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What is TENS?

T.E.N.S stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Muscle Stimulation. TENS is a drug-free alternative for managing pain. For the past twenty years, doctors have been prescribing TENS as an effective way to relieve pain. TENS offers many people safe comforting relief. It reduces and often even eliminates pain. It is FDA approved, and it is reimbursable by most insurance providers. Can Be used for physiotherapy and rehabilitation.



How Does TENS Work?

TENS was designed to relieve pain by sending gentle electrical impulses through the skin to the nerves. This suppresses pain by blocking the pain signals before they reach the brain. TENS sends these gentle impulses through lead wires that are connected to electrodes. These electrodes are strategically placed at appropriate pain sights on the body. Because there are many different kinds of pain, and each individual is unique, pain relief varies from person to person. Some users experience pain relief only while the TENS unit is turned on. For others, relief continues for a length of time even after the unit is turned off. TENS is an excellent, non-drug alternative for chronic pain such as lower-back ache and arthritis. It is also useful in relieving acute pain associated with surgery, traumatic injury, and other conditions.


The Toneatronic TENS Unit

the Toneatronic  is the advanced, pocket-sized, fully portable TENS system designed to relieve both acute and persistent pain. The Toneatronic  provides three different modes of operation; this provides the user with a variety of treatment options. Because Toneatronic  uses two channels, it can be used to relieve pain at two body locations. Toneatronic  is about the size of a deck of playing cards, so you can wear it anywhere, at home, to work, or in your car. A convenient belt clip allows you to wear it on your belt or even inside your clothing.


What is the most effective way to use TENS?

To achieve the best results of TENS therapy, it is important to remember that TENS merely activates the body's own pain-fighting mechanism. Placing electrodes directly over or around the painful area delivers pain-blocking current to the nerves leading to that area. Some healthcare professionals have found that placing the electrodes along acupuncture points is also effective. Also, it is good to vary the placement of the electrodes each treatment to avoid skin irritation.

How long does it take for TENS treatment to produce results?

In most cases, studies show that it takes roughly 30 minutes for TENS treatment to begin to relieve pain. However, for conventional, high frequency TENS treatment, there is no set treatment limit. Some patients find hours of pain relief from short 30-to-60 minute sessions. Others use their TENS units for several hours a day or all day, depending on the pain generated by daily activities. Always use your TENS unit according to your physician's directions.


When can TENS treatment be administered?

TENS can be administered any time of day or night. It is recommended that TENS not be used while sleeping. This is simply because movement during sleep may cause electrodes to come off or be pressed into the flesh, causing skin irritation. However, always use your TENS unit according to your physician's directions.


Does TENS treatment have any risks or side effects?

Unlike surgery or prescription drugs, TENS is virtually risk free from injury, side effects or addiction. The low-volt electrical current delivered by the electrodes only penetrates the skin to the level of the nerve fibers, usually only one to two inches. This poses no danger to most individuals. However, those with cardiac conditions and/or pacemakers, and pregnant women should consult their doctors before using TENS. Also, neck and head pain that requires locating electrodes on these areas of the body should be conducted only with the consent of a physician. Use caution when you drive or operate heavy machinery. Most importantly, always use TENS according to your physician’s directions.

How Do I Get a TENS Device?

Just Contact us @ 1-866-308-0606. Tens are available with or without  a doctor's prescription depending where you are and if you want insurance to pay for it.. Click Here, to complete the on-line prescription form. This form must be signed by your physician and mailed or faxed back to us.


Technical Information

Channels - Dual
Pulse Amplitude:
Adjustable 0-80 mA peak into 500 ohms load each channel, constant current
Pulse rate:
(Adjustable) 2Hz to 120 Hz
Pulse Width:
(Adjustable) 40us to 250us
Modulation Mode :
Pulse width is automatically varied in a cyclic pattern over an interval of nominally 5.0 sec. Pulse width decreases linearly over a period of 1.5 seconds from the control setting value to a value which is 35% less. The narrower pulse width will continue for 2 seconds, then increase linearly over a 1.5 sec period to its original value. The cycle is then repeated.
Burst Mode:
Burst consists of 9 pulses at maximum pulse rate.Burst occurs twice every second
Wave Form:
Asymmetrical Bi-Phasic Square pulse
Voltage:
1 to 130 volts (open circuit)
Max Charge per Pulse
21 micro-coulombs
Battery:
9 volt battery (alkaline or nickel cadmium rechargeable)
Battery Life:
Approx. 50 hours at nominal settings
Size:
92x62x25 mm
Weight
135 grams (battery incl.)

