

You may need to take a short break from using TENS. Speak to your GP, physiotherapist or pharmacist if you have concerns.
Photo sense unit skin#
Some people may be allergic to the pads and their skin may become red and irritated. Are there any risks of side effects?įor most people, TENS is a safe treatment with no side effects. Switch the TENS machine off after you've finished using it and remove the electrodes from your skin. If the tingling sensation starts to feel painful or uncomfortable, reduce it slightly. Start on a low setting and gradually increase it until the sensation feels strong but comfortable.

The machine has a dial that allows you to control the strength of the electrical impulses. You'll feel a slight tingling sensation pass through your skin. Turn on the TENS machine when the pads are attached in the correct places.
Photo sense unit how to#
This is a general guide on how to use a TENS machine. More expensive machines are not necessarily any better than lower-priced ones, so it's best to do some research before you buy. They range in price from about £20 to £100. If you find TENS effective, you can buy a TENS machine from a pharmacy. To get the most benefit from TENS, it's important that the settings are adjusted correctly for you and your individual condition. You can choose to buy your own TENS machine without getting medical advice, but it's generally better to have a proper assessment first, so you can find out whether a TENS machine is appropriate for you and be taught how to use it properly. If you're thinking about trying TENS, it's a good idea to speak to a GP about a referral to a physiotherapist or pain clinic.Ī physiotherapist or pain specialist may be able to loan you a TENS machine for a short period if they think it could help. However, the treatment is generally very safe and you may feel it's worth trying instead of, or in addition to, the usual medical treatments. TENS is not a cure for pain and often only provides short-term relief while the TENS machine is being used. Healthcare professionals have reported that it seems to help some people, although how well it works depends on the individual and the condition being treated. More research is needed and clinical trials are ongoing. There's not enough good-quality scientific evidence to say for sure whether TENS is a reliable method of pain relief. It's also sometimes used as a method of pain relief during labour.

TENS may be able to help reduce pain and muscle spasms caused by a wide range of conditions including: They may also stimulate the production of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers. The electrical impulses can reduce the pain signals going to the spinal cord and brain, which may help relieve pain and relax muscles. When the machine is switched on, small electrical impulses are delivered to the affected area of your body, which you feel as a tingling sensation. You attach the pads directly to your skin.
