From what I have read is that TENS units block the pain signals for a time.

what I have is a EMS {electronic muscle stimulation} and my chiro uses a IF stim {inferential stim} - these are more muscle focused.

My daughter had PT and they used a electronic stim machine that could be set up for a variety of protocols - neuro, muscle, etc

For the pads - yes they can be resued for quite awhile as long as you use then on clean skin. I've used the same ones for 2 yrs- but a double set came with my machine so I have 8 pads.

more info- "electronic stimulation for pain" -
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&n...in&btnG=Search

i used one a long time ago and i'm not familiar with current machines and equipment.

i was in nursing at the time working 12 hr days. i had terrible muscle pain.
i'd put the setting on low and leave it on almost the whole day. i remember it helped a lot.

anything that helps with pain is good in my book.

My dh and I each have one (obtained at different times) and really appreciate them.
Both of ours are ones that were suggested by physical therapists, then prescribed by a Dr., and covered by our insurance, as was a period of repair insurance for them.

Once they arrived, we were taught how to use them, including placement of electrodes and setting adjustments, by the PT.

These are not the same as the ones used for muscle stimulation, and they are much more effective than the ones you can order, online for instance, without a prescription.

We have different brands, wish I could remember my dh's as I prefer it to mine (EMPI), although mine is still a good thing, .

I met a woman at a Dr.'s office last wk. who pulled her shirt up to show me her "miracle" at her waist. It was the little control box for her TENS.
It turns out she wears hers most of the time, and she and her husband said it turned her life around.

I don't feel that strongly about them, but they really do help both Jim and me.