If you have never heard of a TENS unit before, it is a device used to generate electrical impulses, that are sent though electrodes attached to the skin directly over nerve centers. The term TENS is actually an acronym that stands for ‘Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation’. The different pulses sent out by TENS have the ability to block the pain signals usually sent to the brain via nerve fibers. In simple words, they interrupt the brain’s awareness of the pain. TENS units are FDA approved. They are a safe, non-invasive, non-addictive, and drug free solution.
These units are very easy and simple to use and are able to deliver fast and dependable pain relief at home, work, or even play. There is certainly nothing ‘magical’ about how the TENS units work. They send their electrical current to the TENS unit pads. The TENS unit pad placement is what makes it effective. They are strategically placed over nerve centers.
These electrical impulses are mild and comfortable and stimulate the nerves in the area being treated. The pain relief will vary from one patient to the next, but in many cases the stimulation greatly reduces or even eliminates the pain sensation felt by the patient. There are many painful medical conditions that this type of treatment can help to alleviate. Some examples are as follows;
- Back Pain
- Post-Operative Pain
- Peripheral Nerve Injuries
- Migraines/Headaches
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Sciatica
- Muscular Pain
- Cancer Pain
- Aching Joints
- Neck Injury & Whiplash
- Shingles
Another one of its big advantages is that the patient can use it at home and on a long term basis. They are able to adjust the intensity of the electrical stimulation to receive either high or low frequency impulses.
It is the area of the pain that determines the TENS unit placement. Users can place the TENS unit electrodes over the painful area or put them over the top of the nerve that supplies that area. They can even place them on the opposite side of their body. The way that electrodes for TENS units work is very acupuncture-like.
TENS units range is both size and power output. Some of them are quite small and are battery-powered, while some are hand-held and yet others are desk-top size. There are wearable models available as well. There are many place to get TENS unit supplies for all sizes and power sources.
Some examples of the TENS unit supplies that may be needed are batteries, lead wires, gels for eliminating the necessity for taping, carrying cases, electrodes, and timers. These powerful units are appreciated by both home-health professionals and athletic trainers alike, not to mention the patients.
1 – Digital Dual Channel IF Unit
If we talk about defining the Digital IF Interferential unit, it is the latest technology in pain management that works by delivering interferential current which produces medium frequencies. These frequencies interfere with each other. When the two currents superimpose, they form a low frequency current that goes deep into the tissues and nerves affected by pain. The unit is small enough to be carried around like a cell phone which makes it easy for you to take it anywhere. The Dual Channel IF Digital Unit enables the users to enjoy drug free management of pain and quick pain relief in the comfort of their homes.
2 – Dual Channel Interferential Unit – IF-4000
The model Dual Channel Interferential IF-4000 electrotherapy stimulator is a device used to manage chronic pain. It does this by sending electric current through the nervous system and specific muscles. The electric pulses that are created separately superimpose where they meet a produce a lower, deeper pulsating frequency which ranges between 1 and 250Hz. This is close to the frequency that the body naturally produces. Low frequency currents have well documented therapeutic effects but unlike frequencies produced by TENS devices, IF units produce more than just a surface based stimulation of nerves.
This kind of Stimulator provides the kind of therapy that treats pain as well as muscle and tissue inflammation experienced by people suffering from issues like osteoarthritis, back-pain, rheumatoid arthritis, sports injury related pain, back-pain and to some degree pain associated with post-surgery strain. The Dual Channel Interferential IF-4000 device offers treatments modes and intensities that can be timed for up to two hours if there is enough battery power.
Information about Electrode Pads
In general, there are tan cloth electrode pads of 1.25 inches round produced by different firms in the business and are great for all types and brands of TENS and EMS in use at present. They are excellent for small areas and the highly conductive TENS unit tabs deliver more current with better distribution across the entire pad of the electrode. They are comfortable, durable and safe.
The General Electrodes Features
- They are of 1.25″ in round or square shape.
- They are normally self-adhering, so you don’t need to apply any adhesive gels ot other similar stuff.
- They are re-usable
- They are free of latex.
- They don’t cause irritation on skin after their removal.
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