How Long Do You Use a TENS Machine For?
There are lots of pain
medications available today in the market but you don’t know if it will totally
help you reduce the pain you feel or if it will provide you long term of effect
on your body. Because of this, there are some better ways on how you can reduce
the pain you have even without taking any pain relief medicines.
There is a new device today that
is becoming popular that is commonly used by most of the people and it is
called Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation or TENS machine. It is an alternative for painkilling
medications.
What is TENS Machine?
TENS Machine is just a portable
device that is battery operated that can be worn in the body. It has wires that
have sticky pads that you can use to stick on your skin wherein it has an electric
pulse that is transmitted to the body. Through the use of this device, it can
help you ease the pain that you feel that is why lots of people chose to use it
since it provides no side effects.
Reasons to use TENS Machines
There are many reasons why you
should opt to use TENS machines. Some people use this device because it is
drug-free and good for their pain management. Thus, it is very easy to use
despite its size. Aside from this, people opt to use this machine because it
does not provide some side effects like drowsiness. Also, it is non-invasive
device since it will provide you the real freedom to walk or move and can be
used for as long as you want.
Another great thing about TENS
machine is that you can use it for conjunction for prescribing drugs. Because
of its popularity, there is some research being conduct by most of the
professionals to clarify its effectiveness to the body. According to their
research, it is proved that it is an effective treatment for pain relief and at
the same time safe to use.
How Does the TENS Machine Works?
The TENS machines can be used in
two different ways:
•
High
pulse rate. This is the normal use of TENS machine wherein it has pulse
rate for about 90-130 HZ. With this electrical impulses from this device, it
will help you block the pain message that is being sent to your brain. Due to
this, it can effectively control the pain you feel and block the pain messages
and reduce the pain that you suffer from.
•
Low pulse
rate. Another option you can choose from is that you can set your TENS
Machines into low rate pulse for about 2-5 HZ. Through this rate, you can
stimulate your body to create its own pain that ease chemicals that are called
endorphins. In this process, the Morphine will act a bit to block some pain
signals.
However, the use of this TENS
machines should be advice by the doctor or by a professional healthcare because
this device is not suitable for all kinds of pains. This is to ensure that it
will work effectively.
But the most common people who
use this TENS Machines are that people who suffer from knee joint arthritis,
back pain, osteoarthritis, back pain, neck pain, bursitis, tendinitis and
musculoskeletal pain. Aside from this, it can also be used together with your
pain relief medication. This is to ensure that you will reduce the intake of
your pain relief medicines.
On the other hand, if you are a
new user of this device, you need to keep in your mind that you should use it
slowly to ensure it will work effectively.
How Long TENS Machine Should Be Use?
Using TENS machine will provide
you some pleasant sensation in your skin most especially to the part where you
put the pads. Due to this, there are people who wonder if how long they should
use this device.
Most of the expert says that TENS
machine can be used immediately wherein you are required to use it for about 30
minutes so you can reach the maximum effect of this device. But most of the
TENS machine can really last for 30 minutes since it automatically switches
off.
This TENS Machines can be used
for how many hours you desired. But the most typical use of this device can
last for more than 30 minutes up to 2 hours. Aside from this, it is also
applicable to apply several times in one day if you really need it.
But there are also times that the
use of TENS machine are set for good recommendations wherein it depends on the
pain you feel. Here are some best recommended times for different kinds of
pain:
•
Chronic
pain – you can use it for about 20 – 30 minutes and apply it for almost
five times a day.
•
Acute
pain – you can use it for about 20 -60 minutes and apply it up to four
times in a day.
You can use the TENS machines
often as you want so you can ensure that you will relieve your pain for four
hours.
Learning the right time of hours
on how long you need to use it will guarantee you of better results. Thus, it
will ensure you that it will relieve the pain you feel and reduce the intake of
your pain killer medicines.
Because of this, there are huge
numbers of people today who opt for this device especially when most of the
expert proves that it is safe to use and brings no harm to your body.
Therefore, if you want to use it, it is recommended to see your doctor first so
you can be educated on its proper use and follow the instructions correctly.
This will give you the assurance
that you will no longer suffer from the pain you feel and provides you a good
feeling on your health. There is no doubt that why most people opt for this
device since they find it useful for their health.