Please, share your experience with Tens unit

[Olga]

Hi everybody,

Today I got my Tens unit finally. I am new to this and somehow confused.

Doctor explained to me how should I use it in the office. I came home and studied instruction which said that "electrod placement is very important to achieve good results"

Please, share with me where do you place these gel filled plates and what works for you. I know that we are all different and our responds to Tens unit are different but I still need your tips and advice so much.:help:

Olga

[Skynard]

Well, I use my Tens unit wherever it hurts. I have the EZ-stick 3" pads (they are the best for re-using/re-sticking). I have tried it several different ways. I use it sometimes right before bed (my sister, too) and then when the pain is at its worse, I use it all day long. I would not recommend using it on the maximum power. You just want to "feel" it. You will have to play with what feels better for you regarding the pulse mode, etc. It has been a Godsend to me. I originally had mine after a car accident and now I use it for my bladder. I am not sure where your pain is, but sometimes my pain is in the right quadrant of my tummy, sometimes all across my tummy, sometimes down the inside of my legs and sometimes in my back. There have been times where I use one on the front and one on the back. I have found that any local chiropractor carries the replacement pads much cheaper. I have found that the above mentioned name brand is the best though. I have been using my Tens unit for YEARS. It even went to the Dominican Republic with me this summer! It is also very helpful when traveling in the car for any length of time. Hope this helps. Feel free to PM me if you have any further questions.

Wishing you well on your journey.

God Bless.

[Olga]

Thank you so much for your reply. Yes, it was very helpful!!!!
I like the part that "it travel with you to Dominican Republic". I hope that it will help me with pain while being in the airplane.
I have backacne very often and going to use Tens for it too.
I am very excited about Tens. A lot of hope.

Hugs, Olga

[Skynard]

Just a footnote - when you take it on an airplane, they kind of look at you funny. Make sure you bring along ALL the accompanying paperwork and keep it in its original casing. It didn't cause any trouble, just got weird looks going through security.

[jenjen05]

I got my TENS unit after a car accident 10/06. I asked my uro about placement and she has me use all four up front, directly over my bladder. Sometimes I put two on my back. I love it. It helps a lot, especially if you put your heating pad over it.

[Olga]

Thank you so much for your advice. I will try to place four pads all over the bladder. I placed only two of them at the time.

Olga

[ticinc]

I have worn my TENS for 25 years, 24/7 except when showering or swimming. I don't use the pulsing option, I use the continuous one but I set it just below where I would feel it.

I don't know if I'm allowed to plug a company & I"m not trying to do that but I have learned that different TENS have different strength wave lengths so not all of them worked for me. I once tried to get a smaller one before I knew about the wave intensities & became very sick & didn't know why for a long time. The one I wear isn't that big, about 2" x 3".

The only company I know that makes this deep wave TENS is EMPI CO. & the TENS with the deep wave length is EMPI EPIX XL. I have several of them in case one breaks, GOd forbid, but they repair any that break. It's covered by insurance. I get my electrodes & any supplies thru them too. THey are fast & courteous.

I also take Elmiron, Buspar for urethral spasm, darvon, & ativan for sleep. If I don't use the TENS, the pain starts building almost immediately. I place the 2 electrodes just above or to the side of the pubis. Sometimes my skin gets sensitive, so I change the site of the electrode. EMPI also has a skin protection swab that I use before placing the electrodes. They also have electrodes for sensitive skin, which after 25 years, I need.

I hope this helps. I've worn it for so long I feel naked without it, but that means I haven't worn a dress for 25 years cause I need a waistband to hook the TENS onto.

I have trouble navigating this webpage, so if you want to write me for more info, my email is msswndrwmn@comcast.net .

ticinc

[Olga]

Thank you so much for sharing with me all this information and your experience. It is really very helful.
I used my Tens unit a few times and it broke. It was ordered by my doctor and it is a cheap one. Tomorrow I am going to call my doctor and see what she will do about it.
I wish that I would have gone on the Forum first before I got my Tens unit. I would be better informed about it.

