel). The TENS unit then transmits modified electrical pulses to the nerves under the skin surface through the lead wires and electrodes. In addition to the superficial nerves, it also works on the spinal nerves that go to the brain.
TENS is a non-invasive tool to assist with pain relief. Regular use of the TENs machine can reduce pain for up to four hours after use. It is considered a pain relief tool rather than a curative method. With prolonged use, pain relief decreases; variation in electrode placement may combat this.
Setting the Mode
A normal mode, a burst mode, and a modulation mode are available. Stimulation at a constant frequency and pulse width. The most common method for treating acute pain with a gating effect. The modulation process. The frequency varies between settings to reduce nerve adaptation and uses a cyclical pattern. Pain relief is useful for acute and chronic conditions. The Burst Mode is useful for relieving chronic pain. It will deliver a burst of pain-relieving power through the unit.
Setting the Pulse Rate (Frequency)
The pulse rate is how many electrical pulses you will experience in a second. Hertz (Hz) is the unit of measurement for frequency. Various frequencies can relieve pain. In most cases, 80-120 Hz is the most effective frequency for treating acute pain. It is also beneficial for chronic pain patients to use lower settings of 2 to 10Hz that stimulate the release of endorphins. It is common to use a frequency setting between 35 and 50Hz to strengthen or relax muscles.
Setting the Pulse Width
In this case, the current is ON for a certain period. In general, pain relief occurs over a short to medium period. To effectively stimulate muscle contractions, a longer pulse width is required.
It is possible to modify the time each pulse lingers before resetting. It is an extremely short period. The measurement is in microseconds uS (1000th of a second). Nerves can feel the difference even if you don't.
Application of electrodes
Positioning
In case of skin irritation, discontinue treatment. The electrodes are self-adhesive. Other applications may often prove better than placing electrodes over the area of pain. For initial electrode positioning, please consult with a physiotherapist.
Examples
Central neck pain
Using the electrodes, place each pair on either side of your neck where you are experiencing discomfort.
Shoulder pain
Place each electrode above and below the painful area. Put one Tens pad on the neck opposite the painful shoulder and place the other electrode on the same side; do the same with the other electrode.
Knee pain
Place electrodes above and below each knee joint
Lower back
At the pain level, place electrodes on either side of the back. In the case of side pain, place one electrode over the area of pain next to the spine and the other at the same level close to the spine. Position the second electrode near the same spot.
Why use a TENS unit?
Choosing between TENS therapy and other pain relief options may be difficult. Here are some benefits of using a TENS unit that set it apart from other pain relief devices:
Drug-free pain relief
You can manage pain using TENS therapy without the risk of dependence or dangerous side effects because it is drug-free and all-natural. Consequently, it is a safe alternative to prescription drugs and other treatment methods.
Long-term solution
With a TENS unit, you can manage your pain as frequently and as long as possible since there are few risks and side effects.
Versatile
TENS units can effectively manage chronic and acute pain. Although you may buy a TENS unit to treat a specific condition, you can also use it to relieve unrelated pain, such as headaches or menstrual cramps.
Controlled treatment
Treatment with TENS units is more customizable than other options. Depending on your needs, you can choose from multiple modes and intensity levels on your TENS device.
Portable
The TENS units are portable, so you can always keep them on you. The non-invasive electrodes and modest size make it easy to use discreetly in public.
Easy to use
There's nothing complicated about TENS units; they're just as easy to use as an ice pack or heating pad. The self-adhesive electrodes and simple control panel make it easy to get the relief you need.
Cost-effective
Depending on its features, you can purchase a TENS unit for as little as $20 to $200 and replace the electrodes for about $10 to $15 every few months.
Over-the-counter (otc) options available
You don't necessarily need a doctor's prescription to begin TENS therapy, although we recommend consulting your physician. You can get over-the-counter TENS units at Sky medical supply store in Denver, Colorado.