How to Order

1: What is T.E.N.S.?
2: What kind of pain is my T.E.N.S. good for?
3: How does T.E.N.S. relieve my pain?
4: Are there any dangers or side-effects with T.E.N.S.?
5: Where do I place my electrodes?
6: How long may I use my unit at one time?
7: May I use my T.E.N.S. for other pain as well?
8: How do I know it's time to replace my electrodes?

What is T.E.N.S.?
The name stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, as the treatment consists of mild electrical current passing through the skin into the nerve fibres that lie just beneath it. In most cases the source of this electrical output is a 9-volt battery. The only skin contact is with 2 or 4 small electrodes, usually self-adhering and with a conductive substance built in. TENS electrodes are generally placed around the painful area or can be placed over acupuncture points in order to increase the effectiveness of the electrical stimulation.
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What kind of pain is my T.E.N.S. good for?
Useful pain warns us that something is wrong inside, and to ignore that warning could be harmful. However, some types of CHRONIC pain serve no useful purpose and result in unnecessary limitation of movement and function. This cause of this type of pain is often unknown or cannot be removed (ie. arthritis or some low-back pains). ACUTE pain is severe but usually of shorter duration, such as that during childbirth, traumatic injury or surgery. Both kinds of pain can be treated with TENS.
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How does T.E.N.S. relieve my pain?
There are two basic methods of relieving pain with TENS therapy...

(1) The standard TENS treatment (also known as "conventional" or "high-frequency") is performed when the Pulse Rate is set to 60 pulses per second or more. The sensation produced with this setting can be described as a steady "buzzing" or "tingling" feeling between the electrodes. At this frequency the unit produces an electrical signal that is stronger than the pain signal that the body produces. Because the signal is perceived as stronger, it effectively blocks the pain signal from travelling along nerves to the brain. Most patients find that high-frequency treatments produce the quickest relief from pain, as well as providing hours of relief after the treatment if it is long enough.

(2) A "low-frequency" or "burst" type treatment is produced when the Pulse Rate setting on the TENS unit is below 10 pulses per second (set manually) or at "burst" mode (automatic). Low-frequency treatments are done at an intensity that produces visible muscle twitching. The sensation at these settings is described as a "tapping" or "pulsating" feeling. The body reacts to this type of stimulation by releasing "endorphins" (pain-killing chemicals produced naturally in the body). These endorphins act as a chemical nerve block, effectively reducing pain by interrupting the flow of pain signals along the nerves. Patients find that this type of treatment sometimes takes longer to be effective, but once working lasts for a longer period of time.


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Are there any dangers or side-effects with T.E.N.S.?

Remember, the current travels through the skin between pairs of electrodes and only penetrates to a depth of 1-2 inches (to the level of the underlying nerve fibres). Such a small electrical current does not pose any danger. However, if you have a cardiac condition, a pacemaker or are pregnant, consult your doctor before using your TENS. For any conditions requiring electrode placement around the neck or head a health care professional should be consulted. There is also no evidence that TENS can become addictive, as it merely activates your body's own pain-fighting mechanisms.


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Where do I place my electrodes?

This depends on the location of the pain and any specific instructions given to you by your therapist. The best results seem to be obtained by placing the electrodes directly over or surrounding the painful site, although many clinics are treating acupuncture points as well. Usually the most important thing is that the current pass THROUGH the painful spot or along the nerves leading from that area. With two pairs (sets) of electrodes available it is possible to treat more than one area at time or "double-up" on a particularly uncomfortable spot.


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How long may I use my unit at one time?

Studies have shown that in most cases at least 30 minutes is needed for a TENS treatment to begin to be effective. When using low-frequency or "burst" mode for acupuncture-like effects, this would be considered the limit for treatment time, though it could be repeated later in the day. For high-frequency or "conventional" TENS, there are no rules governing total treatment times. Some people find that short periods of 30-60 minutes can provide them with several hours of relief. Others, however, find that they require extended use (several hours to all-day) in order to deal with their pain, especially if their job or lifestyle is strenuous and requires the kind of movement that brings on pain.

It is normally not recommended that you use your TENS when sleeping, but rather for a couple of hours before bed-time. Rolling over on your electrodes may cause them to come off or may put excess pressure on them which could result in increased skin irritation. Any adverse skin reactions can be helped by varying electrode placement slightly or by changing the type of electrode entirely. There are many different styles of self-sticking electrodes available depending on skin type, usage patterns and durability required.


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May I use my T.E.N.S. for other pain as well?

Yes, but you should check with your health care professional as it is important to have any new condition properly diagnosed. It can be dangerous to mask the pain of an unknown illness or injury. For example, perhaps your unit was prescribed to control lower back pain but now arthritic joint pain has developed. Your therapist or a qualified TENS advisor could assist you with new electrode placements for this condition. The same would apply to a sports injury, incisional pain following surgery, labour and delivery, or migraine headaches, just to list a few.


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How do I know it's time to replace my electrodes?

It is very important that the self-sticking electrodes (pads) be replaced when they no longer stick well or if you begin to feel a "stinging" sensation on your skin. The usual life-span is approximately 3 - 6 weeks, depending on skin type and weather conditions -- humidity will effect how long they last.

There are many different sizes and shapes of electrodes as well as the materials of which they are made. Although most of these pre-gelled reusable electrodes are considered hypoallergenic, in some cases people with sensitive skin may develop an allergy to a particular type of electrode, just like some people who are allergic to certain bandaids or tapes. One solution is to change the brand of electrode and there are also products available to help act as a skin "barrier" in these situations.

If you have any questions at all regarding the operation of the TENS unit, please do not hesitate to contact us immediately.


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