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TENS units for hypermobility are a great way to tackle pain. These pocket-size devices emit an electrical current that can provide quick pain relief when you need it most.
TENS units explained
A TENS unit, also known as a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation machine, is a pain-relief method that utilizes an electric current.
These units are powered by battery. You attach them to your body in areas of pain via end pads which are small and sticky. These end pads may be connected to a wire that’s hooked up the TENS unit. But you can also buy wireless TENS units.
TENS units have a variety of settings so you can choose the one that works best for you and your pain. You can also increase the intensity of the electrical impulses.
TOP TIP: Choose a setting and intensity that’s strong enough to ease your pain, yet feels comfortable.
Do TENS units really help with pain?
Science says so….and so do I!
First of all, let’s look at the study ‘Paramedic pain management of femur fractures in the prehospital setting’. The study concluded that a patients with pain as a result of a femur fracture reported a significant reduction in pain when they used TENS.
Meanwhile, a recent meta-analysis of more than 380 studies found that people who used a TENS unit experience lower levels of pain either during or immediately after using one compared to participants who used placebo TENS units.
I’ve had a flare up of pain recently and my TENS unit has been the only thing that has helped me. Now, bear in mind that I have both hypermobility and fibromyalgia. The pain I’ve had has been really bad in my legs and there were times when I could hardly walk. But after using my TENS unit for an hour, walking was a whole lot easier and more bearable.
Can TENS units be used for hypermobility pain?
Yes, TENS units are a great way to deal with pain that’s caused by hypermobility and other similar conditions.
At the time of writing this post, I was unable to find any scientific research that supports using TENS units for hypermobility pain. But sometimes you’ve got to take real life evidence from people with hypermobility.
One user who has posted on The Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and Related Disorders Support Community group ‘Inspire’ says the following about TENS units:
Meanwhile a EDS patient on The Pain Community says that she uses a TENS unit to help with pain alongside various other aids:
How long does pain relief last after TENS?
It completely depends on the person. Some people say that the pain relief after using TENS lasts for hours – up to one whole day! Whereas, others say the pain relief stops as soon as they turn off the TENS unit.
I find that my TENS unit gives me pain relief for a good few hours after using it, so I guess I’m one of the lucky ones!
Related Post: Should you choose a wired or wireless TENS unit?
Does TENS work immediately?
For me, TENS starts working about 10 minutes after turning it on. For some people, it works straight away.
However, don’t be put off if you don’t get immediate relief from your TENS machine as West Suffolk NHS advises it can take up to 30 minutes to feel the benefits of TENS.
Where should you not use TENS?
While TENS units are great at providing pain relief, there are certain parts of the body that the end pads mustn’t be placed on. The NHS says not to use a TENS machine on the following areas:
- the front or sides of your neck
- your temples
- your mouth or eyes
- your chest and upper back at the same time
- irritated, infected or broken skin
- varicose veins
- numb areas
Can a TENS machine reduce inflammation?
Good news! A TENS machine may reduce inflammation in the body.
Hypermobility causes inflammation in the body as the joints are more flexible than they should be. People with hypermobility may also experience inflammation as a result of subluxations, dislocations, and other injuries.
The study ‘Effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on proinflammatory cytokines: protocol for systematic review’ concluded that it’s possible for TENS to reduce inflammation and supported it’s use as a physiotherapeutic treatment.
Does TENS heal or just mask pain?
Unfortunately, a TENS unit won’t heal your hypermobility-related pain. But it is a great way to relief your pain and take your mind off your pain.
If you need long-term pain solutions for hypermobility, consider a exercise, physio, medications, and heat therapy.
I love my Tens, been using for more than 10 years, used in both chronic and acute healing