How To Best Use Your TENS Unit? I am having pain in my back, but I don’t want to take any medicines what I should do? - A Patient Is there any device that I can carry on travel for pain relief? - Another Patient The answer to both the questions above is TENS. It is an abbreviation for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. In simple terms, a TENS unit stimulates your nerves via an electrical current through your skin. In the majority of cases, the TENS unit is powered by a 9volt battery that produces pain relieving electrical signals. They may be available in either two channel or four self-adhesive channel electrodes that are applied to the TENS unit with leads wires. The modified electrical pulses are then passed from the TENS unit with the help of lead wires and electrodes. TENS is a non-invasive therapy to assist with pain relief. With the regular usage of TENS machine, you can reduce pain for up-to four years. You must bear this in mind that TENS is considered as a pain-relief tool that is not curative. With prolonged use, the degree of pain relief declines.
How To Set The Mode? There are three mode settings, i.e., Normal, Burst and Modulation. In normal mode, you get a constant stimulation at the frequency and a pulse width setting. In modulation, the frequency varies between many settings and makes use of cycles to reduce the nerve adaptation. Burst mode is useful for chronic pain relief.
How To Set The Pulse Rate? It is the number of electrical pulses you will feel in one second. The frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz). The pain relief can occur at many frequencies. Acute pain relief is usually most effective between 80 and 120 Hz. The lower settings from 2Hz to 10 Hz help in chronic pain.
How To Set The Pulse Width? A pulse width is in the period of current. Pain relief occurs with low to mid time periods. The muscle stimulation requires a longer pulse width to produce a muscle contraction. You can also alter the time that each pulse lingers before resetting.
For How Long Should You Use A TENS Machine? In the case of acute pain, you should use the machine for 20 to 60mins and up to four times daily. If you have chronic pain us the machine for 20-30min and up-to five times weekly.
Wrapping Up Intensity 10 TENS unit is instrumental in pain relief, and if you consider the points above, you’ll be able to use the machine properly.