TENS Units
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator - T.E.N.S.
A TENS Units is a small electrical device that delivers electrical impulses across the skin. Transcutaneous (through the skin) electrical nerve stimulation sends an electrical current to specific nerves. The current may be delivered intermittently. The mild electrical current blocks pain signals to the brain and generates heat that serves to relieve stiffness, improve mobility, and relieve pain. The treatment is believed to stimulate the body's production of endorphins or natural pain killers.
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Federal Law (USA) restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician. Doctor's Rx is required for purchase of TENS units. Please see
How to FAX Prescriptions to usT.E.N.S. Units
Rx RequiredDual Channel TENS Units have 2 sets of lead-wires and electrodes. Each channel has it's own controls for pulse width and frequency. Pulse intensity (amplitude) is also adjustable on a channel basis.
To achieve the best results with your TENS Unit, it is important to remember that TENS merely activates the body's own pain-fighting mechanism. Placing electrodes directly over or around the painful area delivers pain-blocking current to the nerves leading to that area. Some healthcare professionals have found that placing the electrodes along acupuncture points is also effective. Also, it is good to vary the placement of the electrodes each treatment to avoid skin irritation.
In most cases, studies show that it takes roughly 30 minutes for TENS treatment to begin to relieve pain. However, for conventional, high frequency TENS treatment, there is no set treatment limit. Some patients find hours of pain relief from short 30-to-60 minute sessions. Others use their TENS units for several hours a day or all day, depending on the pain generated by daily activities. Always use your TENS unit according to your physician's directions.
Doctor's Prescription Requirements:
Caution: T.E.N.S. and E.M.S. units require physicians Rx. Please fax Rx to 702-666-9018.And a Warning to shoppers: Be cautious of stores selling TENS and EMS units without the physician's prescription requirement. These stores and products fall under one or both of the following categories:
- TENS or EMS is under-powered, offering no real benefit to user.
- The store is breaking Federal Laws by selling without proper prescription and is likely to be closed down.
