5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TENS UNIT ELECTRODES
In transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) treatment for pain relief, electric signals are transmitted from the device (known as TENS unit) through electrodes placed on the skin surface to the nerves under the skin. If you don’t use these electrodes properly, your body can experience discomfort or pain even though the signals are generally mild and safe. Here are 5 things you should know about electrodes in the TENS unit:
1. Where to put or not put the electrodes?
This is one of the most basic concerns of users when applying TENS treatment. In knowing where and how to place the electrodes, you should consider the following matters:
- Identifying the kind of pain you are having and where it is. In order to maximize the effect of treatment, you should place the electrodes around the area where you feel painful. If you feel painful in a small area, place the electrodes on either side of the pain. For larger pain area, line up the …show more content…
Why electrodes don’t stick?
There can be several reasons:
• You place them over a joints, perhaps your knees or elbows, when you move around: electrodes may not stick well for long due to movement
• You apply the electrode on the skin area that is not clean or dry enough: It is important to clean and dry the skin properly before using the TENS unit.
• You don’t clean or hydrate the reusable electrodes prior to using them. If there are residues such as skin oil on the electrode surface, use a soft, moist cloth to wipe them away you can even use a toothbrush on the flat surface. Rub just a little water (one drop or two) on the gel surface to make sure surface is hydrated
• The electrodes are worn out and oversaturation occurs: normally they retain moisture from perspiration or the surrounding environment. If you add too much water in an attempt to re-hydrate the gel surface, you can also cause oversaturation.
• Adhesive dries out.
4. How to maintain the
In transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) treatment for pain relief, electric signals are transmitted from the device (known as TENS unit) through electrodes placed on the skin surface to the nerves under the skin. If you don’t use these electrodes properly, your body can experience discomfort or pain even though the signals are generally mild and safe. Here are 5 things you should know about electrodes in the TENS unit:
1. Where to put or not put the electrodes?
This is one of the most basic concerns of users when applying TENS treatment. In knowing where and how to place the electrodes, you should consider the following matters:
- Identifying the kind of pain you are having and where it is. In order to maximize the effect of treatment, you should place the electrodes around the area where you feel painful. If you feel painful in a small area, place the electrodes on either side of the pain. For larger pain area, line up the …show more content…
Why electrodes don’t stick?
There can be several reasons:
• You place them over a joints, perhaps your knees or elbows, when you move around: electrodes may not stick well for long due to movement
• You apply the electrode on the skin area that is not clean or dry enough: It is important to clean and dry the skin properly before using the TENS unit.
• You don’t clean or hydrate the reusable electrodes prior to using them. If there are residues such as skin oil on the electrode surface, use a soft, moist cloth to wipe them away you can even use a toothbrush on the flat surface. Rub just a little water (one drop or two) on the gel surface to make sure surface is hydrated
• The electrodes are worn out and oversaturation occurs: normally they retain moisture from perspiration or the surrounding environment. If you add too much water in an attempt to re-hydrate the gel surface, you can also cause oversaturation.
• Adhesive dries out.
4. How to maintain the