TENS Machines

Tens Machines

A Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS) is a battery-run machine that relieves pain. TENS was designed to help reduce muscle pain, chronic or otherwise. 

Similar to the Electrical Muscle Stimulator (EMS), both these devices incorporate low voltage electrical impulses to abate the pain. While EMS causes the muscle to contract, TENS stimulates the nerves. TENS has been observed by many to be the more effective of the two.

How does a TENS machine work?

Med-Fit provides you with an easily portable Tens machine with leads connected to pads called electrodes, or other customers may choose our Wireless Tens Machine options. These electrodes are put directly on the body where the pain is being experienced. The machine has safe variations in voltage which can be adjusted by the user. 

Once you are happy with the settings, the device sends electrical impulses through the electrodes. You may feel a tingling sensation in the region where the electrodes are placed. This current then stimulates the nerve pathways and reduces the pain signals that are being sent to the brain, hence reducing pain. Nerve stimulation also helps in the production of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers.

Who can use a TENS machine?

Tens Machines tend to be used to help reduce pain in nerves, joints, muscles and much more. Unlike medication, there are virtually not side effects when using Tens Machines, which is a bonus for those wanting to stay away from medication.

Tens Machines are used to treat the following symptoms:

• Tens for Period Pains
• Tens for Labour pains 
• Tens for Muscle Soreness
• Tens for Back Pain
• Tens for Shoulder Pain
• Increase Blood Circulation
• Tens for Lower Back Pain
• Tens for Plantar Fasciitis
• Tens for Frozen Shoulders
• Tens for Bursitis
• Tens For Chronic Pains
• Tens for Muscle Strains & Pains
• Tens for Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
• Tens for Leg Pain & Cramps
• Tens Machines for Nerve Pain
• Tens Machine for Knee Pain

They have also been known to alleviate pain for the following conditions:

• Fibromyalgia
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• An array of sports injuries
• Endometriosis
• Arthritis
• Nerve Pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Painful diabetic neuropathy
• Tennis Elbow
• Sciatica
• De Quervain's Tenosynovitis 
• TMJ
• Swollen Ankles
• Hip Pain

Anyone suffering from a painful condition can make use of a TENS machine after consulting their healthcare professional. TENS is completely safe to use as each device comes with a comprehensive manual and guidelines. Following these precautions will make sure that the device does no harm and is used with complete safety.

• Some people may be allergic to the electrode patches of the device, the gel or the tape. We have a selection of sensitive skin electrodes that should help you avoid any rashes or allergic reactions. 

• People who have a pacemaker should use the device under controlled conditions.

• TENS can be used at any time in the day except when driving or while using other electronic equipment.

• If your doctors advise you against using TENS because of specified health reasons, it is best to comply.

• The electrodes should never be placed on the eyelids.

Using a TENS machine from Med-Fit can significantly improve your daily lifestyle because of the benefits that it provides including:

Benefits of Tens Unit

1. Pain Relief: The primary advantage of using a TENS unit is nerve stimulation to distract pain centers and thus reduce the feeling of chronic pain. From back to arm pain, one can rely on a Tens unit to derive relief naturally. The impulses then aid in the release of endorphins that also relieve pain naturally without any side-effects.
   
   
2. Non-Invasive technique: The Tens machine is a noninvasive technique to treat pain starting with temporary to long-lasting relief. The electrical stimulation also does not intrude in any body part and cause harm of any sort.
   
   
3. Portable & Easy to Use machine: The Tens unit is quite handy and portable to use since it is light enough to carry anywhere as required. The best part is that it can be used by anybody and the mode of operation is simple and straightforward. Users just have to change a dial or program setting for correct usage to deliver the required electrical current needed to relieve their pain.
   
   
4. Increased Circulation & healing: As well as overriding or blocking signals from nerves to the brain, the Tens machine can also aid in enhancing local circulation of blood and even reduces muscle spasms.
   
   
5. Improved Sleep Patterns: Reduced pain can help your body to relax without having to worry about the injury or spasm at night. Hence one of the benefits of a Tens unit is that your sleep quality will be better.
   
   
6. Decreased use of pain relievers: Tens units are commonly used after surgeries for post-operative pain treatment, especially after joint replacement, cardiac procedures, surgeries, and the like. The use of the machine also aids in significantly reducing the use of pain killers or analgesics after surgery.
   
   
7. Increased motion and function: The Tens units can be used with other treatment forms and in pain control as part of relaxation therapy, guided imagery, physiotherapy, and even for spinal manipulation for better motion and function of your body.
   
   
8. Natural Massager: Many companies are offering Tens units as massages and pain relievers with different intensity levels based on how you want to attend to your muscles internally. Even standard units can provide similar benefits to a message, at anytime.
   
   
9. Reduced inflammation: Inflammation causes huge discomfort and pain to the body. The tens unit can aid in reducing inflammation of muscles as per studies performed by the University of Washington, who surmised that with proper stimulation, one could reduce inflammation happening deep within muscle fibers.
   
   The study revealed that with proper stimulation, the unit can help relieve pain from pinched nerves, sciatica and back pain.
   
   
10. Quicker Rehabilitation and Reduced Fear: Pain can easily lead to fear even for doing any task during the day. Without redressal of pain, the time taken for rehabilitation becomes even longer or leads the person to develop a phobia that restricts their movements and activity.
    
