With the advancement of technology, most people spend their day sitting on a couch with a phone and laptop in hand. Either for a job or for entertainment, this adopted lifestyle has significantly reduced the amount of exercise a person gets resulting in muscle stiffness and aching. Problems like back pain, knee pain, and headaches are common. As a non-invasive treatment option, the use of a TENS unit is recommended. However, how to use the TENS 7000 unit is a question often asked by many.
In this article, the focus has been given to address the question of how to use the TENS 7000. In addition, some of the best TENS unit brands have been detailed and linked.
What is TENS 7000?
TENS is an abbreviation of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. It is a non-invasive device which is employed for relieving body aches. The TENS unit works by generating a low-frequency electrical signal which is then transmitted to the body muscles in a targeted location with the help of electrodes attached to the skin.
This electric current affects the nerves near the painful muscles and changes the perception of pain. As a result, the patient feels relief from the ache. Another way these TENS units work is by releasing endorphins in the body which are the natural pain-killing substances.
Components of a TENS 7000 Unit
If you want to learn how to use the TENS 7000 unit, it is essential to go through its components which include the following:
- Lead connector
- Intensity control (On/Off switch)
- Liquid crystal display (LCD)
- Set control
- Mode control
- Increment control
- Decrement control
- Panel cover with reference guide
- Belt clip
- Protective cover
- Battery case
How to Use the TENS 7000 Unit?
Before using the device, it is essential to find out how to use the TENS 7000 unit. For this purpose, take the following section as a guide:
Prepare the Patient
The first step in learning how to use the TENS 7000 unit is to prepare the patient for the session. The area affected by pain should be exposed followed by proper cleaning with soap and water. The area should be dried completely.
Make sure that the area is not sensitive to the TENS unit as the device should not be used on the eyes or in front of the neck region, etc. In addition, the electrodes must also not be placed on bony areas.
Prepare the Device
The next step is to insert the 9 V battery into the TENS pain-relieving unit. While learning how to use the TENS 7000 unit, it should be kept in mind that this battery will act as a power source throughout the process. You will also need to adjust the intensity, frequency, as well as duration of the electrical therapy as per the patient’s needs. The TENS 7000 unit can have three frequency settings:
- 2 to 10 Hz for chronic pain
- 35 to 50 Hz for muscle stimulation
- 80 to 120 Hz for acute pain
In addition, while learning how to use the TENS 7000 unit, its modes must also be set. The TENS unit can be set in three modes:
- Normal or conventional mode
- Burst mode (A combination of conventional and low-frequency individual pulses ideal for the relief of chronic pain)
- Modulation mode (A continuous cycling technique for acute and chronic pain)
Place the Electrodes on the Skin
While learning how to use the TENS 7000 unit, placement of the self-adhesive electrodes is the crucial part. In this regard, the electrodes should be placed on the affected area firmly. Make sure that the electrodes do not touch each other.
Moreover, the presence of any metallic object near the electrodes can also interfere with the process. The following are some of the tips for placing the electrodes correctly on different body areas:
- While treating lower back pain, the electrodes should be placed on either side of the back according to the level of pain.
- For knee pain, one electrode must be placed above the knee while the second one will go below it.
- When the device is to be employed on the shoulders while learning how to use the TENS 7000 unit, one electrode should be placed on the painful area while the other one must be above or below the affected region.
- While dealing with neck pain, electrodes must be placed high on the neck region just below the skull.
Turn the TENS Unit On
Now, once the electrodes are in place, turn the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS unit on. Immediately, the patient feels the pins and needle sensation on the skin. Let the electrodes stay in place for the specified duration of therapy.
What Should be the Time Duration for a TENS Therapy Session for Chronic Pain?
Once you have learned how to use the TENS 7000 unit, the next question is about its usage duration. The TENS unit can be used up to 4 times a day. Each session should be 20 to 30 minutes long. The duration can be modified depending on the type of pain i.e.:
- For acute pain, the time period must be set between 20 to 60 minutes. The ideal number of sessions would be 4 per day.
- For chronic pain, five sessions per day are recommended. Each one should be between the duration of 20 to 30 minutes.
While learning how to use the TENS 7000 unit, it is important to remember that the TENS units can help manage body aches for up to 4 hours.
How to Remove the TENS Unit After Usage?
While learning how to use the TENS 7000 unit, it is also essential to keep in mind the removal process of the electrodes. In this regard, the following steps must be kept in mind:
- Once the therapy is over, turn the unit off.
- To peel the electrodes, lift the edge of each electrode gently. Never pull the adhesive surface forcefully. It is also not recommended to pull the lead wires as this can damage the electrodes.
- Once the electrodes have been separated from the skin surface, place them on the liners.
- Remove the lead wire by pulling it.
