What setting is good for a TENS unit lower back?
Set the pulse rate to between 80Hz – 120Hz and a pulse width between 175uS – 200uS. For pain you have had for more than a few weeks (chronic or persistent pain) – use the ‘modulation’ setting to prevent your body getting used to the stimulation, which would make the unit less effective.
What TENS unit settings work best?
Setting the Pulse Rate (Frequency) Acute pain is usually most effective between 80 and 120 Hz. Chronic pain can also benefit from lower settings 2 to 10Hz that stimulates an endorphin release. A setting between 35 and 50Hz is commonly used to stimulate muscles for strengthening or even relaxation.
Are TENS machines good for lower back pain?
The electrical impulses can reduce the pain signals going to the spinal cord and brain, which may help relieve pain and relax muscles. They may also stimulate the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers.
How long should you leave a TENS unit on your back?
Watch the time. For the most potential benefit, limit TENS unit use to 10 to 15 minutes sessions in muscle stimulation mode. In pure TENS mode, a TENS unit can be used for up to two hours per treatment, up to two to three times daily, in the same body area.
What is width and rate on TENS unit?
The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) describes conventional TENS as “High-frequency (50–100 Hz), low-intensity (paraesthesia, not painful), small pulse width (50–200μs)” (4).
Can you overuse a TENS unit?
TENS is safe, so you can use it as much as you like, although it’s good practice to take regular 10-minute breaks every hour or so. Some people use TENS for more than five hours a day. It may be worth buying a TENS machine for home use.
How often can you use a TENS unit on your back?
Use up to three times per day at a maximum. During each therapy, rate your pain before and after the session, 1 (low) to 10 (high) in order to gauge the true reduction of pain.
How high should you turn up a TENS unit?
How high should you set a TENS unit? Different intensities work for different types of pain. For acute pain, the TENS unit should be set between 80 Hz and 120 Hz. For chronic pain, the settings can be lower — around 2 Hz to 10 Hz.