Getting Started with a TENS Unit
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Getting Started with a TENS Unit
A TENS unit has electric power unit that is connected by wires to electrodes. These electrodes are placed on the patient’s skin. Once the unit is switched on, electrical currents are being sent to the body. A unit usually consists of generators, battery and set of electrodes. This unit is actually small and it is programmable. If you are looking for a TENS unit, Heal Direct has a wide variety of TENS units from basic models to professional models with eleven stimulation modes.
It is normal for patients to feel tingling sensation or warmth during the treatment. TENS is mostly being used by physical therapists. It can also be administered at home using portable TENS unit, but a prescription is needed to secure a system.
How to set up your TENS unit
1. Properly set the unit in accordance with instructions in the booklet that accompanies the TENS unit. Usually the settings are as follows: Amplitude- it should be at a low or comfortable level. Pulse width at 10 to 1000 microseconds. Pulse rate at 80 to 100 impulses per seconds and 0.5 to 10 Hz for high stimulus intensity.
2. Clean the area of the skin. Make sure that there is no powder or grease in this area.
3. Place electrodes to your skin. If you will be using carbon rubber electrodes, make sure to apply small amount of gel.
4. While being treated, put yourself in a comfortable mode. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the steps. Remember to take note of the pain level and record it on paper. You can use a scale of 0-100, 0 for no pain and 100 for the worst.
5. After and hour, switch off the unit. You can let the electrodes stand in place if you want to begin another treatment after an hour. However, if you are using carbon rubber electrodes, you can wipe off the gel. Take note of the pain level again.
6. You can repeat the same procedure. You may want to decide on the length of the nest treatment. Just make sure to take note of the level of pain before and after each treatment. This will help when you will gauge the result of each treatment.
7. You may decide on the frequency of treatment you want per day and if you want continuous treatment. This depends on the severity of the pain.
8. You may adjust the TENS unit setting then to a different mode so as to get better results.
Here are the general guidelines when using TENS unit for pain relief:
1. Attach the electrodes over the area where you feel pain and stimulate. You can move the electrodes on different area to get the best result.
2. You should not feel any discomfort. The TENS unit should be set in a manner where the sensation is at a tolerable level.
3. As the TENS unit battery is about to drain, you need to increase the intensity to maintain the level of stimulation output.
4. Time duration for a high or conventional TENS treatment should be at least 30 to 60 minutes. For low frequency, it should for 30 minutes and can be repeated after 90 minutes once or twice a day.
5. There are times that a certain setting would give you the relief you wanted while there are others that needs to vary the setting so that they would reduce the pain they feel. You can always seek advice with your medical practitioner for this.
6. It is not advisable to use the TENS unit when you are about to sleep. You may damage the electrodes when you roll over.
7. Electrodes should be removed from the skin area everyday. You need to properly clean the skin to avoid irritations. You should not place the electrodes exactly on the same area everyday. Make sure to move the electrodes slightly around the area.
The best result and determinant that the treatment is definitely a success is the comfort that would be felt by the patient. Anyway, this is the main goal for using a TENS unit!
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