TENS machines

Posted on Pain Management

Electrical nerve stimulation eases pain and fatigue for some conditions

Wearable TENS system “offered immediate, on-demand relief,” say researchers

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) device

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) device Credit Bijan Najafi Research Team

 Wearable electrical nerve stimulation devices can relieve people experiencing the persistent pain and fatigue linked to long COVID, a study co-led by UCLA and Baylor College of Medicine researchers suggests.

Long-COVID, a complex and lingering condition following COVID-19 recovery, affects approximately 1 in 13 adults in the U.S. Symptoms such as widespread pain, fatigue, and muscle weakness often continue to disrupt daily activities, including walking and basic tasks.

The study focused on a wearable Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) device, which uses low-voltage electrical currents to reduce pain, fatigue, and mobility issues associated with long-COVID.

However, the device could have broader applications.

 “While this study focused on managing pain and fatigue caused by long COVID, it may also have potential applications for addressing similar symptoms in individuals with other respiratory diseases, those who have experienced extended ICU stays and developed post-hospitalization weaknesses, and conditions involving chronic fatigue and pain, such as fibromyalgia or chemotherapy-related side effects,” Najafi said. “But further studies are needed to confirm these potential uses.”

In the study, 25 participants with chronic musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and gait difficulties were assigned either a high-dose (active) TENS device or a low-dose (placebo) device. Both groups used the TENS device for three to five hours daily over four weeks.

Researchers measured participants’ pain levels, fatigue, and walking performance before and after the therapy period. Findings indicated that the high-dose TENS group experienced notable improvements in pain relief (26.1% more relief than placebo) and walking ability (8% during fast walking), suggesting that wearable TENS therapy may help reduce long-COVID’s impact on daily life.

The high-dose TENS group also reported a slightly higher perceived benefit (71.2%) than the low-dose group (61.4%), underscoring the potential of wearable TENS technology to support long-term COVID recovery.

Najafi said one factor in the study’s success was likely the high rate of daily device usage. The wearable nature of the TENS device allowed participants to use it seamlessly throughout the day without disrupting their routines.

“This wearable TENS system offered immediate, on-demand relief from pain and fatigue, making it easy to integrate into daily activities,” Najafi said.

Posted on Pain Management

THE MOST PORTABLE TENS UNIT | MUSCLE STIMULATOR FOR PAIN RELIEF

THE MOST PORTABLE TENS UNIT | COMFYTEMP - MUSCLE STIMULATOR FOR PAIN RELIEF - YouTube


Many physical therapy clinics use electric stimulation for chronic pain relief & rehabilitation. This portable tens machine is the best non-invasive, automated treatment for pain management! It has a rechargeable battery and easy-to-clean electrodes!

Posted on Pain Management

How to Use a TENS / EMS Unit for Pain Relief

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How to Use a TENS Unit for Pain Relief - Ask Doctor Jo - YouTube

What’s the difference between TENS and EMS?

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TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is used to help reduce pain and increase circulation. Basically the vibration of the TENS follows the same pathway as the pain pathway to the brain and helps cancel it out. It is a great alternative to pain medication.

A TENS uses four electrodes with cross currents to surround the area. The deep vibration/massage helps relax the muscles and allow for healing. EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) helps contract the muscles to build back up strength after an injury. With EMS the muscles will actually contract, and you can use it as a tool while exercising to help retrain the muscle to work how it’s suppose to. It uses two electrodes directly over the muscle you are trying to contract.

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The iStim EV-805 I use in this video is a 4 Channel TENS+EMS Combo Unit and comes with 24 Replacement Electrodes Pads. It has 5 TENS Modes + 3 EMS Modes + 24 Preset Programs. You can also manually set up the pulse rate and pulse width if you want to make it more specific for your needs.


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Posted on Pain Management

Pain Management – Pros and Cons of TENS Machines

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Pros and Cons of Tens Machine - YouTube

Ever heard of a Tens Machine?

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Tens machine is a staple part of treating pain for most therapists

BUT it is overused and far too relied upon. Most of all, it doesn’t treat the root of the problem only the symptoms

How does it work? Simple the Tens machine blocks pain signals which temporarily reduce pain and make you feel better. The keyword is temporary… So let’s talk about the pro’s and cons of using this machine, it does serve its purpose at certain times.

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Pros

1️⃣Portability: It’s small and can be taken anywhere you go.

2️⃣Noninvasive: Application is comfortable, easy, and all topical.

3️⃣Easy to use at home: It can be used whenever you need to relieve pain without visiting a therapist.

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4️⃣Immediate effects: Because of the fact that it blocks pain signals, you can feel the effects right away and helps most people just get through their day.

Cons

1️⃣Restrictions: Can’t be used if you’re pregnant, have a heart condition, have eczema or have a history of cancer.

2️⃣Lack of clinical evidence that this works: There hasn’t been a study to prove positive long term side effects of using the machine.

4️⃣Only treats the symptom: Using this machine is like using Tylenol, it can take away the pain temporarily but when the medicine wears off, your pain is still there. You need to treat the ROOT of the problem.