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Australian Registered Medical Device

Same day dispatch

12-month warranty

Professionally endorsed

AU Registered Medical Device
12-month warranty
Same day dispatch
Professionally endorsed

TENS Machines

TENS Machines

TENS machines are a natural and effective way to help you manage pain. The iTENS range allows you the freedom of not having to worry about wires slowing your ability to perform and operate as you normally would.

Fortunately, the days of wired TENS machines have passed. iTENS offers state-of-the-art app-enhanced pain relief to treat the vast majority of pain conditions, including chronic and acute pain.

TENS Machines - Wireless Pain Relief | iTENS Australia

Pain is our body’s natural response to alert that something is wrong. Typically, we would immediately check the area where we feel pain. It may come as sharp, dull, throbbing, or burning sensations. For example, when we sustain an injury, we would have to endure the pain or discomfort until it heals. However, even after healing, some pain may still linger. READ MORE>>

Persistent pain or conditions that last more than twelve weeks is called chronic pain. Mostly, it is due to developing or existing nerve or tissue damage that has not healed properly. Therefore, people with chronic pain use TENS or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation to manage persistent pain. People can use a TENS machine in clinics or physiotherapy centres to relieve a wide range of conditions.

Pain management includes oral medications, physical exercise, and TENS therapy. Most people take analgesics because it is accessible and affordable. But sometimes, medications may not be enough. Oral painkillers also have the risk of developing adverse side effects in long-term use. Alternatively, using a TENS machine is a popular pain management method that is all-natural and toxic-free. It is a treatment that uses low-voltage electrical currents to target the sensory nerves. Modern medical devices like the iTENS from iTENS Australia are safe and can be easily operated individually without supervision. This article talks about everything you need to know about TENS therapy and TENS machines. 

How a TENS Machine Works

People new to TENS may wonder how a TENS machine help ease the pain. Before you try TENS treatment, it is essential to understand how it works on the body. The device is a small battery-operated unit connected to electrode pads. The electrodes send mild electrical pulses when placed on the skin near the pain area. When the unit is turned on, it creates a mild tingling sensation that is firm but painless. Moreover, the electrical stimulation triggers the body to perform the following actions:

  • Activate the pain gate controllers in the spinal cord
  • Release endorphins
  • Boost blood circulation
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Gate Control Theory of Pain

Pain is an individual experience that is subjective and personal. Each individual perceives pain differently; thus, treating various conditions is challenging. For example, some people may have a higher tolerance than others. When something is wrong in the body, a group of sensory neurons or nociceptors send signals from the spinal cord to the brain. The pain receptors are widely distributed in the skin, tissues, muscles, and joints. Once the brain receives and interprets the pain message, it forms an appropriate response and sends a signal back to the body. Thus, we perceive pain to a great or less degree. A TENS machine works on the nerve fibres to help control the flow of pain signals.

In the early 1960s, Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall created the Gate Control Theory of Pain. The theory proposes that a bundle of nerve fibres in the spinal cord act as “gates” and controls the transmission of pain signals. Essentially, small nerve fibres relay information about pain and temperature. Large nerve fibres carry messages from the pain area to the spine and brain. Providing external stimuli such as electricity causes the neural gates to restrict the pain signals travelling to the brain. As a result, the brain transmits fewer signals to the body, decreasing the severity of pain. A TENS machine operates on a high frequency (50-130 Hz) to stimulate the large nerve fibres to block pain signals to the brain.

