CRPS and TENS
 

Hi all!
I've been going to physical therapy for a few weeks now, and while it's been helpful regarding getting my strength back in the affected arm, it hadn't really done anything for the pain.

Today, though, my physical therapist decided to try a TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machine during my session. I'm still not sure exactly how it works besides sending different messages to the brain, or something like that.

At first it was -really- painful, but after she turned down the intensity, it actually really helped! It didn't make my arm feel 'normal', but it certainly reduced my pain level by a significant degree.

Has anyone else tried this? What has been your experience?

-Luna

Hi Luna! Glad you were able to get some relief. They tried a TENS on me in PT a few years ago and it caused more trouble for me...but that's just me :) There are many on here that have used them with success.

Nanc
:hug:

I use a TENS unit and it really is one of the things that helps my pain the most. If you find it helpful...see if your doctor will write a script for one. I wear it all the time (run the wires under my pant legs) and it's very convenient to have on hand when the pain starts to ramp up throughout the day.

Hi Luna. I've had tens in pt and at home. It helped reduce pain a little in pt, but at home it started to cause pain and cramping, so I stopped. Everyone's different though and I hope it continues to help you. Take care.

I sometimes get some relief from TENS. The only problem is the twitching and jerking counts as exercise and exercise is what causes me the most pain (a day or two later). It also will cause my tremor to worsen if done too long and the tremor keeps me awake.

If done OK though I'll get relief at least for the half hour I use it so when the pain is low I'll use it once in a while. No pain no gain, and high pain isn't affected.