A TENS unit (Trans-cutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator) is a small device about the size of a deck of cards that can be used for managing sub acute or chronic pain. It works by "interfering" with pain signals to the brain, by flooding the pain-generating tissues with small, electrical currents that are thought to "compete" with the pain signals traveling to the brain, resulting in reduced perception of pain. It does not do anything to cure the inured site.
TENS units can be helpful by precluding the need for drugs that might be harmful to the user. It is also faster acting than ice and topical pain products.
In this video, I demonstrate how to operate a typical TENS unit, and strategies for placing the electrodes to achieve maximum benefit.
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TENS units and EMS units can be very helpful when recovering from an injury or surgery. The two are very different, but often come together in one unit like the FlexTone models I use in this video. Purchase a TENS/EMS unit on my website: http://www.askdoctorjo.com/content/tens-unit-ems-unit-pain-management
What's the difference between TENS and EMS?
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is used to help reduce pain and increase circulation. Basically the vibration of the TENS follows the same pathway as the pain pathway to the brain and helps cancel it out. It is a great alternative to pain medication. A TENS uses four electrodes with cross currents to surround the area. The deep vibration/massage helps relax the muscles and allow for healing.
EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) helps contract the muscles to build back up strength after an injury. With EMS the muscles will actually contract, and you can use it as a tool while exercising to help retrain the muscle to work how its suppose to. It uses two electrodes directly over the muscle you are trying to contract.
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Doctor Jo is a licensed Physical Therapist and Doctor of Physical Therapy.
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TENS Unit for Pain Management & EMS for Muscle Rehab:
PRODUCT PLACEMENT DISCLAIMER: This video represents the honest opinions of Doctor Jo. Thank you to FlexTone for providing Doctor Jo with two free TENS/EMS Units to use.
DISCLAIMER: This video and any related comments are not medical advice. Doctor Jo is a licensed Physical Therapist and Doctor of Physical Therapy; however, she is not YOUR Physical Therapist and can't possibly diagnose you through the Internet. So don't use this information to avoid going to your own healthcare professional or to replace the advice they have given you. This information should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any medical condition. If you are not properly diagnosed, this information won't help, and it could make things worse. If you experience any pain, stop immediately and see your healthcare professional.
