To relieve your personal pains find the pain points with finger tips and apply electrode pads around there. The better settings are different for each person, depending upon how sensitive you are and what your condition is. The body gets resistant to a unit that has only one pattern of electro “tapping”. Some have a random pattern.
Around the area that hurts or over points that the physiotherapist can show you on a chart. If the electrodes are colored red and black, you want to position the black electrodes farther from your trunk or torso, such as on your arms or legs, and the red electrodes should be closer to your torso. This will help prevent unpleasant impulses from going to your central nervous system. It will also stimulate muscle contractions. You can arrange the electrodes in lines, in X formations, or in squares, but they must be at one inch or farther apart. To make an X, place one pair of matched negative and positive electrodes for one diagonal and another pair for the crossing angle. [3] X Research source
Slowly raise the electrical current until you feel a pleasant tingling feeling. If it hurts, then the current is too high. More is not necessarily better. Turning it up too high will not increase the amount of pain relief. Your body may get used to the effect of a certain level of current after a while. If this happens to you, slowly increase the current slightly.
This doesn’t necessarily mean starting at that setting, which might be painful. Start out with a low number, then increase it slightly until you get to your preferred setting. You can use TENS as long or as often as you want. If you use it for long periods of time, while doing other things, you can clip it to your belt or keep it in your pocket. The amount of time that you’re going to use the TENS unit will differ depending on the condition being treated, the chronicity of your health condition and the way your body will respond. A physiotherapist will be able to provide the proper recommendations on the amount of time to use the TENS, in addition to the number of times that you can use the TENS. Be aware that using it too often will lead to your body getting ‘used’ to the impulses. Eventually, the effects may diminish over time.
- Temples Mouth Eyes/Ears Front or side of your neck near the major arteries Spinal column (can be crossing from opposite sides of the spine though) Left side of your chest, i.
- e.
- near your heart Front of your chest with one on your back Varicose veins Broken skin or a new scar that is still healing Areas that are numb
If you have a pacemaker or another electrical device in your body, the electrical impulses could interfere with these devices or their signals, or cause a failure. If you have epilepsy, you may be more sensitive and it is better not to use TENS. If you have a disorder which affects the rhythm of your heart/heartbeat, your heart might be particularly sensitive to electrical impulses, and malfunction. If you are allergic to the electrode pads, you may be able to get hypoallergenic electrode pads. If you are pregnant or might be pregnant, do not use TENS without it being prescribed. The risks of using TENS during pregnancy aren’t known, so do not use it without consulting your doctor. Some women find it helpful for pain relief during labor pains, but be sure to ask your doctor whether it is safe for you and your baby before using it. If you are unsure whether TENS is safe for you, consult your doctor.
If you are in the bath, shower, or swimming pool, the water will change how and where the electricity is conducted. Do not use TENS while you are sleeping. If you are driving a motor vehicle the sensations caused by TENS may be a distraction. If you are operating machinery, do not use TENS to avoid unexpected confrontations. The electrical impulses that TENS devices produce should not cause problems for airlines, but ask them before you use it during flight.
Some people find that it takes about 40 minutes of use before their pain subsides. Most people only experience pain relief while using TENS. When you switch it off, your pain may return. If the TENS loses its effectiveness, it’s important to make an appointment with your physiotherapist to learn how to change up the settings. This can help in finding the right settings for your specific condition. The effects of TENS may not last long beyond the actual session itself, and it will not treat any underlying conditions that are causing your pain. [10] X Expert Source Joshua Grahlman, PT, DPT, FAFSPhysical Therapist & Entrepreneur Expert Interview. 8 September 2020.
Back Knees Neck Menstrual cramps Sports injuries Arthritis
Medication. This includes prescription strength or over-the-counter medications. Exercise. Ask your doctor what forms of exercise he or she recommends for your condition. Relaxation techniques. Depending upon what the cause of your pain is, you may be able to use TENS simultaneously with relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, visualizing calming images or yoga. The most effective way to use TENS therapy is by working with a physical therapist. Ideally, they’ll use TENS to help alleviate your pain so you can do therapeutic exercises to improve your condition. [13] X Expert Source Joshua Grahlman, PT, DPT, FAFSPhysical Therapist & Entrepreneur Expert Interview. 8 September 2020.