When pain is severe and constant then it has to be restricted. Chronic pain can become really unbearable if not treated at the right time and with the most effective techniques. It can affect your daily life, work efficiency, sleep and wreak havoc on your peace of mind. Instead of living with the pain and being miserable, it is best to control the pain. Tens unit therapy can help in this regard. Tens unit electrodes are apparatus which go a long way in relieving pain. This method has proved to be effective.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation or “TENS” is portable, battery-operated machine that produces electrical impulses which stimulate nerves. The signals are mild and harmless, yet they are effective enough stop pain messages from being put out to the brain and possibly will increase the level of endorphins (natural pain killers produced by the brain). The unit uses two or more Tens unit electrodes to make contact with the skin.

In a TENS units, small Tens unit electrode pads attached to leads are placed at the spot of the pain with at least one inch (2.5 centimeters) between them. The TENS unit is switched on, producing a small electrical shock which stimulates the nerves in the area. The intensity, frequency, and duration of the shock can be controlled at the base TENS unit, which can be designed to be worn through the day or be a bulkier device for use in a medical office. Studies have suggested that at a high frequency, TENS units block pain signals to the brain, while lower frequencies may stimulate the creation of endorphins. The use of a TENS unit is accompanied with a mild tingling sensation, but should not involve muscle contraction.

TENS is safe nerve stimulation which decreases pain, both severe and chronic, and gives relief to the patient. It is very effective for postoperative pain, osteoarthritis, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Tens unit electrodes are commonly used to take care of low back pain and neck pain. The exact nerves targeted will decide the area of pain relief.

TENS machines electrode pads seem to be well-liked for various painful conditions. Their popularity would mean that they may well have some effect to reduce pain. However, the amount that the pain is eased is likely to vary from person to person with the same condition. TENS unit electrodes should only be used on the advice of a doctor or other health professional.

Source: articlesnatch.com

Is there or should there be a concern for patient who have had metal implants inserted and then start using a tens or interferential unit?

This is a question that has been asked many times over the past half century as both the field of implant technology improved as did the field of electrotherapy for pain, rehab., and non union fractures. The question is a fair one to ask not only from a safety perspective but also from the other angle of does an implant enhance the efficacy of an external tens stimulator or interferential machine.

Basically the implant is outside the electrical field of a tens unit so there is no effect generally. Also many new composites for implants do not have metal or electrically conductive materials in them so over the next few years the question may become moot. Tens units are powered by a 9 volt battery and lack enough energy to penetrate deeply into the tissues but with the advent of Interferential for home use the chances of interference become more pragmatic.

A tens/tns unit emits no more than 150 pulses per second ( how many times the unit goes off and on per second - pps/rate/freqeuncy ) however an interferential unit has a pps between 8,000 and 8,150 pps with greater penetration. The higher frequency and greater output bring into play the depth of penetration issue and does an underlying metal object help or hurt the treatment.

Most tens and interferential devices are used principally for the control, or elimination, of chronic pain such as sciatica, RSD, neuralgia, phantom limb pain etc. The treatment with interferential though is for short periods of time due to the interferential unit providing ” carryover pain relief ” or residual pain relief. The interferential unit is not generally worn by a chronic pain patient, unlike tens which only provides relief while being used.

To date there are not any true safety issues brought on by the use of interferential or tens units with patients having implanted metal devices. The single issue has been does the stimulation cause any degree of discomfort to the patient while being treated and if so the practical answer is to move the electrodes so the implant will not interfere with the sensory relief provided by the interferential or tens unit. It’s possible if the pain area is near the implant that the conductivity of the materials used may actually enhance the pain relief.

When an interferential unit is used for home use it is generally assumed the short treatment period versus the continual treatment with tens lessens the potential of implant interference with an interferential unit.

Source:ezinearticles.com

Electronic muscle stimulators, or EMS devices, are electronic devices that stimulate the muscles. Many bodybuilders use them to speed up muscle repair after a strenuous workout. When they have worked out hard, they get microscopic tears in their muscles and it is the healing of those tears that allows their muscle mass to grow. This would explain why EMS systems are commonly used in preventing muscle atrophy in those who are physically disabled.

