Has anyone used a TENS machine?

[kia kaha]

My hubby just bought one, thinking it would be of benefit for me.
But the instructions give no indications for placements for Pudendal (I guess thats expected)
has anyone used one?
If so where do you put the electrodes?

So this is a TENS machine

http://www.medic2000.co.nz/tens3.htm

It is a battery powered pulse generator that sends electrical impulses, via electrode pads, to the body directed to reaching the nerves and underlying muscle group. Because this machine is a combination TENS and EMS stimulator it can be used for both muscle stimulation and pain relief.

The machine has two controllable output channels, each independent of each other. An electrode pad pair can be connected to each output channel. The intensity level is controlled by dials and read on the digital display. TENS EMS therapy is an internationally accepted drug free method of pain relief & injury recovery.

I've used it a few times, got some back pain relief but only lasted for ten mins after it stopped.

I heard that the pudendal nerve is too deep for these sorts of machines?

[calluna]

I have had a degree of help from TENS. When things are bad, any help at all is worth having, IMO at least.

I was fitted with one at my local pain clinic - the electrodes were placed with a 2 - 3" gap between them, one each either side of the spine, over the top part of the sacrum - the idea is that it they are located at the approx level where the pudendal nerve joins the spine.

[Amanda]

I used a TENS for years, the correct placement is on the inner side of the feet wither side of the ankle bone...it is not easy to mange there unless you have long leads...I used to use mine on my buttocks and it helped me get through many difficult times...however it only lasts so long.
Have you tried ice? place it on the buttock regions or in between your legs to help calm down the tingling etc.

[kia kaha]

thank you for those annswers, I will give them both a go now, my leads should be long enough to do one lead to both sacral and one to both sides of (is it one ankle or both ankles)

[janetm2]

My pts gave the same directions as Calluna stated.
Good luck
Janet

[Amanda]

The ankle placement is dependant on whether your pain is bilateral or unilateral.
To this day even though I dont use a tens I feel such a strong sensation in both my ankle regions. It is definitely a trial and error in this case.

[MovinCA]

Hi Everyone,

Kia, did you have success with the TENS machine? I hope it's working out well!

First off I have to say, I am so grateful for my physical therapist. She is amazing. Just used a TENS machine for the first time today at my physical therapy appointment. I've been having a flare (my worst flare so far) for the last 4 weeks, and today was really bad. My sacrum hurt so much that I didn't mind the usual perineal discomfort or the pinpoints of pain found when my physical therapist works internally along the path of the pudendal nerve and my pelvic floor. My appointment was an hour and a half long today. The tens machine seemed to provide some relief, although the release she did on my glutes and sacral area prior to the use of the TENS machine seemed just as helpful, if not better.

We will see how this week goes, hopefully the TENS machine will be of help to all those who need relief!

[Daniela]

In the book by Isa Herrera, Ending female pain, the location of the TENS pads is shown, sacrum or buttocks or belly.... It's a wonderful book by the way....