Tens unit

I own a tens unit I bought from walmart. The Omcron? It seemed the best for my money because it the most like the kind a PT would use. It also contains a guide of where to place the pads for which pain.

It really helps me during bad flares.

It sounds like Joy and I are using the same unit. I take mine everywhere. It's an OMRON PM3030 and you can get it on Amazon for 26 dollars.

I actually have 3, but the Omron is my favorite. They have a couple of different models, but I use the PM3030 and didn't think to get another. It is shaped like a kidney bean and is very small. I have it, a spare pair of pads and a couple of extra batteries in one of those little camera cases they sell at the dollar store. The pads are shaped like an hourglass. The negative - the pads are approximately $15 for a pair and they don't seem to last me more than a few weeks. You can wash them gently with a little water or just a pinch of dove dishwashing soap on the sticky side to keep them sticky, but I use it enough that I generally go through one set a month and then have to replace. I can always tell when I need either pads or batteries - it does not feel as strong. I have high tolerance, so that may not be an issue for you - I know it isn't for some other people. I have heard some people use them with gel and get more life, but they don't work for me that way.

I have 2 others, so I thought I would mention those. I have a 5 year old one from Experian Health. It can be very strong, lasts well and has 4 leads. I think I replaced the battery 1 time in 6-7 years. The sets of leads can be purchased for $1.00 per set. The main issue I have with it is that I can't get it to vary the type of signal and I discovered I needed that in many cases. However, when my back is screaming and I need numbness, it's still a go-to.

The third one I had high hopes for, but haven't been able to use much. It's a Trumedic Electronic Pulse Massager and Amazon rates it very highly (user ratings). It uses the same electrodes as my old one so the price is good. It has variable pulses and is really strong - I can only dial it up a notch or two. But ... it hurts sometimes. It stings and I have to be VERY careful not to dial it up past 4. Sometimes I can only go to a 2 for an area. I've been trying to do research to find out the issue, but haven't been able to figure it out. Hence, I end up avoiding it a lot.

Just a note - in case you didn't know (I didn't until a few months ago), there is a difference between a TENS unit and an EMS. I prefer an EMS for the most part - it stimulates your muscles and while it can feel strange, I found it very useful for my pain overall as it seems to pick up where my stretching and movement isn't helping. The TENS will numb the muscles with the voltage. I love the TENS where I love it and love the EMS where I love that. If you already knew this, please disregard :)

Good luck in your search. Let us know what you find.

Thank you everyone for sharing! I'm going to look at going one of these .

I was wondering how you use your TENS when you hurt all over? Which part of the body in pain do you concentrate on?

Same here. Sometimes I use the 4 lead one and use it on bot arms or both sides of my back.

Well mine is a m.e.n.s unit.. And i set it low ..for me ,less is more..

I do move it around as needed..

I find it a good tool, for pain and it can be calming to me.. I think if my pain is building, i can get anxious and it relaxes me some..