For a person who has a disease or has been in an accident that prohibits them from using certain muscles, those muscles will begin to deteriorate over time. You may notice someone with atrophy in their legs have legs that are smaller than they should be. This is because the muscle is deteriorating away. Along with that muscle mass goes the strength. Although they may not be able to use the atrophied muscles anyway, it is healthier to prolong or altogether prevent the atrophy from occurring.

Other reasons to prevent atrophy

Another reason in which EMS systems are used to prevent muscle atrophy is the fact that there have been medical breakthroughs that have enabled individuals who have not been able to use their muscles for years to suddenly use them. People who could not so much as stand are standing, so it was important to keep the muscles stimulated. Even if there is no hope of a person being able to utilize those muscles, they still need to be stimulated since medical breakthroughs are happening every single day. One just never knows when they’re going to be notified of a new development, so their muscles have to be primed and ready to go.

How an EMS system works

EMS systems involve having more than one electrode placed upon the skin. From there, small electronic pulses are emitted, usually by the push of a button. These pulses cause the muscles to contract. The contraction is similar to what is received when exercising. This is the very contraction that is needed to keep the muscles stimulated. It is true that an EMS system can’t be connected all of the time, but it is great to have that available at a certain point or at points during the day to make sure the muscles get that bit of “exercise” that they need.

As for the effectiveness, EMS systems are quite effective, which is why so many individuals own them for various different reasons. As stated before, bodybuilders own them to help them in their bodybuilding routines. There are even some who use them to relieve muscle pain. The best way to relieve pain is by stimulating the muscle so that it can heal. If you’ve ever heard the saying, “Work it out,” then you understand how an EMS system can do this. These are all reasons why doctors prescribe them to be used for those with such conditions as Muscular Dystrophy, for paraplegics, and for those who have encountered severe injuries that have resulted in severe muscle damage.

Luckily, EMS systems are not an incredibly high investment. Many individuals are able to afford them and every individual can invest in the device that fits their particular needs. Certain ones give off a certain voltage, are different colors, different sizes, come with more or less electrodes, etc. Some may come with one type of electrode while others come with electrodes specially designed for different areas of the body. But again, they are not very expensive, making EMS systems an easily accessible treatment method for anyone. Anyone with a muscle disorder or injury should invest in an EMS system to improve the quality of their life and to keep up a healthy appearance.

Source:content4reprint.com

What is TENS pain relief and how does it relate to someone in pain? TENS is an acronym for a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit. A TENS unit is a portable, pocket-sized, battery-powered device that uses mild, safe electrical signals to help control pain. One of these units can treat many kinds of pain. A modern TENS pain unit is easy to use and compact enough to provide quick and dependable pain relief at work, home or play.

The electrical signals travel from the TENS unit through wires to the electrodes which are attached to your body. The electrode wires are then plugged into the unit. The unit is then hooked to your belt or placed in a pocket. For some chronic pain patients, TENS pain relief can last for several hours. For others, a TENS pain unit may help reduce the amount of pain medications needed.

A TENS pain unit is one of several kinds of electrotherapy devices that use very small doses of electric current to promote natural pain relief. A typical battery-operated TENS unit is able to modulate pulse width, frequency and intensity. When the unit is turned on, it delivers a light current through the electrodes to the skin and tissues just beneath it.

The unit emits low - voltage electrical pulses through electrodes attached to the body. The TENS unit works by preventing pain signals from reaching your brain. Depending on the frequency the unit delivers, the electrical stimulation can also trigger the body to release endorphins, which are natural pain killers. A physical therapist can help you determine the most appropriate settings for your unit.

Do not turn your TENS unit up too high as this can cause over-stimulation which may make pain worse. Do not get into water or sleep with the electrodes on your skin and the TENS unit turned on. If you wear a pacemaker check with your physician before using a TENS unit as this may interfere with the pacemaker’s function.

TENS units can be purchased or rented. The cost of a unit can range from about $100 to several hundred dollars. A TENS pain unit should only be used under the direction of a doctor, physical therapist, or occupational therapist.

