A TENS device produces a controlled electrical stimulation to control or lessen chronic pain in a body part, such as sprain, a muscle cramp or arthritis pain in a joint. Theories on how it works to reduce pain include the electrical circuit interfering with or blocking the pain signal as it attempts to travel through the nervous system to register in the brain and/or the electrical stimulation encourages the flow of naturally produced endorphins to the pain site and chemically lessens the pain by blocking the pain signals going to the brain.
The device consists of a battery-operated electrical stimulation device equipped with controls to modify and
regulate an electrical charge traveling through a set of positive/negative wires connected to the device and
ending in stick-on electrodes that you physically attach around the body area where the pain originates. It is
generally recommended that it not be used on the head, neck or heart areas of the body, for obvious reasons. Don’t
use if you are pregnant or if you have a heart pacemaker. This introduction will provide information about the
Ultima 5 TENS device, which can be purchased online from several vendors. It comes with two sets of electrode
wires and a set of 4 stick-on electrodes, batteries, a carrying case and a user manual that you should read before
you use the device . The provided stick-on electrodes are
small, and it is recommended that you purchase larger
stick-on electrodes that are easier to apply and control. In addition, they can be reused and will last much
longer. The “Soft-touch” brand is available in 2-inch square and 2-inch Round versions. The square electrodes have
21.5% more surface area than the round ones. The round ones seem to stick better when applied to curved surfaces
like shoulders.
In general, following the instructions and precautions in the manual, you could place two electrodes or four electrodes around your knee in an “X” pattern. Positive-negative from Channel 1 or Channel 2, or both at the same time (I recommend putting them on one at a time). For knee pain, I like Module 1 or Module 2. Experiment with the settings to see which you prefer; slowly ramp up the intensity with the channel knobs on the top of the unit until you start to feel discomfort, then back it off one notch on the display screen. Do the same with the other channel if you are using both channels at the same time, leave it on for about an hour. If you clip the unit to your waste-band, face the screen toward your body, it will pop off if you clip with the screen facing away from you. You can move around while you get your treatment. Do not peel any of the electrodes off your body while the power is on, you may get a jolt of electricity. Turn the unit off by depressing the on-off button, holding it down for a few seconds until the screen goes black. Then you can take the electrodes off and stick them back on the plastic keepers they came with and disconnect the wire(s) at the top of the TENS unit. Wrap up wire and electrode around your hand and put it in the plastic bag that the electrodes came in. Seal the bag tightly so you can re-use the same electrodes next time. Soft-Touch electrodes can be re-used 10 to 12 times in my experience. If they get too dry, moisten the surface that contacts the skin with a little water and put it back on the plastic pad it came with. To prolong its useful life more, use an alcohol wipe on your skin before placing the electrodes.