Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is not limited to tennis players.

The backhand swing in tennis can strain the muscles and tendons of the elbow in a way that leads to tennis elbow. But many other types of repetitive activities can also lead to tennis elbow–painting with a brush or roller, running a chain saw, and using many types of hand tools. Any activities that repeatedly stress the same forearm muscles can cause symptoms of tennis elbow.

Tennis elbow causes pain that starts on the outside bump of the elbow, the lateral epicondyle. The forearm muscles that bend the wrist back (the extensors) attach on the lateral epicondyle and are connected by a single tendon. Tendons connect muscles to bone.

Tendons are made up of strands of a material called collagen. The collagen strands are lined up in bundles next to each other.

When you bend your wrist back or grip with your hand, the wrist extensor muscles contract. The contracting muscles pull on the extensor tendon. The forces that pull on these tendons can build when you grip things, hit a tennis ball in a backhand swing in tennis, or do other similar actions.

Overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm and elbow are the most common reason people develop tennis elbow. Repeating some types of activities over and over again can put too much strain on the elbow tendons. These activities are not necessarily high-level sports competition. Hammering nails, picking up heavy buckets, or pruning shrubs can all cause the pain of tennis elbow.

The problem is within the cells of the tendon. Doctors call this condition tendinosis. In tendinosis, wear and tear is thought to lead to tissue degeneration. A degenerated tendon usually has an abnormal arrangement of collagen fibers.

The body produces a type of cells called fibroblasts. When this happens, the collagen loses its strength. It becomes fragile and can break or be easily injured. Each time the collagen breaks down, the body responds by forming scar tissue in the tendon. Eventually, the tendon becomes thickened from extra scar tissue.

The forearm tendon develops small tears with too much activity. The tears try to heal, but constant strain and overuse keep re-injuring the tendon. After a while, the tendons stop trying to heal. The scar tissue never has a chance to fully heal, leaving the injured areas weakened and painful.

The main symptom of tennis elbow is tenderness and pain that starts at the lateral epicondyle of the elbow. The pain may spread down the forearm. It may go as far as the back of the middle and ring fingers. The forearm muscles may also feel tight and sore.

The pain usually gets worse when you bend your wrist backward, turn your palm upward, or hold something with a stiff wrist or straightened elbow. Grasping items also makes the pain worse. Just reaching into the refrigerator to get a carton of milk can cause pain. Sometimes the elbow feels stiff and won’t straighten out completely.

The physical exam is often most helpful in diagnosing tennis elbow. Your doctor may position your wrist and arm so you feel a stretch on the forearm muscles and tendons. This is usually painful with tennis elbow. There are also other tests for wrist and forearm strength that can be used to detect tennis elbow.

When the diagnosis is not clear, your doctor may order other special tests. An MRI scan is a special imaging test that uses magnetic waves to create pictures of the elbow in slices. The MRI scan shows tendons as well as bones.

The key to conservative (nonsurgical) treatment is to keep the collagen from breaking down further. The goal is to help the tendon heal.

If the problem is caused by acute inflammation, anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen may give you some relief. If inflammation doesn’t go away, your doctor may inject the elbow with cortisone. Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication.

Doctors commonly have patients with tennis elbow work with a physical or occupational therapist. At first, your therapist will give you tips how to rest your elbow and how to do your activities without putting extra strain on your elbow. Your therapist may apply tape to take some of the load off the elbow muscles and tendons. You may need to wear an elbow strap that wraps around the upper forearm in a way that relieves the pressure on the tendon attachment.

Your therapist may apply ice and electrical stimulation to ease pain and improve healing of the tendon. Electrical stimulation is often used to reduce pain and promote healing. It is a method used to relieve pain in an injured or diseased part of the body. Electrodes applied to the skin deliver low voltage intermittent stimulation to surface nerves in the skin. The transmission of pain signals is blocked and endorphins are released. Endorphins are the body’s natural pain killers.

