You’ve probably heard a lot about muscle stimulators recently and chances are, you’ve heard TENS being mentioned, as well. They are both commonly advertised machines that you can get easily for home use. But what is the difference between these two treatments? If you aren’t sure about this then you won’t be able to make the best purchase decision.

The main difference between the two is that a muscle stimulator is used to cause muscle contraction, while TENS focuses on nerve stimulation and tries to avoid contracting the muscles. Both use electrical pulses to do their job, but have different purposes.

TENS
The main use of a TENS machine is for pain relief, particularly in the case of chronic pain. It is most often used for joint or muscle pain that won’t go away, but can also be used to help treat nerve problems without resorting to drugs. It isn’t uniformly effective, that is, different people will have different results. For some, TENS electrical pulses interrupt the pain signals so effectively that they are literally without pain. For others, the relief is nearly non-existent, but most commonly, this treatment provides considerable relief from the chronic pain that haunts the user.

On occasion, with medical consent, the TENS can be used at the end of pregnancy, to help alleviate the pains associated with early labor. Since this is only recommended with a doctor’s permission, it’s not a good idea to try this without checking first. TENS can be used for up to 12 hours and consists of two small electrodes that are placed on either side of the area where the pain originates. The higher frequencies tend to block the pain signals, while much lower frequencies will stimulate the body to produce endorphins which naturally reduce pain.

Muscle Stimulation
This is a very similar machine to the TENS, also using two electrodes to send electrical pulses through the body. However, the purpose is quite different. Here, the purpose is to cause the muscles to contract and the reason has nothing to do with pain relief. Muscle stimulation has been found to be an effective method of training the muscles. The electrical impulses mimic those of the brain to tell muscles to move. There are two main reasons to use a muscle stimulator.

Training: Using electrical stimulation for training purposes is very useful. It allows the person to focus on specific muscle groups by choosing the right frequency and will work just those muscles, working them and conditioning them. This is particularly useful for aesthetic purposes.

Medical: When it comes to therapeutic use, electrical pulses can be used to stimulate muscles that are not being used. This can keep them conditioned and prevents atrophying. It’s a useful measure in medical situations.

Both TENS machines and muscle stimulators have their uses, but they are very different in their reasons for being used. If you are looking for an alternative to standard pain relief, then the TENS machine is what you should be looking at. However, for the prevention of atrophied muscles and to define specific muscle groups, the muscle stimulator is the way to go.

Now that you know the difference between these two different types of therapies, you’ll be able to choose the correct one. These machines can be bought for home use and you can safely use them yourself, as long as you follow the directions and take care not to use them if you have heart problems or a pacemaker.

Source: content4reprint.com

TENS is a contemporary, non-pharmaceutical pain relief treatment. The word “TENS” is actually an acronym for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator.

Its full name can be a little bit misleading, since many people associate “electrical” with shock and shock therapy. In reality, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator treatment, which is delivered through the use of a TENS unit, delivers a mild pulsing sensation, not shock.

TENS units are devices which deliver low levels of electrical currents topically (through the skin.)  The device creates a series of pulsing sensations.  The frequency and intensity of the pulses are controlled through knobs and/or buttons.  The electrical pulses are delivered from the device to the skin through the use of electrodes.  These electrodes are connected by wire to the TENS unit and applied to the skin, directly over the place where the pain relief is needed.

Depending on the nature of the injury or illness, doctors and therapists may start patients on a very low frequency and intensity of pulses.  They may gradually increase that level if the patient is comfortable and the condition warrants it.  Some units can actually be controlled by the patient, who can adjust the level him/herself to a level that is comfortable and provides the most benefit.

The length of the treatment itself often depends on the nature of the injury/illness.  A typical course of treatment for acute pain (i.e. post-op pain or accident injury) lasts for 6-8 weeks, with two to three sessions per week.  Individual sessions may last for ten to twenty minutes, and may be adjusted depending on the effectiveness of the treatment and the progress of healing.  TENS pain relief treatment for chronic pain (i.e. MS, arthritis) may be delivered on an ongoing and as-needed basis.

