Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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Tens Unit

GrammyKat
GrammyKat
Hi everyone.
I am wondering if anyone has used a Tens Unit to help the pain to subside. At my last Rheumy visit, he suggested that I get a Tens Unit to help with my trigger points. I have an area in my left shoulder that when the pain and inflammation is high will trigger a severe dizzy spell. They are so severe that I end up on the floor vomiting. It is not the spinning dizzy, but a crazy dizzy that I can't seem to describe. I am just wondering if any of you have used these and what you think of them.
Thanks!
Kathy
bcatz
bcatz
I tried my tens unit on my ring finger - it actually caused a flare...yet, when I use it on my elbow, it helps. Maybe there is a need to have bigger muscles? Not sure, but I won't try the fingers again.
GrammyKat
GrammyKat
Thank you, that is good to know. I have a lot of trouble with my hands, but I won't use the Tens on it now. Thanks!
deleted_user
deleted_user
i have a tens unit that really helped my hands at first, but now if I use it it makes my hands itch like crazy.
I was told by my physical theapist that they don't work for everyone.
A doctor told me that some people wear them and it feels so much so, better they go and do things that they shouldn't

So if they work, they're wonderful; if they don't-they don't

I'd only buy one if I got a good price, I think. Also the gel patches have to be replaced when they lose their sticky and so you have to consider that cost when deciding to buy.

Mine is battery only and drains pretty fast so If you can get one that also plugs in, that would be a plus.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I LOVE my tens unit. It is a Tens 2500 Model Unit. I get the extra pads from Wholesale Electrotherapy through Amazon.

I'll repeat. I LOVE my tens unit. Use it on my shoulders on the trapezio (sp?) muscle goes from the neck to the shoulder blade. Have the doctor show you how to place the pads that is very important.

I also use it on my tennis elbow, back, ankle. My husband uses his on his rotary cuff in shoulder. It is very important to find out exactly how to place pads. You should get this from your doctor and can find info on internet also. It really eased my pain.

The pads if you use them all the time could last about 3 weeks. I use the 2 inch square 4/Pack from Wholesale Electrotherapy with the cloth back.

This tens unit will become your best friend if you learn how to use it.
Hope that helps.
GrammyKat
GrammyKat
Thank you for your responses. My doctor showed me the spots that would benefit me the most. I look forward to relief. My hubby ordered my Tens off the internet. I think he paid $50. Or there abouts. I had never even heard of the thing until he came home and told me he had ordered me one. And then at my appointment my doctor told me to get one. I must have been living with my head in a hole. I guess I learn the things that I need, when I need them.
God bless you all.
Kathy
deleted_user
deleted_user
Good Luck to you! When I was in pain, I used my tens unit all day. I think you will like it a lot. Don't forget you can get pads at a really good price from Wholesale Electrotherapy at Amazon. Be sure and have doctor show you how to place them. It makes all the difference in the world.