Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) therapy for pain relief has been prevalent for quite some time now. Formerly, only physical therapists were able to conduct TENS therapy pain management therapy. But with machines like the iTENS device, now available for anyone to purchase and use at iTENS Australia, pain relief has never been more accessible. TENS machines send out mild electrical impulses that stimulate nerves and block pain signals from reaching the brain. Moreover, it reduces or completely negates the sensation of pain from being felt by an individual. Using a TENS device for pain relief has been more of a standard method for pain management nowadays when compared to the more traditional methods like icing, hot packs, painkillers, acupuncture and exercises.
What is a TENS Device for Pain Relief?
TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. It is a pain therapy treatment that uses a low voltage electric current in order to relieve pain. A TENS device or machine is a compact, battery-operated device for pain relief. It has sticky pads called electrodes connected to the device. The electrodes are there to carry the electric currents from the TENS device to the skin then into the nerves. Therefore, the electrode pads are to be placed over the area where the point of pain is being felt. The TENS device sends electrical pulses from the electrode pad through the skin that travel along nerve fibres that feel like a tingling sensation. Thus, helping relieve pain and discomfort and providing muscle relaxation. Furthermore, stimulating the nerves helps produce endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers.
Traditional TENS devices come with electrodes that are attached to wires. Wired TENS devices come with many disadvantages as they are prone to wire breakage, needing replacement after a short periods of time. Moreover, having to deal with wire entanglement can be very tedious, especially when you want to experience pain relief immediately. The iTENS device for pain relief, available at iTENS Australia, is completely wireless. Having a wireless TENS device is incredibly convenient, and the iTENS is simple, stress-free and, more importantly, effective to use.
Types of Pain that TENS can Treat
TENS pain management therapy can relieve a variety of pain, both acute and chronic. Acute pain is short-term pain (typically lasts less than 3 – 6 months). Chronic pain is long-term pain (can last for more than 3 months). A TENS device for pain relief can treat the most common pain conditions such as:
- Osteoarthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Arthritis
- Labour pain
- Period pain
- Neck pain
- Lower back pain
- Knee pain
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Sciatic nerve pain
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Peripheral artery disease
The iTENS Device for Pain Relief
When choosing a TENS machine, though, one should consider the iTENS unit an option because of its many advantages over the others. With all its key features in mind, using the iTENS device for pain relief would prove to be the more reasonable option when compared to others. One of the foremost vital features of the iTENS device is its wireless nature. Having no wires dramatically increases the device’s portability as well as the mobility of its user. When using the iTENS wireless unit, individuals may choose to do something else alongside their pain management sessions. Whether it is cooking, eating, or getting ready for work, there are barely any restrictions in terms of movement for the user. Thus, it would also prove to be less time-consuming and could help those who need pain management treatments but are too busy to get them.
Guide on Using the iTENS Device for Pain Relief
With its ready-to-use pre-set settings, the iTENS wireless device for pain relief makes it easy to operate. Therefore, providing more effective and optimal treatments between sessions. You can set the iTENS device manually on the device or through an iOS or Android phone. With these convenient setting options available, using the iTENS device for pain relief ensures the user receives a safe and efficient treatment at a press of a button. TENS therapy sessions using the iTENS device for pain relief can be done 2-3 times a day, and its effects can last for about 5 hours up to 18 hours.
Its compatibility and size are other vital features one should look at when using the iTENS device for pain relief. Given that a TENS machine can treat a variety of pain-related cases, you must buy a device that can be used and fitted anywhere in the body. Not only is the iTENS device compact, but it also allows you to move freely during treatment. The iTENS device can treat a wide range of pain conditions that TENS therapy covers. Thus, having an effective pain management machine available in the comfort of one’s home would make for a very reasonable investment for anyone.
When Not to Use TENS Pain Management Therapy
TENS therapy is generally safe, and using a TENS device for pain relief has very little to no side effects. TENS is a drug-free pain relief treatment. However, there are some safety protocols to consider when receiving TENS pain management treatments. It is advisable not to use a TENS device if:
- You have an implanted metal electronic device (cardioverter, defibrillator, pacemakers, neurostimulators, bone growth stimulator, indwelling blood pressure monitors).
- Are pregnant. Even though TENS therapy can treat labour pain, it is recommended not to use one when in early pregnancy.
- You have cancer. Do not apply TENS in areas of the body where there is cancer. Furthermore, it is recommended not to use TENS if you have a history of cancer, at least in the last five years or so.
- You have epilepsy. Do not use TENS if you have epilepsy or any heart diseases or problems, as it could cause seizures or other complications.
Additionally, do not place the TENS electrode pads in the eyes, mouth, front or side of the neck, temples, chest, upper back, infected skin, and area where there is numbness. Switch off the TENS device for pain relief before attaching the electrode pads to the skin. Moreover, some TENS electrodes sometimes can cause allergic reactions to the skin. It is always better to consult your physician before conducting TENS pain management therapy.
Safety while Relieving Pain with iTENS
The iTENS device for pain relief is the world’s first FDA-cleared wireless TENS device. Moreover, the iTENS’ electrode pads are hypoallergenic. Therefore, TENS pain management therapy using the iTENS wireless device is a safe, non-toxic, and all-natural but very effective method of pain relief. The iTENS is available online at the iTENS Australia website, together with its accessories and replacement pads.