top of page
chelsie462

TENS Program Series 1. What is TENS(Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)? How Does It Work?

Updated: Jun 29, 2021

A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit is a small battery-operated device that can be used to treat pain. The TENS unit creates electrical impulses that can do two things to help lessen your pain:


1. The electrical pulses can flood your nervous system and reduce the ability for pain signals to reach your brain.


2. The electrical impulses can stimulate your body to produce natural pain relievers called endorphins.


Studies show TENS can be very helpful with acute and post-operative pain. Acute pain is pain that develops abruptly and is usually short lived. Post-operative pain is pain that occurs after surgery. Research is mixed on whether TENS is helpful with chronic pain.


However, using a TENS unit is much safer, less expensive, and less invasive than using opioids for pain control. Those who experience some pain relief from TENS may be able to reduce their intake of pain medications (some of which may be addictive or have adverse side effects). Also, a TENS unit may provide you with enough pain relief to allow you to perform helpful exercises and stretches. These exercises can assist in the healing process.


TENS units are small, portable, and provide easy access to pain relief throughout the day. The TENS units can be carried in your pocket or clipped to a belt.


There are hundreds of TENS units on the market. The vast majority will serve you well. However, our only warning is that many of the TENS units have horrible instruction manuals or inserts. Many also have confusing buttons with strange images accompanying them. Often the instructions are incomplete and hard to understand.


After having tried dozens of units we (Bob and Brad) decided to use the TENS/EMS units by iReliev with our patients. The iReliev units work very well, are powerful, and are simple to use. iReliev provides in-depth, easy to understand instructions and videos on how to use their products.

In addition, iReliev products are:

· FDA Cleared

· Medical Grade

· Clinically Supported

· All Natural


We will provide you with step-by-step videos on how to properly use their TENS units. iReliev has agreed to provide you with a sizeable discount to their products, if you use the purchase link we have listed on our website or in the description of our videos.

Having said all that, do your research and purchase the TENS unit you are most comfortable with.


What do most TENS units look like?

Most units have a small battery-operated plastic box with wires coming out of it. The wires are called leads and one set of leads connects to two adhesive pads (or electrodes). The electrodes deliver the electrical current or impulses from the unit into the skin. Most TENS units have two sets of leads and are therefore able to connect to four adhesive pads or electrodes at once. Each set of leads has its own intensity button- so two of the pads will be controlled by one dial and the remaining two pads will be controlled by another dial.



For more information on the TENS programs visit: https://www.bobandbrad.com/tens-program


If interested in purchasing the TENS/EMS unit by iReliev visit: https://ireliev.com/bobandbrad/?uid=15&oid=1&affid=10




DISCLAIMER We insist that you see a physician before starting this video series. Furthermore, this video series is not designed to replace the treatment of a professional: physician, osteopath, physical therapist, orthopedic surgeon, or chiropractor. It may however serve as an adjunct. Do not go against the advice of your health care professional. When under the care of a professional make certain that they approve of all that you try. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. Any information given about back-related conditions, treatments, and products is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this publication. Before starting an exercise program, consult a physician.


Medical Disclaimer All information, content, and material of this website is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.


Affiliate disclaimer: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We are highly selective in our products and try our best to keep things fair and balanced in order to help you make the best choice for you.


Comments


bottom of page