TENS & EMS Combo Unit

** Electrodes & TENS accessories can be order without a prescription. For the purchase of TENS & EMS unit, a prescription is required by the FDA. If you are a licensed healthcare professional, you do not need to have a prescription. Otherwise, please fax your prescription to (714) 983-1395. You can also have your clinician send us an email as a prescription order to painrx@painrxstore.com or fax it to us directly.

Use of TENS for Pain Relief

What is a TENS Unit?

TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Do not let the name scare you. An electronic TENS unit is simple to use and has worked well to control certain kinds of pain. Although it is not a cure, it is a routine part of pain management.

How does it work?

A TENS unit is a small, battery-operated device about the size of a beeper. It sends a small electric signal through self-stick pads that are placed in the painful area. The signal passes through the skin to the nerve fibers and stops pain signals before they reach the brain. If these signals do not reach the brain, then no pain is felt. There are several theories about how a TENS unit works. The “gate control” theory suggests that TENS signals reach the pain centers in the brain before pain signals do. Like a busy signal on a telephone, the TENS closes the “gate” so that pain signals cannot get through. A second theory suggests that the short, mild electrical signals from the TENS unit cause the body to release its own pain relievers, called endorphins.

How do I use it?

A TENS unit is easy to use. Place the self-stick pads on either side of the painful area, turn the unit on, and turn the dial until you feel a tingling sensation. Then let the unit work for about 20 minutes. What kind of pain can I treat with TENS? TENS seems to work best for treating nerve pain. It also helps to ease pain after an operation. It tends to work better for pain that is located in a particular spot rather than in a wide area.

What does it feel like?

The feeling caused by TENS varies, but it is never uncomfortable. It usually feels like a light tingle or a gentle massage.

Is it safe?

TENS is safe and does not require a needle stick or any other treatment. It does not interfere with any medicine being taken. It can be used on any part of the body except over the heart, or in the front of the neck, or over the eyes. You should only use it as the doctor or therapist suggests.