TENS Unit
What Are TENS Units and Do They Work?
Thera cane:
I LOVE my Thera cane, get's the knot's out and you can use your own pressure, not like someone else massaging you. Here's a link to buy them.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=theracane&x=0&y=0
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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!
What Are TENS Units and Do They Work?
 If you are someone who suffers from chronic pain - whether it is back pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, sciatica, headaches, shoulder, elbow, or knee pain - you are probably not only tired of the pain, but also tired of being dependent on painkilling drugs just to feel like you can make it through the day. If you are looking for alternatives for pain relief, you might consider incorporating a TENS unit into your pain relief program.TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. A TENS unit is a small device designed for the application of electrical current through the skin for pain relief. Electrodes are placed on the skin, either directly over the painful area or more commonly, at key points along the nerve pathway. The device is adjustable to how fast, how frequent, and how many electric impulses are transmitted, and the pain relief can last from hours to days. How TENS relieves pain is debated. The sensation produced by the electrical stimulation appears to "override" the pain messages and may stimulate the body to produce endorphins, its own natural morphine-like substance, which minimizes pain. Whether the electric current aborts pain messages, causes the body to produce pain-relieving chemicals of its own, or if TENS merely has a placebo effect, it relieves pain for a number of people who try it. While TENS works for many people, it's important to point out that the treatment doesn't work for everyone. For some pain sufferers, TENS doesn't completely relieve their pain, but it reduces their pain level and the amount of pain medication they need. Is TENS Right for You? The first step to take is to talk to your doctor about using TENS for your pain relief. Ask about how it can best be integrated into your pain relief program. Next, ask your doctor for a recommendation on what kind of TENS you should purchase. The cost of a TENS unit ranges from under 100 dollars to several hundred dollars. The most expensive ones offer a large number of different modes, and the most basic units only have one mode. Get your doctor's opinion on which is best suited to your condition. Then, get instruction from your doctor about the proper placement of electrodes, the control settings, and the length of time you should use TENS for your particular situation. Finally, try it! TENS is non-addictive, causes no drowsiness, and can be used indefinitely without the problems associated with prolonged drug use. It may be just the thing that gives you the relief that you seek. TENS units should only be used under the direction of a doctor, physical therapist, or occupational therapist. Electrodes are attached to the surface of the skin over or near the area where you are experiencing pain. It is important that you learn how to:
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Thera cane:
I LOVE my Thera cane, get's the knot's out and you can use your own pressure, not like someone else massaging you. Here's a link to buy them.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=theracane&x=0&y=0
This is a list posted by someone on a Facebook Page I'm an admin on. I am reposting this with his permission. He lives in the UK, so remember that in some of the legalities of these items. Remember to always follow doctor's orders as well.
(1) Magnets applied locally (South Pole against skin)Btw, you do not have to buy specially made magnetic medical products. You can buy just has good quality, and, even better, magnets from online shops that sell just magnets. And then stick them to your body using medical tape, or attach to clothes using some coins (some 2p coins in the UK work to hold magnets).I buy mine from emagnets.co.uk go to: types of magnets > magnet therapy section.
(2) Self reflexology on feet and hands....
(3) Relaxing essential oils inhaled from drops on a clean hankerchief.
(4) Tiger balm applied locally. Also, I am told Chomtong and Golden Cup, Thai herbal balms are even better!Available on ebay.
(5) Magnesium Chloride applied locally (make your own by buying Magnesium Chloride flakes and adding to water in spray bottle.http://www.ehow.com/how_5918363_make-mag
(6) Mega doses of Vit C orally, between 1 and 50g or more per day. To take such high doses, you need to buy Ascorbic Acid powder/crystals. Increase dose until you get diahhrea, then reduce slightly. The more ill you are, the more you need. This was used to wean Cancer patients off Morphine, and they found it not only eased pain, but also much reduced withdrawal (cold turkey) symptoms.
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N.B Pauling and Cameron-the scientists mentioned in this paper, used I.V plus oral Vit C. Obviously, most of us will only be able to use oral methods. However, read on to see how oral vit C alone can still be surprisingly effective. Have tried it myself, message me for details.
Medical paper here: And another about rats, here:http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/p
(7) Powdered mineral supplement, mixed into body cream (aqueous is best), rubbed onto painful sites.
(8) Vitamin D- oral. Tests into powdered supplement applied by cream are ongoing....
(9) B Complex for relaxation. Oral. Sublingual B12? Topical being tested.
(10) Valerian, Chamomile tea or tincture, orally, for relaxation.
(11) Kratom for pain relief. Oral herbal remedy. Legal in UK and U.S. Illegal in Aus I think. Somewhat addictive if taken regularly. V.bad taste though the tincture form is not so bad :D Used as a substitute for Opium in other countries. Not actually an opiate, but works on opiate receptors? About the same strength as DF118s? Some say it is also energizing.I got mine from Divine Shaman, UK).
(12) Castor Oil packs applied locally. Green Clay packs applied locally. Both are good but very messy.
(13) Hemp Seed oil applied locally. Not illegal in UK or U.S or most of world :) (note the difference between hemp, and hemp seed. Seeds are legal in most countries).
(14) Oral cannabis (works more on your body than smoking it, so better for body pain). Sadly, illegal in many places. Tho' I have heard that police in most western countries will turn a blind eye if you are discreet and have proof of painful medical conditions.
(15) Eat less processed food. More fresh fruit and esp. fresh veg. Use a juice machine to make fresh fruit and veg juice. The juice of green veg is far better for you than others. The darker the green veg, the better. Disguise the taste by adding 1/3rd apples or pears. Or by adding the juice of half to one lemon.
Eat or juice sprouted seeds (-not- brussel sprouts! Different, lol!). Very high vit content. E.g sprouted alfalfa, mung beans, chick peas, lentils. Can buy ready sprouted in some health stores. Quite cheap. £1 a box, last you several days at least.
(16) Essential fatty acids (EFA's) aka ''good fats/unsaturated fats'' orally. Found in fish, hemp oil, pumpkin seed oil, flaxseed oil amongst others.Also aids mood, brain function. Helps offset some of that foggy head from pain meds.
(17) Last but not least, hot water bottles, soothing music, meditation, guided relaxation CD's, hot baths, massage, and lot's of COMEDY :D
P.S Ibogaine (herbal medicine) can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms when reducing opiate based pain meds (and also I think benzos, tho this is not my area of expertise).Also helps your spirit greatly. Expensive though. Can buy a weak version of it- Ibogaine root (instead of the usual, full strength, Ibogaine root bark).I bought from Maya Ethnobotanicals:http://www.maya-ethnobotanicals.com/prod
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