What is a TENS unit?

electrodes of tens device on shoulder, tens therapy, nerve stimu

Asian woman is doing massage of electrical -stimulation ( TENs )

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.

Breaking the cycle of pain

TENS units can relieve back and neck pain that may be caused by trauma or continuous tension. The body reacts to such pain by muscular protection, an attempt to immobilize the painful area by tightening the muscles. The muscle protection affects circulation in the affected area. Decreased blood supply leads to a decrease in metabolism with accumulation of waste. TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator) therapy can help break this cycle of pain and facilitate the normal healing process.

For more information read how a TENS device works.

What is an EMS device?

EMS stands for Electric Muscle Stimulation, which is mainly used to prevent or reduce muscle atrophy. Atrophy is the weakening and loss of muscle tone, usually occurring after surgery or injury. EMS has proven to be an effective way of preventing muscle atrophy. EMS also helps by increasing blood flow to muscles, increasing range of motion, muscle strength and improving muscle endurance. EMS has management properties by helping with muscle pain, such as spasmodic, sore or tense muscles. Both methods have been shown to be effective in treating the effects of acute or chronic pain.

FAQ

How does the TENS unit work?

Tens units have different adjustable settings to control the amplitude (intensity) of the stimulation by controlling the voltage as well as the current and pulse width (duration) of each pulse. Electrodes are placed in specific locations on a user’s body based on the physical location of their pain. Current passes through electrodes and enters the skin by stimulating specific nerve pathways to produce a tingling or massage sensation that reduces pain perception. When a Tens unit is used as directed, T.E.N.S. is a safe, non-invasive and drug-free method of pain management. A Tens unit is used to provide better quality of life for people with pain. There are two ways to explain how a T.E.N.S. works, and it successfully reduces or eliminates pain.

How does an EMS unit work?

A Tens unit, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, can relieve back and neck pain that may be caused by trauma or continuous tension. The body reacts to such pain or injury with muscle protection, an attempt to immobilize the painful area by tightening the muscles around the wound. The muscle protection affects circulation in the affected area. Decreased blood supply leads to a decrease in metabolism with accumulation of waste. TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator) therapy can help break this cycle of pain and facilitate the normal healing process.

EMS muscle stimulators, or electrical muscle stimulation, are used to relieve pain, reduce spasms and edema, tone weak muscles and facilitate the healing process. Known to relieve muscle tension, stiffness of joints or back, and to increase restricted movement due to obsolescence or atrophy, electronic muscle stimulation can also increase local blood flow.

EMS units operate at intensities of 1 to 130 MHz. Where a Tens unit is designed to help relieve certain types of chronic and acute pain by stimulating nerve tissue, an EMS is designed to treat the muscle area more than the nerves. This can help reduce muscle swelling and inflation, which can have a negative effect because tense muscles can move joints.

Is the unit covered by insurance?

We are not configured to accept medical insurance. Most insurance companies pay for units provided they are accompanied by a medical prescription. Many of our clients have been able to arrange for a refund from their insurer. You may want to contact your supplier to see if this option is available to you.

How long do electrodes usually last?

Many factors can influence their lifespan. For example:

How long are these electrodes used at a time (30 minutes or 8 hours). If you use them for a few 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 dry completely, which will extend the duration of use. Repeat these steps by rotating the 2 sets.
If you have a lot of hair, it won’t last as long as it would last on bare skin. If possible, place it on bare skin.
On a hot summer day, you may sweat more than on a winter day. Wetting the electrodes will reduce their use. Drying them for 24 hours will help extend their life.
It may be useful to improve repeated applications by spreading a few drops of cold water on the adhesive and drying the surface in the open air. Be careful not to saturate too much water as it can reduce the adhesive properties.
As you can see, there are many factors that can influence the duration of use. However, following the instructions on the electrode bag will help extend the use of these electrodes.

Can I use a TENS or EMS device during pregnancy?

No, you cannot use a device during pregnancy.

Can you use a device if you have a pacemaker or defibrillator?

You cannot use a unit if you have an implantable pacemaker or cardioverter defibrillator.

Why should I replace my electrodes?

The electrodes should be replaced when they no longer adhere firmly to the skin, have been reapplied beyond the suggested amount of use or when the electrode is no longer conducting effectively.

Is a prescription required to purchase a device?

You need a prescription to own an TENS device. You should consult your doctor for laws and regulations. We need a prescription to buy units of ours, and you may need it for your records.

Which unit would be best for me?

Consult with your doctor or physiotherapist to determine the characteristics you need to achieve the best results of TENS or EMS therapy for your particular condition. Some key features to look for in all devices include battery life, controls and width control. Some cheaper TENS units use ordinary disposable batteries. In many cases, the higher cost of a unit with a rechargeable battery is easily justified by the savings made by recharging the unit instead of buying new batteries. High-tech machines such as TENS units tend to wear out
batteries quickly.