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TENS for pain relief

TENS for pain relief

  • March 23, 2024

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a method of pain relief involving the use of a mild electrical current. TENS may be able to help reduce pain and muscle spasms.

Contra-indications
  • Pacemaker or Cardiac arrhythmia
  • Open wound, poor skin condition or significant skin irritation in area where electrodes needs to be placed
  • Infectious lesion or tumour
  • For use over fractures, pins or plates
  • For use over calf muscles
  • Poorly controlled epilepsy- seizure in last 3 months
  • Fixed contractures
  • Pregnancy (Unless specifically advised by Mid-wife or Gynaecology team)
  • For use on front of neck or near eyes
  • For use when driving or operating machinery
  • For use when microwave on in proximity
Precautions:

Precautions need to taken when the person using TENS suffers with Cognitive impairment, cardiac arrithymias, sensory loss/poor circulation, difficulty in communicating, allergies, spasticity Diabetes- poor skin vasculature can lead to bruising- they would benefit from a risk assessment completed by a Physiotherapist.

If you are using a TENS machine and if you experience below symptoms, immediate medical attention is advisable.

  • Skin rash
  • Itchy skin
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Pain getting worse or any new pain.
  • Or any other concerns/symptoms.
Basic procedure and general guidance when using TENS.
  • Check no contraindications / consider precautions- see above
  • Expose area including removing any Jewellery / watches
  • Check area is clean / dry (no creams, shave the day before), skin in good condition and free from abrasions
  • Check TENS machine is turned off
  • Attach the electrodes (or pads) to the electrode lead by gently pushing the pin into the hole.
  • Carefully peel the electrodes off the plastic film ensuring that this is not done by pulling on the lead. Do not throw the plastic film away.
  • Apply the electrode to the skin in the position recommended by your therapist, ensuring good contact over the whole pad.
  • ‘Click’ TENS machine on by turning the control/knob (ensure using the correct control for the side the electrode is plugged into)- for the models with button control, press the ‘on’ switch.
  • Keep on low (1-2) setting while check light goes on / off as per cycle of stimulation (on) / relaxation (off)
  • Slowly increase stimulation during ‘on’ cycle – you may feel tingling sensation/pins and needles or some muscle twitch under the pads and consider comfort / tolerance of stimulation (Stimulation should not be painful)
  • After use, carefully remove the electrodes from the skin by peeling them off and replace them onto the plastic film for storage.
  • Do not pull on the wires/tails
  • Check your skin for signs of irritation (red and/or itchy). If you do experience an allergic reaction, contact your therapist and do not use the TENS again until directed to do so.

 

Note: Never place the pads on your face, swollen or inflamed areas or directly on the chest/ heart. If you have pain over left arm, please check with therapist and GP before using TENS machine (as the pain may be due to heart problems)

Cleaning electrodes

Wipe gently with a damp cloth. This will remove some of the dirt, oils, and other by-products that end up adhering to the tacky pads.

Storing electrodes

Keep the pads in their packaging so they won’t dry out. Make sure to cool them off in the refrigerator after each use, and always apply a small amount of water to the pads before each use.

Changing electrodes

If your electrodes give you a shocking or burning effect, it is very likely that their moisture content is too low or that they have become fouled with dirt, oil from your skin, or have become contaminated with skin cells or other elements. When this happens, you will find they have reduced conductivity and/or reduced adhesion. Both of this cause less productive performance and the latter could even be damaging to your skin. You may need to change pads every 20-30 uses (Before you change the pads, you can add few drops of water on the gel area of pads, to re-hydrate the gel, and then apply on the skin- if this does not work well, consider changing the pads).

Note: Please read the information booklet supplied by the TENS manufacturer to know more about TENS and how it helps in pain relief, etc.

Aspire Rehab team can support in your journey to recovery- through specialist Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation.

Contact us to discuss your needs and how we can support you.

Phone: 020 3983 5146| 077 2333 2426

E-mail: contact@aspirerehab.co.uk

Why choose Aspire Rehab?

  • We provide an affordable and high quality service
  • Our Physiotherapists are registered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC).
  • All our physiotherapists are checked by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
  • We offer therapy at your convenience- home, care home, day centre, leisure centre/gyms, and clinics.
  • Flexible visiting hours (including evening and weekends) and do not have a waiting list.
  • You will always have the same physiotherapist visiting you at home
  • We are a team of experienced therapists, regularly updating our knowledge to provide evidence based and patient centred therapy
  • We are quick to respond and can bridge the gap if you are on an NHS waiting list for community Therapy/Rehabilitation.
  • We provide active rehabilitation and disability management.
  • We believe in a team approach, involving patients and their family members/carer to promote self-management
  • We protect your confidentiality and dignity at all times
  • We offer a multi-disciplinary approach, involving experienced Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and also work in partnership with other professionals- as required.