TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) provides stimulation that your body responds to by making natural chemicals near an injury to reduce pain. Using TENS regularly may help lower short-term and long-term pain.
When used with other self-help strategies, such as pacing, relaxation, movement, and nutrition, Tens Unit can help lower the need for medications. Less pain can lead to better sleep, work abilities, home activities, and social life.
How does it work?
Messages are carried from a painful area through nerves to the brain. Tens Unit is thought to work by blocking these messages on their way to the spinal cord, by stimulating the nerves that carry the sensation of touch.
What is TENS Unit used for?
A TENS Unit may be used to help with many types of chronic (long-term) pain, such as:
- Arthritis or other joint pain
- Back and neck pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Muscle pain
- Neuropathic pain
To start treatment
Make sure the skin around your painful area is clean (clean off oil/lotion) and dry. It is very important to put the patches on clean, dry skin so they make firm contact. If the patch is not secure, changes in the stimulation may happen, which could cause discomfort.
- Make sure your NueMedics Tens unit is off.
- Charge your NueMedics Tens unit, using the instructions.
- Take the patches out of their plastic storage bag. Save the bag for future storage.
- Put the lead wires all the way into the connector on each patch.
Make sure there are no bare metal pins exposed.
- Put the lead wire plugs into the socket on the top of the NueMedics Tens unit.
- Take the patches off the plastic liner. Save the liner for future storage.
- Place the patches on your clean, dry skin.
The patches should not touch each other or any metal object, such as a belt buckle or metal jewelry.
- Turn the NueMedics Tens Unit on.
- Follow the treatment program in your After Visit Summary.
- Start treatment and change the intensity to be strong but comfortable.
This may cause your muscles to contract.After a few minutes, it may seem the stimulation is less. This is normal as your body gets used to the TENS Unit. You should turn up the intensity of the NueMedics Tens unit to keep it feeling strong but comfortable.
Tips For Use Your Nuemedics Tens Unit
The patches can be used over and over until the adhesive wears out.
The patches will stay sticky and last longer if you clean your skin before you start
and put them back in the storage bags when you are done. o Patches can dry out if left out of the storage bags too long.
Patches that are dirty and/or hard to attach can be washed softly with your fingertips under slow-running, cold water and air-dried.
Replace the batteries or recharge the unit when the low power light flashes on the display of the unit.
Attach a belt clip to the TENS unit to use it hands-free while you are active.
Cleaning and storage
To clean the Tens unit, turn it off and take the lead wires out of the patches. Gently wipe the unit with a slightly moistened, soft cloth.
Do not use chemical cleaners.
Do not use rubbing alcohol.
Do not let water get inside the unit.
Store the unit and wires in a cool, dry place when you are not using it. Keep it in a place that is above -14°F and less than 131°F (-10°C to 55°C) and 90% relative humidity. Check the instruction manual for more details about your unit.