Tens Machine

I used to use a Tens Machine. I found it a relief while using it. However never found it as a "treatment option", --- just basically pain relief. I'd get a good quality one, and change the pads often (which you can usually buy from a medical supply store).
I'd talk to your physiotherapist though before using it at home along with following the instructions carefully.
Best of luck.

Hi Roger, and welcome to the forum.

I have a TENS unit from RS Medical and I love it for my back muscle spasms. I use it when I have to drive over a half hour, or when I've picked up the grandchildren too much causing next morning pain. I love the portability! It's battery operated.

I've tried the unit for other kinds of pain, but it seems to be limited pretty much to muscles that cramp up, causing pain. I don't like the wide belt part of the unit - too bulky, although easier to put on and off. The belt is too short if you have much of a waistline, but they supply an extender. I like the individual pads better becuse I can put them farther apart and more individually place them.

I don't think of using this as a daily "treatment" as talked about in the reading material. It's no cure. It does do a good job for me relieving spasms after they've started, but I don't know if it would ward them off. I do put on the pads if I'm going to do something that I know will start the spasms. That seems to work.

Money making technology thats been proven not to work that well
Individuals who use TENS according to the prescribed regimen of the physical therapist or physician are able to reduce or control the pain they experience from the underlying illness or injury. Studies show that 70% to 80% of individuals experience pain relief initially, although the success rate may decline after more than a few months to 20% to 30% According to recent studies done by (MD Guidelines)
Every time I go into the hospital the Tens unit reps are there waiting to hook me for so called post-op pain relief I tell them I have a unit but they still insist on hooking me up and them sending me home with another unit only to receive another demand payment letter telling me my insurance only cover's 1 unit every 5yr's and I better pay or ship the unit back.. this has been done 3 times

I've had my TENS all summer and fall and still find it very helpful. 

After a few minutes of TENS on my back I have to turn the intensity knob up.  After another 20 min to half hour I turn it up again.  There's probably something about the nerves getting used to the shock at a low level.  I can get a couple of hours with the TENS and then relief stays for a long time after I take it off.  But that's the back.  I haven't tried it on post-op pain.  It's not supposed to be put across or directly on the spine.  I don't think it would work on bone pain anyway.

TENS didn't work for my pre-op bursitis and tendonitis and bone spur pain in my shoulder.  I haven't tried it post-op for that pain, but I will today.  I'm having muscle pain in biceps, back of shoulder and neck after babysitting grandkids last night.  Since I get relief from back muscle spasm pain, maybe the TENS will help for these muscles too.  I don't expect anything for the bone surgery part of the pain, and the bursa was removed.

I wouldn't accept a new unit until the old one wears out.  They keep sending me the square pads for the belt unit, but I don't like that.  I like the separate round pads that I can put wherever I want them.  I can carry those and the little unit around in a sandwich-size plastic bag in my purse and put the unit on any time.  I got it out after my endoscopy yesterday because the nurses wouldn't let me take my regular pain meds, even though I hadn't had throat spray and was allowed to sit there drinking coffee.  It was nice for the long ride home.

 

I have a totally different story. My very first "home TENS unit" was when I was in my mid 20's. Although I liked the way it felt, and it provided temporary pain relief (which is better than no relief), I must strongly concur that you need to stay on top of getting new pads. Also they make different kinds of pads, even for the same unit. That "might" be a factor. Also, I have a very high pain threshold for SOME things, (and a non-existent one for others, go figure).....my TENS back then just never went high enough for me.

Now, to bring me to day. Told you I love my physical therapists oodles! My insurance will cover a TENS unit with a written Rx from ANY TYPE OF DOCTOR. (Thought that was weird but never look a gift horse, right?)

I've been with my PT team through three surgeries so we have an exceptional relationship. There's a distinct difference between a TENS unit and a STIM unit. Some are unfamiliar with this difference.

My PT's have already ordered and received my unit, and to my jubilation, it's a combination TENS and STIM unit! (Let's face it, I have enough "problem areas" to work on). They know how much I love it. I was reminded that in no way would it be comparable to what I enjoy during PT, it's a combination unit, each aspect must be used differently for different purposes, and accordingly, pad placement is not only different, but extremely important if you want results,....be it from the TENS or the STIM).

Skin must be wiped with alcohol, no shaving cream or soap residue, no "tanner," or moisturizer, and, as they taught me, I can make an ionized salt solution to dampen the pads with before applying them which enhances the currents.

I am fortunate my insurance covers this. Even if it didn't, I'd pay to have it.

Now I'm down to three more pieces of "durable medical equipment" I need my insurance to consider. Sometimes you just have to get pushy and have doctors and therapists back the necessity.

My vote: Love 'em. Use 'em properly. Keep good care of them and replace pads often and care for skin at application site.

Best of luck to you.

Sookie

Will do Thank You x