How to Use TENS for Pain Management
Taking care of pain management at home is often achieved with the use of a TENS unit. TENS means Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and is a portable device that fits within a pocket. It uses electrical impulses to stop pain messages to the brain and increases the body's natural pain killers, called endorphins, which provide relief for the chronic pain sufferer.
What You'll Need:
- Portable TENS unit
- Refer to the enclosed instructions for proper usage of your TENS unit. Be familiar with all operating procedures before attempting to use the device. This device should only be used under the advice of a physician. It is important to keep the TENS away from water to avoid electrical shock. Do not use it you are pregnant, unless a doctor allows you to do so. The TENS unit can be used on any area of the body where pain or soreness is present; except for the heart area, front portion of the neck, any parts with nerve damage or on open sores.
- Place adhesive patches included with the unit on the area to be treated. These are connected to electrodes that run the current. Make sure that the skin is clean and dry before applying them. It should also be free of lotions and powders that can interfere with conductivity.
- Turn on the TENS unit and program the timer. Set the frequency by beginning with a low setting and gradually turning it up a until comfortable level has been reached. If pain occurs during use, turn the machine off. You shouldn't feel anything more than a mild tingling sensation when you are using the TENS unit. There are no time restrictions that you need to follow, but do not sleep with the unit turned on.
- Turn off the machine when you are finished and remove the adhesive pads. As long as the pads remain sticky, they can be reused. Replace them when the adhesive backing no longer works. The TENS unit may be used as often as necessary to control chronic pain without any side effects.