Get it right! The do’s and don'ts of placing TENS electrode pads.
March 20, 2023
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By Lil Powell
What is TENS Therapy?
TENS therapy is a drug-free pain relief method that uses electrical stimulation to relieve pain. The TENS machine sends electrical impulses through the skin to the nerve fibers near the site of the pain. This helps to block pain signals from reaching the brain.
TENS therapy has been shown to be effective for treating pain associated with a variety of conditions, including:
– Arthritis
– Back pain
– Knee pain
– Neuropathic pain
– Postoperative pain
Understanding the Body’s Anatomy and TENS Placement
There are a few things to consider when placing TENS electrode pads on the body for effective pain relief. The electrical impulses generated by the TENS unit will travel along the nerve pathways to the brain, so it’s important to place the pads in strategic locations.
Instinctively we will touch a sore area of the body so that is always a good place to start.
Quick tips:
1. Middle or highest part of the muscle is ideal. The whole muscle will get relief so aiming for the central point is the best idea.
2. Avoid bone if you can. Places like the knee it is better to put on the soft tissue around the knee rather than directly onto the patella. Similar for other boney areas.
3. If you feel nerve pain during the treatment this will probably ease but it is likely that it is a newer injury and it is inflamed. You can try and move or wait as generally this will ease. If you feel unwell or in any additional pain please remove and contact the seller or a Doctor.
4. Experiment on what feels good. TENS and EMS are excellent forms of pain and muscle relief but they can take some getting use to so try different areas, programs and levels and see what works for you.
Also check out our TENS placement chart here: https://comfeerelief.com/pages/placement
Do’s and Don'ts of TENS Placement
TENS machines are a great way to relieve pain, but only if you use them correctly! Here are some Dos and Don’ts for TEN S placement:
DO start with clean skin. Make sure to wash the area where you’ll be placing the electrode pads before you start. This will help the electrode pads stick better and provide more effective pain relief.
DON’T place the electrode pads on open wounds or irritated skin. If your skin is broken in any way, the electrical current from the TENS machine can cause further irritation or even burns. So it’s important to only place electrode pads on healthy skin.
DO experiment with electrode pad placement to find what works best for you. Place the electrode pads in different positions until you find a configuration that provides relief.
DON'T forget to take breaks. It’s important to give your skin a break from the electrical current every 20-30 minutes or so. Otherwise, you may end up with irritated skin or overstimulating the muscles. So make sure to take regular breaks when using a TENS machine.
Conclusion
Placing TENS electrode pads is an important part of using a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device, and it's critical that you get it right. Following the do's and don'ts discussed in this article will ensure you enjoy the maximum benefit from your TENS device. We hope these tips have helped you understand how to apply your TENS pad properly for optimal results and make sure you check out our wonderful TENS placement chart to really give you a better understanding on how to place your TENS and EMS Electrode pads. https://comfeerelief.com/pages/placement