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Using a TENS Machine in Labour
We at Elle TENS Australia are proud to be promoting Labour TENS both here and in New Zealand, however the real pioneers of Labour TENS are the people of the United Kingdom. The below write-up comes from the The Baby Centre in the UK. The article is a great read for anyone interested in using TENS for the first time for Labour or just want to understand how it all works. Enjoy reading “Using a TENS machine in Labour from www.babycentre.co.uk!” What is TENS? TENS is a drug-free kind of pain relief often used by women in early labour. TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. A maternity TENS machine consists of a battery-powered, hand-held controller connected by fine leads to four flat pads. The pads are covered in a firm gel that helps them stick to your back. The machine sends small, safe pulses of electrical current via the leads to the pads on your skin. The pulses pass through your skin and into your muscles and tissues. This gives you a gentle tingling or buzzing sensation, which may be stronger or weaker, depending on the setting level. What is TENS? The controller part of the TENS machine is easy to hold in your hand while you’re in labour. But if you don’t want to hold it, you can clip it to your clothing or attach a strap and hang it around your neck. A TENS machine has buttons that you can use to control the frequency and strength of the pulses. There’s also a boost button for you to press with your thumb when you want maximum output from the machine. This may help you to get through each contraction. Cranial TENS is an alternative to maternity TENS that may help with pain relief once you’re in active labour. Instead of pads, you wear a band around your head. The band delivers electrical impulses to your forehead, just above your nose. How does a TENS machine work? We don’t know exactly how TENS works to help you cope in labour. It’s probably due to a combination of factors. These could include: the electrical pulses prevent pain signals from reaching your brain the pulses stimulate your body to release natural, feel-good substances called endorphins it helps you to feel in control of your labour and be less anxious it offers a distraction from your contractions There’s not a lot of evidence to show how effective using a TENS machine is as a form of pain relief but most midwives are supportive of the idea of using one. About one woman in five plans to use TENS at some point in labour and most mums who’ve tried it say that they’d be willing to use it again in their next labour. How should I use TENS? Your birth partner can place the pads on your back for you. Follow the instructions that come with your maternity TENS machine, though they’re likely to be as follows: Check the machine is turned off before placing the pads on your back Place two of the pads on either side of your spine, with the tops of the pads at about bra-strap level. Place the other two lower down, at about the level of the dimples on your lower back, just above your bottom. Switch the machine on, starting with the controls at the lowest setting. Turn them up gradually as your contractions get stronger, or when the pain in your back gets worse. Use the boost button at the peak of each contraction. The boost function results in more intense, wave-like tingling or buzzing sensations. Remember to turn off the boost button again when the contraction has ended. This is so you feel the benefit of the boost next time you have a contraction. Keep mobile. Moving around during labour helps you to feel in control and will make TENS more effective. Don’t give up straight away if you think TENS isn’t doing anything. You may need to keep using it for at least an hour before it starts to work for you. If the pads start to lose their stickiness, rub a few drops of water into the gel side of the pads before putting them back on. The more firmly the pads are stuck on, the better they’ll work. If you don’t think the pads are helping you after a while, take them off. You are in control of your labour and what is working for you. All other forms of pain relief, both medical and non-medical, are still open to you. When should I use TENS? You can use TENS from the very beginning of your labour. You could start using it when you’re getting regular contractions or backache. You may find that the machine works better at relieving your backache than other types of pain. This is probably because the pads are on your back. TENS is most likely to be effective in early labour though you may still need other forms of pain relief as your labour gets stronger. Your midwife will not recommend starting TENS if you’re already in established labour. However, if you started using TENS earlier and want to carry on using it, that’s fine. You may need to take off the TENS pads if your baby’s heart has to be monitored electronically, because the pads could affect the signals to the monitoring machine. When shouldn’t I use TENS? Never use a TENS machine under the following circumstances, without talking to a midwife or doctor first: Before you go into labour. When you’re in a shower, bath, or birth pool. If you have broken skin or a healing scar where you want to place the pads. If you have a cardiac pacemaker or a heart rhythm problem. If you have pain that you don’t think is labour pain. See your doctor or midwife if this is the case. What are the advantages of TENS? You can keep moving around while using it. It won’t directly interfere with your labour. You can use it for as long as you want to and take it off if you want or need to. There are no lasting side-effects. It’s safe for you and your baby. You don’t need an anaesthetist, doctor or midwife to help you use it. It can be used for a home birth. It’s portable and non-invasive. You control it. It’s easy to use. What are the disadvantages of TENS? You probably won’t be able to put the pads in place without help. You may find it only gives you relief in the early stages of labour. You‘ll probably need to pay to hire or buy a TENS machine, as not all hospitals have them. TENS can’t be used in water, though you can still use it before you get in a bath or birth pool. If you want your birth partner to massage your back, he’ll have to work around the pads.
