Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a valuable form of pain relief for people suffering from acute and chronic pain. The TENS device is an electrical stimulation machine that delivers low-voltage electrical impulses to the body through the skin surface. The electrical impulses are vital in stimulating the nerves to block pain signals from reaching the brain. The TENS voltage may be mild or strong but not harmful.
A traditional TENS device is battery-powered and has sets of lead wires that connect to electrode pads. A great alternative nowadays is the use of wireless devices. The wireless iTENS is an effective pain relief device that is rechargeable and works via a Bluetooth connection on your IOS, Android or Google device. Different machines come with a different TENS voltage necessary for nerve stimulation. A typical TENS unit available over the counter like iTENS has simple circuits that generate no more than 40 to 60 volts. It can ideally treat most kinds of pain. On the other hand, a prescription TENS may provide up to 100 volts and more supervised pain treatment.
Adjusting TENS Voltage: Using iTENS
Safety is the top priority in using a TENS machine. The iTENS comes with pre-set settings for different kinds of pain. It is convenient because the frequency, pulse duration, and timing are all ready for the user. You may also manually adjust your device to manage your pain more effectively. Follow the simple guidelines below in safely adjusting the TENS voltage.
- Setting Up – Upon placing the pads around the pain site, access the controls from the app on your paired device. In Manual Mode, you can custom adjust the TENS voltage or frequency, the pulse rate/duration, and intensity or amplitude. Start the stimulation at the lowest available frequency.
- Adjusting the TENS voltage – Once your body has adapted to the initial intensity, you can slowly transition from low to high frequency. As you increase the intensity, you will feel a mild tingling sensation. You can adjust the power to a level that you are comfortable with or tolerate.
In treating pain using TENS, people recommend keeping on experimenting until you find the most effective program. The TENS voltage at a high range may be a little bit strong but not enough to cause severe harm or injury. iTENS is safe and effective to use as a drug-free alternative to pain relief. The wireless feature of iTENS minimizes the risks of sudden shocks and burns. Consult with your doctor for proper guidance on how to use a TENS machine.
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