Natural Opioids System 

Endogenous opioids like enkephalins and endorphins are produced in the brain and circulate throughout the body. The body releases these natural hormones during activities such as exercise, massage, eating, or sexual intercourse to help relieve stress or pain. They have similar effects as oral analgesics but without the risks of dependence or harmful side effects. Thus, they are considered the body’s natural painkillers. Additionally, low endorphin levels are associated with negative health issues like depression, anxiety, chronic headaches, and body pains. A TENS machine like the iTENS can help induce the release of higher levels of endorphins to negate pain sensations. At low-frequency stimulation (2-10 Hz), a TENS machine produces the following effects: 

  • Promoting pleasure
  • Reducing stress
  • Improving mood
  • Reducing pain 
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History of Nerve Electrical Stimulation 

A TENS machine or electrotherapy may sound like a new concept, but it has been used since 2500 B.C. Medical practitioners in ancient Greece discovered that certain types of fish or eels that emit electrical impulses could relieve pain. They are used in clinical foot baths to improve blood circulation or treat arthritis. Additionally, in 1743, Johann Gottlob Krüger performed the first recorded treatment on a patient using electricity. John Wesley also promoted electricity as a universal treatment method but was rejected by mainstream medicine. Then, further discoveries about how pain works led to the development of electrotherapy as a treatment method. Melzack and Wall’s Gate Control Theory of Pain provides a breakthrough in using electrical stimulation for alleviating pain. 

It wasn’t until the late 19th century that electrotherapy devices gained mainstream recognition. In 1974, American neurosurgeon Clyde Normal Shealy developed the first version of a TENS machine. Since then, TENS therapy has become more popular. The modern TENS devices are more compact and are effective for treating various acute and chronic ailments. Moreover, variations of the original TENS can help with specific needs. For example, special TENS units can help with labour pain relief. The iTENS from iTENS Australia is a modern-day electrotherapy device than can ease various conditions. It incorporates digital or wireless technology to facilitate more efficient and convenient pain management. 

Treatments of a TENS Machine

TENS therapy is an all-around, non-invasive pain management system to help reduce symptoms from most pain types. The most common reason for pain is nerve damage. It may develop due to muscle overuse, repetitive motion, or an ailment. A TENS machine sends electrical currents from the electrodes to stimulate the underlying nerves in the pain site. Therefore, TENS is suitable for the following common situations:

Degenerative disease (chronic) – medical conditions that cause the organs or tissues to deteriorate over time. A TENS machine help alleviate pain from the following conditions:

Acute pain – conditions that last less than six months. Acute pain may come as a direct response to soft tissue damage and resolves as the tissue or nerves heal. A TENS machine is beneficial for minimising pain or discomfort from the following:

Body aches – the body may experience numbness, soreness, or tenderness due to overuse of body parts. A TENS machine like the iTENS can reduce pain or relax sore muscles. The TENS electrode pads apply to common pain points in the body:

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Operating a TENS Machine

TENS therapy is one of the safest modalities of pain management. Patients can self-administer a TENS machine in just a few steps. You may encounter two types of TENS in looking for a personal device – wired or wireless electrodes. Traditional TENS units come with connecting wires to the electrode pads. Meanwhile, modern devices like the iTENS have wireless electrodes for convenient transmission of electrical currents. The wireless iTENS utilise Bluetooth-capable electrodes and pairs seamlessly with most iOS and Android devices. You may use the iTENS as a standalone wearable unit or through a smartphone app. Right out of the box, pair the device to the smartphone via Bluetooth. Then, you may be able to use the iTENS readily in subsequent treatments. 

To use a TENS machine, place the electrode pads on the skin near or on either side of the pain. Switch the device on and select your desired treatment from the app. The iTENS app features eleven pre-set settings for different body parts and thirteen programs according to specific ailments. You may choose a treatment mode from the menu to begin pain relief. Alternatively, you may customise the TENS settings manually based on what works best for you. Trying out different frequencies and intensity enables you to find optimal results.  

Managing TENS Machine Settings

As you begin the TENS treatment, you will feel a tingling sensation from the device. The electrical impulses should feel firm but not uncomfortable or overpowering. The sensation will drop slightly after a few minutes because of accommodation. It is best to start with the lowest settings and gradually turn it up as your body adjusts to the stimulation. A TENS machine will have the following controls:

  • Pulse rate – the frequency in which pulses travel through the skin. The pulse rate is registered in hertz or cycle per second. 
  • Pulse duration – the elapsed time or width of each electrical pulse. It is expressed in microsecond μs.
  • Waveforms – refers to the shape as seen on a graph of amplitude versus time. Various waveforms target specific body areas and address diverse therapy needs.

