TENS ELECTRODE USER GUIDE
TENS stands for “Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.” is; Its Turkish meaning means “Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation”. This is a pain management technique in which small electrodes are placed on the skin and deliver low-intensity, rapid electrical pulses.
How Does the Tens System Work?
The Tens Device uses electrodes to prevent electricity from entering your brain and also helps your body release chemicals called endorphins to reduce your pain. The pulses, if slow and strong enough, can cause visible, involuntary, “tightening and relaxing” stretching. Faster beats may be more like rubbing/shaking. Whether it is effective for pain management is still under scientific study, but some people report that it helps reduce their pain.
How to Use Tens Device and Tens Electrode?
After connecting the electrode to the Tens Device, start with the lowest settings. Then increase them to an active setting. You can consult a physiotherapist for help adjusting the settings. This makes it less likely that you’ll use a setting that’s too high or too low. Ask about common massage points that are useful for relaxing your body. The physical therapist will offer what is best for your situation and the best recommendation for you.
To relieve your personal pain, find the pain points with fingertips and place electrode pads there.
Depending on how sensitive you are and what your situation is, the better settings are different for each person. Body electro “tapping” depends on a single electrode with only one feature. Some have a random shape.
Placing the electrodes at the right points will prevent too much electricity from being applied to a very small area. Turn off the TENS device. You can adjust the electrodes in a variety of ways depending on what works best for you. This will help prevent unpleasant impulses from traveling to your central nervous system and will also stimulate muscle contractions.
You can arrange the electrodes in lines, X formations, or squares, but they must be spaced apart. To create an X, place a pair of positive and negative electrodes for a double crossover and another pair for the crossover angle.
Adjust the amount of electricity slowly, slowly and meticulously. Start with the camera off, then turn the dial on to the lowest setting. Slowly increase the electric current until you feel a tingling sensation. If it hurts, then the current is too high. More current does not necessarily mean better. Your body can get used to a certain level of current after a while, it is best to increase the current slowly.
You can use the TENS electrode for as long or as often as you want. If you use it for a long time, you can put it on your belt or keep it in your pocket while doing other things. The length of time you use the TENS unit depends on the condition being treated, whether your health condition is chronic, and how your body responds. A physiotherapist will be able to provide accurate recommendations on the duration of using TENS, as well as the length of time you can use TENS. Be aware that using this too often will cause your body to ‘get used’ to the urges. Eventually, the effects may diminish over time.
At the same time, using ultrasound gels can help you make the impulses work better.
Places Where Tens Electrodes Should Not Be Placed:
Mouth
Eyes and ears
The front or side of your neck near major arteries
Spinal column (can pass on opposite sides of the spine)
The left side of your chest, near your heart
The front of your chest with the one on your back
Varicose veins
Broken skin or a new wound that is still healing
Numb areas
When Not to Use a Tens Device?
* If you have a pacemaker or other electrical device in your body, electrical impulses may interfere with these devices or their signals or cause a malfunction.
* If you have epilepsy, you may be more sensitive and it is better not to use TENS.
* If you have a disorder that affects your heart and its rhythm, your heart may be particularly sensitive to electrical impulses and malfunctions.
* If you are allergic to electrode pads, you can obtain hypoallergenic electrode pads.
* If you are pregnant or have become pregnant, do not use TENS without a prescription. The risks of using TENS during pregnancy are unknown; so do not use it without consulting your doctor. Some women find it helpful for relieving pain during labor, but be sure to ask your doctor before use if it’s safe for you and your baby.
If you are not sure whether TENS is safe for you, consult your doctor.
* Do not use TENS while engaged in some activities. These activities make TENS riskier.
* If you are in a bath, shower or swimming pool, you need to know how and where the electricity will be regulated.
It will change.
* Do not use TENS while sleeping.
* If you are driving a motor vehicle, the sensations caused by TENS may distract you.
* If you use machines, do not use TENS to avoid unexpected conflicts.
*The electrical impulses produced by TENS devices shouldn’t cause problems with airlines, but ask them before using them while flying.
In Which Parts of the Body Does Tens Device Benefit?
TENS often provides benefits for people experiencing pain and/or muscle spasms in certain parts of the body or for certain problems.
Back Area
knees
Neck Circumference
menstrual cramps
sports injuries
Arthritis
WARNINGS
1. TENS electrodes have no therapeutic value.
2. TENS is a symptomatic treatment and therefore suppresses the sensation of pain, which otherwise functions as a protective mechanism.
3. TENS is not effective for centrally sourced pain. (This includes headaches.)
4. Electronic monitoring equipment (such as ECG monitors and EKG alarms) may not function properly when TENS stimulation is used.
5. Care should be taken when applying TENS electrode to patients suspected of having heart disease. More clinical data are needed to demonstrate the absence of any negative consequences/adverse effects.
6. Electrodes should not be placed in the eyes, mouth, or internal areas of the body.
7. Do not use the electrode device while sleeping.
8. Do not use during pregnancy unless stated otherwise by your physician.
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) electrode is part of a medical device used with TENS devices. These electrodes are placed on the skin and help relieve pain by transmitting electrical stimulation to the skin.
TENS electrodes have a sticky surface and are usually coated with a water-based gel or adhesive to ensure they adhere comfortably to the skin. TENS therapy is used to manage various types of pain and often helps relieve muscle tension or chronic pain.
Before using TENS electrodes, the skin is cleaned and dried, then the electrodes are placed on the skin and pain is tried to be relieved with the electrical stimulation provided by the TENS device. Electrodes should be replaced regularly because their stickiness may decrease over time. Additionally, it is important to properly place the electrodes on the skin and follow the device’s instructions for