Olga

[nkier]

I started with a TENS unit and then switched to an Interferential Unit. I think it is best to start with the TENS unit. Supposedly EMPI has the best unit. I can get you their number is you would like to return the other one and go for the EMPI unit. It may be too much of a hassle. I started with a cheap unit first and mine broke within a few months. It is a small company and their customer service is very poor. The Interferential Unit is almost 50% stonger than a TENS unit and gives you more treatment deeper inside your body. They are expensive and most insurances will not cover them. Just want to give you and FYI for future reference. I where mine every day and it helps. Nothing makes my IC ok but at least the TENS/IF Unit distracts the brain somewhat from the frequency sensations and the pain. Good luck. --Nickie

[Olga]

Thank you so much for your reply. I decided to stay for a while with my Tens unit. I replaced the battery and it is working again. And it helps but it is short-lived relief from pain.
Anyway, I am thinking about what your wrote and ,probably, in the future will switch to something more powerful.

Olga

[ulsmws]

I was just given a portable TENS unit to use, by my PT, a week ago. Can you use it too much? I guess not judging from the responses from some of you who have used it for years or all day! This is my first experience with a TENS so I got kind of confused on the electrode placement. I remember my PT saying something about making them criss cross or cross over...did I dream that? Does anyone know anything about that? I have so much pain while sitting and it's totally in my left labia and area below, down to that sit bone. I have been scared to put an electrode right on that labia (on the outside)...what is your opinion about that?
So far I have been using it for 30 minutes, before work, an hour in the morning and at least an hour in the afternoon, then another hour in the evening. I don't really feel like it is helping with my pain. Of course I have nothing for the pain, except this...no drugs. PFT doesn't seem to be helping yet...I am hopeful that it will eventually. I believe my muscles go right back into the contracted state by the time I get home from my PT. :( Oh, well, will keep on trying....
Michelle

[Olga]

Hi,
Thank you for your reply. I am new to this also.

About "criss cross or cross over" I am confused too. I try to place electrodes over my bladder and apart from each other. Is it criss cross or cross over? Who knows?
I printed a free chart from Internet about electrodes placement.

www.medicalproductsonline.org. They show where to place electrodes for the bladder. It may help.

I am using it every day for an hour. Yesterday I increased intesity and my bladder protested for a whole day with more pain. Probably, should be more careful.
Dr. Kristene E. Whitmore in her book "Overcoming bladder disorders" wrote about Tens unit, how it works on the pain relief:

"Some reduction in pain sensations should be felt within a few weeks, but you may not get the maximum benefit for at least a month or more."

I understand that it is a long-term treatment.

I did not notice also any reduction in pain yet.

Hope, it will help you.

Olga

[ulsmws]

Hi Olga,
Thanks for your response and the web links you posted. I printed off the chart about electrode placement and you can see on there, a few places that show little arrows, criss-crossing. That is what my PT was talking about. She said to cover a larger area, you could criss cross the electrodes. I also saw on one of those sites where someone said you might not experience relief from a TENS unit until after using it a month or more. My PT told me a TENS unit is not like taking medicine. It does not keep working once you take it off...so am confused that about that statement of how you would get benefit after using it a month. OH well. I will keep using it. It does not stop my pain, however, I do feel sometimes it does make it a little more bearable. Hardest part for me is that I wear alot of dresses, b/c pants hurt so much. And I can't do the electrodes & wear the unit in a dress. So am working on more skirts!
Michelle

[Glenda2]

I was told to get one by my dentist for my TMJ jaw pain.

Oh goodness was that a bad idea.

He showed me where to place the electrode pads and I did it correctly.

Started it out on the smallest Zap possible.

Yikes , it made my face seize , and jerk , and my eye's went into a spastic attack , like a seizure almost.

