Effective pain management depends on the kind of program or modality you are using. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a therapy that uses mild electrical currents to stimulate the body’s nerves to relieve pain. An excellent example of an effective device is the iTENS unit. The iTENS is a modern wireless TENS device well-known for treating acute and chronic pain and relaxing the muscles. Without a doubt, the success of the iTENS and other TENS devices relies on the proper TENS intensity 10 electrode placement.
A TENS unit is a small portable machine comprised of electrodes with sticky gel pads attached to the skin. The iTENS is Bluetooth-capable and is controllable on iOS or Android devices. Moreover, through the iTENS electrode pads (wings), the unit can send low-voltage electrical impulses to the body, inducing the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers. The electrical stimulation also intercepts the transmission of pain signals to the brain, reducing the perception of pain. Additionally, the iTENS can use low-frequency or high-frequency signals to stimulate the nerves to block pain. To effectively manage pain throughout your body, use this TENS intensity 10 electrode placement guide.
The body has 10 common pain points: neck, shoulders, arms, elbow, upper back, lower back, wrist, knees, legs, and feet. The TENS intensity 10 electrode placement targets these common pain points for the most effective pain relief.
The TENS Intensity 10 Electrode Placement Areas:
- Neck – Place the pads about 2 inches underneath the skull on the muscly part of the neck. Do not place the electrodes near the head or throat.
- Shoulders/Upper back – Place the pads around the shoulder joint, especially for rotator cuff pain. For sore muscles in the shoulder or upper back, place the pads on the parallel sides of the pain.
- Arms – You may place two small pads at the start and end of the bicep muscles.
- Elbow – Place two small pads above and below the elbow avoiding the elbow joint.
- Lower back/Legs – Place the pads around the most painful area in the lower back, avoiding the spine. This placement is most effective for treating sciatic pain.
- Knees – Placement of pads is at the muscle area around the knees. Do not place the electrodes directly over the kneecap.
- Wrist – Set the pads from the forearm to the wrist for optimal pain relief of wrist conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Feet/Ankle – The pads should be on the bottom of the feet or around the ankle tendon.
The key to effective pain treatment is to follow the TENS intensity 10 electrode placement guide thoroughly. The iTENS is the complete pain relief device for most kinds of pain. Additionally, with its wireless nature, you can conveniently treat almost any area of the body and have no issues with electrode placement. Furthermore, you can get your TENS unit over the counter or online after thoroughly consulting with a doctor or physiotherapist about your specific condition. However, you do not need to present a prescription when purchasing a TENS machine.
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