Overview
Transcutaneous Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (TENS) is a therapeutic modality which helps you reduce and manage your pain. Your health professional may issue you a TENS unit to help decrease the pain you are experiencing. TENS is a form of low intensity electrical current transferred to the skin with electrodes. When used properly, it is very safe. The TENS system consists of a TENS unit, 2 or 4 wire leads, electrodes, battery (and charger), instructions for use, and a carrying case.

TENS Use
Clean the oil and dirt off the skin where the electrodes will be applied first by using the supplied alcohol wipe. Place the electrodes either directly on or surrounding the painful area. Attach the electrodes to the TENS unit with the wire leads. Turn on the unit and slowly increase the intensity until a gentle tingling is felt. The pain relief may be immediate or take several minutes or hours. The TENS unit may be used for hours at a time as long as the intensity is low (barely sensible), but it should never be worn to bed. After a period of time you will likely feel the tingling diminish. This is normal. Your body will accommodate to the stimulation, but it will still be working. It is safe to turn up the unit until the tingling is felt again, but this is not always necessary if you are getting pain relief. Always return the electrode pads to their storage film. This along with pre-cleaning of the skin will help your electrode adhesive last much longer.

Contraindications
1. Do not use TENS if you have a pacemaker or history of heart arrhythmia.
2. Do not use TENS while showering, swimming, or in water.
3. Do not use TENS if you are pregnant.
4. Do not use TENS on certain parts of your body including your eyes, ears, throat, or genitals. 5. Do not use TENS while sleeping.

Use Caution When:
1. Using a TENS unit over a prolonged period. Routinely check for skin breakdown and discontinue use if a rash or skin irritation under the electrodes appears.
2. Using the TENS while operating a vehicle. In some cases the tingle may distract you and effect your ability to control your working muscles - in these cases the TENS unit should NOT be used.
3. Using the TENS unit with a heating pad or ice. Either of these can dull skin senses, resulting in heat or ice burn or skin irritation.

Should you have any questions whatsoever, please contact our offices immediately and we will assist you with any questions you may have.