Tens Machine Hire Can Help You To Manage Pain

By Author: Colin Sutton
Total Articles: 43
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TENS machine hire is widely available. This can be an effective way for you to manage pain.

Pain-killing medication is powerful and can have a number of unpleasant side effects. Some pain medication can also be addictive and cannot be used in the long-term. TENS machines can provide effective pain relief and can be used safely with minimal side effects.

How does a TENS machine work?

TENS machines are very simple and effective devices. They work by delivering small electrical pulses to the body. These are transmitted by electrodes that are placed against the skin. Research has shown that these small electrical impulses can work in two main ways:

- Blocking Pain Impulses - the nerves cannot carry both pain and non-pain signals to the brain at the same time. The pulses from the TENS machine are designed to overpower the pain impulses and block them.

- Increase Endorphins - on a lower setting TENS machines have been shown to stimulate the production of endorphins. These are the body's natural pain relief chemicals. They act on receptors in the brain to reduce pain.

TENS machine ...
... hire can provide you with a useful way to assist with pain management for a number of conditions.

Can anyone use TENS machines?

TENS machine hire is available from many health centres and hospitals. This device can be used by almost anyone as there are no side effects to worry about. However you should not use TENS machines if you have a pacemaker (or a heart condition) or suffer from epilepsy. Pregnant women should seek further advice before using TENS machines.

Tips for Using TENS Machines

Here are some tips for using a TENS machine at home:

- You can still move around when using a TENS machine as they are designed to be portable. Just make sure you have tucked any wires out of the way and secured the device on your belt (or in a pocket). You may need use some medical tape to ensure the electrodes stick to your skin as you move around.

- Make sure the machine is switched off before you place the electrodes on your skin

- Only apply the electrodes to clean, dry skin. Avoid any areas of broken skin as this can cause irritation.

- To get the best effects place the electrodes either side of the area of pain. Do not put the electrodes within 2-3 cm (an inch) of each other.

- Test the machine before you use it. You can do this by carefully holding the electrodes between your fingers. Turn the machine on and you should feel a tingling sensation if it is working correctly.

Anyone who suffers from short-term chronic or acute pain should consider using a TENS machine. If you are on a tight budget then TENS machine hire is a good option. This service is available from health centres, hospitals and some specialist providers.

TENS machine hire is an affordable way to get access to alternative pain relief treatments. TENS machines have minimal side effects and are much safer to use then pain-killing medications.