TENS Unit

TENS Unit

One of my saving graces is my TENS unit. If you have stiff muscles, knots or cramped muscles this is a great alternative or addition to medication. Here is more information from Wikipedia on what a TENS unit (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)

(TENS or TeNS) is the popularized name for electrical stimulation produced by a portable stimulator and used to treat pain. However, TENS stands for Trancutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and so, by definition, covers the complete range of transcutaneously applied currents used for nerve excitation. Nonetheless, the term TENS is often used with a more restrictive intent, namely to describe the kind of pulses produced by portable stimulators used to treat pain. TENS is the application of electrical current through the skin for pain control. The unit is usually connected to the skin using two or more electrodes. A typical battery-operated TENS unit is able to modulate pulse width, frequency and intensity. Generally TENS is applied at high frequency (>50 Hz) with an intensity below motor contraction (sensory intensity) or low frequency (<10 Hz) with an intensity that produces motor contraction.

For further info here is the rest of the article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TENS_Unit

Also, I have a really fancy one that has very complicated settings that are set by my physical therapist. Some just have like 10 options of settings. Either way, they are all helpful. There are also ones that are made for physical therapists that are way bigger. They do about the same but give you a chance to try it before you buy it. Most insuarnace compaines do cover these. Good Luck!