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Why It Matters to Use Genuine TENS Electrodes
When preparing for labour, using a TENS machine can be an empowering, drug-free way to manage pain. But did you know that using the right electrodes — specifically genuine maternity-grade electrodes — is crucial for safety and effectiveness? Let’s explain why genuine electrodes matter and how to spot the difference. What Are Electrodes and What Do They Do? Electrodes are the sticky pads that deliver tiny electrical pulses from the TENS machine through your skin. These pulses help block pain signals to the brain and encourage endorphin release — the body’s natural painkillers. These pads are placed on the lower back over key nerve points for labour use. Because of their vital role, electrode quality can directly affect comfort and performance. What Happens if You Use Generic or Low-Quality Electrodes? While it may be tempting to buy cheap pads online or from other suppliers, here’s what can go wrong: ❌ Inconsistent adhesion: They may peel off mid-contraction or lose stickiness quickly ❌ Reduced conductivity: Weak or uneven current = less effective pain relief ❌ Skin irritation: Low-grade gel may cause rashes, burns or allergic reactions ❌ Incompatibility: They may not fit securely with your Elle TENS machine ❌ Warranty voided: Any electrodes that are used with the Elle TENS that are not genuine will void your device’s warranty This is especially risky during labour, when you want peace of mind, not troubleshooting! Why Use Genuine Elle TENS Electrodes? At Elle TENS Australia, all our hire kits include genuine Babycare Maternity electrodes, explicitly designed for labour. These pads are: ✔️ Latex-free and hypoallergenic ✔️ Designed for sustained use (up to 30 hours!) ✔️ Perfectly sized for optimal lower back placement ✔️ Compatible with your Elle TENS unit for peak performance ✔️ Passed medical testing and are authorised to be used with Elle TENS. If you’re buying your machine, we recommend adding an extra set — they’re great to have on hand and ensure consistent results when needed. How to Spot Genuine Electrodes To ensure you’re getting authentic, maternity-safe electrodes, look for these signs: ✅ Branded packaging (Babycare or Elle TENS) — sealed and professional ✅ Barcode and product label – often missing on counterfeit or generic versions ❌ No ziplock bags or unbranded pouches – these are not genuine and may be unsafe ✅ Purchased directly from Elle TENS Australia or an approved retailer When in doubt, contact us — we’re happy to confirm whether your pads are the real deal. How to Order Genuine Replacements Whether hiring or owning a unit, you can purchase authentic electrode sets directly through our Shop. Look for the Babycare or Elle TENS branding to ensure you get the real thing. Final Word Using a quality TENS machine is only part of the equation—don’t overlook the pads! Your comfort, safety, and results depend on them. Stick with what’s trusted. Stick with what works. Stick with genuine.
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Hiring vs Buying a TENS Machine – What’s Right for You?
Preparing for birth involves many decisions, and one common question we hear is:Should I hire or buy my TENS machine? At Elle TENS, we offer both options, each with advantages depending on your situation. This guide will help you choose the best fit for your birth plan, budget, and lifestyle. Why Use a TENS Machine in Labour? A TENS machine offers drug-free, side-effect-free pain relief, especially effective in early labour. It helps block pain signals and encourages endorphin release while giving you control with features like our Boost Button. Option 1: Hiring a TENS Machine Best if: You’re planning to use TENS for a single birth You want a more affordable short-term option You prefer a convenient, all-inclusive package What’s included when you hire from us: Elle TENS 2 TENS Machine – inbuilt contraction timer & boost button 1 set of genuine Maternity Babycare/Elle TENS electrodes Reply paid Aust Post label for easy, hassle-free returns Elle TENS Wetbag, yours to keep A copy of A Women’s Guide to Drug Free Pain Relief by Dr. Gordon Gadsby Benefits of hiring: Lower upfront cost Easy returns Ideal for occasional use Option 2: Buying a TENS Machine Best if: You’re planning multiple births or want to loan to friends You like having your device for future pain relief (e.g., period pain, back pain) You have private health cover that might offer a rebate What you get when you buy: A brand-new Elle TENS unit Lifetime ownership 1 set of genuine Maternity Babycare/Elle TENS electrodes Peace of mind – it’s always yours Benefits of buying: Use anytime, even beyond birth Cost-effective for growing families May be claimable via private health insurance Final Thoughts Both hiring and buying have their perks, and you can’t go wrong. At Elle TENS, we’re here to help you feel confident and supported, whichever option you choose. Still deciding?Check out our Hire a TENS or Buy a TENS pages — or message us if you have questions.
