From the archive · Originally written April 12, 2012
TENS Unit Pulse Settings and Placement Guide
Okay, so this is totally off topic, but I thought I would share my find with everyone since it pretty much blew my mind. I've been using a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) unit for years and years for my back pain, but never really learned how to use it. I knew where to place the electrodes because I get ice and stim at the end of every appointment, but I never knew which pulse rate and pulse width settings I should use.
I just came across this killer PDF guide from ElectroMedical Solutions, that goes over every possible use for a TENS unit, including placement for different areas, and each area of pain lists a specific pulse rate/width. This thing is freaking awesome!
About a month ago, my back went "out" again, and this time they learned that my sacrum is twisted to the left, and is stuck up under my pelvic bone a bit. The pain from this aggravated my lower back muscles, which messed up my gait, which caused pretty bad pain in my left knee. So now I'm using my TENS unit on my knee for the first time and it's working! Thank you Interwebz!
http://www.energywellnessproducts.com/InformationFiles/EMS_TensPainReliefGuide.pdf
Want the whole story, organized and updated?
See Lynne's books