Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a form of electrotherapy that can alleviate pain from various conditions. A TENS machine in Adelaide is a medical device that uses electrode pads to deliver electrical pulses to the sensory nerves. It provides drug-free and non-invasive pain relief, which many people benefit from. It can also help improve moods and reduce stress. Moreover, TENS is easy to self-administer. The user must apply the electrodes near the pain source and adjust the settings.
Chronic pain can be debilitating and cause significant mental stress. To ease their pain, many turn to taking pain medicines or invasive procedures, like injections or surgery. However, this can cause various side effects and cause discomfort. Fortunately, TENS is an alternative method that provides many with effective relief. TENS can help manage pains like shoulder pain, period pain, birth pain, and joint pain. This article will present information about TENS units, their benefits, and how to use them.
What is a TENS Machine in Adelaide?
A TENS machine in Adelaide is a small, battery-operated device that many use for pain relief. It uses externally applied electrode pads to deliver low-voltage electrical impulses to stimulate the nerves. These devices also have adjustable settings and various pre-set modes for ease of use. Some examples are boost mode, burst mode, constant mode, and massage mode.
Generally, TENS units are classified into two kinds: traditional and wireless. The former is a handheld device with leads connecting the controller and the adhesive electrodes. On the other hand, wireless units remove the restrictions of lead cables and utilise Bluetooth technology. These can connect to smartphones or controllers.
Many people use TENS devices in medical settings, such as hospitals and pain clinics. However, some people also use personal TENS units at home or wherever needed. Several TENS products are available from online retailers and pharmacies. Some also opt to hire products from TENS rental services. This is a typical case, especially for pregnant women who wish to use obstetric TENS machines.
How Does It Work?
TENS units work by stimulating the nerves in the target area. The following theories provide further explanations of how TENS alleviates different types of pain:
- Gate Control Theory of Pain: proposes that electric stimulation can trigger the spinal nerve cells to block the transmission of pain signals to the brain. This idea is called the pain gate mechanism. Using high-frequency stimulation can trigger this.
- Endorphin Release Theory: suggests that low-frequency stimulation can trigger the production of endorphins. These are natural painkillers that bind to opioid receptors and inhibit them from sending pain messages. In addition, endorphins can improve moods and reduce stress.
Benefits of TENS Machine in Adelaide
There are many benefits to using a TENS machine in Adelaide. This is why it is continuously growing in popularity among those with chronic pain conditions. Firstly, TENS provides a non-invasive alternative to pain relief. Unlike surgery or injections, it does not cause significant discomfort or put individuals at risk of infections and other complications.
Secondly, TENS provides drug-free pain relief. This means that it does not require the use of medications to work. On the contrary, this form of pain relief can assist people in reducing their intake of pain medicines, which can have many adverse effects. In comparison, TENS only has a few temporary side effects.
Thirdly, TENS therapy is complementary to other treatments. Therefore, people can use TENS with other treatments without worrying about compatibility. Fourthly, TENS provides versatile relief for various chronic and acute pain conditions. This includes body aches, labour pain, fibromyalgia, and headaches. Lastly, it can improve the quality of life by helping to improve mobility, reduce stress, and enhance positive moods. Overall, TENS can contribute to a better quality of life.
Are There Potential Side Effects?
TENS therapy may cause a few potential side effects. One of these is possible allergic reactions to the adhesives or the electrode. To prevent this, individuals may opt for hypoallergenic pads. It may also help to check underneath the electrode every few minutes to monitor the reactions during the first session.
Another potential side effect is muscle spasms or twitching. This is usually an effect caused by using excessively high intensities or raising them too quickly. It can help to start at the lowest settings and gradually increase them to avoid this. Lastly, skin irritation may occur from overusing the unit.
How to Use a TENS Machine in Adelaide
Using a TENS machine in Adelaide is simple. Nevertheless, taking safety precautions is crucial for effective treatment. Moreover, people can increase their understanding of how to properly use their unit by reading the instruction manual that comes with it. To start, the user must place the electrodes on the target area. This is a crucial step since the electrodes need to be attached correctly for the TENS machine to work effectively.
Once the electrodes are in place, the user can turn on the TENS machine and adjust the settings according to their comfort level. It is recommended to start with a low intensity and gradually increase it until they reach the optimal level. Alternatively, they may also select a pre-set mode for their condition.
TENS therapy sessions should last between 20 to 30 minutes. However, this may change depending on the settings used and their health. They may consult a health professional for advice on how to use the machine. However, once the time elapses, they must switch the device off and remove the electrodes.
Electrode Placement
For TENS therapy, electrode placement depends on where the pain is most intense or originates from. As a rule of thumb, people apply the electrodes on muscles near or on the pain source. For example, they may place the electrodes on either side of the spinal cord for back pain.
However, avoiding sensitive areas like the spinal cord, head, throat, and chest is crucial. They should also refrain from attaching pads on skin patches with irritation or infections. Moreover, washing the area with soap and water before placing the pads can help with adhesion. Lastly, they should replace adhesives routinely.
Conclusion
A TENS machine in Adelaide is a helpful tool that provides effective relief for chronic and acute pain conditions. It utilises electrodes to deliver electrical impulses to the body and trigger mechanisms to alleviate aches. By adjusting the settings, people can trigger the pain gate mechanism and endorphin production for optimal relief. In addition, using TENS can improve moods and reduce stress. This contributes to a better quality of life.
TENS is a drug-free and non-invasive pain management method. It is also easy to self-administer. Using it is a straightforward process that involves applying the electrodes to the pain source and adjusting the settings accordingly. Nevertheless, consulting a health professional is ideal before using any electrotherapy device. They may advise on if TENS suits the condition and how to use it effectively. Those interested in a wireless TENS unit may consider the iTENS from iTENS Australia.