If you suffer from chronic back pain, arthritis, tendinitis, aches and pain, poor circulation, sciatic nerve pains, headaches, migraines and other discomforts a TENS unit may help relieve some of your pain. TENS pain relief is not a cure, it simply gives the impression of experiencing less pain. These units are widely used in the physical therapy field to help patients control their pain while they rehabilitate their muscles. TENS pain relief units are considered safe when used properly and have helped many people.

Source:ezinearticles.com

Exercise has a place in the lives of everyone. With some adequate research and experimentation you can find the right exercise program for you. I was fortunate enough to find my exercise of choice as a teenager and excelled in martial arts and in weight lifting. It changed my life, even now. I believe that it’s vitally important to find an exercise that works for you as early in your life as possible.

Have you discovered your favorite activity yet? In many ways, it doesn’t matter what fitness activity you like, it’s more important that you work hard to build muscle mass, improve your fitness level while having fun at the same time. If you start life sitting on the couch all the time, your body won’t get the activity it needs to help you grow and mature into a healthy adult. If you are still looking for some kind of exercise regime, consider the electric muscle stimulator.

Perhaps you’ve seen an electric muscle stimulator before. Maybe you’ve seen one on television. In fact, there’s a scene in the movie “Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story” in which the main character, Bruce Lee, has an electric muscle stimulator strapped to his chest. In the movie, he comments that the stimulator felt like the equivalent of doing two hundred push-ups. My own experience with the electric muscle stimulator is limited to watching the move but I’ve heard many good things about them.

I’ve been told that such devices actually do work. The stimulator sends a small electrical shock through the skin to the muscle tissue and causes a muscle contraction. The contraction of the muscle causes the muscle to be more toned, just like when an individual does real exercises. The muscle contraction is mild, however, and I can’t believe that using such a device does the same thing as lifting weights or using a weight machine.

The ideal candidate for an electric muscle stimulator would be someone who has been injured and can’t exercise by any other means. Are you one of those types of people? Think about the possibility of strapping one of those machines on and letting the machine tone your muscles while you’re healing from an injury. You wouldn’t get the cardiovascular fitness component but it may keep your muscles toned until you recover.

If you’re interested in this type of exercise machine, do a search for one on the Internet so you can compare prices and styles. It’s possible you’ll find one in your price range and, even if you’re capable of doing muscle toning exercises, it may not be a bad idea to use one of these machines instead, at least for part of the time.

Author: Joe Goertz

Source:Isnare.com

As more and more alternative medicine is becoming popular, it’s not surprising that people would shy away from drugs to ease their pain and look for something that isn’t as likely to have side effects. The TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machine is one of the more popular methods for easing pain and can now be found easily on the market.

While TENS can aid with all types of pain relief, it is particularly popular among those who suffer from chronic pain and who are usually becoming resistant to pharmaceutical painkillers. Using stronger and stronger drugs in order to make it through the day doesn’t mesh with everyone’s philosophy and that’s why they start looking for alternatives like TENS.

How It Works
Essentially, TENS machines work by shooting electrical pulses through electrodes that are attached to the skin. These pulses interrupt the electrical signals that are sent to the brain to let it know that your body is hurting. By interrupting them, the pain is eased or even eliminated.

There are two ways the TENS machine is thought to work:

Low Frequency: The lower frequencies, 2-5 Hz, are believed to cause the body to react. The reaction creates natural painkillers, or endorphins. The endorphins block the pain naturally and while popular, this isn’t the usual method of using TENS.

High Frequency: For more intense pain, higher frequencies, 90-130 Hz, work to actually interrupt those pain signals being sent to the brain. This is the most common use for the machine and while you start slow, it’s not uncommon to need to up the frequency to find the best block.

How to Use It
Your machine should come with detailed instructions, which should be followed. However, there are some general use instructions that we can list here. Make sure the machine is off before applying the electrodes. You can test to ensure that it’s working by turning it on while holding the pads in your fingers. If it tingles, it’s working.

