Patient information provided by your physiotherapist.

WHAT IS TENS FOR?

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerves Stimulation) is a non-invasive, drug-free method to reduce pain, both acute and chronic. This technique is implemented as part of your rehabilitation under medical referral when the origin of your pain has been diagnosed. In conjunction with the complete treatment for the root cause of your symptoms, your physiotherapist can suggest TENS treatment for relieving your pain.

HOW DOES TENS WORK?

The TENS unit sends comfortable electric impulses through the skin stimulating the nerves receptors in the treatment area. The impulses have a direct impact on your pain, modifying the feeling of your pain and increasing the endorphin release.

IS THERE ANY RESTRICTION FOR USING TENS?

Follow carefully instructions and settings advised by your physiotherapist for an appropriate use of the TENS and an effective management of your condition.

Inform your physiotherapist if you have:

• Cardiac pacemaker or implanted defibrillator,
• Skin numbness or poor sensitivity.

SKIN CARE PRECAUTION

• Clean your skin, both, before placing the electrodes, and after removing them.
• Place electrodes on intact skin.
• Excess hair must be clipped with scissors. Do not shave the area.
• Possible skin irritation can occur during treatment. If this happens, do not apply the electrodes at the same place.

HOW SHOULD I TAKE CARE OF MY ELECTRODES?

• Electrodes are your own individual product,
• Well managed, electrodes can be used from 2 to 4 weeks,
• Do not stretch your electrodes or your skin, when applying them,
• Remove electrodes from the skin by rolling back the edges to the centre,
• After use, replace the electrodes on the plastic sheet and store them in their sealed bag.

STARTING A TENS SESSION

• Clean and dry the area where you will place the electrodes,
• Apply the electrodes on the skin. Make sure they have full contact with your skin,
• Connect the lead wires to the electrodes and to the TENS unit,
• Press the On button and check the battery level,
• Press up  or down  for selecting the intensity advised by your physiotherapist until you get a tingling/ buzzing feeling,
• Lock your unit during treatment to prevent any accidental intensity level changes.

ENDING A TENS SESSION

• Turn off the Unit,
• Disconnect the lead wires from the electrodes,
• You can keep your electrodes on your skin if you need frequent treatment but you should remove them daily to clean the skin,
• Clean your skin and check its condition,
• Store all the components in the bag.