E704 T.E.N.S. (Medical device)

When I went for my 3rd physiotherapy last Wednesday morning, the therapist taught me the rest of the exercises I had to do. Then when I told her I will only be able to attend my next therapy after the 10th, that is, when I returned from Perth, she then suggested that I use this T.E.N.S. medical device.

She showed me how to use the device and it actually helps to reduce the pain on my left heel. Also the device is light weight and easy to carry around. I quote below Chapter 1 - 3 of the Instruction Manual:

"Chapter 1: Introduction

Explanation of Pain
Pain is a warning system and the body's method of telling us that something is wrong. Pain is important; without it abnormal conditions may go undetected, causing damage or injury to vital parts of our bodies.

Even though pain is a necessary warning signal of trauma or malfunction in the body, nature may have gone too far in its design. Aside from its value in diagnosis, long-lasting persistent pain serves no useful purpose. Pain does not begin until a coded message travels to the brain where it is decoded, analyzed, and then reacted to. The pain message travels from the injured area along the small nerves leading to the spinal cord. Here the message is switched to different nerves that travel up the spinal cord to the brain. The plain message is then interpreted, referred back and the pain is felt.

Explanation of TENS
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is a non-invasive, drug-free method of controlling pain. TENS uses tiny electrical impulses sent through the skin to nerves to modify your pain perception. TENS does not cure any physiological problem; it only helps control the pain. TENS does not work for everyone; however, in most patients it is effective in reducing or elimination the pain, allowing for a return to normal activity.

How TENS work
There is nothing "magic" about Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). TENS is intended to be used to relieve pain. The TENS unit sends comfortable impulses through the skin that stimulate the nerve (or nerves) in the treatment area. In many cases, this stimulation will greatly reduce or eliminate the pain sensation the patient feels. Pain relief varies by individual patient, mode selected for therapy, and the type of pain. In many patients, the reduction or elimination of pain lasts longer than the actual period of stimulation (sometimes as much as three to four times longer). In others, pain is only modified while stimulation actually occurs. You may discuss this with your physician or therapist."

Chapter 2: Cautious

1. Read operation manual before use of TENS.
2. We emphasize that patient with an implanted electronic device (for example, a pacemaker) should not undergo TENS treatment without first consulting a doctor. The same applies to patients with any metallic implants.
3. If TENS therapy becomes ineffective or unpleasant, stimulation should be discontinued until its use is reevaluated by the physician or therapist.
4. Do not use this stimulator device while operating machineryh, driving a motorized vehicle, using power tools, bathing or swimming, or during any activity which could put the user at undue risk of injury due to changes in stimulation level caused by inadvertent movement of the stimulator controls or by the electrodes or cables becoming disconnected from the device or becoming tangled.
5. Turn the TENS off before applying or removing electrodes.
6. TENS devices have no AP/APG protection. Do not use it in the presence of explosive atmosphere and flammable mixture.

Chapter 3: Warnings

1. Caution should be used in applying TENS to patients suspected of having heart disease. Further clinical data is needed to show there are no adverse results.
2. Electrical stimulation safety has not been established during pregnancy. Do Not use TENS during pregnancy.
3. Do not place electrodes on the front of the throat as spasm of the Laryngeal and Pharyngeal muscle may occur. Do not stimulate over the carotid nerve, particularly with patients with known sinus reflex sensitivity.
4. Care should be taken so that when operating potentially dangerous machinery the stimulator controls are not changed abruptly.
5. Cases of skin irritation at the electrode site have been reported. Stimulation should be stopped and electrodes removed until the cause of the irritation can be determined.
6. Electrodes should not be placed over the eyes, in the mouth, or internally.
7. Keep this device out of the reach of children.