Tens unit
 

has anyone used a personal tens unit for neuropathy? i used my chair massager that pulses quickly in key spots. before i used it i couldn't raise my legs off of the bed. i put the vibrating section under the left side of my very low spine. about thirty minutes later i realized i could lift my leg up without difficulty, still couldn't raise right leg. i have since put the spot under the middle. couldn't lift either at begining, by end i could lift both and get up and off the bed like it was nothing. the effects last up to about two hours. i am going to ask PT tomorrow about it.

Hi snookie12303,

That's good that you found something that helps, even temporarily; I think that suggests longer duration relief is possible and worthwhile pursuing.

However, a TENS unit is not the same as a massage unit, though they can both be set to cause what feels like a buzzing sensation. A vibrator does just that - it physically vibrates. A TENS unit sends electrical current through the body, which can have different effects depending on the frequency, pulse width, and intensity.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TENS

Trying a TENS unit most likely wouldn't be deleterious, and could even be therapeutic, but the two aren't the same (but if it works, who cares, right? ;) )

I have a unit that I've used with mixed results for different pain issues. I haven't had any luck using it for PN, but I've found other things that work very well - enough that I'm not motivated to keep experimenting with the TENS (for PN). Others may have had better results.

It's certainly worth asking your PT about, and even trying if s/he is willing to hook you up and find the right spots and settings (both critical for success).

Hope it works for you!

Doc

I have a TENS unit--
 

--that has been relatively effective in relieving pain and parastheses while on--it replaces those sensations with other that are more tolerable, especially if I keep it in a constantly stimulating mode (no "pulses").

Unfortunately, when shut off or removed, the effect disappears rather quickly.

I love my TENs. I can put up to 8 electrodes on it, sleep great!

Then wouldn't it be an EIGHTS? :p

Funny man!! Yeah, I guess so. Who cares, if I've got all 8 on, I look a bit strange with all the wires, but I feeeeeel gooood!

can't wait for mine to come. can't stand being a slave to the pain.

OMG this thing is like a miracle drug. i started using it today and i can stand,walk and get up from sqauting without difficulty. earlier today i could barely move.

I for one, am....
 

Soo glad that something is giving you relief!

:Dancing-Chilli: & :trampoline: & :yahoo:
I think that says it all?
:hug::hug::hug:'s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - j

i'm in heaven. i'm so proud to get out of a chair by myself or get in and out of my van easily. i can drive again. i still am experimenting with probe placement to get my arms back. i still have the stiffness/ache without the machine but at least i can use my legs again.

TENS Unit
 

Snookie:
What placement of the electrodes works best for you? My PT person just seemed to think I should experiment with the TENS to see what worked best for my PN.
I'm not sure it's helping any , but I keep trying.
Flora

i put one on each side of my tailbone and it does something that allows me to use my legs without difficulty. i still have pain in calfs i notice when i sit in the recliner. as long as i can walk again who cares. i still can't get my upper body back yet. at least now i can use treadmill at pt, yeah. if i put the other two on sore muscle spots directly on my arm helps. i'm still experimenting, just got it last thursday. good luck and if you find something that works on upper body please let me know.

I'm not Snookie. I put the electrodes where I hurt the most, that day. It may be a little or a lot different. If the arthritis is acting up in my shoulder, zap! My knees,zap! Lumbar, oh yeah.

If you can experiment with the different settings on your unit that may help too.

Doh! I saw that before and said "hunh?" I just got it now. I hate my brain!:confused: