Tens Unit Pads

Anyone who lives with chronic pain has explored a number of different options to treat that pain and increase their quality of life. Many people with chronic pain have found that a tens unit has been proven to be effective in treating some forms of pain. A Tens unit uses a very small dose of electric current to provide pain relief. It is one of a number of different kinds of electrotherapy devices. TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator.

A tens unit machine is a relatively small electronic device that uses electrodes which are placed directly on the skin. Systemic drugs like opioid pain relievers are designed to affect the entire body, whereas the use of electrotherapy is designed to target pain exactly where it occurs in the body.

One of the advantages of a tens unit is that it is very easy to use and can be used at home and work. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator units vary in size as well as in the amount of power that can be delivered. Those impulses are transmitted to the surface of the skin through an electrical device using electrode pads.

Tens unit pads have traditionally been taped to the skin, which can be uncomfortable. However, gels are increasingly available so the electrode does not need to be taped to the skin. These gels have an additional advantage of increasing the conductivity from the electrode to the skin.

When you are preparing to use the tens unit, the electrode pads are placed on clean skin on either side of the pain, making sure that sensitive or irritated areas should be avoided. Electrodes should be placed at least an inch apart, and ideally slightly further apart. If you are going to moving around a great deal, then the electrodes should be carefully taped down. Proper use of your tens unit may significantly limit your pain.