Electrical stimulation is also known as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). TENS refers to many types of electrical units that are used to relieve pain. Electrodes are placed on the skin near the injured area and attached to a stimulator by flexible wires. Electrical impulses are then produced to give relief from pain. The battery-operated unit is portable and can be used at home by the patient.

TENS is non-invasive and non-addictive. It has no side effects and can be used to treat acute or chronic pain. Persons who use pacemakers must not use any form of TENS. The electrical impulses may interfere with the pacemaker’s action.

Exercises are used to gradually stretch and strengthen the forearm muscles.

Because tendinosis is often linked to overuse, your therapist will work with you to reduce repeated strains on your elbow. When symptoms come from a particular sport or work activity, your therapist will observe your style and motion with the activity. You may be given tips about how to perform the movement so the elbow is protected. Your therapist can check your sports equipment and work tools and suggest how to alter them to keep your elbow safe.

No normal person can tolerate body pains, even those with high pain tolerance. As much as possible we use something to relieve the pain, if not pain pills such as ibuprofen and the likes, we apply mentholated oils and ointments. Body massage, reflexology, acupuncture are also few of the physical treatments we use to alleviate the discomfort we experience.
We know for a fact that taking pain pills often may cause us to depend on it and might even get ourselves immune to the medicine. On the other hand, oil and ointment application is not always effective and can irritate our skin in the long run. Body massage, acupuncture and other similar type of treatments can help ease the pain and at the same time relaxing, but not too budget-friendly especially if you need it often.
How about devices for pain relief? Have you heard about TENS machines?

TENS unit or TENS machine is a device with paddings that helps treat body pains through electric impulses that are delivered to specific parts of the body which blocks pain signals preventing them to reach the brain. Normally this device comes in handy and for different purposes.

The types of body pains that are recommended for TENS machines are arthritis, joint pain, and muscle pains. There are TENS units that could be used for headaches such as the electro-acupuncture type. TENS machines can also be used and recommended for labor pains, as well as dental pains. However, Tens machine use is not recommended for pains associated with cuts and burns.
TENS units, aside from the pain relief action, also gives a pampering and relaxing feeling to the user. It stimulates the muscle and nerves particularly the pressure points when the electrode pads are placed on the surface of the skin on the affected area. You can consider it as a nice buy and worth the money because the stimulation action also helps relieve stress. There are also evidences that shows how TENS units can help release endorphins in the body.
Having TENS machine in your home is a necessity nowadays because the whole family can make use of it. As technology advances, different TENS machine types are becoming available such as the sports TENS machines and mini TENS machines that you can bring with you anywhere you go. You can purchase the type you need for your lifestyle, and surely there is one that will suit you.
If body pains are not treated properly, there is a possibility for it to lead to something more serious. TENS machines could be a healthier choice compared to those other pain treatments mentioned on the first paragraph. At least, through TENS machine, no need for you to intake different kinds of pain medicines, or if you need so, lower dosage may be taken. You also don’t need to book for a massage or acupuncture schedule because TENS machine could give you the same benefits.

Athletes put their bodies through incredible amounts of stress and strain, but they are usually able to recover quickly thanks to their high levels of conditioning. Sometimes, though, muscle pain and soreness will not subside. Although rest is the best solution for pain and soreness, many athletes do not have time to give their bodies a break. This is especially true in the midst of a competitive season, during which one missed day can mean the difference between winning and losing. Thankfully, TENS units for athletes are becoming more popular. These units can be used to ease the recovery from pain and soreness, plus they can help rebuild muscle tissue in the event of an injury like a pull or a tear. This keeps athletes from having to take valuable time away from their sports.

TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. The units work by sending electrical pulses into the body which prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. Additionally, TENS units can help with the body’s creation of endorphins, which can make the recovery process go more quickly. By using these units regularly when injuries or pains occur, athletes can also experience a decrease in the amount of time it takes to heal from common injuries and pains.