My mouth opened and shut like I was chewing a jaw breaker ball.

I took the machine back and got a refund.

Not good for TMJ pain.

Don't know how it would work for bladder pain.:confused:

I tried out for Carpul tunnel and it made my hands jerk bad too. Even on the lowest current zap available.

[icyjunomary]

I have been using the Empi IF 3WAVE machine since 2006. Mine has a special IF IC , Interstital Cystitis program on it developed by Dr. Brookoff. It is wonderful for pain. With it you have two lead lines each one with a red and a black connection for the electrode pads. You place the red electrode from one lead in front where you are most hurting and the black in back on the same side in about the same location. Then with the other lead you place the black electrode in front and the red in back. This is to get a cross current through your pelvic area and it really help with IC and PFD pain as well as pain from nerve damage. BUT that said this configuration is only for those who have the IF program. Ask your pain management Doctor to prescribe it. When using the machine for trigger point or other you do not create the cross connection.
I am lucky in that I fought my Insurance Company over their refusal to pay for it and won because the Doctor they had test it has no experience with it and my Dr. (who developed the IC program has lots of experience), so the Insurance Company came through and paid.
I DO have to use electrode pad that are called StimCare Specialty Electrodes (for sensitive skin) because I have very sensitive skin. Also even though I would like to use it all the time I can't, again because of sensitive skin.
The IC program is a 40 minute session and it is best in my opinion to use it while relaxing in bed. However if you have to go out and get something done while suffering pain, that is also a good time to use it.
We need to get more doctors prescribing the IF 3WAVE with the IF-IC program because it really helps and the more we get using it the more likely we can get insurance to pay for these much needed machines. I've used a tens and this is so much better even with my skin sensitivity issues. The company change names several times due to buy-outs but has been stable for a good two+ year with the same customer service people. That is something I appreciate. FYI I use my machine on the IF-IC program at a setting of 70. Each person has to find the level that works for them. I would be curious if other have this wonderful machine and what level they run the IF-IC program at. P.S. I had a severe flare on tuesday and am using mine now.
I can also use the trigger point setting for the arthritis pain in my hands at 23-25 setting

[Glenda2]

I had the EMPI machine too. The fancy One , cost $875.00.

My Insurance would Not pay for it. But would pay to rent it for $125.00 monthly.
I had it 2 months and sent it back.

I tried it for the TMJ pain as I mentioned , and Carpul Tunnel Pain , and for Back Pain for My Spinal Tumors.

No Matter How Low I set the Pulse , I would Twitch like I was being shocked to death.

Don't use it on your face !!!!!

[Olga]

Thank you SOOO MUCH for sharing your experience with Empi IF 3WAVE machine.
I didn't know about this mashine which was desinged for IC. OK, I decided I will not regret about not knowing it. In the future when my Tens Unit would not be working I definetely switch to Empi IF 3WAVE machine.
Most important, I finaly understood what does mean "cross over":) and how it works. Yes, it took long time for me to understand but with your help and help from others I finally got it.
Thank you for telling me about settings and other details which are extremely helpful also.
My accupuncturist prescribed for me Tens Unit for treating IC pain and low back pain. Anyway, I will try to use all your suggestions.
Olga

[Glenda2]

These machines supposidly work by Blocking the Pain Signals from reaching your brain.

All it did was make me twitch like I was holding on to an electric fence or getting zapped in the electric chair in jail.

Do NOT use these device on your Face !!! :tsk::tsk:

Your face will jerk like crazy. :loco: That was scarey*

My husband saw me , and he said > Oh my god take it off Now !

I sent it back to EMPI. They are very expensive machines thru them.

But you can buy a Tens Unit on line , or go to any Medical Supply store and get one.