- Pack the TENS unit in a resealable bag and store it in a cool and dry place.
Caution
While learning how to use the TENS 7000 unit, it should be kept in mind that the TENS therapy session should be discontinued if the patient feels irritation or itching on the skin.
TENS Units at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
Back pain affects multiple individuals who are in a desk job environment. Muscle stiffness and pain impact not only their work life but also negatively impact their day-to-day activities. The use of TENS 7000 is an easy and affordable option for the relief of back pain.
Once you learn how to use the TENS 7000 and how effective it is, the next step is to purchase a product for yourself or for your loved ones. Many companies manufacture TENS products and market them in the US. Some of these TENS therapy brands are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below along with their features and purchase links:
DT7202 Roscoe TENS 7000 Intensity7 5 Modes Silver Coating
US$42.88
Product Details
DT7202 Roscoe TENS 7000 intensity7 5 modes silver coating is a TENS unit system that is often prescribed for the treatment of body pain. The device can be operated in five modes which include normal, burst, modulation, modulation duration 1 (SD1), as well as modulation duration 2 (SD2).
As for the intensity levels, this DT7202 Roscoe TENS 7000 intensity7 5 modes silver coating system can be used on 12 different intensity settings. The timer of the device can be set up to 60 minutes and the product also has a silver coating for enhanced durability.
The product also comes with four reusable electrodes, two lead wires, a 9-volt battery, a quick start guide as well as a hard carrying case to hold these items. While learning how to use the TENS 7000 unit, it is important to keep in mind that the product is suitable for use in arthritis, muscle spasms, back pain, etc.
RMDT6070 TENS 7000 To Go w/ Back Pain Relief System
US$58.88
Product Details
RMDT6070 TENS 7000 to go with the back pain relief system is a portable system designed for use in home settings. The device comes with pre-set settings which are designed for the relief of back pain. However, options are available for adjusting the parameters according to the user’s needs.
The rechargeable battery is long-lasting which eliminates the need for frequent charging. These RMDT6070 TENS 7000 units have multiple intensity level options which can be adjusted for the relief of chronic or acute pain. The product is ideal for the relief of back pain.
EMS TENS Massage Unit +16 Pads Electrical Pulse Full Body Relax Muscle Therapy
US$79.99
Product Details
EMS TENS Massage Unit +16 pads electrical pulse full body relax muscle therapy device is a device which is often recommended by healthcare providers for the relief of back pain. The product is known for being lightweight as it only weighs up to 400 grams. As for its size, the dimensions are 28.1 x 6 x 6 cm. Its smaller size and compact design render the device portable and easy to carry while traveling.
The EMS TENS Massage Unit +16 pads electrical pulse full body relax muscle therapy device comes in white color which is aesthetically pleasing to the users. The accessories provided with the system include muscle stimulator pads, TENS massager, and 16 electrode replacement pads which are of small, medium, and large size. In addition, an electrical stimulator, a USB charging cable, as well as an instruction manual are also provided along with a carrying case.
While learning how to use the TENS 7000 as well as other TENS systems, it is important to look into their applications. Like other devices, this EMS TENS Massage Unit +16 pads electrical pulse full body relax muscle therapy device is ideal for the relief of back pain. In addition, it can also be employed for burning belly fat.
Drive Medical RTLAGF-1000 PainAway Pro Muscle Stimulator and TENS Unit with Heat Therapy
US$95.89
Product Details
Drive Medical RTLAGF-1000 PainAway pro muscle stimulator and TENS unit with heat therapy comes with a remote control which is used to operate and control the wireless device. The product is smaller in size and compact and has the dimensions 7” x 3.75”. Like other devices discussed above while learning how to use the TENS 7000, this device also operates on three modes i.e. TENS plus heat, TENS massager only, as well as heat only.
More than 20 intensity levels can be set on the system while a total of 8 modes are available. These Drive Medical RTLAGF-1000 PainAway pro muscle stimulator and TENS therapy units are rechargeable and can be used for the treatment of waist, arms, legs, back, shoulder, as well as neck pain. The product has a warranty of up to 2 years.
*Note: The prices mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
The TENS 7000 therapy units mentioned in this article, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of pain relief products.
Conclusion
Back pain as well as muscle stiffness are common issues that affect both young and old. The treatment often includes the use of pain-relieving medications. However, most people prefer a non-invasive and non-medicated therapy for their pain.
In this regard, the TENS machine has been introduced. The product is easy to use, portable, and highly effective in managing back pain. When it comes to learning how to use the TENS 7000 unit, a step-by-step guide has been provided above to facilitate first-time users.
Owing to the role they play in the management of back pain, it is essential to keep a TENS 7000 unit at home. For purchasing different TENS therapy unit brands, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.