Because TENS units stimulate the body with small electrical shocks, they should not be used without the proper training and guidance from a physician. The machines are simply too dangerous to be used without supervision from a medical professional. Once a patient has been shown how to operate a TENS unit properly, he or she can use it as directed to help the recovery process.

One of the most appealing aspects of using TENS units for athletes is that the machines are highly portable. For this reason, the units can be used almost anywhere at any time. Athletes love this aspect since they often have very little time to devote to recovery in between workouts and jobs. In fact, an athlete could go to the gym in the morning and use his or her workday to recover by using the TENS unit. The machines are compact, quiet and effective when used properly.

Being an athlete today requires a significant commitment in terms of time and effort. When injuries happen, it can throw a training program or competitive schedule completely off track. Recovering from pain, soreness and injuries takes time, but by using TENS units for athletes, people can get back to training and playing in very little time. The machines are effective and very easy to use, plus they can be used virtually anywhere at any time. TENS units are truly revolutionary when it comes to athletic recovery.

Lots of people experience some type of neck injuries and it is very painful. Frequently the injuries, whether it involves a vehicle crash from behind, is known to as whiplash. This kind injuries usually involves an abrupt jolt of motion forward and also the muscles immediately become inflamed and swell, protecting begins included in the inflammatory process. The very first 12 to 24 hrs commonly are not as seriously painful as the timeframe following a acute onset. It’s following the initial trauma the discomfort may become intolerable. Throughout the very first acute episode, following a trauma, its better to ice, awesome the neck area since the body has taken care of immediately the trauma and started a number of chemical responses to prevent the dangerous effects. The issue is inflammation, swelling, which started using the increase of recent chemical responses. Since the excess fluid is taken within the tissue area there’s an growth of cells and finally a rupture within the cell walls themselves that will later require repair to achieve full function. Following the swelling has stopped then warm moist warmth is an extremely wise decision to start coping with the inevitable discomfort that follows. Here are a few practical remedies in 3 easy steps…

Step One - Ice Lower/ Chill

Step one to become taken is ice, awesome lower the neck injuries area. You will have to do that since the muscles will begin swelling and you will see an accumulation of cellular liquids leading to cell/tissue destruction. A few of the destruction would be the consequence of the distressing injuries but you’ll also have additional damage because of the inflammatory response from the defense mechanisms. You will have to carefully avoid dealing with with warmth throughout the acute phase, because the warmth increases bloodstream flow and boost the swelling and injury..

You will have to perform the chill starting point quickly. Should you choose it quickly, then your swelling will subside and you will see less damage and fewer discomfort.

Step Two - Apply Warm Moist Warmth

Your next step will probably be following the first 12 - 24 hrs, once the swelling has gone away, then begin warm moist warmth for that discomfort. Without having a moist warmth pad then simply just use tepid to warm water on the towel and affect the neck area. If at all possible to be able to extend the warmth from the towel place the a bit of reflective aluminum foil outrageous to retain the warmth and never let it evaporate. Things you will want to avoid listed here are be cautious about using discomfort medicines that could leave you sleepy or groggy. To heal no need to essentially “drug yourself” from awareness. You need to avoid driving a vehicle or getting into any situation in which a quick movement, or the requirement for a fast movement reaction, may damage you. Many chronic injuries are basically acute injuries recurring again and again.

Step Three - Use Electrotherapy, ideally Interferential therapy, with moist warmth if at all possible.

The Next step is that if possible make use of a portable interferential pain machine with the moist warmth packs or maybe interferential isn’t available then make use of a standard TENS unit. This will be relevant because moist warmth provides carryover discomfort relief before the area treated manages to lose the warmth. Following the thermal warmth effects are lost, the discomfort frequently returns. The interferential treatment is called the treatment of preference for stretching the rest of the or carryover discomfort relief period of time, however TENS, transcutaneous electric nerve generators, could be worn continuously reducing discomfort. This will be significant if the carryover period is extended the muscles could be rehabilitated sooner, the discomfort upon stretching and doing the rehab. is reduced, and full flexibility is restored.