[icyjunomary]

I find I can wear a dress if I take a seam ripper and open up a seam just large enough to put the lead lines through. Then I re-sew the opened area in a kind of buttonhole. I have my machine in a small carrier with a belt threaded through. So place the electrode pads, put on your dress, feed the lead lines though the "buttonhole/leadline hole. pull the dress into place. attach your leads to the machine and your machine around your waist. I like wearing dresses so this works for me. You can't do it easily on ALL dresses. I suggest you try one to see how it works. I especiallly like to dress up at holidays or if I'm feeling depressed, ugly and not liking myself due to my condition. Being able to dress up gives me a big lift. All my best icjm

[icyjunomary]

Just out of curiosity, I tried trigger point on my jaws at a setting of 18 and I find it feels good. It does make my face scrunch up in the 10 second interval that it is "on" and then there is 10 seconds off. So I'd say placement, type of machine and most importantly the person using it make the difference in whether it works for you or not.
I get swollen gland a lot so I think I'll start doing trigger point sessions when that is bad.
We are all so different. What works for one person may not work for another.

[n2fotography]

I was prescribed a TENS unit after back surgery and I used it for awhile and then quit for some reason. I frankly don't remember why.

Recently I decided to try it for bladder pain and urinary frequency and I have found it to be great. I mostly use it at night as the pain and frequency always seem worse at night. I use it while I'm reading and take it off when I feel like I'm going to sleep. I sleep longer and have fewer bathroom interruptions to my sleep.

I put all four electrodes over my bladder, or two over it and two on my back. It just depends on whether or not my back is hurting as well.

I purchased a news TENS unit that came in today. (Amazon.com) It also has EMS and I wanted to try that on my back when it spasms.

I'm using the normal mode right now instead of the pulse or burst as those can get irritating for me after awhile, but I like having the capability to change modes (which is why I got a new one.)

If you haven't tried TENS for bladder pain I highly recommend giving it a try.

[ICNDonna]

I got my TENS for frozen shoulder and it worked very well for that. One of the precautions listed was to not use it on the head. If you are using it for TMJ pain, be sure you talk with a physician first.

Donna

[Glenda2]

My Dentist and Neuro Surgeon both recommended it for my TMJ pain.

But No matter how low I would set it for. My face twitched and Jerked like I was being zapped or having a seizure.

I don't recommend using it on the face.

And Yes both the Dentist and Neuro Surgeon showed me where to place the electrode pads.

Even for my CT pain , my hands and fingers jerked really bad.

I didn't find the EMPI Tens Unit beneficial at all. For me- My personal opinion only.

[Jan S.]

Are you still having success with your TENS unit? My doctor doesn't prescribe or use those. I'm thinking about asking my actupuncturist. I looked at them on Amazon (I saw that's where you got yours), which model did you buy? There are so many and all across the price board. I'm at the point where the pain is rediculous and I will try just about anything.

[icyjunomary]

Please keep in mind that while both of these machines use an electric current, the are different machines and the electrodes are place differently for the type of use. For my Empi IF 3 wave on the IC (Interstitial Cystitis setting) the electrodes must be placed 1 red electrode in front and one black electrode from the same lead wire in back. Then with the other lead wire, a black electrode in front and the red in back to create the CORRECT cross current. You would never put all four electrodes in front with the IC setting. I can also you my machine to hit trigger points or on the arthritis on my hands....nice.
I love my Empi Machine. Dr. Dan Brookoff will be talking about them at the IC Conference on the 20th of this month. Wish I could be there.
So yes I still use it and yes is still helps.
I will be using it even more in the next two weeks as I had to go off Elmiron for two week in order to get new nerve blocks in my back. Elmiron work for me so not having it brings the pain up 2 or three notches

[Smokey]

my physiotherapist says that the Interferential machine is better than the tens cause it works for pain and inflammation, she said that tens is good too but works only then and there when you put it on. where the interferential even if you take it off the effects last longer. i dont know if this is true or not. my insurance covers $250 for the machine. i will be out of pocket around $200.