The manual operation mode of iTENS allows you to set the settings and try out different intensities. You may slowly increase the pulse rate or pulse duration until you find the level that gives the most therapeutic effect. Typically, the higher the intensity, the stronger the electrical currents. Likewise, you may test various waveforms to check how your body reacts to the treatment. However, do not turn the intensity too high to avoid overstimulation or further harm. Additionally, there should be no muscle contractions at any point while using the TENS machine. 

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How Long Does Pain Relief Last?

It is worth noting that TENS is not a cure for pain but only provides short-term relief. Pain relief from a TENS machine varies between individuals. Like oral medications, each person has a different reaction to TENS treatment. Mostly, pain relief will last between five minutes to 24 hours. Some users experience relief while using the device, and others after the session. Moreover, the level of pain relief will vary according to the type and intensity of pain. For example, acute pain has longer periods of relief because the symptoms happen in bursts. A single session can last 15 to 30 minutes. You may use the TENS machine many times a day if you need longer treatment periods. However, make sure you allow at least a 20-minute break between sessions. 

Benefits of TENS Therapy

Many people with chronic conditions have tried various methods to alleviate pain or discomfort. TENS therapy is a procedure you can use alone or in conjunction with other pain management methods. A TENS machine enables you to achieve safe and effective relief with little risk. Furthermore, TENS therapy has the following benefits over other pain techniques:

  • Drug-free – TENS is a natural method that helps reduce pain perception without drugs. It also does not develop adverse side effects that medicines often have in long-term use.
  • Non-invasive – TENS use electrode pads that adhere firmly but gently to the skin. It does not utilise needles or invasive procedures like surgery. 
  • Cost-efficient – a TENS machine is a practical device you can use daily, weekly, or monthly. In addition, the electrode pads are reusable and refillable. Therefore, they are worthy investments. 
  • Versatile – one unit can handle many types of pain conditions. It is beneficial for people with chronic pain or recovering from an injury
  • Controlled treatments – TENS therapy is a modulated kind of pain treatment. When it comes to prescription drugs, the patient has no control over the strength of the medicine. With a TENS unit, you can control the intensity levels that suit you best.
  • Portable – TENS devices are compact-sized, making them easy to carry and use anywhere. Moreover, wireless TENS like the iTENS are less bulkier and easier to wear than a standard wired unit. 
  • Easy to use – TENS machines are easy to use without the aid of a health professional. 
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TENS vs EMS

Electrotherapy involves the application of controlled electrical currents to improve overall physical functioning. The most common types of electrotherapy are TENS and EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation). Many people get confused between a TENS machine and EMS when looking for a stimulator device. Although e-stim devices also employ electrodes to deliver electrical stimulation, they have varying uses. Their main difference is the target areas. TENS targets the sensory nerves to reduce pain while EMS works on key muscle groups for muscle strengthening and rehabilitation. Sports or athletic programs incorporate EMS in their training to help improve muscle functions or rehabilitate damaged muscles. EMS operates on a higher frequency than TENS, causing involuntary contractions to activate weakened muscles. Likewise, EMS prevents and reverses muscle atrophy or the thinning of the muscle mass. 

When choosing the right e-stim device, identify if you need it for pain relief or muscle stimulation. Moreover, some devices combine the functions of TENS therapy and EMS in one unit. In particular, the iTENS wireless TENS from iTENS Australia also includes EMS functions for more efficient pain management. Through the iTENS app, you can access treatment modes for muscle spasms, relaxation, and massage. Furthermore, the modulated frequency helps boost blood circulation and promote faster healing of damaged muscles or nerves. The increase in blood flow also soothes sore muscles and eases muscle knots, relieving muscle pain and restoring the range of motion. 

