Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a popular type of therapy used and recommended by physical therapists, pain specialists, and medical experts to relieve pain in a safe and non-invasive way. They can be used as a standalone treatment or may also accompany other therapies (like physical therapy) for effective pain management. TENS therapy relies on the power of electrical stimulation to bring ease and comfort from the confines of acute and chronic body pain. Focusing on proper TENS machine positioning during self-treatment could significantly affect the effectiveness of the machine.
With the innovations available today, TENS machine positioning has now been made easier with wireless devices. The iTENS, a wireless TENS machine, is a portable and wearable tech device with wing-like electrode pads and a disc in the centre. The electrode pads are sticky, so they can attach to clean, dry skin quickly. The disc connecting the places activates the electrical stimulation and launches, sending out the low voltage electrical impulses to the body. The electrical impulses stimulate the nerves to release endorphins and close the neural gate for pain transmission to the brain.
TENS Machine Positioning: Do’s and Don’ts
TENS machine positioning differs depending on the pain type. The most common area where the body feels most pains are the shoulders, neck, arm, lower back, knees, and feet. As a general rule, the placement pads should be on either side or around the area of pain. Place the pads on muscly sites and not over the bony parts. You may also need to alternate the placement patterns of the pads with every session to cover more area. Do not place the pads on the following sites: backbone, kneecap, throat, temples, eyes, mouth, head, the front, and sides of the neck. Placing the TENS machine on the throat or the head can cause acute hypotension or low blood pressure. In addition, do not place the electrode pads on varicose veins and open wounds or infected areas.
The iTENS comes with a visually clear TENS machine positioning guide for specific body pains. You can access this information via the iTENS app on your mobile phone and the official iTENS website. TENS therapy is drug-free and safe for everybody experiencing pain; however, it is not advisable for pregnant women, cancer patients, epileptic patients, and people with pacemakers. To accurately use the TENS machine, consult with your physician or therapist first regarding the TENS placement specific to your condition.
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