Has anyone tried the TENS machine for pain?

When I(and many others) first used TENS units 40+ years ago we were chronic pain people grasping at straws for relief. I tried everything that came down the pike, including acupuncture, Chinese acupuncture,acupressure, massage, chiropractics, homeopathy, traction, yadda yadda. I would hope that TENS is more effective now but wouldn’t hold my breath. Patients didn’t know where to place the pads in relation to pain origin, neither did healthcare providers! I remember just continually turning up the unit until it became a huge physical pain and of no use. So reaching out to possible sources of info now would be worth the effort, as you are doing. I wish you well.

@kjoed53 Absolutly.Positioning the pads are crtical in getting the most out of a good therapy and also avoids tender spots if placed incorrectly

@dawn_giacabazi

Dawn Can a tens unit be used if someone has a Pacemaker?

Thanks Dennis

@denniscn1 Hi Dennis. That's a great question. In general, a TENS unit is usually not recommended for people with a pacemaker or implanted cardiac device unless their cardiologist or the device manufacturer has specifically approved its use. The electrical stimulation can sometimes interfere with the pacemaker, particularly if the electrodes are placed on the chest or upper body.
If you're asking about yourself or a loved one, I'd encourage you to check with the cardiologist or the pacemaker clinic before using a TENS unit. They can advise whether it's appropriate for that specific device and where, if anywhere, it can be used safely.
Wishing you all the best, and please let us know what you're using the TENS unit for. There may be other options.
Wrapping you in prayers,
Dawn 😊

@schuljoa1
Does the effect last? Or is it only while using it?

Yes many times hells

@popolopo

I asked my physical therapist which TENS Unit to use or where I could get one like his. He gave me the brand and model number of his .. $30 something was the cost. He said the brand really did not matter. I made an appointment with him after it came and he showed me how to set it up and how to change the settings. He also showed me where to place the leads for different pains. I have seen him off and on for 20 years .. he knows where. If I have not used the machine in a while or there is a new pain I simply search online where to place the leads. There are illustrations. It is important to place them correctly. You can play with the settings. I actually turn mine up as the session goes on. I usually leave on for 30 minutes.

A little research and experimenting you will figure out how to get relief with your TENS UNIT.

Best Wishes,
ZeeGee

I have a tens unit via rx and it is medical grade and I talked w/ PT and read up on where to put the patches. It is effective for me, but there are definitly areas u need to avoid

@schuljoa1 The biggest and most important ones to avoid are pulse points as these machines can distort the pulse waves and create bad things

I loved mine and used them a lot for pain relief. I still needed surgery.