The precise steps layed out above should assist the whiplash patient experience less discomfort, gain mobility faster, and tissue repair conclude sooner. Just stay with the stages in order, for that reasons as described, while carefully staying away from the traps, problems and potential mistakes pointed out. Then pat your self on the rear and relish the benefits and rewards of getting lost the discomfort, restored the function and lessened the rehab time.

For thousands of back pain sufferers, TENS units provide a lifeline, restoring the ability to function and reducing constant discomfort. TENS units, short for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, are small electrical devices that can be carried around or worn on the body. Connected to the skin through two or more electrodes, they provide an electrical current that stimulates nerves reducing both acute and chronic muscle pain. While TENS units aren’t effective for everyone, for some people, they are the key to a more active lifestyle.

Due to their recent popularity, TENS units can currently be found for sale on many websites. This is a great way for pain sufferers to obtain afordable equipment for an inexpensive solution to their health issues. Before attempting to use these devices, however, it is important to consult with a professional to learn how to use them and what risks are involved.

Once you have decided to buy a TENS unit, there are a few decisions to make, and not all devices are created equal. Here are a few important things to look for in a new TENS unit:

- Confirm that a device is well designed. Make sure that buttons are clear and placed in such a way that it is difficult to accidentally change settings. No one wants a surprise electric shock when they bend down to tie their shoes. Some devices offer extra features that may be overly complicated for those with arthritis or reduced motor control.

- Check the expected battery life. Just like any electrical device, it’s best to buy something that uses energy efficiently and won’t burn through batteries too quickly.

- Width control refers to the amount of time the device stays on before it automatically shuts off. This will be important to determine based on your particular condition. Once again, it is always a good idea to consult with a medical professional.

- Make sure the electrodes are of a premium quality. The device is only useful as long as the electrodes properly connect to your skin. If you are buying a new package or if you are searching for replacement TENS unit electrodes for sale, there are three things to look for: 1. cloth-faced electrodes are more durable than the foam or rubber variety. 2. Look for a solid anchor where the lead enters the electrode. This directly affects how long the electrode will last. 3. Choose an electrode with strong adhesive strength that will remain effective over the long term.

With many attractive offers available online, TENS units are already reaching a much wider audience and providing relief for thousands of people. Sufferers of back pain would often pay a high premium for relief, but now they don’t have to. There are many high quality products available at low prices, so don’t wait to experience relief, learn more about TENS units today.

TENS therapy is a pain killing treatment that involves the use of electrodes and a device to transmit an electric present through the skin. It’s not proven how this process works, however many patients have documented positive results from TENS therapy. Many doctors and physiotherapists in Australia suggest TENS therapy just as one alternative to drugs, deep tissue massage and other types of treatments. Modern TENS machines often provide an EMS function which not just helps to target the source of the trauma, because EMS penetrates more deeply into the body tissues it may actually help to stimulate muscles, increase bloodstream flower and repair torn and broken body tissues.

Severe and chronic conditions helped by TENS include:

Acute Discomfort Conditions

Broken Bones
Giving birth Pains
Dental Pain
Fractured Ribs
Joint Strain
Muscle Muscle spasms
Post - Operative Pain
Pre-Menstrual Pain
Sporting Injuries
Tendonitis
Tennis Elbow

Other types of pain assisted by TENS discomfort management include:

Joint disease
Back Pain
Cervical (neck) discomfort
Chronic Pain
Diabetic person Neuropathy
Facial Palsy
Fatigue
Head ache
Ischemic Pain
Leg Pain
Lower Back Pain
Migraine
Natural Lesions
Phantom Limb Pain
Rheumatism
R.S.I
Sciatica
Scoliosis
Stroke
Tension

TENS therapy seems to work well for some patients and is less effective for others and it varies in between treatments. If you are considering Hundreds therapy we strongly suggest you consult with your physician before starting any therapy. TENS is not suitable for some conditions, which is best administered with a professional who can speak you through aspects such as TENS pad positioning and the various applications and ways that the TENS machine may be used.

