

Some patients may be allergic to the adhesive used to affix the pad to the skin or the materials in the pad itself (the skin may appear red, irritated, or a rash may break out). In rare cases, patients have reported burns at the sites where the electrodes are placed. TENS therapy has few reported side effects.

What are the risks and side effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy?
#ELECTRO STIMULATOR PORTABLE#
Do not stop taking or make any adjustments in your dose of medications without discussing it with your doctor first.Īnother benefit of the TENS unit is that it is small and portable and therefore can be used at home or away, anytime pain relief is needed. The amount of medication may be able to be reduced in some patients who use TENS therapy. It can be used alone or in addition to prescriptions or over-the-counter pain-relieving medications. TENS is a non-invasive method of pain relief. What are the advantages or benefits of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy? If you have any current or past health issues, or any concerns or questions, always check with your healthcare provider before using TENS. In persons who have trouble communicating or who have mental impairment and cannot provide feedback to ensure the safe use of TENS.To areas of the body that lack or have reduced sensation.Near or over eyes or mouth, front or side of neck, or on the head.In these cases, therapy should be guided by a skilled therapist.) To damaged skin (Except for open wounds where the intent is to use electrical stimulation to heal tissue.To areas of tissue that have been recently treated with radiation.TENS therapy may result in the spread of infections. To infected tissues, wounds due to osteomyelitis or if you have tuberculosis.Do not apply TENS therapy to the chest if you have heart disease, heart failure or arrhythmias. TENS therapy could increase bleeding at the tissue site or increase the risk of bleeding in persons with bleeding disorders. A bleeding (hemorrhagic) disorder or recent or actively bleeding tissue.Do not use TENS therapy as it may increase blood circulation, which may increase the risk of dislodging a blood clot. Deep vein thrombosis or thrombophlebitis.Do not apply electrodes to your head, neck or shoulders. Do not use TENS if you have undiagnosed pain and a history of cancer in the last 5 years. Do not apply electrodes to areas of the body where there is known or suspected cancer. (However, TENS can be used for labor pain.) Do not apply TENS therapy to the abdomen pelvic area lower back or to acupuncture points at the knee, hand or ankle. TENS could cause these devices to malfunction. Do not use TENS therapy over or close to the areas where an electronic device is implanted. An implantable device (cardioverter/defibrillator, neurostimulators, bone growth stimulator, indwelling blood pressure monitors).Peripheral artery disease (“hardening of the arteries” that circulate blood to the body).įor what types of conditions and areas of the body should transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy not be used?ĭo not use TENS therapy at these specific body locations if you have any of the following conditions:.Diabetes-related neuropathy (damage to the nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body).Bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints).Tendinitis (an inflammation or irritation of a tendon).Fibromyalgia (aching and pain in muscles, tendons, and joints all over the body, especially along the spine.