When putting the electrode pads on, be sure to avoid any sensitive or irritated areas and only apply to clean skin on either side of the pain. Electrodes need to be covered in conductive gel and must be placed at least an inch apart, preferably a little further. Tape them down if you plan to be moving around much. Turn the machine on at its lowest setting and gradually turn it up until you can feel the tingle.

You will need to feel a fairly strong sensation, but not painful. If the current causes muscles to contract, turn it down. The length of the session is up to you. It will need to be at least 45-60 min. but you can safely use the machine for up to 12 hours. At the end of the session, turn it off and remove the pads.

Who Can Use TENS
This technology isn’t best for everyone. Some people get more of a benefit than others and some won’t notice much of a difference in pain levels at all when using TENS. Also, if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker, epilepsy or a heart disease, you should stay away from this type of treatment. In some cases, TENS is used during labor, but in this case, you would need to consult a doctor.

As an alternative pain treatment, you’ll find that this works best on muscle pains, or those in the joints or caused by nerves. The electrical pulses are far less effective on things like headaches, chest pains or stomachaches and intestinal issues. That being said, there aren’t any real side effects from the use of this machine, so you can certainly experiment to find out whether or not it works for you. TENS can be a useful alternative to drugs. It’s worth trying if you suffer from chronic pain.

Source: articlesnatch.com

Back pain can be tackled in many ways. You can not depend upon the merit of any one type of treatment, to get rid of back pain. When you have back pain and when it does not subside for days together, you are so confused you are willing to follow any type of therapy that offers you hope of relief.

Well, it is the machine again that has come to the rescue of the humanity. For taking care of the lower back pain TENS machine (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is used with much benefit. Powered by the batteries that send mild electric pulse through the nerves, to block the pain signals is transmitted to the brain. The pressure felt in the affected area where the pain was located is relaxed. But the cost of such treatments is on the high side, which bars many from availing the treatment.

It is not that the TENS machine is the panacea for your back pain and once you have availed the services of this machine, you are free from your back pain for ever. Proper lifestyle and taking care of little things, which you consider as insignificant, is the indirect part of your treatment.

Be disciplined when you sit, stand or lift things. Don’t do things casually, without paying proper attention. If you sit on a properly non-aligned chair that could itself be the cause of your back pain. While picking up anything from the ground, bend from the knees in a relaxed manner, and not the stiff bend by just using the back. Do not put stress on the lower muscles of your back.

If the popularity of the machine is any indication, the TENS machine has done well. To many it has given total relief, to some partial. And as it is a case with all other therapies to treat back pain, to some there is no relief at all. Nevertheless, this TENS treatment has caught the imagination of the sufferers.

Even if one man is treated, it is one less patient of back pain! Further research is being carried out to judge the effectiveness of the machine, as part of the modern day medicine. At the existing level, the relief in pain provided by the machine varies from person to person.

The TENS machine works in two ways. The machine will trigger the pain gate to close when it is set on a high pulse rate of 90-130 Hz which it is believed, will block the pain nerve path to the brain. This can be said to be its normal functioning. When the machine is set on a low pulse rate, 2-5 Hz, it will cause the body to make its own pain easing chemicals called endorphins.

The main advantage of using the TENS machine is thatFree Reprint Articles, that there are no side effects. But this treatment is strictly to be taken under the guidance and supervision of the physician only.

Source: articlesfactory.com

Massage is known to be the best pain relieving mechanisms known to us today. They are completely free of side effects as there are no bitter pills to be swallowed, nor any foul smelling soups to be drunk. Lucrative though massages are it’s not always possible to get a massage therapist when and wherever you need. The solution to this problem is electronic massagers. With the advancements in health care technologies, electronic massagers have improved in both features and ease of use because they have become more compact. Thus you can get rid of your old and bulky massager which is also an electricity hog.
The compactness of new electronic massagers means that you have no need to depend on others to help you with your massage.

Just switch the electronic massager on and use it to get instant pain and stress relief. The new electronic massagers use sophisticated technologies which ensure that you normal body mechanism is bolstered not ruined.
This is done by exercising strict control in striking a balance in the overall flow of energy in your body. Hyper energized sections are repressed and weaker sections are given more stimulation. These are greatly similar to well established schools of acupressure and acupuncture which cure ailments by monitoring and balancing the flow of energy in the body.

