Proper Setting of Tens Units

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a method for treating pain. A TENS machine is a small, portable device that uses electrical signals to mitigate pain. The device has a small, battery-powered control box that allows you to set the intensity and the width of the pulses. In order to know what setting you need to use, you will have to actually apply the device in practice.

Use the Device

Hooking up the TENS unit is simple and only takes a minute. The TENS unit comes with two or three pairs of electrode patches that are applied to clean, dry skin. By peeling the electrodes off of their plastic protectors, you can stick them on the skin at the point of pain. Keep the plastic backing off the electrode so that you can reuse it to keep the pad clean.

Depending on what type of pain you have, the electrodes should cover or surround the area in pain. Your doctor should advise you where to place your electrodes. Before plugging the electrodes into the device, be sure the switches are all set to the "Off" position. Plug the electrodes into the device and turn the switches to the "On" position. This will start the flow of electric pulses. Turning the knobs for the intensity, width and rate will allow you to adjust the pulses until you reach one that is comfortable and relieving your pain. The width indicates the range around the electrodes in which the pulses will travel. The rate indicates how fast the pulses are. The knobs on the top of the device are for the intensity of each channel. The intensity will determine how sharp the impulses feel. Adjusting the knobs until you find a comfortable pulse is the only strategy you can use to properly set your device on your own. The TENS unit should not be causing you pain, but you should feel the pules. Once you get used to that comfortable setting, you may need to turn up the intensity of the pulses to relieve pain again.

You should only be using your TENS unit under medical supervision. Your doctor can advise you to a more specific setting if you have not found one that is comfortable for your pain. A physical therapist can also help you find the correct setting for your pain. Do not use a TENS unit if you are pregnant, have open cuts or wounds in the areas where the electrodes are placed, if you have epilepsy or cancer. You should not use a TENS unit while driving. Do not place the electrodes on the front of your neck, on the top or side of your head, on your eyes and mouth, or over your heart and throat.