This therapy may be prescribed to alleviate pain from a range of illnesses or injuries.  TENS therapy may be prescribed for treatment of both chronic (pain that is recurrent, such as pain from osteoarthritis) and acute pain (pain that is the result of an injury that hasn’t healed completely.) It has been used to treat tissue and muscle damage (i.e. from a car accident or sports injury), pain resulting from surgery, strains (i.e. neck, back), tendonitis, arthritis and more.

There is conflicting information on the effectiveness of TENS pain relief treatment.  Research has only been conducted on a few specific types of pain, and in most of these cases has been shown to be moderately to highly effective.  Effectiveness usually depends upon the nature of the illness/injury, and the overall health and fitness of the individual patient.

TENS therapy has become a fairly routine form of treatment for pain and rehabilitation after an accident or operation.  A majority of patients who receive TENS therapy report at least a small level of pain relief.  Many find the treatment very effective, and most physical therapists agree that it may significantly shorten the duration of healing.  It is also an excellent alternative to drug treatments, especially when used on a regular basis during recovery.

TENS units are found in two basic types.  They may be found in the form of a home device, which patients can use in their own homes as needed (or prescribed) rather than requiring a doctor’s or therapist’s visit.  These units typically deliver lower levels of electricity and pre-programmed programs of treatment.

The other type of TENS unit is more complex.  It usually has the potential to deliver higher electricity levels than home unitsPsychology Articles, and therefore must be administered under the supervision of a doctor or therapist.

Source: articlesfactory.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

In a world where we know body image is less about other peoples perception and more about your perception, electronic muscle stimulators can have a positive effect to supplement a good diet and regular physical activity. Using tiny electric pulses, an electronic muscle stimulator (EMS) tones and firms your muscles giving them that sculpted look you desire.

Electronic muscle stimulators are not a new technology. Professional athletes looking for a competitive edge and body builders looking for that extra sharpness to their physique have been using them for years. However, an EMS device can be of practical use to everyday people who want to keep up a fit form simply from the comfort of their living room or home gym. In particular, people who are physically disabled, in physiotherapy or who just need results to appear quickly can benefit greatly from what an EMS has to offer.

Electronic muscle stimulators do just what their name suggests: they use electrical pulses to stimulate muscles into flexing many times in a small span of time. While an average workout might be able to flex an individual muscle a couple of dozen times in a half hour workout, an EMS can flex that same muscle a few hundred times in the same time span. Moreover, an EMS is capable of targeting very specific muscles and muscles groups that can be difficult to exercise especially without costly workout equipment. The abdominals, for instance, are extremely stubborn muscles that do not always firm up evenly with regular exercises such as sit-ups. An EMS can ensure the abs get a well rounded and thorough workout without complicated positions or expensive specialized exercise machines.

Electronic muscle stimulators are not a cheat or a new fangled quick-fix. They were developed over forty years ago in England for enhanced athletic performance as well as for everyday functions in beauty salons, health spas, hospitals, and physiotherapy clinics. Their use has been permitted by the International Olympic Committee for athletes since the early seventies. Through an array of soft rubber pads, gentle electronic impulses stimulate muscle groups into relaxing and contracting. Most electronic muscle stimulators come with a chart or a guide to the optimal placement of the pads to work out specific muscle groups.

Electronic muscle stimulators are safe for most users. The only people who ought to avoid an EMS are usually not meant to undertake any sort of intensive exercise program anyways such as pregnant women, those with a pace maker or internal metal plates or pins, or those with diabetes or abnormal blood pressure. On the other hand, an EMS can be ideal for a woman who was recently pregnant and wants to quickly reduce the appearance of being pregnant. Since the benefits of using an EMS are usually quicker to appear and easier to achieve than they are through traditional conventional exercises and since an EMS is lightweight, portable, and can be used just about anywhere, it is ideal for recent mothers.

