Pain is a highly unpleasant feeling that your brain gives off when your body is in distress. The intense stimuli can vary depending on the severity, which can be caused by an illness or an injury. In the event of the latter, you may feel acute pain when burnt, cut, or even when recuperating from surgery. However, with an illness, it may be chronic depending on the illness at hand and can be subjective too. Pain relief can come from medical or non-medical treatment options, the former including prescription drugs and the latter from the likes of a TENS machine. A TENS machine is an alternative pain-relief medication which uses small electric currents for pain relief in an attempt to block nerve pain in the affected area.
What is TENS?
TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and is an alternative form of therapy that utilises low-voltage electrical current for pain relief. A TENS machine is portable (and the size of a pocket radio) and battery-operated. It allows you to connect the electrodes (wires that will conduct electricity from the machine) from the machine to your skin. These electrodes are attached to the area of pain or pressure point, which then creates a circuit of electrical impulses that will travel along your nerves. When this is done, it can create less pain as the electrical stimuli signals the brain causing it to either block or scramble normal pain signals. It also signals the brain to produce more endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller.
Who can use TENS?
TENS can be used for many conditions, such as to treat muscle, bone, or joint pain. Patients who suffer from various arthritis conditions, fibromyalgia, back and neck pain, to acute pain and chronic pain such as with cancer patients. However, it should be mentioned that whilst a TENS machine can work for some, it may vary from person to person, and should be discussed with their doctor or therapist whether it is right for them.
Is TENS Safe?
TENS is safe when administered and prescribed under proper care such as with instructions and directions from your doctor or physical therapist. If you are seeing doctors for a different ailment, it is always advised that you let them know that you are under alternative therapy. This way they are able to make adjustment as how it can be combined with conventional treatments.
TENS Machine Options
At Independent Living Specialists Australia, there are several models of portable TENS machines for purchase as follows.
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A regular TENS with adjustable pulse width, pulse rate, intensity, modes, and an accurate timer of 15, 30 and 60 minutes, will stop output at preset time. The unit comes with the TENS stimulator unit, carrying case, 2X TENS leads, 9V battery, operating manual and packet of 4 Electrodes. |
| Channel | Dual, isolated between channels |
| Modes | Continuous, Burst, Modulation |
| Pulse Intensity | Adjustable 0-80mA peak into 500 ohm load each channel, constant current |
| Pulse Rate | 2Hz-150Hz (adjustable) |
| Pulse Width | 30ìs-260ìs (adjustable) |
| Time | Continuous, 30 min., 60 min. |
| Burst Mode | Burst consists 2 burst per sec at 100 Hz |
| Wave Form | Asymmetrical Bi-Phasic square pulse |
| Dimensions | 95(H) x 60(W) x 23(D) mm |
| Weight | 115 grams (battery included) |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
TENS Machine by Intelect: ProTENS
AllCare ProTens Machine + Free Pack of Electrodes
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The Allcare Tens machine is a regular battery powered TENS with adjustable pulse width, pulse rate, intensity, modes and an accurate timer of 15, 30 and 60 minutes, will stop output at pre-setting time. It is a fully portable battery powered device and is easily adjustable with control dials.
– Dual Channel – Hard Carry Case – Battery Powered – Adjustable pulse width, pulse rate plus intensity – Timer of 15, 30 and 60 minutes – Will stop output at pre-set time – Compatible with commonly available electrodes The PRO10’s Stimulator kit Contains: – One Dual-Channel TENS Stimulator – Carry Case – TENS Leads x 2 – Operating Manual – 9V Battery – Packet of 4 Electrodes |
| Brand | Whiteley Allcare |
| Pulse Amplitude | 0-80mA peak to peak into 500 ohm load |
| Pulse Rate | Adjustable, from 2Hz ~ 150 Hz |
| Pulse Width | Adjustable, from 30uS ~ 260 uS |
| Voltage | 0-40V peak into 500ohm load |
| Channel | Dual, isolated between channels |
| Mode | B, N, M TIMER: Selectable, 15, 30, 60 Minutes (or 15, 30, constant) |
| Wave Form | Asymmetrical Bi-Phasic Square Pulse |
| Manufacturers Part Number | PROTENS |
