If you brought home a TENS Unit to help with your pain, you might be wondering where to put the pads.The placement of the pads is important so that you don't hurt yourself.We will show you how to place the pads safely so you can start feeling better.
Step 1: Start with the lowest settings.
Increase them to an effective setting.If you need help adjusting the settings, see a Physiotherapist.This will make you less likely to use a setting that is too high.Ask about the massage points that are useful.The physiotherapist will be able to advise you on what is best for your condition and what to avoid.If you want to relieve your personal pains, you need to find the pain points with finger tips.Depending on how sensitive you are and what your condition is, the better settings are different for you.The body is resistant to a unit that only has one pattern of tapping.Some people have a pattern.
Step 2: The electrodes should be placed at least an inch apart.
It will prevent you from having too much electricity delivered to a small area.Depending on what works best for you, you can arrange the electrodes in a number of ways.If the electrodes are black and red, you want the black ones to be closer to your torso than the red ones.It will help prevent unpleasant impulses from going to your central nervous system.It will cause muscles to contract.You can arrange the electrodes in lines, in X formations, or in squares, but they must be at least one inch apart.If you want to make an X, place one pair of negative and positive electrodes for one diagonal and another pair for the crossing angle.
Step 3: Slowly and carefully adjust the amount of electricity.
When the dial is at its lowest setting, turn on the machine.Slowly raise the electrical current until you feel better.The current is too high if it hurts.It's not necessarily better to have more.The amount of pain relief will not be increased if it is turned up too high.After a while, your body may get used to the effect of a certain level of current.Increase the current slightly if this happens to you.
Step 4: You should remember the setting that works for you.
You should keep using that setting if you don't know how much electricity is beneficial for you.This does not necessarily mean starting at that setting.Start with a low number and increase it until you get to your preferred setting.You can use TENS for as long as you want.If you use it for long periods of time, you can either clip it to your belt or keep it in your pocket.Depending on the condition being treated, chronicity of your health condition and the way your body responds, the amount of time that you're going to use the TENS unit will vary.The number of times that you can use the TENS and the amount of time you have to use it will be given by a physiotherapist.It will lead to your body getting used to the impulses if you use it too often.Over time, the effects may diminish.
Step 5: Make sure the pads have water on them.
It's important to know that having enough gel or water on the pads can result in different experiences.Gel or water can help conduct impulses.
Step 6: Don't put the electrodes on areas of the body that could hurt you.
You shouldn't apply electricity to areas that are close to your heart.You should keep them away from your: Temples Mouth Eyes/Ears Front or side of your neck near the major arteries.There are veins on your back and front, as well as broken skin or a scar that is still healing.
Step 7: If you have a condition that makes TENS unsafe, don't use it on your body.
TENS is risky for some health conditions.If you have a pacemaker or other electrical device in your body, the electrical impulses could interfere with it or cause a failure.It's better not to use TENS if you have seizure.Your heart may be sensitive to electrical impulses and malfunction if you have a disorder that affects the rhythm of your heart.If you have an allergy to the pads, you may be able to get one.If you are pregnant, don't use TENS without a prescription.Don't use TENS without consulting your doctor because the risks are unknown.Some women find it helpful for pain relief during labor pains, but be sure to ask your doctor if it's safe for you and your baby.If you don't know if TENS is safe, you should talk to your doctor.
Step 8: Do not use TENS while you are doing something else.
The activities make using TENS riskier.The water in the bath, shower, or swimming pool will affect where the electricity is conducted.Do not use TENS while you sleep.The sensations caused by TENS may be a distraction if you are driving a vehicle.Do not use TENS to avoid confrontations if you are operating machinery.The electrical impulses that TENS devices produce should not cause any problems for airlines.
Step 9: Knowing what to expect will reduce disappointment.
You may need to be patient because TENS usually doesn't work immediately.It takes about 40 minutes to get used to.People only experience pain relief when using TENS.Your pain may return when you switch it off.It's important to make an appointment with your doctor to learn how to change settings if the TENS loses effectiveness.This can help you find the right settings.The effects of TENS won't last long beyond the session itself, and will not treat any underlying conditions that are causing your pain.
Step 10: What conditions are most likely to be helped by TENS?
TENS is most beneficial for people who are experiencing pain in certain areas of the body.
Step 11: Pair TENS with other pain management techniques to maximize the benefits.
If you use TENS and other methods of pain reduction, you are most likely to get relief.TENS can complement medication.This includes over-the-counter and prescription drugs.It's a good idea to exercise.Ask your doctor what types of exercise he or she recommends.Techniques for relaxation.Depending on the cause of your pain, you may be able to use TENS and relaxation techniques together.Working with a physical therapist is the best way to use TENS therapy.Ideally, they'll use TENS to help alleviate your pain so you can do therapeutic exercises to improve your condition.