TENS | Slawner Ortho

What is a TENS Unit?

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation which is predominately used for nerve related pain conditions (acute and chronic conditions). TENS machines work by sending stimulating pulses across the surface of the skin and along the nerve strands.

The stimulating pulses help prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. Tens Devices also help stimulate your body to produce higher levels of its own natural painkillers called endorphins.

For more information read how a TENS device works.

Break the Cycle of Pain

TENS Units can help back and neck pain that may be caused by trauma or continual strain. The body responds to such pain with muscle guarding, an attempt to immobilize the painful area by tightening the muscles. Muscle guarding impairs circulation in the affected area. The decrease in blood supply leads to a decrease in metabolism with an accumulation of waste products. TENS therapy (transcutaneous electric nerve stimulator) can help break this pain cycle and aid in the normal healing process.

What is a EMS Device?

EMS stands for Electrical Muscle Stimulation which is predominately used to prevent or reduce muscle atrophy. Atrophy is the weakening and loss of muscle tone, which is usually experienced after surgeries or injuries. EMS has been proven to be an effective means of preventing muscle atrophy. EMS also helps by increasing blood flow to muscles, increasing range of motion, increasing muscle strength, as well as enhancing muscle endurance. EMS has pain management attributes in helping muscle related pain, such as a spastic muscle, sore muscles, or tight muscles. Both methods have been proven to be an effective pain therapy option to help ease the effects of acute or chronic pain.

FAQ

How does the TENS unit work?

Tens units have different adjustable settings to control amplitude (intensity) of stimulation by controlling the voltage as well as current and pulse width (duration) of each pulse. Electrodes are placed at specific sites on a user’s body depending on the physical location of their pain. The current travels through electrodes and into the skin stimulating specific nerve pathways to produce a tingling or massaging sensation that reduces the perception of pain. When a Tens Unit is used as directed a T.E.N.S. is a safe, noninvasive, drug-free method of pain management. A Tens Unit is used to offer a better quality of life for people with pain. There are two ways to explain how a T.E.N.S. successfully decreases or eliminates pain.

How does an EMS unit work?

A Tens Unit, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation can help back and neck pain that may be caused by trauma or continual strain. The body responds to such pain or injury with muscle guarding, an attempt to immobilize the painful area by tightening the muscles surrounding the injury. Muscle guarding impairs circulation in the affected area. The decrease in blood supply leads to a decrease in metabolism with an accumulation of waste products. TENS therapy (transcutaneous electric nerve stimulator) can help break this pain cycle and aid in the normal healing process.

EMS Muscle stimulators, or Electrical Muscle Stimulation are used to relieve pain, reduce spasms and edema, tone weak muscles and assist in the healing process. Known to ease muscle tension, stiffness in joints or back areas, and known for increasing motion restricted from disuse or atrophy, electronic muscle stimulation can also increase local blood circulation.

EMS Units run at intensities from 1 to 130 Mega Hertz. Where a tens unit is designed to help relieve certain types of chronic and acute pain by stimulating the nervous tissue, an EMS is designed to treat more of the muscle area than the nerves. This can help reduce swelling and muscle inflation which can have a negative effect as strained muscles can pull joints out of place.

Is the unit covered by insurance?

We are not set up to accept medical insurance. Most of the insurance companies pay for the units as long as It’s accompanied by a doctor’s prescription. Many of our customers have been able to make arrangements for reimbursement from their insurance provider. You may want to contact your provider to see if this is an option that is available to you.

How long do electrodes usually last?

There are many factors that can influence how long they last. For example:

How long are these electrodes used at a time (30 minutes or 8 hours). If they are used for a couple of hours a day, we recommend using 2 sets of electrodes. Use the first set for the first day and the second set for the second day. This will give the first set about 24 hours to completely dry which will expand the usage time. Repeat these steps by rotating the 2 sets.
If you have a lot of body hair they will not last as long as if they are placed on bare skin. If possible place them on bare skin.
During a hot summer day you can sweat more than during a winter day. Getting the electrodes wet will shorten their usage. Allowing them to dry for 24 hours will help extend their life span.
It may be helpful to improve repeated application by spreading a few drops of cold water over the adhesive and turn the surface up to air dry. Be careful not to over-saturate as too much water can reduce the adhesive properties.
As you can see there are many factors that can influence the usage time. However, following the instructions on the electrode bag will help extend the usage of these electrodes.

Can you use a TENS or EMS unit while pregnant?

No, you cannot use a unit while pregnant.

Can a unit be used if you have a pacemaker or Defibrillator?

You cannot use a unit if you have a Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator.

Why should I replace my electordes?

Electrodes should be replaced when the electrodes are no longer sticking firmly to the skin, have been re-applied more than the suggested amount of uses or when the electrode is no longer conducting effectively.

Is a prescription required to purchase a unit?

A prescription is required to own a TENS unit. You should check with your doctor to see what the laws and regulations are. We do require a prescription to purchase ones of ourunits, and you may need it for your records.

Which unit would be best for me?

Check with your doctor or physical therapist to help determine what features you need to achieve the best results from TENS or EMS therapy for your particular condition. Some key features to look for in all units include battery life, controls and width control. Some less-expensive TENS units use regular disposable batteries. In many cases, the higher cost of a unit with a rechargeable battery is easily justified by the savings from recharging the unit instead of buying new batteries. High-tech machines like TENS units tend to wear out disposable
batteries quickly.