Electrical pain relief comes in several forms, one of them being TENS- or “Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.” Aurawave is a state-of-the-art TENS device designed to bring instant paint relief without the use of drugs or the requirement for a prescription.

Just how do TENS models like AuraWave work? The actual science is based on the concept of gently stimulating your body’s nerve fibers using light electrical “pulses.Inch These low rate of recurrence pulses are administered to the body via adhesive electrodes, placed on your skin along either side from the pained area. When the AuraWave device is switched on, the consumer simply selects a treatment setting based on the type of pain he or she is experiencing, and the electric pulses are sent in the unit through the electrodes. They penetrate the nerves, located an in or below the skin, which send messages to the brain.

Whenever an area of the is experiencing pain, the actual nerves in that part of the body send signals towards the brain, which in turn translates these signals as pain. However, the technology of the TENS units is where the newest treatment comes into play. The electrical pulses administered through the AuraWave actually “reroute” the pain indicators in the body, so that the brain only registers the tingling of the electrodes, rather than the pain in that area. Simply speaking, this kind of therapy “confuses” the brain into not realizing the pain in the area.

There are several models of TENS units on the market, however AuraWave is one of the best products with regard to electrical pain relief, for several reasons:

Unlike most other TENS machines, AuraWave can be bought without a doctor’s prescription. It’s actually the first device of its kind to be authorized by the FDA for over-the-counter buying. This allows consumers to steer clear of doctor’s visits and dealing with insurance companies more than prescription and protection details- it can simply be purchased and used right away.
The digital screen readout trumps its competitors when you are easier to navigate as well as understand, complete with a diagram of the body to be able to pinpoint the correct kind of treatment.
It has several different modes of therapy in order to target the perfect frequency of MegaHertz for varying levels of pain, occurring in different areas of the body.
It’s portable, light-weight, and battery-operated, making it comfortable and easy to use.
It comes with an exclusively designed belt which allows the user to wear this underneath clothing for around-the-clock use and continuous pain relief when preferred.
In addition to blocking discomfort signals, it also raises blood circulation in the area to advertise healing, and boosts the body’s release of hormones.

EMS vs. TENS

Many people mistakingly confuse TENS treatment with EMS, which stands for “Electronic Muscle Stimulation“.Inch Both machines use electrodes, look very similar, as well as fall under the category of electrical pain relief devices, but they actually carry out different functions. Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulators such as AuraWave target the nerves specifically, in order to “shut off” the pain signals before they can reach the brain. EMS machines, however, stimulate the muscle tissue themselves, forcing them to contract.

Does TENS Hurt?

Ironically, despite the fact that TENS machines were designed to reduce pain, many people associate electrical pain alleviation with electric shocks, and fear that using AuraWave could cause them pain. Fortunately, this is not the case. The sensation it makes is similar to a gentle tingling, buzzing, or even tickling feeling. In fact, it’s used by athletes following a hard workout to savor a safe and gentle massage.

Is It Dependable, or Are There Negative effects?

Unlike many narcotic painkillers prescribed by doctors, AuraWave is completely non-addictive, since it uses no drugs- simply stimulating electric currents. This is great news for people who have difficulty taking prescription pain medications, but nonetheless have the need for alleviation. Some people worry about receiving an electric “shock” when using a TENS unit, but even the maximum rate of recurrence level is not almost strong enough to produce an electrical shock of any kind. The only noticeable sensation is the light tingling sensation where the electrode is placed on the skin. If the tingling sensation feels too strong, it can simply be decreased by adjusting the frequency setting. In rare cases, some people have observed minor skin discomfort due to the adhesive electrode pads, but this is not usually the case. It can also be avoided by making sure to slightly adjust the placement from the pads from day to day to permit the skin to breathe.

With everyone starting to become more health conscious, people are beginning to flock to the gym. However, if you’re new to the exercise game, you might jump in too quickly and end up hurting yourself rather than helping yourself. With the help of pain relieving gels, you can alleviate some of that pain and ease into a great workout.