    One of the uses of Tens units is that users can reduce inflammation and redness pain thus getting back to their regular level of activity. A person then can truly live their regular life without any unwarranted fear, using their complete level of strength without having to worry about muscle atrophy. With a Tens unit, people suffering from advanced knee and back pain may get back to normalcy way faster than the others.
    
    
11. Less fatigue and tiredness: Fatigue is sure to affect everyone having a hectic life but one is so focused on energy to bear up pain, that one is easily tired after a long day at work. The Tens unit helps in stimulating muscles and nerves and thus reduce fatigue levels.
    
    
12. Easy to Use: Although Tens units are advanced medical tools, they are extremely easy to use by anyone at home. Users just place the included Tens electrode pads on the affected muscle where they are feeling the pain. The electrical stimulation released from the machine will do the rest.
    
    
13. Affordable Pain Relief Solution: Many health gadgets found in the market are quite pricey and not many can afford such products to boost health. The Tens unit however is comparatively inexpensive and equally as effective as similar, more expensive products.
    
    
14. Pain Relief without Medication: People keep on popping pills and painkillers to just address their painful body parts. But with a Tens unit, one can achieve pain relief naturally as it triggers the body to respond by sending endorphins and interrupting nerve signals to the brain.
    
    
15. No Adverse effect: Since it is not an invasive machine, the Tens unit can help scores of people who have to work day in and day out to withstand the pain of different types. It can relieve pain quickly and for extended periods of time allowing users to get on with their life.

Do tens machines work? 

Yes, many studies have shown that Tens Machines have been known to alleviate pain and do help to treat many different things (as seen as above). A study on woman during painful menstrual cramps with Tens devices and placebo’s shows that Tens Units are highly effective.

Tens Machines come with several fantastic benefits including:

• Instant pain relief: Once the electrodes are placed, it will not take long for the device to work it’s magic and begin providing you with pain relief.
• Affordable: Tens is available to everyone. It is not beyond reach of the average person and the prices come at different affordable levels for different things.
• Reduces Inflammation: Tens machines aim to take care of the inflammation first which in turn then takes care of the pain.
• Massages: The combination of Tens and EMS – these machines have different advantages. By changing settings on the remote, these devices can even turn into a massager that has different speeds. Naturally the massaging will help loosen muscles, reduce pain and drive blood circulation to that area.
• No side effects: As mentioned above, Tens has no real side-effects which is a real plus when you want to avoid medication.
• Long Usage: There should be no fear of addiction when using Tens Machines. Tens devices can be used for long periods without worrying, as long as you keep safety precautions in mind.
• Strengthen your nerves: Tens gives electrical impulses which helps correcting nerve signaling. Prolonged usage may even reverse nerve damage.

If you're still unsure of the device or wish to know more, click on our Choosing the right tens machine page.

Who shouldn't use Tens Machines

Using a TENS machine for pain relief is generally considered safe for many individuals. However, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider before utilizing a TENS device in specific circumstances.

Avoid using a TENS machine if:

• You are pregnant, in labor, or suspect pregnancy.
• You have a pacemaker, other implanted medical devices, or experience heart rhythm issues.
• You possess electrical or metal implants within your body.
• Children under 16 years old should use the device under supervision.
• If you have conditions like cancer, diabetes, or epilepsy, it's advisable to seek medical advice before using this product.

How to ensure you use the Tens Machines Safely

A TENS machine, utilizing Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS), is a device designed to alleviate and diminish pain. These devices are powered by batteries and feature leads with adhesive pads for application.

Due to its electrical nature, it's crucial to use this device correctly for optimal results. Detailed instructions and guidelines for proper use can be found in the accompanying user manual. Pay careful attention to pad placement, and avoid applying them to the following areas:

• Frontal or lateral regions of the neck.
• Mouth, temples, or eyes.
• Both the chest and upper back simultaneously.
• Numb areas.
• Regions with varicose veins, irritation, or broken skin.

Do Tens Machines help with cramps?
Tens can certainly be a method of pain relief for those struggling with cramps, or even for those struggling with conditions like endometriosis - especially for those that do not want to take any specific medication. Tens machines have been known to be pain relievers for: Period Pains, Leg Cramps, Muscle Cramps, Endometriosis and many more similar conditions or cramps. 

Does a tens machine tone muscle?

A Tens Machines unfortunately does not build muscle, however an EMS device can in fact help you tone and strengthen your muscles.

What if I have sensitive skin?

A regular occurrence and we cater to those looking for sensitive electrodes. You can find out sensitive skin electrodes for tens machines in our Tens Electrodes section in the navigation. 

Can Tens Machines burn fat?

As mentioned above, unfortunately Tens doesn’t aim at muscle toning or burning muscle. This can be confused with EMS devices. EMS units can help build muscle mass, increase your metabolism and assist you in burning off excess fat at a much faster rate.

How long should I use a tens machine for? 

It really depends on your reason for usage, however typically a machine is used for around 15-30 minutes per session, and can be used several times a day if needed.

When should I not use a Tens device?

Don't use it in the bath or the shower, operating machinery or whilst driving.

What type of tens machine will I need?

This will majorly depend on your conditions, issues, pains and possible injuries - we'd recommend looking into this on another one of our pages, choosing the right tens machine for you.