What should you know about Flex It TENS unit?

TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. The device sends controlled pulses through adhesive pads placed near, rather than directly over, a painful area. You may feel tingling or tapping without the setting becoming uncomfortable. TENS can change how pain signals are processed and may make movement or rehabilitation easier, but it does not repair a fracture, infection or damaged tissue.

Follow the device instructions and any plan from your clinician. Apply pads to clean, intact skin and check that wires and pads are secure before starting at a low intensity. Do not place electrodes across the front of the neck, over the head, across the chest, on broken skin, or where sensation is reduced. Avoid using the unit while driving, bathing or sleeping. Ask a clinician before use if you have a pacemaker, implanted electrical device, seizure disorder, are pregnant, or cannot reliably feel the skin.

Stop if the stimulation causes burning, a rash, worsening pain, dizziness, unusual weakness or a new change in sensation. Seek urgent help for chest pain, fainting, severe shortness of breath, sudden weakness, or a new loss of bladder or bowel control. Persistent pain deserves assessment because masking symptoms with TENS can delay diagnosis.

Ask where the pads should sit for your pain, which settings fit your condition, how long each session should last, and whether TENS is suitable alongside your medicines or implanted devices.