TENS Pad Placement

Pain may strike at different areas at a time or simultaneously. The advantage of a TENS machine is to apply electrical stimulation only to targeted body areas. Therefore, the effectiveness of TENS depends on the strategic placement of the electrode pads. You may check the electrode placement guide through the iTENS app. In general, place the electrode pads over or on either side of the pain area. The currents should direct to the centre of the most painful part. Place the pads over the muscles while avoiding the spine or joints. You may adjust the pad positioning around the area until you feel optimal results. Additionally, do not place the electrodes anywhere on the head and the front or sides of the neck. 

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TENS Machine Buying Guide

Modern TENS machines have lots of variations depending on a particular need. Due to the vast choices available, choosing a suitable device can be overwhelming. However, knowing what to look for in a TENS machine can help the selection process faster and easier. The following are essential considerations in choosing a TENS device:

  • Electrodes – TENS comes in wired or wireless electrode pads. Wireless electrodes like the iTENS are more portable than wired TENS units. Therefore, wireless TENS provide extra comfort levels while relieving pain. 
  • Treatment modes – TENS machines come in varying built-in programs or TENS settings. In choosing a TENS device, check the number of pre-set settings or intensity levels available. You may get TENS based on your specific treatment needs. Moreover, pre-set settings help manage pain more efficiently. For example, if you have sciatica, select the treatment for sciatica to begin the therapy immediately. 
  • Pad options – TENS pads are self-adhesive and stick well to clean, dry skin. Getting interchangeable pads cover different treatment areas thoroughly. iTENS Australia offers small and large wing kits to fit joints and broad body areas. You may also get long strip wings for pain that radiates downwards. 
  • Battery – TENS commonly use 9v, AA, or lithium-ion batteries. iTENS have rechargeable lithium-ion batteries which are more energy-efficient in the long term. 

iTENS: The Wireless TENS Device

A wireless TENS machine enables faster and cost-effective pain relief. By removing wires or cables, it eliminates the hassle of messy wires or entanglement. Wireless TENS makes it easy to place the electrode pads on the pain site and start the therapy immediately. iTENS Australia offers the wireless iTENS as a convenient pain management device for acute and chronic conditions. The wireless electrodes are controllable through the iTENS companion app via Bluetooth. Furthermore, the iTENS have flexible, slim, and wing-like electrode pads that are discreet when worn under the clothes. The wing-shaped pads are contoured to move and bend smoothly with movement. Therefore, the wireless TENS device lets you manage pain without restricting motion or limiting activities. 

TENS therapy is more effective while active. You can use the iTENS wireless TENS machine while working, exercising, doing chores, or being mobile. Moreover, the iTENS have peel-n-stick gel pads available in three sizes. The iTENS wings have a laser-printed silver conductive surface that adheres firmly to the skin and does not lose grip. Additionally, the gel pads are hypoallergenic, minimising the chances of developing skin irritation or allergic reactions. To use the iTENS, peel the protective cover and place the pads on the skin. 

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TENS Machine Care and Maintenance

TENS machine electrode pads are reusable and can last several applications before replacement. Likewise, TENS machine pads have a definite life span; however, with proper care and maintenance, you can get the most out of your device. Moreover, the TENS gel pads are for single-person use. After the session, turn the machine off before carefully removing the unit from the skin. Lift one end of the pads and pull away. Do not grab the white round disc to avoid damage. Then, place the protective cover back on the gel pads before storing. After some use, TENS electrodes will accumulate gel pad residue on the silver area of the wings as you peel the gel on and off. It is good to periodically remove the gel residue by wiping the wing with a moist towel or cloth. 

Always keep the TENS machine in the poly bag included in the kit to preserve its longevity. When the pads eventually lose their stickiness, you can buy replacement pads or refills. iTENS Australia has low-cost refillable gel pads, making the iTENS cost-efficient. Each packet contains 3 sets of gel pads that can serve up to 60 applications. 

Are There Risks in Using TENS?

People with chronic pain use a TENS machine as a drug-free alternative for pain relief. Using TENS frequently does not cause adverse side effects or health complications. Furthermore, the electrical stimulation is mild and painless. It only reaches down to the nerve fibre levels and does not affect other organs. Therefore, TENS is virtually safe and toxic-free. If you are using TENS for the first time, it is best to consult your physician for the guidance and right usage. However, TENS also comes with certain precautions. TENS is not advisable if you have cancer, epilepsy, blood clots, and heart diseases. Likewise, do not use a TENS machine if you have a cardiac pacemaker, as the electrical stimulation may interfere with the implanted device. In addition, TENS is not suitable during pregnancy except in the early stage of labour. 