After taking the leap into a workout regime, you might find yourself overwhelmed. You’re attempting to create a proper workout for the first time and to stick with it. But add to that muscle soreness and it’s easy to see why many people become discouraged and fall off the track. Luckily, it’s perfectly normal to feel soreness after working out! You are putting your muscles through physical stress and they’re moving in ways they are not used to. You may feel great after your first workout, but 24-48 hours later is when you can feel delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS.

DOMS is a result of small microscopic muscle tears. Couple that with inflammation from the tears and you have pain. However these aches and pains should be mild as your body becomes used to the new workout. Even trained athletes and bodybuilders will still suffer from soreness, so you can’t let it deter you from continuing your exercise. Many aren’t sure if this normal. They fear the pain and they stop exercising. People new to the game need to be educated that the pain is not damaging and will go away.

In order to alleviate the pain, there are several remedies. Obviously rest is important. Stretching is actually very underrated and is extremely important. You need to stretch before and after a workout. Although you may be sore, continue to do light exercises to keep the muscles in motion, but never strain yourself or do anything that puts you in agony. Using pain relieving gels can be a great help. Gels like Biofreeze and Sombra can be rubbed onto all your muscles and provide you with relief. Sombra will also provide a nice cooling effect and is perfect immediately after your workout. What’s great about pain relieving gels is that they eliminate the need for constantly taking medication.

Both ice and heat can help too. Heat increases blood flow and brings fresh nutrients and oxygen to the muscles. Coolness will numb the pain. A little massage never hurt either. Even if you can’t afford to have a personal masseuse, massaging your legs and arms yourself can still help.

Exercise is a process of muscle conditioning. The longer you exercise, the less and less pain you will feel over time. It’s important not to give up and to utilize helpful products like Biofreeze and Sombra to keep you going strong.

For other pain relief, use TENS therapy machines from LG Med Supply.com.

Many people experience some form of neck injury and its very painful. Often the injury, if it involves a car crash from behind, is referred to as whiplash. This type injury usually involves a sudden jolt of movement forward and the muscles immediately become inflamed and swell, guarding starts as part of the inflammatory process. The first 12 to 24 hours are generally not as severely painful as the time period following the acute onset. It is after the initial trauma the pain can become unbearable. During the first acute episode, following the trauma, its best to ice, cool the neck area because the body has responded to the trauma and initiated a series of chemical reactions to stop the harmful effects. The problem is inflammation, swelling, which began with the influx of new chemical reactions. Because the excess fluid is captured in the tissue area there is an expansion of cells and eventually a rupture in the cell walls themselves which will later require repair to gain full function. After the swelling has stopped then warm moist heat is a very good option to begin dealing with the inevitable pain that follows. Here are some practical remedies in 3 simple steps…

Step 1 - Ice Down/ Chill

The initial step to be taken is ice, cool down the neck injury area. You will need to do this because the muscles will start swelling and there will be a build up of cellular fluids resulting in cell/tissue destruction. Some of the destruction will be the result of the traumatic injury but there will also be additional damage due to the inflammatory response of the immune system. You will need to carefully avoid treating with heat during the acute phase, as the heat will increase blood flow and increase the swelling and tissue damage..

You will need to do the chill initial step promptly. If you do it promptly, then the swelling will subside and there will be less damage and less pain.

Step 2 - Apply Warm Moist Heat

Your second step is going to be after the first 12 - 24 hours, when the swelling has subsided, then begin warm moist heat for the pain. If you don’t have a moist heat pad then simply use warm water on a towel and apply to the neck area. If possible in order to extend the heat of the towel you can put a piece of reflective aluminum foil over the top to contain the heat and not allow it to evaporate. Things you’ll want to avoid here are be careful of using pain medications that may leave you sleepy or groggy. To heal its not necessary to basically “drug oneself” out of awareness. You should stay away from driving a car or getting in any situation where a quick movement, or the need for a quick movement reaction, can harm you. Many chronic injuries are merely acute injuries recurring over and over.

