TENs machines. Who here uses them?

rach1986
rach1986 Member Posts: 32
edited 11. Jan 2010, 06:57 in Living with Arthritis archive
I was advised in my first post (this being my second) to get a TENs machine to help with the arthritis in my wrist.

Anyway the question is who here uses them? Do they help? And to what extent to they help, a little, or a lot?

I know they're fairly cheap, but I'm still not sure if it would work for me.

Comments

  • minky67
    minky67 Member Posts: 2,328
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I brought one for my neck. Recommendation from pain clinic.
    I was using it all the time & it did help to relieve the pain for a little while.
    The last time i used it i got a muscle spasm that gave me an electric shock up my arm & across my face & its scared me off using it.

    I dont know about wrists as i havent used mine there. I did try it on my knees but it did nothing.

    Im sure some1 will come along with an answer to your question.
    shop around as i paid £39.99 for mine from 1 chemist, then when i looked in my own chemist it was only £19.99. :shock:
    debs
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I've got a TENS machine, which I use on my neck and top of my spine, sometimes. The Pain Clinic said that it needs to be used frequently during the day, but its no good for lower back pain, according to the nurse practioner I saw. I must admit that it is so hard for me to put on myself, during the day, that I hav'nt used it as much as I should. I don't know about the wrist, its worth a try and would be easier to put on! Love Sue
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Rach,

    I used one for years and it was very good. I had it for my spine and neck and used it on the knees and hip. It was helpful for a long time so maybe its worth giving it a go? Take care, Cris
  • trisher
    trisher Member Posts: 9,263
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Rachel,

    I was given one to use by the Physio's. I had it for 3 months then the pain was much worse and they stopped me.

    It did work but my condition got worse.
    Be careful when you first use it. make sure you have it on a low setting as if it is too high it can cause a big spasm.

    Trish x
  • lindalegs
    lindalegs Member Posts: 5,397
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Rachel,

    I bought one in the summer and I feel they help alot. I've tried mine on ankles, shoulders, elbows and knees and it certainly benefits me. The trouble is you won't know till you've tried it whether it'll work for you :? I think mine was about £40 from Boots and if it broke I'd replace it.

    Hope this helps.

    Luv Legs :D
    Love, Legs x
    'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'
  • border
    border Member Posts: 94
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    rach1986 wrote:
    I was advised in my first post (this being my second) to get a TENs machine to help with the arthritis in my wrist.

    Anyway the question is who here uses them? Do they help? And to what extent to they help, a little, or a lot?

    I know they're fairly cheap, but I'm still not sure if it would work for me.


    I've got one, but have not found it really helpful. Part of the problem is oa pain is so widespread and positioniong the pads can be difficult. Any pain relief is shortlived.
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I believe that the main reason I have not had very much success with the TENS machine is that I can't put it on very well myself, as its the neck area that needs it and my arms don't like going that far! When I've used it and had help putting it on, it has helped. But during the day,when I would like to use it, it is more bother getting it on and very frunstrating for me!!! :? Love SUe
  • lizzie7ne
    lizzie7ne Member Posts: 154
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I tried a tens machine and didnt find it much help, but I do know people who get a lot of pain relief from them. My physiotherapist lent me a machine to try, so it worth doing this to see how helpful you find it before you decide to buy.


    lizzie
  • joyful164
    joyful164 Member Posts: 2,401
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello Rach.
    I've used my TENS machine constantly, especially for my neck and arms.
    I have used it for my lower back without that much luck, and now trying a chiropractitioner. I think I may have undone some of her good work today. She is not going to be pleased with me.
    Try Lloyds Chemist. I got mine from them and I was lucky because they had a special offer. 2 for £20.

    Sue. Could you not get OH to get the pads in place before he leaves for work. The wires could be hidden in your clothes and then just plug it in. How big is your TENS. Mine is the size of a mobile phone, it fits in my pocket, if I don't have a pocket, slip it into your bra. Joy
  • carol101
    carol101 Member Posts: 584
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I think really you have to try it as it seems different for everyone.

    I tried one on my back before i was diagnosed with OA of the spine and found it a total waste of time. Even while it was actually on a got no relief what so ever.

    For me, i'd rather sit with a hot water bottle

    Carol X
  • Starburst
    Starburst Member Posts: 2,546
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    It me who suggested it and I do highly recommend using a TENS machine. I'm sitting with it on right now. I find it good for muscle pains. It's definitley worth a try, mine only cost £15 and some physios let you rent them. :)
  • denpen
    denpen Member Posts: 389
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    HI
    I use a tens machine when my lower spine plays up and its a wonderful invention but you do have to persevere and find the right spots to place it.
    I have OA in most other joints now but I havent tried it anywhere else because basically I wouldnt know where to start to place the pads.
    Good Luck with it, its definately worth a try

    Denise
  • topcatt
    topcatt Member Posts: 63
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi - I have used a TENS machine as I have arthritis in my left wrist and it helped tremendously with the pain, especially as I was unable to take diclofenac as it made me sick. I got mine from Boots and have found it very useful especially when I can't sleep because of the pain - i have just strapped it on and set the timer to get me off to sleep so I could heartedly recommend one for wrist pain certainly. As for the electrical spasms there are various programmes depending on the type of pain but the trick is to start off gently and gradually up the level until you find out what suits you. Hope this helps you.
  • janey124
    janey124 Member Posts: 17
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    rach1986 wrote:
    I was advised in my first post (this being my second) to get a TENs machine to help with the arthritis in my wrist.

    Anyway the question is who here uses them? Do they help? And to what extent to they help, a little, or a lot?

    I know they're fairly cheap, but I'm still not sure if it would work for me.

    hi rach, i use one frequently and i find it helps, altho i find that it needs to be on for a few hours before i start to notice a differrence esp lower back and hips, but do get great relief from using one, it would be best to speak with a physio who can recommend the correct one, or maybe loan u one before u buy to see if it helps. x
  • issymknight
    issymknight Member Posts: 99
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    rach1986 wrote:
    I was advised in my first post (this being my second) to get a TENs machine to help with the arthritis in my wrist.

    Anyway the question is who here uses them? Do they help? And to what extent to they help, a little, or a lot?

    I know they're fairly cheap, but I'm still not sure if it would work for me.

    I have had one for about 2 years now. I have found that it helps take your mind away from pain due to the pulses. It does not get rid of the pain but it does distract you for a while thus not as painful. I only use it if I have really bad flare and I still have to take my painkilling medicines with it. I think with the price of them at the moment its a good buy. It wont work for everyone but if not you can always try to sell it on.