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PetTeacher -> RE: Electro question (8/6/2006 2:53:00 PM)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: NickInSLC
Wow!!! That's damned cheap. Most decent 2 channel units cost at least that much. I have a cheapo 2 channel TENS, and it doesn't put out much juice. After several minutes, I can become almost completely desensitized to it. A professional quality TENS will never get boring.
If I were looking at that unit, my biggest concern would be if it doesn't put out enough power. It might also be difficult to get service if it breaks. If you can satisfy yourself that neither of those issues will be a problem, I say jump on it.
The original question was about a muscle ttimulator (EMS) which is different from a tens. TENS sends superficial current, the EMS goes deeper to the muscle. The following web site does a fairly good job explaining it.
http://www.vitalityweb.com/backstore/Muscle-Stimulator.htm
Electronic Muscle Stimulation, Neuromuscular Stimulation Therapy, EMS: This type of stimulation is characterized by a low volt stimulation targeted to stimulate motor nerves to cause a muscle contraction. Contraction/relaxation of muscles has been found to effectively treat a variety of musculoskeletal and vascular conditions. EMS differs from TENS in that it is designed to stimulate muscle motor nerves, while TENS is designed to stimulate sensory nerve endings to help decrease pain.
The EMS most common uses: Prevent or retard disuse atrophy, strengthening programs, reeducate muscles, postop orthopedic surgery, joint replacement, gait training, shoulder subluxation and reduction of muscle spasms.
Russian Muscle Stimulation: Russian Muscle stimulation is similar to EMS in that it is designed to Stimulate motor nerves. However, it is set at a frequency of 2500 Hz which allows for deeper muscle penetration and a more complete/stronger contraction of the muscle fibers. Most common uses: Muscle Building, Muscle Rehabilitation, Scoliosis Treatment
TENS, Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation: This type of stimulation is characterized by biphasic current and selectable parameters such as pulse rate and pulse width. TENS stimulates sensory nerves to block pain signals, stimulate endorphin production to help normalize sympathetic function. TENS is generally used to treat medical conditions and thereby requres a doctor's prescription to order. Common uses: Acute and chronic pain, back and cervical muscular and disc syndromes, RSD, arthritis, shoulder syndromes, neuropathies, and many other painful conditions.
Interferential Stimulation, IF: This type of stimulation is characterized by the crossing of two electrical medium, independent frequencies that work together to effectively stimulate large impulse fibers. These frequencies interfere with the transmission of pain messages at the spinal cord level. Because of the frequency, the Interferential wave meets low impedance when crossing the skin to enter the underlying tissue. This deep tissue penetration can be adjusted to stimulate parasympathetic nerve fibers for increased blood flow. Interferential Stimulation differs from TENS because it allows a deeper penetration of the tissue with more comfort (compliance) and increased circulation. Common uses: Pre and post-orthopedic surgery, joint injury syndrome, cumulative trauma disorders, increasing circulation and pain control of various origins.
Electro-Acupuncture This type of stimulation is characterized by applying stimulation to specific acupuncture or trigger points on the body in small electrical impulses (milliamp/microamp) through acupuncture needles or with electro-stim hand held cutaneous probes. The frequency of stimulation may vary from 1 to 1,000 Hz. Lower frequencies (1 to 20) are tonifying, whereas, the higher frequencies (i.e.. greater than 50) are more sedating in nature. Electro-Acupuncture stimulation differs from TENS because TENS uses a higher voltage cutaneous stimulation.
With any of the above, if your smart, you will never use on someones chest during play. It can result in death.
There is a good reason why these devices are not pass out like candy and many require a physican script. However, most people that sell then do not verify that you are qualified to purchase. They (people who sell the devices) also bypass laws by selling them under different names such as "for massage" or "for acupuncture". That way they are not technically a "medical device". But don't let that fool you, you can seriously hurt yourself or someone else useing these puppies.
Also don't use:
• If you have a heart pacemaker or a heart rhythm problem, or any heart history
• If you are pregnant
• If you have a urinary or vaginal infection, inflammation or discharge
• If you have been diagnosed or treated for cervical cancer
• If you have, or have had epilepsy
Other tid bits:
- Do not stimulate over the eyes or carotid sinus nerves.
- Do not apply undiagnosed pain syndromes until etiology is established,
- Do not apply electrode placement that causes current to flow transcerebrally (through the head).
- Electrode pads should NOT be placed at the front or side of the neck.
- Units should NOT be used when driving or operating machinery.
- Know that electrode burn under electrode pads can happen.
- Never put an electrode under compromised skin.
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