TENS Units FAQ

What is pain?

Pain is the body’s natural warning system and is intended to prevent additional injury. Pain is important because without it, vital parts of our body might be damaged or injured without our knowledge. Long-lasting persistent pain, however, (often called chronic pain) once diagnosed serves no apparent purpose. It can ruin a person’s ability to be productive and enjoy life.

How is chronic pain treated?

Chronic pain has been treated with ointments, surgery and drugs with varying degrees of success. Since each person and pain condition is different, no single treatment will work best for everyone. Many of these treatments have harmful side effects. Drugs can cause dependency, while surgery carries its own risk. TENS on the other hand offers a unique alternative method to pain relief.

What is TENS?

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator) is a type of electrotherapy equipment that works by sending small electrical pulses through the skin via ten unit electrodes to the underlying peripheral nerves. TENS is thought to work in two ways. First, “high frequency” continuous, mild, electrical activity blocks the pain signal traveling to the brain. Brain cells perceive pain. If the pain signal does not get through to the brain, the pain is not “felt.” The second way is by stimulating the body’s own natural pain-control mechanism. “Low frequency” or short bursts of mild electrical activity cause the body to release its own pain easers called beta endorphins. Ask your doctor or clinician for more details on this type of electrotherapy equipment.

Are TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator) devices safe?

YES. Although the thought of electrical impulses being sent into the body may seem frightening at first, all you really feel is a slight vibrating sensation through the tens unit electrode. Unlike many drugs, TENS devices have no known side effects and there are many tens unit electrodes to choose from for varying skin types.

Who can’t use TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator) devices?

Individuals with a pacemaker or patients who are pregnant should not use a TENS device. Consult your doctor or clinician first to find out if this type of electrotherapy equipment is right for you.

Will a TENS device work for me?

It depends on your specific pain problem. TENS devices have been successfully used to achieve pain relief in many pain conditions.

Chronic Pain Acute Pain

• Cervical (neck)

• Post-operative

• Amputation

• Muscle and joint

• Phantom limb

• Tendonitis

• Fractures

• Lower back

• Tennis elbow

• Lumbago

• Leg pain

• Sciatica

• Arthritis

Is a TENS device difficult to use?

No. A TENS device is about the same size as a cell phone and is easy to use. Your doctor or clinician will instruct you on how to use your TENS device and how to apply the TENS unit electrodes. You may have to make minor adjustments from time to time, but this is easily done.

How expensive are TENS devices?

When compared with the cost of surgery or continuing expense of drug therapy, a TENS device is a very cost-effective means of treatment.

How long will I have to use my TENS device?

Depending upon your condition, TENS devices can be rented for short periods of time (post-operative pain) or purchased by patients who will use the device for the rest of their life.

Why choose the BioMedical Life Systems Inc. TENS system?

BioMedical Life Systems, Inc. has been manufacturing electro-modalities for over 30 years. We manufacture quality devices that are both user friendly and proven effective in pain relief.

Where can I get further information on TENS?

You can talk to your physician or contact your Health Care Dealer. For more information please call State Medical Equipment at 702-538-9555