Relieving Muscle Pain: How To Use A TENS Unit

 

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) unit is an electrical device that is used to alleviate pain in the body. These devices are used by doctors and trainers to reduce and restrict pain signals being sent to the brain by the injured muscles. They can also increase the levels of endorphins which reduces the sensation of pain.

A TENS muscle stimulator is an OTC device which is approved by the FDA. It has proved to reduce pain, both chronic and acute. Over the past few years, doctors and physiotherapists have used it to reduce pain experienced by their patients due to an accident, a surgery or ailments such as arthritis.

How To Use The Unit:

It is important that you learn the use of this device under a direct supervision of a doctor or a physiotherapist. The patient should learn the following from them carefully:

1. Correct method of placing the electrodes and its position

2. Changing and recharging the batteries

3. Operating the machine, and adjusting the frequency and voltage of the machine

The device comes with electrode pads which have adhesives to attach them on your skin. It is thus important that you clean the skin before placing the device.

Tell your doctor is you start to feel your muscle twitch when the TENS machine is turned on. This could happen if the intensity of the signal is high. If the intensity is low, you will not experience any tingling sensation. You must note the frequency and the voltage that you are comfortable with.

There are many companies like Stimtens WorldWide that manufacture and supply TENS machine. You must read the online reviews of the machines before you make the purchase.