Stimtec Plus TENS EMS unit: what to know

TENS sends electrical pulses through skin electrodes to influence pain signals and may make discomfort easier to manage. EMS is intended to produce a muscle contraction and may be used in selected rehabilitation plans. The sensations and electrode positions can differ between programmes. Neither function explains the cause of pain or replaces assessment of an injury, nerve problem, or swollen joint.

Follow the manual or a clinician’s electrode map, use intact dry skin, and start at a comfortable intensity. Turn the unit off before repositioning pads, inspect the skin afterwards, and keep the device dry. Do not place electrodes across the chest, on the front of the neck, over broken skin, or across an area with reduced sensation. Ask a clinician before use with a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device, pregnancy-related concerns, epilepsy, or uncertain diagnosis.

Stop if stimulation causes burning, skin irritation, dizziness, worsening pain, or an unexpected strong contraction. Seek medical assessment for new weakness, spreading numbness, severe pain after injury, fever with a swollen area, or rapidly changing symptoms. Do not use electrical stimulation to postpone evaluation of unexplained pain.

Should I use TENS, EMS, or neither for my problem? Where should the pads go for this programme? What intensity and session length are appropriate? How will I know whether the treatment is helping, and when should I stop?