Electronic muscle stimulators are especially useful for injured people who want to speed their healing by reducing the blood flow to the traumatized area and reducing swelling and soreness. In conjunction with regular physiotherapy, electronic muscle stimulators can help to speed the healing process by strengthening weak muscles without putting any strain on joints or requiring an excess of movement as an EMS is effective even when one is in a prone position. More often than not, improvement is visible after even one session. Like any exercise, frequent use is needed to maintain form and tone of the muscles, but frequent exercise has never been easier or more convenient.

Source: add-articles.com

Pain management is a growing and changing industry. A safe, effective, non-addictive treatment seems like the unreachable Holy Grail, but many patients feel they have found it through the use of TENS units. Treatments which were once thought to be quack medicine is now proving to be as effective and safer than many of the current drug therapies. There is an increasing need for managing pain as the baby boomer generation begins to age and chronic, age related aches and pains begin to arise. Rather than turning to costly and potentially dangerous pain medications, many patients are looking for other ways to alleviate their pains, such as can be found in the use of TENS and portable TENS units.

T.E.N.S. units stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. Transcutaneous literally means across the skin. These units work to alleviate pain by sending a mild electrical pulse through the skin to stimulate the nerves beneath. The specific nerves targeted will determine the area of pain relief. When using these, the patient should be sure to use a cream that is designed especially to help conduct electricity from the unit through his skin. This will increase the effectiveness of the treatment. While the treatment must be repeated every few hours for continual pain management, there are portable devices to make this more convenient for the patient. Portable TENS units should be lightweight and easy to carry. In many cases they can be worn next to the skin. If this is the case, the units need to either be battery operated or rechargeable.

Pain easement in almost any part of the body can come from using a TENS unit. There are certain body parts where a physician should supervise the use of the unit in order to prevent injury. In cases of pain in the neck and head, the patient should first consult with his physician. The doctor might even have a unit for the patient to use in his office. In any case, patients should never use a TENS or portable TENS unit on their face, head, or neck without discussing it with a physician. All of the nerves in your body converge on the brain in your head. Many nerves that control the heart and other vital body operations run through the head, and without a doctor’s supervision, the patient might stimulate the wrong nerve, which could lead to injury. Additionally, patients who are equipped with pace makers should not use electrical nerve stimulation since the charge could interfere with the pace maker’s operation. Those who are pregnant, nursing, have diabetes, metallic body part replacements or plates, have heart conditions or high blood pressure should talk to their physician before using electrical stimulation of the nerves.

TENS units are not a permanent solution for chronic pain and may result in gradually decreasing benefits when used over a prolonged period of time. TENS units may also mask the pain while having minimum impact of the treatment of the injury. TENS units are not recommended as a substitute for regimented physical rehabilitation therapy programs, but may be used in parallel with physical therapy. Most stationary TENS or portable TENS units require a doctor’s prescription. Since settings and options vary from unit to unit, always consult with a doctor or a chiropractor about the proper use of your TENS unit.

Source: add-articles.com

Many of us around the world are facing problems on weights. Most are suffering from excessive weight gain and obesity. Many try to lose weight but struggle to find an effective weight loss method. Unluckily, there is no easy way. One way to lose weight and keep it off is by making permanent lifestyle changes.

Nowadays, about 100 million people or more go on diet every year. But sadly, only 10 to15 percent tend to maintain the weight loss method. We can not deny the fact that many of us have some misunderstandings on what method of diet is healthy and what is not. As the rate of obesity has increased, so has the market for weight-loss products. Let us say, you choose to use an over-the-counter weight loss product or participate in a weight loss program, the bottom line is that you still must eat fewer calories than you burn to lose weight.