The modern day electronic massagers use ultra low frequency waves which can regulate and improve blood circulation in deep muscles are they can penetrate the muscle structure of the body very well and save you the pain of needles of acupuncture. The electronic massagers being self usable are way more value for money as compared to a session of acupuncture or acupressure. You can get relief from pain anywhere and whenever you feel the need.
The power of the electronic massagers is generally derived from batteries which ensure their low weight, portability and independence from power outlets. Ever since their debuts in early 19th century the electronic massagers have helped a lot of people get relief from backaches, joint pains etc.

At the beginning electronic massagers were used to treat hysteria but they have evolved and now electronic massagers are being used to successfully relieve people from backaches, joint pains, chronic back pains eve hypertension and asthma.

It’s easy to buy electronic massagers from the Internet while you are sitting in your chair and the massagers get delivered to you home. It recommended ensuring the credibility and after-sales support of the vendors selling electronic massagers.

Source: add-articles.com

Electronic muscle stimulators, also known as EMS devices, are machines that aid people in toning their muscles. These types of machines can help an individual keep their body toned, in shape and according to some, enable them to lose weight. They are also used by physical therapists and health care professionals for the relief of minor joint pains, muscle aches and stress. For individuals who suffer from partial to full paralysis or have hard time moving, electronic muscle stimulation via these machines can also keep their muscles from atrophying.

Outside of rehabilitation, some body builders and athletes claim that EMS devices can help build muscle mass.

There is some debate as to if these electronic muscle stimulators are actually effective in helping maintain the shape and contours of the human body. Enthusiasts say that EMS devices definitely work and are the perfect compliment to an intensive workout. Others say that while electronic muscle stimulators can help strengthen muscles, it won’t give true muscle definition.

FDA regulation

The FDA technically recognizes electronic muscle stimulators as a “device” with therapeutic and cosmetic implications. While some mainstream consumer varieties of muscle stimulators exist, many high end EMS devices are used by therapists to keep muscles from atrophying after severe injury. Due to FDA regulations, companies that choose to sell these machines to the public at large have to prove their reliability and usefulness.

Overall Health and Safety

There is no shortage of online companies that will sell products that provide electronic muscle stimulation. Many such companies claim that they are the epitome of electronic muscle stimulators, but beware; the wrong type of device can be potentially dangerous. Some people have experienced pain, irritation, bruising, burns and shocks — electrocution has even been sited. This is why it is extremely important to make sure that the EMS device you are investigating is FDA approved. The FDA works hard to ensure that these items are highly functional and won’t harm the consumer.

What to look for in quality EMS devices

Although electronic muscle stimulation is often used by doctors and medical practitioners to increase blood circulation, reputable online and offline businesses can and do supply electronic muscle stimulators to the general public. More often than not, body builders and athletes seek to supplement their workout with consumer grade EMS devices.

When looking for an electronic muscle stimulator, they seek one with versatility and enough voltage to really aid with muscle growth. They can also use the EMS devices to help treat sore or injured areas of the body.

Quality EMS devices would also be cost effective without risking the health or well being of an individual because of cut corners.

Top EMS machines go for $60-$150 dollars consumer grade and come with electrodes.

Worth the expense

The money spent for an EMS really depends on what you want to accomplish. People who seek to enhance their physiques may find it a helpful compliment to physical exercise. If however, you have had a serious injury and wish to use the device for therapeutic reasons, you should consult with a certified health care professional before use.

A rehabilitation specialist will have access to better grade of equipment and can advise you on other things you can do to better your condition. An EMS device may not be the cure all weight loss item, but its wonderful applications in regards to pain management, stress reduction and muscle improvement make it a most noteworthy investment.

Just remember that the device delivers electronic currents and if mishandled can cause harm, even if it is FDA assured. Use common sense and take due precautions when utilizing this, or any other type of medical device, in the pursuit of health and wellness.

Source: ezinearticles.com