ENS device
Electronic Nerve Stimulator
I understand that these devices use "Low Frequency Electrotherapy" What is this and how does it work?
What is frequency?
What is High Frequency Electrotherapy and how does it work?
What does TENS mean?
The Electrode Pads for my device accidently came into contact with tissue paper. This appears impossible to remove, do I need new ones?
The Electrode Pads for my device are no longer "sticky". Do I need new ones?
I've broken the cables/jack for the Electrode Pads, can these be replaced?
I understand that these devices use ‘Low Frequency Electrotherapy’. What is this and how does it work?
Electrical signals are sent via ‘electrode pads’ to specific points on the body. This causes the muscles to react. As a result, two things happen:
1. Muscle pumping action:
By applying low-frequency electrical waves to a body area with stiffness/tiredness, muscles contract and extend (relax)
Muscle contracts: blood containing ‘waste’ is flushed out
Muscle relaxes: fresh blood rushes in
By this repeated ‘muscle pumping’ process, blood flow is improved
> Shoulder stiffness, tired legs and cramps are relieved.
2. Shutting out pain signals:
By applying low-frequency signals to the painful area, the nerves near this area are stimulated, which affects the pain-transmission mechanism (‘inhibits’ pain messages) towards spinal cord. These have relatively short effect. Frequencies: 2 ~ 100Hz.
Electrical waves also stimulate the human body to produce natural Morphine-like substances (endorphins). These have a much longer effect (5 ~ 12 hrs). Frequencies: 100 ~ 1200 Hz.
As a result, the sense of pain is relieved.
What is frequency?
Frequency (also known as cycles), is the number of times per second electric stimulation is applied to the body and is represented by a unit called Hertz (Hz).
What is High Frequency Electrotherapy and how does it work?
High frequency stimulation is effective for acute (nerve) pain and is said to be especially useful in the immediate blockage of pain transmission compared to low-frequency stimulation. A ‘High Frequency’ button is standard on the more feature rich models of the Transcutaneous Electronic Nerve Stimulator (TENS), devices.
What does TENS mean?
This is a acronym for Transcutaneous Electronic Nerve Stimulator. To simplify the name it has been shortened to TENS.
The Electrode Pads for my device are no longer ‘sticky’. Do I need new ones?
The Electrode Pads, including the ‘ePlus LongLife Pads’ do require periodic replacement. However, it is often possible to extend the life of the pads by simply rinsing them under a cold water faucet (no soap is required), shaking off the excess moisture, return the pads to the clear plastic cover sheet or the plastic holder (ePlus LongLife Pads only), and then place the pads in the refrigerator overnight (not the freezer). This should restore the adhesion of the pads. If it does not, the pads are worn and should be replaced. Contact your nearest OMRON retailer to obtain these.
The Electrode Pads for my device accidently came into contact with tissue paper. This appears impossible to remove, do I need new ones?
The Electrode Pads are very sticky and this is a common ‘accident’. This problem is easily rectified, simply hold them under a cold water faucet (no soap is required), to moisten the tissue; now gently start rubbing the tissue off the pad. After the tissue has been removed, hold them under a cold water faucet again, shake off the excess moisture, return the pads to the clear plastic cover sheet or the plastic hold (ePlus LongLife Pads only), and then place the pads in the refrigerator overnight (not the freezer). This should restore the adhesion of the pads.
I’ve broken the cables / jack for the Electrode Pads, can these be replaced?
Yes, simply contact your nearest OMRON retailer to obtain replacements.