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Conclusion 

You can use a TENS machine safely even without the supervision of a healthcare professional. The iTENS has FDA clearance as a safe and effective wireless TENS unit for pain relief. You may purchase the revolutionary iTENS wireless TENS device online at the iTENS Australia website without any prescription required. The iTENS is your reliable partner for quick, safe, and effective pain relief treatments. Undoubtedly, TENS therapy with iTENS Australia is an ideal pain management solution for those who want effective and lasting pain relief.

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Ankle Tendonitis

Inflammation in the tendons that run along your outer ankle bone and the side of your foot.

Bursitis

Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

A common condition that causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and forearm.

Causalgia

Severe burning pain in a limb caused by injury to a peripheral nerve.

Chronic pelvic pain

Pain in the area below your bellybutton and between your hips that lasts six months or longer.

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Nerve damage caused by chronically high blood sugar and diabetes.

Diabetes-related neuropathy

Damage to the nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body.

Diverticulitis

The infection or inflammation of pouches that can form in your intestines.

Endometriosis or pelvic pain

Tissue that lines a woman's uterus, growing outside of the uterus.

Epicondylitis

A condition in which the forearm muscles become damaged from overuse.

Epicondylitis or tennis elbow

A condition that occurs when tendons in your elbow are overloaded, usually by repetitive wrist and arm motions.

Facet Syndrome

A condition in which the facet joints (also termed zygapophyseal joints) of the spine become a source of pain.

Fibromyalgia

Aching and pain in muscles, tendons, and joints all over the body, especially along the spine.

Frozen Shoulder

Also called adhesive capsulitis, involves stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint.

Intercostals Neuralgia

Nerve pain that affects the area below your ribs and can be caused by several different conditions.

Ischialgia

Commonly also known as “sciatica” is radiating nerve pain in the hip area.

IVD Syndrome

Intervertebral disc or disc fragments are displaced at any level of the spine: lumbar, cervical, or thoracic.

Labour pain

During labour, pain is caused by the contraction of the uterus muscles and by pressure on the cervix.

Low back pain

Pain resulting from a strain (injury) to muscles or tendons in the back.

Lumbago

Pain in the lower (lumbar) portion of the back.

Low back pain

Pain resulting from a strain (injury) to muscles or tendons in the back.

Lumbago

Pain in the lower (lumbar) portion of the back.

Lumbosacral Pain Radiculitis

A disorder that causes pain in the lower back and hip which radiates down the back of the thigh into the leg.

Multiple Sclerosis

A chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, which is the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.

Neuropathy Pain

Neuropathic pain can happen if your nervous system is damaged or not working correctly.

Osteoarthritis

Disease of the joints.

Peripheral artery disease

“Hardening of the arteries” that circulate blood to the body.

Peripheral Nerve Injury

Nerve damage located in the peripheral nerves. Often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in the hands and feet.

Plantar fasciitis

A condition that causes pain on the bottom of the heel.

Post Surgical Pain

Considered a form of acute pain due to surgical trauma with an inflammatory reaction.

Reynaud’s Syndrome

Spasms in small blood vessels located in your fingers and toes.

Rheumatoid arthritis

An autoimmune and inflammatory disease, where your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body.

Sciatica

Nerve pain from an injury or irritation to the sciatic nerve, which originates in your buttock/gluteal area.

Spinal cord injury

Damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function, such as mobility and/or feeling.

Synovitis

When the synovium of a joint becomes inflamed (swollen).

Tendinitis

An inflammation or irritation of a tendon.

Tendonitis

When a tendon swells (becomes inflamed) after a tendon injury.

Thoracodynia

Pain in the chest.

Thrombophlebitis

Swelling (inflammation) of a vein.

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