What is TENS?
TENS is short for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. The
TENS generates electrical impulses that are sent through electrodes placed over
nerve centers. The various pulses employed by TENS can block pain signals
normally sent to the brain through nerve fibers, thereby interrupting the
brain's awareness of pain. The TENS may activate the release of endorphins. These are chemicals in the control system used by the body to
suppress pain naturally. It is no longer necessary for many people to
endure chronic or constant pain. The use of TENS usually improves pain
management significantly. TENS is safe, non-invasive, drug free,
non-addictive and has no side effects. The TENS can reduce the need for
pain narcotics and drugs. Federal law restricts these devices to
sale by or on the order of a physician. TENS is a FDA regulated
non-narcotic pain relief device.
How does TENS work?
TENS works by two different methods. High frequency TENS, is based on
the theory that continuous mild electrical activity blocks the pain signal
traveling to the brain. If the pain signal does not get through to the
brain, the pain is not "felt". The second way TENS works is by
stimulating the body's own natural pain-control mechanism. Low frequency
or short bursts of electrical activity causes the body to release its own pain
relieving substances, called endorphins.
How easy is to use TENS?
Using a TENS is very easy. It is portable and may be clipped to a
belt, shirt pocket, bra or other clothing.
What is the difference between the CENTURY 2400, ARISTA 2000,
ARISTA SD+ and
CENTURY 2100?
The CENTURY 2400 is a preset unit used for acute pain. It is usually
used for a short period of time. Ex. broken ankle
The ARISTA 2000 is a multi-modulated unit. It is used for a
chronic pain patient who wears the unit for a substantial amount of time per
day. The ARISTA 2000 is for someone who needs a modulated frequency so the
body can't accommodate. The body can't figure out the frequency and
override it because the frequency is constantly
changing.
The CENTURY 2100 is used when a Doctor prescribes a specified timed
treatment. It is used with a patient who wears the unit during all working
hours. This is the only TENS that comes with a timer option.
The Arista SD+ is the only TENS that gives you the option of
using an AC Adaptor or 9 Volt Battery. This is the only TENS where the
channels can be controlled independently.
How does Interferential therapy differ from TENS?
Interferential differs from conventional Neuromuscular stimulation and TENS in
that it delivers concentrated stimulation deep into the affected tissue. Interferential exploits the interference of two separately generated sinusoidal
currents applied to the body simultaneously. It is a low frequency current
treatment that uses two medium frequency currents which
"interfere" with each other to produce a beat frequency that the
body recognizes as a low frequency energy source. The range of this
frequency is usually 1-250 Hz. The body itself produces low frequency
currents between 1 and 256 Hz. These currents are produced across the cell
membranes by ionic exchange, and they will vary depending upon the tissue
involved. By using frequencies in this range, different systems within the
body can be stimulated.
How does a TENS differ from a Muscle Stimulator?
TENS is designed to help relieve certain types of chronic and acute pain.
A Muscle Stimulator is used for muscle tension, stiffness in joints or back
areas, increasing motion restricted from disuse or atrophy and for increasing
local blood circulation.
PainControlProducts
Electrodes Wires:
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Must pass a 3 pound
pull-test, but typically pass up to 5 pounds.
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Are made with zinc
coated copper wires, to aid in dispersion and keep impedance low.
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Have a preformed
.080" pin connector, which holds a TENS pin in place firmly.
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Contain a small but
firm lug for better electrode adhesion, so the wires cannot pull out.
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Have recently been
improved to be even more flexible.
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A minimum of 5% of
our wires are hand tested for effectiveness and quality.