TENS Test

Can anyone tell me if a TENS Test will interfere with my PM.
My chiropractor suggested I have this test but I wanted to learn more about it and if it adversely effects my PM

Thanks

5 Comments

T.E.N.S. UNIT WAS MY 1ST QUESTION

by MORTSMOM - 2011-12-20 02:12:20

I asked my Cardio man about using my T.E.N.S. Unit, the answer was a resounding NO WAY.

I was very dependent on the Unit for pain relief, I used the device frequently for assorted pain management, like my knees, shoulders, back and wrist pain. I worked great, I did not need pain meds. using the T.E.N.S. Unit.

Now, I use ice and massage, more expensive, and less effective, but it works okay.

I would guess the Chiropractor has zero idea of how your device works. Maybe you should look for a Chiropractor who works with message, pressure points and that sort of therapy. My Chiropractor never uses electricity on me, nor does she do manual adjustments. She has done wonders for me, I am amazed at the help she has given me.
Morts Mom

Tens

by graham1 - 2011-12-20 06:12:24

I understand that Tens machines are not recommended for people with PMs.
Graham

TENS Test ??

by IAN MC - 2011-12-20 06:12:32

Hi topgun . I've never heard of a " TENS test" as such.
(I Googled it out of curiosity and there is a hearing test known as a Tens test ) but as you are seeing a chiropracter I assume that you are referring to the use of TENS ( Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation )to relieve pain. These devices, as you know, apply short high voltage pulses of electricity to the affected area and may, or may not, relieve the pain.

I once tried it for back-pain and it had no beneficial effect whatsoever for me ,and there appears to be very little reliable data to confirm its efficacy...but some people swear by it.

It definitely does have the potential to interfere with a PM and could inhibit the pacing but I guess it depends on how far from the PM site you apply the TENS so it would probably be OK for eg lower back pain.

As I don't believe in TENS anyway I wouldn't try it with a PM but if you are keen to try it I'd ask your PM clinic because the type of PM which you have is also a factor.

best wishes
Ian

TENS

by donr - 2011-12-20 06:12:40

Not recommended. BTDT! Unknowingly, I once had a TENS test - even used one for a while for low back pain w/ no ill effect.

BUT: It's electrical & you cannot predict what it will accidentally do to your PM.

The closer to your PM you use it, the greater the chance it will interfere.

It really shouldn't, because of the way it works, but you just don't know.

Don

NO

by pacergirl - 2011-12-20 08:12:34

I was at one time the therapy tech for a chiropractor. It was NOT OK to do "TENS" on a Pacemaker patients. NEVER. It can interfere with the wires and quite possibly the pacemaker.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation Transcutaneous_electrical_nerve_stimulationIn palliative care and pain medicine, TENS units are used in an attempt to temporarily alleviate neuropathic pain (pain due to nerve damage).

The word "temporarily" is most important... the pain will return until the problem is healed.

Pass on this therapy, it isn't worth the risk. Also stay away form their diathermy machine!

PG

You know you're wired when...

You always have something close to your heart.

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