The Chattanooga Continuum is a portable 2 channel stimulator used by therapists in clinics and patients at home to provide electrical stimulation treatments in pain management (TENS) and neuro muscular stimulation (EMS/NMES).
By combining TENS with NMES, users can simultaneously help manage pain and enhance exercise, thereby shortcutting the traditional muscle recovery cycle. Factor in a choice of program options including customizable waveforms, and you have a highly versatile and user-friendly rehabilitation tool that can help deliver optimal therapeutic outcomes.
Key Features & Benefits:
- 2-in-1 TENS & NMES Therapy: Combines Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) in one portable unit.
- Individually Tailorable for NMES and TENS: Continuum has 13 pre-programmed and 2 custom regimens for NMES and TENS. Modify treatment time, waveform type (Symmetrical or Asymmetrical), pulse rates and durations (widths), cycling type, off times, channel ramp times, and on time.
- 1+1 Function: Continuum features 2 separate channels that can be managed independently. Users can select either the same program on both channels, or 2 different programs to be used simultaneously.
- Hand Switch: The handheld remote trigger can be used to easily activate stimulation, either by the clinician at a distance, or by the patient.
- Heel Switch: When placed inside the user's shoe, this optional heel switch can be used to trigger muscle stimulation. (Not included with the Kit. Available for sale separately.)
- Belt Clip: A simple belt clip that fits over a belt or waistband.
- Kick Stand: Built-in, pull-out kick stand.
- Portable AA Operation: Compact, lightweight design operates from replaceable standard AA batteries, making the unit convenient for home or on-the-go use.
Common Uses:
TENS Pain Relief
The Continuum's 13 pre-programmed and 2 custom TENS programs are intended for temporary relief of pain associated with sore and aching muscles of the lower back, arms, shoulder, and legs resulting from strain associated with normal, non-commercial household activities.
NMES Muscle Stimulation
The NMES programs are designed to stimulate healthy muscles in order to facilitate and improve muscle performance. 13 pre-programmed and 2 custom regiments for NMES provide different stimulation rates and work/rest cycles for varied muscle-stimulation needs.
Why Choose The Chattanooga Continuum?
Whether looking to strengthen muscles to help prevent injury, or during recovery following trauma or surgery, clinicians and their patients can experience improved results by incorporating Continuum into their treatment. Along with its portability, the device's optional remote switches make it suitable for functional rehabilitation. And by combining TENS with NMES, users can simultaneously help manage pain and enhance exercise, thereby shortcutting the traditional muscle recovery cycle. Factor in a choice of program options including customizable waveforms, and you have a highly versatile and user-friendly rehabilitation tool that can help deliver optimal therapeutic outcomes..
TENS and NMES Regimens
TENS SMP
- Amplitude at 1000 ohm is 100 Vpeak
- Amplitude at 500 ohm is 50 Vpeak
TENS MOD
- Amplitude at 1000 ohm is 100 Vpeak
- Amplitude at 500 ohm is 50 Vpeak
NMES Large Muscle
- Amplitude at 1000 ohm is 100 Vpeak
- Amplitude at 500 ohm is 50 Vpeak
NMES Small Muscle
- Amplitude at 1000 ohm is 100 Vpeak
- Amplitude at 500 ohm is 50 Vpeak
Chattanooga Continuum Therapy Comparison
Therapy Comparison: TENS vs. NMES
The Chattanooga Continuum combines TENS for temporary pain relief and NMES for muscle stimulation. The chart below highlights the practical differences for clinicians and home users.
TENS
Primary GoalTemporary pain relief
TargetsPrimarily sensory nerves involved in pain perception
How It WorksElectrical impulses help modify how pain signals are perceived
Continuum Programs13 pre-programmed and 2 custom regimens
Frequency2-150 Hz depending on program
Pulse WidthApprox. 300 µs default
Typical FeelTingling, buzzing or pulsing; usually strong but comfortable
Muscle ContractionNot the primary objective
Best UseTemporary relief of qualifying sore and aching muscle pain
Best FitPain Management
NMES
Primary GoalMuscle stimulation & performance
TargetsMotor nerves and the muscles they activate
How It WorksStimulates motor nerves to create repeated muscle contractions
Continuum Programs13 pre-programmed and 2 custom regimens
Frequency12 Hz or 35 Hz
Pulse WidthApprox. 48 - 400 µs, 300 us default
Work / RestTreatment Time 5-60 min or Continuous / Off Time 0-60 sec
Typical FeelNoticeable stimulation with visible or palpable muscle tightening
Muscle ContractionYes — this is the intended purpose
Best FitMuscle Activation & Performance
Product Specifications:
Brand: Chattanooga
Product: Continuum™ Portable TENS and NMES Device
Device Type: TENS/NMES electrical stimulator
Channels: 2 individually isolated channels
Output Type: Constant current, 500-1,000 ohms
Amplitude: 0-50 mA into a 500-ohm load; 0-100 mA into a 1,000-ohm load; actual output may vary with electrode/load impedance
Waveform: Asymmetrical, rectangular biphasic waveform with zero DC current
TENS Programs: 13 pre-programmed and 2 custom regimens
NMES Programs: 13 pre-programmed and 2 custom regimens
TENS Modes: Continuous, Burst, Modulated
Continuous TENS Frequencies: 2 - 150 Hz depending on program
NMES Frequencies: 2 - 150 Hz depending on program
NMES Pulse Width: 300 µs depending on program
Power: Standard AA batteries
Low-Battery Indicator: Battery symbol flashes when voltage is low
Open Load Detection: If the intensity of either channel is above 4.5, the Continuum checks to make sure that there is good contact between the device and the patient. If bad contact is detected, the text “OPEN” will be displayed instead of the intensity, and the intensity on both channels will go to zero.
Dimensions: 1.26" x 3.3" x 4.5"
Weight: Approximately 8 oz with battery
Operating Temperature: 10°C to 40°C (50°F to 104°F)
Storage/Transport Temperature: -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)
Warranty: 3 years for the original purchaser against defects in material, components, and workmanship; consumable items are excluded.
What's Included:
Continuum™ TENS & NMES Device (Part #: 2600-DEV)
Belt Clip & Built-In Kickstand
Transportation Pouch (Part #: 2049)
Hand Switch (Part #: 2630)
Set of 2 Lead Wires / Pin Cables (Part #: 2615)
AA Batteries
User manual and practical guide
NOTE: Electrodes NOT Included & Must Be Purchased Separately
Contraindications & Important Safety Information
-Do not use the Continuum during pregnancy or suspected pregnancy.
-Do not use with demand-type cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators, or other implanted metallic or electronic devices.
-Do not apply stimulation over the carotid sinus region, neck, mouth, head, eyes, heart, or chest.
-The device should not be applied where there is a tendency to hemorrhage following acute trauma or fracture, following surgery when muscle contraction could interfere with healing, over areas lacking normal sensation, or over swollen, infected, or inflamed areas or skin eruptions.
-The manufacturer's instructions also identify epilepsy among the contraindicated medical conditions. Always read the complete instruction manual, warnings, precautions, electrode-placement guidance, and contraindications before use.
Warranty
The Chattanooga Continuum is backed by a three-year manufacturer's limited warranty to the original purchaser covering defects in material, components, and workmanship from the date of purchase. Accessories including, but not limited to electrodes, lead wires, tape adhesive patches and electrode cream are excluded from the Warranty and sold “AS IS” because their structure is such that they may be easily damaged before or during use.