Arthritis is one of the most common ailments affecting older individuals every day. Naturally, as one ages, the body begins to weaken and slow down its natural functions. Arthritis occurs when joints stiffen and break down. Fortunately, there are some ways to alleviate the resulting pain and discomfort. Here are some tips for relieving arthritis with TENS therapy.
TENS and Arthritis
There are two common types of arthritis today: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs due to the natural aging process. It is the most common form of arthritis. Typically, symptoms include pain, stiffness, decreased mobility, and swelling in the hands, hips, and knees. As the body ages, the joints break down, which can affect daily tasks.
Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is a chronic autoimmune disease that attacks healthy cells in the body, resulting in inflammation. As it attacks the joints, it can exacerbate chronic inflammation in the hands, wrists, and knees. While osteoarthritis may affect daily function, rheumatoid arthritis can cause instability and misshapenness.
TENS units have become a sought-after relief for arthritis patients because they deliver electrical stimulation to the affected joints. TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. Let’s see how TENS units can help relieve arthritis symptoms using electrical currents and brain receptors.
How TENS Machines Help
While there is no medical cure for arthritis, TENS therapy can help alleviate pain and reduce the dependency on pain relievers or opioids. TENS units emit low- and high-frequency transmissions, which trigger a release of your natural endorphins to calm the pain receptors in the brain.
If addressing an individual joint issue, place the TENS pads on that joint. If addressing multiple areas, place the pads on the most painful areas before the others. It can also help if someone places the pads on your lower back to address the inflamed nerves affecting your hips and knees. Studies suggest that TENS therapy can result in a 50% reduction in pain and discomfort.
For Your Consideration
Though TENS units are designed for independent pain relief at home, as part of our tips for relieving arthritis with TENS therapy, we highly recommend you consult your primary care physician before purchasing one. It’s also important to note how to safely use TENS units for arthritic treatment. Therefore, follow the directions on your TENS unit before use.
To use a TENS unit, typically, you apply the oxygen sensor pads to the parts of your body experiencing arthritic pain. These pads come with the machine and are small and light enough to fit under clothes for easy use and discretion. Then, choose between twelve different therapy settings, including Shiatsu, Swedish, Thai, and more. You will never need a masseuse again!
If you’re looking for a portable TENS machine to help alleviate your arthritis symptoms, Zarifa has you covered. We have clinic-approved medical TENS units perfect for pain relief and recovery. These portable units fit comfortably in your pocket and cost less than the expected MSRP. Call us today with any questions; we’re happy to help!