Step 3 - Use Electrotherapy, preferably Interferential therapy, with moist heat if possible.

The 3rd step is if possible use a portable interferential pain machine in conjunction with the moist heat packs or if interferential is not available then use a standard TENS unit. This will be significant because moist heat provides carryover pain relief until the area treated loses the heat. After the thermal heat effects are lost, the pain often returns. The interferential treatment is known as the therapy of choice for extending the residual or carryover pain relief time period, however TENS, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulators, can be worn continuously minimizing pain. This is important because if the carryover period is extended the muscles can be rehabilitated sooner, the pain upon stretching and doing the rehab. is minimized, and full range of motion is restored.

The exact steps outlined above should help the whiplash patient experience less pain, gain mobility quicker, and tissue repair conclude sooner. Just stick to the steps in order, for the reasons as explained, while carefully avoiding the traps, problems and potential mistakes mentioned. Then pat yourself on the back and enjoy the benefits and rewards of having lost the pain, restored the function and lessened the rehabilitation time.

One of the more popular medication free methods to control pain is the use of a TENS machine. TENS (transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation) are available with out prescription and secure and easy to to use. There are a wide range of devices available for home use which range from a simple machine with regard to pain at around $20 in order to more than $300 for a twin channel machines which includes muscle excitement functionality.

How Does a TENS Machine Work?

Electrodes are placed on the skin (and so the name transcutaneous) and the nerves triggered by a small electric pulse. At a high pulse rate it has the effect of blocking the impulses which transmit pain communications to the brain. In addition a low pulse price can be used which stimulates the production of the body’s own pain suppressing hormones, endorphins. The handheld TENS unit can be used to control the intensity of the impulses, the pulse rate and the period the stimulation is applied. It is usually recommended the unit is used for twenty minutes to thirty minutes during which time the pain is blocked by the electric impulses. pain relief however persists after changing off the unit due to the production of endorphins.

What Type of Pain Does a TENS Machine Block?

The most effective use of these machines is for the alleviation of chronic discomfort from joints, muscle tissue or nerves and is not recommended for pain using their company conditions such as appendicitis, hepatitis etc. For those with chronic pain that require strong drugs for relief TENS can be quite effective and is a good alternative to increasing the level of painkillers required.

Do you need TENS During Labor?

TENS is becoming increasingly popular as a non drug method to help control labor pain. The actual electrodes are placed on the back again and the intensity controlled by the woman within labor. As the degree of pain during work increases the intensity of the actual stimulation can be increased accordingly giving the woman’s complete control. During labor the machine is often used in two ways. During a contraction a higher pulse rate is accustomed to block the pain and between contractions a lower pulse rate is used to stimulate endorphin production which in turn helps you to lower the pain of contractions. TENS can be used from the beginning of labor, prior to the pain has increased in order to stimulate endorphin production. This really is more effective than waiting around until labor is more advanced. One extreme caution we should mention here is that the use of Hundreds machines before the 37th 7 days of pregnancy has not been shown to be safe for the developing foetus so should not be used.

How Safe is actually TENS?

Using a TENS machine is safe provided you follow the security guidelines. You should not make use of this method if you have epilepsy or even have a heart pacemaker as the electrical stimulation can disrupt it. For those who have pain then you must always consult a physician to identify the cause before you use TENS. It should not be used for pain from underlying medical conditions such as appendicitis or anyone who has heart disease unless of course recommended by your physician.

Never use the electrodes:

In the mouth
on the crotch
on broken pores and skin or wounds
upon each temple
close to the eyes or on the head
on areas of skin that are reduce or desensitised
Conclusion

The use of a TENS machine is a safe, effective, no drug method of respite from chronic pain. Always make sure your pain continues to be diagnosed by a competent medical practitioner before you use TENS and follow the security guidelines that are released with your machine.