When selecting a weight loss product or program, gather as much information as possible. Just one thing, beware of high costs, pressure to buy special foods or pills, and fraudulent claims. There are a lot of risks on that. Some examples of ineffective or useless diet products include: diet patches, magnet diet pills, certain bulk fillers, electrical muscle stimulators, appetite suppressing eyeglasses and magic weight loss earrings.
How do we say that they are ineffective? Diet patches have been removed from the market by the FDA because they were ineffective as diet aid. Magnet diet pills on the other hand allegedly flush fat out of the body which is unhealthy. While certain bulk fillers may cause internal obstruction. Electrical muscle stimulators may remove by the FDA from the market if promoted for weight loss. Appetite suppressing eyeglasses and magic weight loss earrings are said to claim colored lenses project image on retina and decrease appetite and control hunger by stimulating acupuncture points respectively.

There are actually a lot of different kinds of weight loss products that are on sale. They are sold over the counter in various retail outlets such as pharmacies, health food stores, grocery stores and are also available online. Under the right circumstances, some of these may be safe and effective when used as part of a weight management program that promotes a reduced intake of dietary calories and an increase in physical activity. But if you are considering the use of weight loss products, you should be aware of potential risks so you can make informed choices.

Above all these, the best weight loss products come in one: natural diet. It is as simple as eat healthier, watch portion sizes, be responsible and be active.

Source: add-articles.com

There are many ways to deal with the pain of giving birth, but women and their obstetricians can always benefit from having another choice. A Cochrane review has concluded that women in labor should have the option of using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) a non-drug method of pain management.

“There is only limited evidence that TENS reduces pain in labor and it does not seem to have any negative or positive impact on other outcomes for mothers and babies. However the majority of women in the reported studies have indicated that they would be willing to use TENS for a subsequent pregnancy,” said Tina Lavender, a review co-author and a professor of midwifery at the University of Manchester, in England.

Widely used in other areas of medicine, the TENS unit is a small device that emits low- voltage electrical pulses through electrodes attached to the body. The exact way the pulses work is unknown, but they are thought to block pain transmission by stimulating nerve pathways in the spinal cord. During labor, clinicians usually place the electrodes on the lower back, but they can also attach them at acupuncture points or to the head.

For the review, researchers analyzed 19 randomized controlled studies that examined the use of TENS during labor. The studies involved 1,671 women and occurred in 11 countries, with three studies in the United States. Fifteen studies examined TENS applied to the back, two to acupuncture points and two to the head. Studies compared TENS use to routine care, to the use of a sham TENS unit or to other types of pain management, either medications or other techniques.

Women in labor who received TENS were less likely to say they had severe pain compared to the other women. However, this difference was not great and was not consistent across the studies, nor did the studies show that women receiving TENS were more satisfied with their pain relief than those who did not use TENS.

The new review appears in the latest issue of The Cochrane Library, a publication of The Cochrane Collaboration, an international organization that evaluates medical research. Systematic reviews like this one draw evidence-based conclusions about medical practice after considering both the content and quality of existing medical trials on a topic.

Lavender and her colleagues noted that it is possible that using TENS gave the women a feeling of control over their pain and served as a distraction. They concluded that women should have the option of using it during labor, with or without other forms of pain management.

No one has data on how widespread the use of TENS in obstetrics is, Lavender said, noting that one British study found that about 16 percent of low-risk women having their first baby used TENS during their labor. Generally, TENS works with other forms of pain management during labor, such as epidural anesthetics.

“TENS is not widely used in the U.S., largely because the pain relief offered is modest and TENS units are not frequently available on labor and delivery units,” said Laura Goetzl, M.D., an associate professor of obstetrics and oncology at the Medical University of South Carolina, in Charleston.

“There is no barrier to patients arranging for a TENS unit for themselves and using it in labor; however, the cost to the patient may not be worth the benefit over other treatments that are more likely to be covered by her insurance,” she said. Obstetricians usually support any method of pain relief a woman wants to use as long as it is not harmful to the mother or her baby and as long as it does not conflict with the policies of the admitting hospital, Goetzl said.

