Pain management has never been this easy since the advent of electrical stimulation. Different electrotherapies like the Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) have relieved millions of people from debilitating pain. TENS is a type of therapy that engages mild electrical impulses to target the nerves causing it to block pain signals to the brain. A TENS unit has electric current stim pads, also known as electrodes. The pads are attachable on the skin where the electrical current would pass through. The constant stimulation of the nerves helps the body release its natural painkillers known as endorphins.
Knowing you need a TENS machine is one thing. Deciding the best stim pads for you is another. Not all TENS machines are created equal. Different TENS unit electrodes come in different shapes and sizes. Some electrodes are square, while some are round. Some come in long strips, while others come in shapes like butterfly wings. Additionally, TENS machines can be either wired or wireless. A wired TENS device is battery-operated and has leads connecting to the electrodes. A wireless TENS, on the other hand, like the iTENS, is rechargeable and has wing-like pads connected to a disc in the centre controllably via Bluetooth connection.
Choosing a TENS device and Stim Pads
How do you choose the best stim pads? Consider the shape and size of the pads for your needed treatment. Some pads may be hard to place in certain areas like the feet or knees. The wires can also limit your movement, especially if you are at work. The advantage of wireless pads seen in the iTENS is that they eliminate the hassle of messy wires. Wireless TENS devices feel more liberating in movement. They are slim, light, and barely noticeable when worn under the clothes. Furthermore, the wing pads of iTENS are versatile. Users may adjust to different angular positions for tricky areas like the elbows and ankles. Wing pads also come in various shapes and sizes, allowing optimal treatment in almost any body area.
Stim pads have adhesiveness into them so they can stick to the skin well. A good stim pad lasts long after much use. To maintain your stim pad, periodically clean the pads by wiping them with a damp cloth. This process will remove the excess accumulation of gel residue. iTENS has spare wings accessories and gel pad refills available when it’s time to replace them. They also come in small and large wing sizes covering major and minor body parts. The best stim pads cover these essential aspects: accessibility, shape, size, and durability.
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