Using Tens Unit For Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease. Typically, osteoarthritis results in degen- eration of the articular cartilage, hypertrophy of the margins of the bone, and changes in the synovial membrane. Primary osteoarthritis affects the joints that receive the most use and stress, including the knees and hips. Symptoms range from mild to severe and include pain and stiffness in the affected joint.

Treatment options for osteoarthritis include exercise, medication, thermotherapy, and surgery as well as electrotherapy. Electrotherapy is commonly used in the physical rehabilitation of patients with arthritis to relieve pain and improve function. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS Unit) is widely used form of electro-analgesia, with many clinical reports and studies concerning its use.

TENS machine is non-invasive, fast acting, drug-free. Pads are placed on or near the area of the arthritis pain. TENS Unit sends soothing pulses via TENS device electrodes through the skin and along the nerve fibers. The pulses suppress the arthritis pain signals to the brain. TENS  Unit also encourages the body to produce higher levels of its own natural pain killing chemicals i.e. endorphins and encephalins.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS Unit) is a treatment that administers mild electrical currents to the skin to relieve pain. A small, lightweight, hand-held, battery-operated device produces the electrical currents and lead wires send these currents to self-adhesive electrode pads that attach to your skin. 

While using a TechCare TENS machine, you'll experience a non-painful tingling or buzzing sensation, and this can help to block or suppress pain messages. Two electrode pads are usually positioned either side of the area of most intense pain. This is done so that the TENS Unit sensation covers the painful area.

Four electrode pads can be used to treat a larger area of pain. You'll be able to control the strength, (or ‘volume’) of the current that's passed through the electrodes, with a rotary knob or dial. TechCare Tens Units have larger controls that are easier to use if your hand movements are limited. 

Adjust the strength of the current until the tingling sensation from TENS device is strong, but not painful. You'll also be able to adjust the pattern and speed of the current, so that the TENS Unit sensation is as comfortable as possible. TechCare TENS machines are digital, rechargeable and have helpful pre-sets to help you choose the best settings for your pain.