TENS units are not expensive, about 30 British pounds to rent and 50 pounds to buy in the United Kingdom, according to Lavender, and about $50 to $80 to rent for a week in the United States, according to an Internet search.

Source: medicalnewstoday.com

If you are looking for a way to reduce the pain you feel from a sports injury when you are working out, consider investing in a TENS unit. These devices can help you control your pain so that you can get the most out of your workout. TENS units are widely used in the physical therapy field to help patients control their pain while they rehabilitate their muscles. With the proper training, you can benefit from this same technology at home or at your favorite gym.
What Is a TENS Unit?
TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. A TENS unit uses electrical shocks to block pain signals that are being sent to the brain. It can also stimulate the body to create endorphins, which can increase the body’s ability to perform physical exercise.
How TENS Units Work
TENS units come with small electrode pads that already have gel on them. These are placed on the area that is experiencing pain. The small electrical shock delivered by the device will trigger the nerves in the area. Most users will feel a tingling sensation when they turn the device on. This can block the signal of pain to the brain when used at high dosages. Lower dosages are what trigger endorphin creation.
Who Can Use TENS Units?
Anyone can use a TENS unit with the proper training. However, since these do involve the use of electrical current, you should not use them without medical oversight. If you are recovering from a sports related injury, however, consider asking your physical therapist if you can be trained to use a TENS unit as you return to your sports training program. The device is going to be the most effective for athletes who are suffering from pain due to nerve damage. The common aches and pains that come from a rigorous workout are not what this device is intended to help.
Some people should not use a TENS unit, however. Children should not use the device, as its safety on growing bodies has not yet been tested. Any people with pacemakers or other similar electrical devices inside their bodies should never use a TENS unit. It can interfere with the proper functioning of the device, which can be life threatening.
Safety Concerns When Using a TENS Unit
TENS units are considered safe when used properly. However, there are certain places on the body where they should not be used. The electrodes should never be placed near the eyes or mouth. They also should not be placed on the temples. In fact, it is best not to use them on the face at all, as they could easily be placed too close to one of these sensitive areas.
The front of the neck is another place that the device should not be used. If you have any open wounds, do not put the electrode on them. Never place the device over the belly of a pregnant woman. In fact, pregnant women should not use a TENS device without first consulting with their obstetrician.
Once you have been trained by your doctor or physical therapist as to the best way to use the TENS device in your training program, make sure you resist the temptation to turn the frequency up too high. Remember, there is a limit to the pain relief you can experience with at TENS unit. Putting the frequency too high will actually cause you to have more pain. If you notice your muscles contracting near the electrodes, it is set too high. Otherwise, as long as you are properly trained and have followed these safety rules, you can use a TENS unit to reduce the pain from a past injury as you continue your workout routine.

Source: ezinearticles.com

An ultrasound machine uses high frequency sound waves and their resulting echoes to help determine the size, shape and depth of an abnormality. It allow various organs in the body to be examined right in the doctor’s office or clinic.
A basic ultrasound machine has the following parts:

* The Display - it is the most recognizable part of any unit. As the operator manipulates the transducer probe (we’ll talk about that next), it send out and receives data that is processed by the CPU and it’s software. That data is translated into visual information that displayed on the monitor or display. The clarity of the images depends on the age and resolution of the display.
* Transducer Probe - The probe is the eyes and ears of the ultrasound. The probe sends sound waves into the patient and receives the reflected vibrations. As the vibrations travel into the patient, they bounce back at different intervals depending on what the bounce off of. The transducer probe collects this information and moves it along to the CPU.
* Central Processing Unit (CPU) - The CPU is a computer that uses specialized software that interprets the sound waves that are returned to the transducer probe. It translated the data into an image or a series of images, allowing doctors and technicians to view the affected body part or parts.
* The Keyboard - Since it is a specialized computer, ultrasound machines have a keyboard much like a regular computer. It allows the operator to enter patient information or particular findings during the procedure.
* Hard Drive Storage - Like a regular computer, an ultrasound is capable of storing information for later retrieval. The information can be stored on the internal hard drive or on a CD or a DVD. the information can also be stored digitally and uploaded to the internet, so that it can be accessed from the office or anywhere you have an Internet connection.
* Printer - During the ultrasound procedure, the operator can print images for later study or that can be taken home by the patient, usually by expecting parents.
* Video Recorder - some ultrasound have the capability to record the procedure as it happens. This type of  recorder is specifically designed for medical applications. Its digital frame memory provides a noiseless, crystal clear “freeze” and is fully compatible with other S-VHS (or VHS) tape recordings. Like the printer, it allows expecting parents to take home a record of the development of their child.
Depending on the make and model of the ultrasound, there may be additional parts or options. Some suppliers offer options, like an endovaginal and endorectal transducers, that offer higher resolution than that of a traditional abdominal transducer. Because they can produce a scan close to the affected area, they can produce more accurate results. More features have been added to smaller, portable ultrasound machines, making them a versatile, powerful, lower-cost alternative for many doctors and clinics.
We should also mention the most important part of an ultrasound machine: the operator or sonographer. Sonographers are medical professionals who perform ultrasonic scans for diagnostic purposes. At times, the doctor and the sonographer are one in the same. The accuracy of the ultrasound exam and it’s results are dependent on the operator’s education, training, skill and experience. The more accurate the information from the exam, the more accurate the doctor’s diagnosis can be. The best ultrasound equipment that money can buy isn’t of much use unless you have the best qualified people operating it.
Do you have questions about a part of your ultrasound machine? Wave Imaging Solutions is a great place to turn to for questions and answers.
We are an OEM certified remanufacturer of used ultrasound equipment with cross-trained service professionals that are certified in multi-vendor capacities.
By adding the value of EOM Certification to our used ultrasound machines, our clients benefits from a very dependable ultrasound machine at a fraction of the price of a new one.

Source: ezinearticles.com

Do you use TENS units in your healthcare practice?
If not, I advise you to research the eye opening results of TENS units’ effectiveness in pain relief for many conditions ranging from back pain to arthritis. The physical effects of the electrical stimulation, coupled with the psychological effects of the patient having control over their pain, can take months off of recovery time producing a happy patient likely to refer you to others.
If you already use TENS in your practice you will know how effective they can be. However, health care providers can only advise a patient how to take a course of medicine, how and when to use physiotherapy equipment or do certain stretches etc and how to use a TENS unit. There is no saying as to whether their guidelines are followed; you have only their word to trust, and anyone who has been a patient knows, it sometimes feels better to expand the truth to not appear negatively in front of your practitioner.
A ‘Profile’ TENS unit is a patient’s AND health professional’s dream. It has all the features and more of the other TENS units for a highly effective treatment: it can treat two areas of pain, has 50 options of pulse rate, 10 options of pulse width and a timer with 7 selectable settings. It boasts 5 different ‘modes’ which are pre-programmed treatments including different pulse rates, widths and bursts. Its digital interface makes it smoother to use and clearer to read and it has an anti-shock system preventing harm from an accidental drop.
However, where it REALLY rises above other TENS units is in its area of ‘professional’ functions beneficial to the healthcare provider. Professional Function 1 records how long the unit is used for. It boasts a 99 hour memory of usage for the health professional to be able to see exactly what the patient has done since the last meeting. Professional Function 2 memorizes how many times the unit is used and Professional Function 3 locks the device at a particular setting required by the health professional so the patient only has to hit ‘play’. Combine these professional functions and you have a highly useful, effective complimentary treatment that works for both patient and healthcare provider.

Source: buzzle.com