TENS INCLUDES:

Supplies

Approved patients can order monthly supply shipments of electrodes and batteries . If at any time during the month you run low on supplies, or if you need a different style of electrode, simply call toll free 866-308-0606. Average monthly usage is: two packs of two inch round electrodes, and two batteries. We can create custom monthly supply amounts of various styles and sizes upon request. Keep in mind, best results are realized through proper use. We are here to assist your needs. New electrodes are coming so stay tuned.


Warranty Information

Toneatronic warranty on TENS and EMS is 3 years.  Simply mail us the defective unit and we will send you a brand new one free of charge

Indications for Use:

Systemic Pain:
Bursitis
Cancer
Causalgia
Multiple Sclerosis
Neuralgia
Osteoarthritis Phantom Limb Syndrome
Raynaud's Syndrome
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Synovitis
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Head and Neck Pain:
Cluster Headaches
Dental Disorders
Migraine Headaches
Spondylosis
Sprains/Strains Suboccipital Headaches
TMJ Syndrome
Torticollis
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Whiplash

Abdominal Pain:
Diverticulosis
Dysmenorrhea Labor
Postoperative Pain

Back Pain:
Facet Syndrome
Intercoastal Neuralgia
IVD Syndrome
Lumbago
Lumbosacral Pain Radiculitis
Sprains/Strains
Thoracodynia
Whole Back Pain

Lower Extremity Pain:
Ankle Pain
Foot Pain
Fractures
Ischialgia
Knee Pain Passive Stretch Pain
Sciatica
Sprains/Strains
Tendonitis
Thrombophlebitis

Upper Extremity Pain:
Epicondylitis
Frozen Shoulder
Hand Pain
Peripheral Nerve Injury Sprains/Strains
Subdeltoid Bursitis
Wrist Pain

Tips and tricks for effective pain relief:

• If you are satisfied with the pain relief you are getting from your TENS unit - then you are using it correctly - so keep using it as suggested.
• If you are having difficulty getting the pain relief you are looking for from your TENS unit - then you are almost certainly not using it correctly - the following tips should help you to maximize the benefits.
• Carefully re-read again the user manual which came with your TENS unit. This manual contains most of the information you need for success.
• Most TENS users get almost instant pain relief after following the manual instructions. Are you following all the instructions as suggested? If so and you are still having a poor response then try the following suggestions - one at a time.
• Some clients find that it takes two or more treatments a day for several days to achieve the pain relief they are looking for. Even professionals do not always get instant pain relief for their clients.
• So do not abandon your TENS treatment after just a few treatments but keep using it for two or more weeks as the effects tend to be cumulative i.e. each treatment builds upon the last one.
• Experiment with different frequency settings bearing in mind the following guidelines:

1. High pulse rate settings should be felt as a tingling sensation and these treatments may need to be applied for at least one hour at a time and sometimes worn for several hours continuously - for at least 1-2 weeks before changing to another setting.
2. Low pulse rate settings should be felt quite firmly - almost like a pulsing sensation at 2 pulses/second and a 30 minutes treatment once or twice a day is usually sufficient once the pain is under control. You might also like to repeat the treatment 90 minutes after the first one for an improved analgesic effect.

• Make sure the electrodes are firmly in place at all times.
• Try moving them to other positions e.g. over the painful area or surrounding the painful area or placed on the opposite side of the body or limb to improve the response.
• If you are treating your back pain try placing one electrode over the most painful area and the other electrodes on the opposite side of the spine equidistant from the midline. Try placing the electrodes at either side of the spinal midline with just 1 inch in between them at the level of the pain.
• Try using different pulse rates during each treatment e.g. 30 minutes on a high rate and 30 minutes on a low rate.
• Try gently exercising of the painful part while you are using your TENS unit and then applying a cold pack (from the fridge NOT out of the Freezer) to the area for 10 minutes at the end of the treatment.
• The most common cause of failure to achieve pain relief from your TENS unit is too few treatments, as mentioned above, so make sure you have given the unit a really good trial and remember, the longer you have had your pain the longer it may take to reduce it and the more treatments it may need.
• DON'T stop taking your usual medications when you begin your TENS treatment, take them as usual, but discuss reducing the dosage with your medical practitioner as your pain decreases.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with the different pulse settings to find the treatment which gives you the best result - but give each change of pulse rate several days to work before changing to another one.
• Enthusiastic tea or coffee drinking may reduce the analgesic effect of TENS - try cutting your intake of tea or coffee down by half and drink water or fruit juices instead.
• If your pain becomes worse, either during or after the treatment, then it is usually due to applying the incorrect pulse rate for your problem - try a different one and if this does not help try moving the electrodes to another position and repeat until you get the pain relief you are looking for.
• Remember: TENS treatment usually works for most people but some of us have to give it a chance to work by ensuring that we give it an adequate trial i.e. treatments once or twice daily or more for at least 2-3 weeks and adjusting the pulse rate and/or electrode placements are usually necessary to gain the best effect.