Pain is the bodys natural signal to let you know when you have gone too far and need rest. But sometimes, pain becomes so acute and chronic, that it must be controlled. People who suffer from chronic pain will empathize that it can be really unbearable. Constant and acute pain can take a toll on your daily life and curb restful sleep as well. Instead of suffering from the pain day in and day out, it is better to go for a safe pain relief method like Tens unit therapy.

“TENS” is the short form for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. A “TENS unit” is a small, portable, battery-operated machine that sends electrical impulses to certain parts of the body to curb pain signals. The mild electrical currents produced by a Tens unit is strong enough to prevent 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 is typically connected to the skin using two or more electrodes.

TENS is safe nerve stimulation which aims to decrease pain, both severe and chronic. A good number of systematic reviews or meta-analyses have established its effectiveness for postoperative pain, osteoarthritis, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. A number of tens units have high and low currents. The high current closes the pain gate and the low frequency current excites the nerve which sets off the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers.

There are essentially two types of Tens units on offer in the market: a basic version is marketed to customers, typically offering LCD screens and digital control with a range of preset programs; the more intricate units are planned for use by healthcare professionals.

Pain shoots from electroechemical impulses communicating the pain message. A TENS unit interrupts this pathway. Tens unit physical therapy is frequently used to take care of low back pain and neck pain. The exact nerves targeted will decide the area of pain relief. While using these, the patient should make sure to apply a cream that is intended particularly to help conduct electricity from the unit through his skin. This will amplify the effectiveness of the cure.

In addition to Tens therapy, your doctor may, depending on your diagnosis, prescribe some blend of surgical, pharmaceutical and other treatments. Do talk to your doctor before using any of these. Tens unit, if prescribed to you by a good doctor, can definitely help you get relief from chronic and sever pain.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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