How To Use A TENS Unit for Shoulder Pain?
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Introduction
Do you suffer from shoulder pain that can limit your movement and cause disruption to your daily activities? If so, you’re not alone. It is estimated that over 17 million adults in the United States are affected by shoulder pain annually. Fortunately, there is a therapy option known as TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) which may provide relief from chronic shoulder discomfort due to strain or injury. In this blog post, we’ll discuss using a tens unit for shoulder pain, explain how it works for managing shoulder discomfort, plus talk about safety considerations when using one.
Tens Unit Placement for Shoulder Pain
The use of a TENS unit is an effective treatment for shoulder pain, as the mild electrical pulses generated by the device can help reduce inflammation, improve the range of movement, and stimulate muscles. To maximize the benefits of tens units for shoulder pain, it is important to determine an ideal electrode placement of the pads around the shoulder joint area. Generally speaking, place one electrode at each end of the painful muscle or tendon, depending on where the discomfort originates from.
Additionally, some practitioners may choose to pair up multiple electrodes in a “vertical parallel” formation to cover larger areas. Ultimately, there is no one definitive layout - it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to decide what works best for your case. Also, keep in mind that it is important to move the electrodes regularly during use to optimize results. Otherwise, the area becomes desensitized and the therapy is less effective.
The Benefits of Using A TENS Unit for Shoulder Pain!
As the name suggests, a tens unit for shoulder pain helps to reduce pain in the shoulder joint area by generating mild electrical pulses. Let's take a look at some of its benefits:
1. Easy-To-Use Device Is Non-Invasive And Safe To UseThe best part about using a TENS unit is that it is easy to use and doesn’t require any special skills or medical know-how. Plus, the device doesn’t require any medications or other therapies.
2. Provides Relief From Chronic And Acute PainTENS units can help to reduce both chronic and acute shoulder pain by stimulating muscles around the area, which increases blood flow and helps to reduce inflammation. Also, since the device helps to stimulate endorphins (the body's natural painkillers), this can help to reduce pain even further.
3. Offers A Good Range Of Settings For Customized TreatmentsMost TENS units come with adjustable settings, allowing users to customize the intensity and duration of their treatments. This makes it easier for users to find a setting that suits their needs. Not only can this but the device also be used in conjunction with other therapies for even more effective pain relief.
4. Can Be Used In A Variety Of LocationsTENS units are small, portable devices that can be conveniently taken with you wherever you go.
Sometimes, pain management can be tricky and it is important to find the right therapy. Fortunately, a TENS unit offers an effective yet non-invasive solution for shoulder pain. With the right device and settings, you can be sure to find relief from your discomfort.
Best Tens Unit For Shoulder Pain
Nowadays, there are a variety of TENS units available, ranging from small and portable to larger, stationary models. Let's take a look at our best tens unit for shoulder pain given below:
1. The iReliev TENS & EMS Combination Unit is a great choice for those with shoulder discomfort. It offers both transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) therapies, allowing you to target both your muscles and nerves for more comprehensive pain relief.
2. The HealthmateForever YK15AB TENS unit is a durable, lightweight option that features 15 pre-set massage modes. It can be used to target both the neck and shoulder muscles, helping reduce pain in these areas with its powerful electric pulses.
3. The AccuRelief Dual Channel TENS unit is a budget-friendly option that comes with two channels, allowing you to use four electrode pads at once. This device is extremely simple to use and can be programmed to deliver a variety of pulse rates and widths.
4. The Omron Electrotherapy Pain Relief Device is a sleek and compact unit that offers four preset modes specifically designed to target shoulder discomfort. It has a timer function that allows you to set your therapy session for up to 30 minutes.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your TENS Unit
A TENS unit is a helpful tool for managing pain and can provide relief from muscle tension and stiffness. To get the most out of your TENS machine, it's important to adjust the settings to meet your needs. Start with low frequency and amplitude levels and gradually increase them until you feel comfortable. Once you notice the effects of your chosen settings, make sure to mark them so that each session begins at the ideal level of intensity.
To further enhance your experience, use an accessory like conductive gels or wet cotton pads between the unit and your skin. That way, every stimulation session provides relief safely and effectively. With these simple steps in mind, you're well on your way to benefiting from all that a TENS machine has to offer!
Conclusion
TENS units are powerful tools that have proven capable of successfully treating shoulder pain effectively and safely. Although they may take some time before they show noticeable results, their continuous use has been known to keep shoulder pain at bay over desired periods with minimal side effects. It is important to remember the importance of consulting with a qualified healthcare professional concerning choosing and using a TENS unit to reap maximum benefits safely.
Finally, patients need to be mindful that although these machines offer relief from shoulder pain, in some cases, other treatments such as physical therapy might be recommended for more permanent, long-term solutions. Ultimately, when all factors are considered and through proper use as instructed by a trained health professional, TENS units can help reduce shoulder pain while still being considered an almost riskless treatment option. For more information on the tens unit for shoulder pain visit Airelax!