[sailawaygrl]

I used a tens unit for a while and it did help, but then it seemed to stop helping so I sent it back. If I decide I want another one, I will buy it. $100 online for the same one I was renting. I know that the IF units have a stronger current, therefore they work better because they actually reach the bladder, that is why you do the criss cross so the currents intersect at the point of pain. (as explained to me by my PT) They do cost a lot more, I wish I could try one. On the TMJ, I had one used on me years ago at PT for TMJ, it does cause the muscles to twitch but it did help. Do be careful not to put the electrodes on your head.

I always had a hard time keeping my electrodes in place. I used mine at work and I was always up and down from my desk.

[ticinc]

my physiotherapist says that the Interferential machine is better than the tens cause it works for pain and inflammation, she said that tens is good too but works only then and there when you put it on. where the interferential even if you take it off the effects last longer. i dont know if this is true or not. my insurance covers $250 for the machine. i will be out of pocket around $200.

I don't know about a interferential machine. I just know that my TENS from Empi Co. does the job if I wear it all the time. I did not have any out of pocket payment. I hope you can get something that helps you.

ticinc

[ticinc]

After 25 years with a TENS, I'm now experiencing itching under the electrodes. I use the extra sensitive electrodes & the protective layer that I get from my TENS company. They come in little packets & I swipe them over the area that I want to place the electrodes but still I sometimes run out of sites as the itching leaves redness & I'm afraid that if I don't change sites, I'll start to have skin breakdown.

Has anyone experienced this?

Also, the HRT that I was using successfully has been taken off the market & any other HRT that I try flares up my bladder. I was taking estratest HS with no problems. Now, without it, I'm going crazy with hot flashes at the age of 72. I mean, I am going CRAZY!!!!!

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

ticinc

[Jan S.]

I went for my PFD PT yesterday and it was a high pain day. The therapist tried me on the Empi unit for IC. She had me wear it for 40 mins. - she said that was the normal treatment time. When I got up (I laid in the sun which might have been part of the relief - ahhhh sunshine even if it is inside and through a window). Anyway, the pain was GONE!!!!! It only lasted long enough for me to talk to my car but I was painfree for a few minutes. The pain slowly came back over the next hour and then it was back to the flar...:-( I get to try it again Tuesday and if it works again she will start the paperwork for my insurance. I am fortunate in that I could purchase the unit and will do so if the insurance doesn't approve it. It sure was a great 10 minutes.

[ticinc]

Honey yu can wear your TENS 24/7 & have relief all the time. Hurry up :& get the darn thing already!

ticinc

[Smokey]

i was told by physiotherapist that i can only use it for 30mins per day i have the inferential if4160 unit.

[ICNDonna]

My TENS unit automatically shuts off after 30 minutes for a 30 minute "rest" period, then goes back on. I'm not supposed to have it turned on full time or wear it to bed.

Donna

[Jan S.]

I go back to PT on Tuesday and will ask to take the unit with me. What a relief!!! I was so excited and then when she told me only 40-45 minutes I kind of deflated. Awesome!!!!!!!

[etherealred]

I tried a TENS unit today in physical therapy to try and reduce some of my pain. Unfortunately, the vibrations of the unit made my bladder hurt even more (any vibration bothers it) and it also made me have to pee really bad after just five minutes of using it. The four electro-things were placed strategically on my abdomen. Thursday I have physical therapy again and we are going to try it on my back, so I get a more indirect effect, and see how that works out. Perhaps that will not upset my bladder so much!

[roofann]

Just tried out a TENS unit today at PT for the first time. I had it up to a 3.0 when I was there, but I came home and tried to use it for some more time (only used it for maybe 5 minutes in PT, just to learn how to use it) and I couldn't use it at more than 1.0! 1.5 hurt, I could feel the "prickly sensation" too much! I have the TENS unit until Thursday, just trying it out, so I'll try it again tonight. I'm actually really nervous to try it again though! I'm scared its going to hurt.
I have the Empi 300 pv.