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TENS Machines for Sciatica Pain Relief
Sciatica usually involves pain that travels from the lower back to below the knee and can even reach as far as the foot. Symptoms may also include numbness and weakness of the lower leg muscles. Sciatica is caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve which passes the lower spine. This irritation often occurs when the herniated disc presses against the nerves which make up the sciatic nerve. The trigger can be slipped discs, tumours, enlarged vertebrae or even infections. How does TENS help with sciatica? Treatment often include drugs, a visit to the chiropractor or even anti-inflammatory injections. However, TENS can provide fast and long-lasting pain relief. TENS or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation provides non-invasive, drug-free pain relief. Pads are placed on the back, near the area of pain. TENS uses soothing pulses that are sent via the pads through the skin and along the nerve fibers. The pulses suppress pain signals to the brain and encourage the body to produce higher levels of its own natural pain killing chemicals – 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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TENS Machines for Osteoarthritis Pain Relief
Osteoarthritis is the most common arthritic condition. The root cause is a deterioration in the cartilage. In earlier stages, the cartilage becomes swollen, there is a loss of proteoglycans and other tissue cells; and fissures or pits appear in the cartilage. As osteoarthritis develops, the cartilage loses elasticity, becoming prone to damage. In latter stages, cartilage is destroyed, leaving bones unprotected. The problem is exacerbated when the when the body tries to repair the damage. Damaged cells may form around bony areas. The bone responds by forming misshapen plates around exposed areas. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, it is not systemic – damage is concentrated in one area. Osteoarthritis pain relief – does TENS work? TENS Machines are ideal for the treatment of osteoarthritis. TENS 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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TENS Machines and Neck Pain
Neck pain usually involves discomfort in the upper part of the shoulders or the neck. The most common causes of neck pain are poor posture, poor sleeping position, emotional stress, blows to the head, whiplash or a pinched nerve. You should consult your doctor if the neck pain relates to an acute injury or blow to the head; a fever; a stiff neck preventing you from touching your chest with your chin; if you experience tingling in your hands; or if pain does not lessen after 4-5 days. How does TENS alleviate neck pain? Naturally prevention is better than a cure. You should attempt to improve posture, keep fit and avoid carrying heavy loads. Treatments often include drugs or a visit to the chiropractor. However, TENS can provide fast and long-lasting pain relief. TENS or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation provides non-invasive, drug-free pain relief. Pads are placed on the back, near the area of pain. TENS uses soothing pulses that are sent via the pads through the skin and along the nerve fibers. The pulses suppress pain signals to the brain and encourage the body to produce higher levels of its own natural pain killing chemicals – 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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TENS Machines for Period Pain
Period pain affects roughly 70% of women. It is generally classified into two groups: primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea is the common form of menstrual cramps. It is caused by a substance called prostaglandin – made by cells in the inner lining of the uterus. Prostaglandin makes uterine muscles contract in order to help shed the lining built up during the menstrual cycle. Too much prostaglandin causes painful menstruation. Secondary dysmenorrhea is less common. It occurs after a woman has already had normal menstrual cycles for some time. It is caused by an abnormality or infection of the uterus, tubes, or ovaries. How does TENS help with period pain? TENS is ideal for the treatment of painful menstruation. It is non-invasive and drug-free. Pads are placed on the back, near the area of pain. TENS uses soothing pulses that are sent via the pads through the skin and along the nerve fibres. The pulses suppress pain signals to the brain and encourage the body to produce higher levels of its own natural pain killing chemicals – 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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TENS Machines for Arthritis Pain Relief
Arthritis involves inflammation of one or more joints of the body, usually producing pain, redness, and stiffness. Arthritis disables more people than any other chronic disorder. A common form is osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease of the joints that commonly occurs with aging. rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease of unknown cause, is a progressive, crippling joint disorder most common in women between 25 and 50. Arthritis pain relief – does TENS work? TENS therapy is ideal for the treatment of arthritis. It is a non-invasive, fast acting, drug-free method of pain relief. 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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TENS Machines and Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder – the cause is still unknown. Fibromyalgia occurs in the fibrous tissues i.e., the muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The main symptom of fibromyalgia is severe muscle pain, but it can also be accompanied by fatigue, chest pain, headaches, fever, abdominal pain, insomnia, swollen lymph nodes, irritable bowel syndrome and depression. Does TENS help Fibromyalgia TENS or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation provides non-invasive, drug-free pain relief. Pads are placed on the back, near the area of pain. TENS uses soothing pulses that are sent via the pads through the skin and along the nerve fibres. The pulses suppress pain signals to the brain and encourage the body to produce higher levels of its own natural pain killing chemicals – 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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TENS/EMS Machines for Back Pain
Pain can affect any part of the back. The usual cause of lower back pain is muscle stress and strain, but it can also originate from ligament, tendon or vertebrae damage, posture and feed positioning. Upper back pain although not as common, it can be just as debilitating. It is often caused by poor muscle tone, muscle tension or spams, sprains, ligament or muscle tears and joint problems. TENS, EMS machines offer a drug free option to pain relieve and aid muscle recovery. TENS – targets nerves to reduce pain, helping to relieve chronic nerve, muscle or joint pain including back pain, arthritis, neck pain, knee pain, period pain, sports injuries, and more. EMS – targets muscles to aid recovery, used to relax or strengthen and repair the muscles, for example in cases of muscular spasm, poor blood circulation, muscle atrophy after an illness or as part of rehabilitation from an injury. Our range of TEN / EMS devices can help relieve your back pain as well and ensure a faster recovery. Our most popular devices by Body Clock include. 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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