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How TENS Machines Help with Labour Pain: What You Need to Know
Labour is one of the most powerful and transformative experiences a woman can go through. While no two birth stories are the same, many women seek out ways to manage the intensity of labour without relying solely on medical interventions. One increasingly popular option is the use of a TENS machine, particularly during early labour. In this blog, we’ll explain how TENS works, when to use it, and why so many mums across Australia are choosing Elle TENS for their birth experience. What Is a TENS Machine? TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. A TENS machine sends gentle electrical pulses through electrode pads placed on your lower back. These pulses help interrupt pain signals being sent to the brain, while also stimulating the body to release natural endorphins, your body’s very own painkillers. How TENS Helps During Labour TENS machines are most commonly used during the early stages of labour, when contractions begin and build in intensity. Here’s how they help: ✅ Drug-free relief – No side effects for you or your baby ✅ Control in your hands – Use the machine how and when you want ✅ Stays with you – Portable and easy to use at home or on the way to hospital ✅ Midwife approved – Many healthcare professionals recommend TENS during early labour Elle TENS machines also come with a Boost Button, a feature designed to give an extra surge of relief during each contraction. Press it when a contraction begins, and release it after – it’s that simple. When Should I Start Using a TENS Machine? Most women start using TENS in early labour, when contractions become regular but aren’t yet too intense. The earlier you start, the better it works – this gives your body time to build up endorphins and block pain signals effectively. You should aim to have your TENS machine ready at 36 weeks, so you’re prepared whenever labour begins. Is TENS Safe for Labour? Yes – TENS machines like the Elle TENS are completely safe for use during labour. They’re non-invasive, drug-free, and can be used alongside other pain relief options (gas, epidurals, etc.). However, you should not use a TENS machine in water (e.g., during a bath or water birth) or if you have certain medical conditions like epile psy or a pacemaker – always check with your doctor or midwife. Why Choose Elle TENS Australia? At Elle TENS Australia, we specialise in labour-specific TENS machines, designed with birth in mind. Our machines are: Easy to use (even in active labour) Available to hire or buy Trusted by thousands of mums and endorsed by midwives Covered by some private health insurance plans Final Thoughts TENS machines offer an empowering, natural way to manage labour pain. Whether you’re a first-time mum or planning another birth, using an Elle TENS can help you feel more confident and in control as your labour progresses. 📦 Ready to order your TENS machine?👉 Hire or buy an Elle TENS here
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Holiday Season Update from Elle TENS! Shipping Information
What an incredible year supporting Australian mums through their birth journeys! As we wrap up 2024, we want to thank every one of you who has trusted us with your birth preparation and pain management needs. Holiday Shipping InformationFinal Australia Post shipping cutoff: December 20th, 10am AEDTThis applies to both our TENS hire service and Elle TENS purchases.Express shipping remains available for those last-minute preparations! Planning for a summer baby? Our TENS hire service continues to be available through our easy online booking system. Visit our hire page to secure your labour TENS machine. Looking to purchase your own Elle TENS Plus? These make perfect gifts for expecting mums or birth professionals. Check out our Elle TENS Plus page to learn more about owning your own medical-grade TENS machine. We’re excited to continue supporting Australian families throughout 2025. Whether hiring or buying, we’re here to help you achieve a positive birth experience. Remember to place your orders before December 20th, 10am for delivery before the holiday break (subject to metro and Auspost shipping timeframes). Wishing you and your growing family a wonderful holiday season! Dont forget to keep track of Mr Clause as he makes his way to Australia! The Elle TENS Family
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TENS Machines for Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Relief
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition, with various joints becoming inflamed. The inflammation causes pain, stiffness, swelling and even loss of function. The problem lies with the protective sac which surrounds joints. The sac contains fluid which cushions joints and supplies nutrients and oxygen to cartilage. Inflammation of the protective sac gradually destroys collagen and cartilage, narrowing the joint space and damaging the bone. In Progressive rheumatoid arthritis, damage is accelerated when sac fluid and inflamed cells accumulate to form thickened tissue. This tissue produces enzymes that destroy nearby cartilage, which in turn attracts more inflammatory cells, exacerbating the problem. Can TENS help rheumatoid arthritis? When treating the pain associated with Rheumatoid arthritis, TENS offers a powerful alternative to pain-killing drugs. It is non-invasive, fast acting, drug-free. Pads are placed on or near the area of the arthritis pain. TENS sends soothing pulses via TENS electrodes through the skin and along the nerve fibers. The pulses suppress the arthritis pain signals to the brain. TENS also encourages the body to produce higher levels of its own natural pain killing chemicals i.e. endorphins and encephalins. How does EMS differ from TENS? The easiest way to tell the difference between TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) and EMS is that TENS targets nerves to reduce pain, whereas EMS targets muscles to aid recovery. TENS machines act to block pain signals reaching the brain and release endorphins to make you feel good. EMS machines on the other hand target specific muscles to reduce inflammation and force these muscles to fire when an injury may prevent you from using these muscles naturally. By keeping these muscles engaged they will not lose strength (atrophy) so you can return to normal activity and performance sooner. Key Benefits of an EMS Machine An EMS machine has many benefits to your muscles. It can: Relax the muscle Minimise muscle inflammation Prevent atrophy of the muscle Speed up muscle healing Stimulate muscle growth “EMS is the fastest growing area of the fitness industry” EMS or TENS machines what do I need? TENS machines are used to relieve chronic nerve, muscle or joint pain including inflammatory arthritis, back pain, foot pain, contractions during childbirth, or post-operative pain. A migraine can also be relieved by specialised TENS machines. EMS machines, on the other hand, are used to relax or strengthen the muscles, for example in cases of muscular spasm, poor blood circulation (particularly in the back and nape of the neck), muscle atrophy after an illness or as part of rehabilitation from an injury. They are therefore more often recommended for the relief of muscle pain. Athletes also sometimes use EMS in order to recover from an injury more quickly, as electrical muscle stimulation will enable them to rebuild muscle without too much strain and to exercise muscles that they may not use very much. 3-in-1 Combo TENS, EMS & Massage The elletens 3-in-1 Combo device offers both TENS and EMS in one single unit along with a relaxing massage function. If you suffer from ongoing pain and also need to help with rehabilitation from a recent injury (or are injury prone) this device could be a great addition to your pain relief and rehabilitation program. Our devices with EMS capability Strengthen, tone and repair for complete rehabilitation.
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