T.E.N.S.

lupin15

A question about this machine. I have used mine in the past for back pain...during pregnacy etc and it did give relief and after sports injuries. Gave it a go last night for my lower back...once i had fought with the sticky pads and got them in the right place...then jumped when it first when on.
Sorry waffling on my question is does it take time to have effect i.e. you have to use over a period of time or does it just give temporary relief? I found it took my mind off it and my lower back pain did ease off but not my hip pain. It could be because i did not have the pads in the right place...may need practise?? :!: :!: :!:

dreamdaisy

When I was given TENS in hospital they would start at a low dose, so when you fire yours up check it's not on too high! Then they would build the levels bit by bit. I think the theory behind it is something to do with electrical impulses blocking pain, but I suspect it's only effective when you are wearing it. Personally, I found it useless, but keep experimenting - you know that it has worked for you in the past, and pad placement is key. Good luck. DD

julie47

Hi lupin

I have a tens machine but dont use it. (mainly cause I can't reach the place where pads are needed unless oh is around.)

I found it was just temp results while it was workingon the area but prob weren't using it right,

juliepf x

cebeem

Hi Lupin ...I cant praise TENS enough.
Worked in Physio when they were first "invented" thye cost a fortune!

As DD said make sure they are on the lowest setting to start the session with ..then adjust it to what you find you can tolerate.

check with physio for where is best for your particular problem but it should be either side of the pain area.

I have found the effect quite long lasting...hey if it helps in childbirth it should be good!!!

good luck
*CB*

bambi59

Hi i have been useing TENS for many years (about 12)it does work short term and numbs the area, i use mine for my back lumbar and cerviacal. i have found it does not do much for siatic or shooting pains, but perhaps thats just me. you do get used to it i can whack mine straight up to the top with no unpleasent effect. if you turn it up to where it is slightly uncomfortable for a couple of mins then turn it down a notch it will then run with no discomfort or feeling. you will find you can go higher with each use. i leave it on an hour or two rather than the recomended 15 mins. i think you need trial and error to reach your own need. but please persevere. i fell like i have a hole in my back some days where it has numbed the area but i need it to stave off pain, expecially if i am going out to a family occasion wedding party or even just for a meal. i just sit there but it helps me smile more!! happy taping
im on my 4th mashine now!! i even dropped one down the tiolet :oops: that killed it soon bought a replacement though

lindalegs

Hi Lupin,

I had a painful back the other day and used my TENS machine on it and it took the pain away completely. I started on a lowish setting and then gradually turned it up. My rule of thumb is that if I get a stinging sensation on the pads it's too high. I used it for about half an hour.

I've not needed it on my hips but have on my knees. The pain didn't go completely but it was more tolerable.

It's always a good back up for my meds when I'm having a rough time.

Luv Legs

livinglegend

Getting the pads in the right place is often the problem when people say it is no good. Once you get the pads right, then it is wonderful as a quick, but temporary relief which usually lasts for several hours.

The initial power level should be set very low and then gradually turn it up until you feel a tingling or pulsing sensation that is comfortable for you. Too high won't help and will be painful. As with anything that you practice, the more you use it, the more help it gives to you. I use mine whenever I need to, in conjunction with painkillers, for me it works.

Joseph 8)

amboritic

Why not try a TSE machine, by a company called Acticare, there is only two electrode posotions, though you can use it in TENS mode aswell, this type of machine was recommedned to me by the Pain Clinic at Queens, Romford.

carol101

I tried a TENS on my lower back pain (arthur) but it had no effect what-so-ever.

Now this will sound really silly but i have a foot massager, it's like a bean bag thing that vibrates. Although a but bulky to put behind your back i find it very rexaling

lupin15

Thanks everyone. I have got to get practising with the pads (position).
Only had it on for 1/2 on my lower back but think i will try later today on my back and hip as i have four pads and have it on for 1 hour to see what happens. I think i will try to time it for early evening as that is when i am at my worse. I am probably not having as much pain as some of you poor people but it is constant with varying levels. Most pain is after work and differently late afternoon early evening it is at its worse. I must admit if i keep busy it does distract me which is good but soon as i sit down... Will keep you posted on how i go.Not on any meds yet..i had/have taken paracetamol and inbruhen but they do not work any more. Must get myself to the doctors but really want to wait until they get the letter from the hospital oncol saying what they have found in my xrays and that i need referring. Fingers crossed the tens will give me some relief.

frogmorton

Hi Lupin

I have one too and use it when am in deap trouble

I start low like the others say and build up. Bedtime or jus before can help with painkillers too and I can sleep better.


You'll get the hang of it.

Catch you later

Love

Toni xx

bambi59

amboritic wrote:

Why not try a TSE machine, by a company called Acticare, there is only two electrode posotions, though you can use it in TENS mode aswell, this type of machine was recommedned to me by the Pain Clinic at Queens, Romford.

HI I HAVE BEEN WONDERING WETHER TO GET TSE. AND IF IT IS BETTER THAN TENS, YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE I HAVE SEEN TO MENTION IT. HOW HAVE YOU GOT ON WITH IT?

ritwren

Hi Lupin, I use a TENS machine which phsio recommended to me. The one I have can also be used as an acupuncture stimulant type thingy to use the technical term. I'd use it for about an hour and half at a time for either of them and agree, some positions work much better than others. I've been using mine for about 2 years now and just could'nt be without it.
rita

lupin15

Hi Gang
Used this evening for 1 hour.It has eased the pain but think i may have got the lower back pads wrong. Sorry folks no easy way to say this but my back passage is just recovering. Does it mean i got the pads too low. Hubby thinks it is really funny.....he may wake up with a shock if he is not careful on his little man.....I can not say the pain has totally gone from my hip but it very low. Fingers crossed this may work for me....watch this space.

dreamdaisy

I suspect you did place the pads too low, how uncomfy! Thank you for the first laugh of the day - your poor husband should watch out! When I was given TENS it was in physio in hospital. No matter where the pads were placed the result was the same: zilch effect. It's another one of those things where we are all different, I guess. Good luck with tonight - pads higher girl! DD

lupin15

Whoopie not bum problem...think i know were to place the pads on my lower back. tried it on my hand as well to see if it helps that.

roses1

hi,


i'm going to try one on fri recommended by OT and physio hopefully one of the better ideas from the OT!

keep us posted !

Rose x

lupin15

There is only problem i have found with it and that is putting on the pads in the right place...may ask to be sent to physo to find out where. All well and good looking at a picture but sometimes it is better to be shown.