EMS/TENS devices: Do they work?

What is an EMS/TENS device?

What is an EMS/TENS device? Oops. Sorry Carrie. EMS: electrical muscle stimulator TENS: transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator The theory behind these things, if I'm recalling correctly, is that they stimulate blood circulation/flow to the injured area. They are supposed to help speed healing, reduce pain, and reduce swelling and stiffness. The electrical impulse from the device is delivered through little electrode pads attached to the injured area. Feels like a little (or more intense) jolts of electricity. Had them at PT long ago, but not since. Just wondering. I guess Dave liked the device. Did it help? You got a little Hammer addiction going there, Dave. Does Muppet know about this? SS: I wasn't talking about labor and delivery. :rofl: My son used one on his knee a year or so ago when he had knee issues and it seemed to help. It just hard to tell whether the device is what fixed it or whether it just healed naturally. So are you going to try one on your knee? My trap muscle and infraspinatus seem to want to try one.

Ah, thanks. I had this before for my knee, when I had the original high jump injury when I was 16. I think it did help... but maybe more in rebuilding all the muscle I'd lost rather than in speeding healing? Not sure. Never had it used on a shoulder.

The chiropractor and my physical therapist both used them on me when I was going for treatment for my shoulder injury 2 years ago and more recently a back problem. The also used ultra sound. I'm not sure how effective they were in the actual healing process but I sure felt good after a treatment. (Note to SS: not enough to write songs though):banana:

Re:the coach's comment about the relief being temporary; isn't all relief temporary? Hmm ..... I thought you were of the belief that that certain things could be permanently eradicated? Or was I just star gazing? :rofl: I hope all relief isn't temporary. It sure feels that way sometimes. I do recall Solar Energy telling us on a thread awhile ago that we should immediately cease any activity that required frequent or constant icing. That would knock most of us out of the pool ... In fact, I forgot to ice after I swam today ... Donna: I don't think I have anything surgical. No big tear. Just chronic loosey goosey dessicated tendons and some possible labrum fraying. Arthrogram results back soon. I'm going to prolo it. PT doesn't help that stuff (just saying it doesn't for me -- could help others. I'm not a PT fan at the moment. I think PT is more of a post-surgery thing.) I'd actually have to give up swimming if it required surgery. I would need a wife to take care of me. I can't give the kids away after all. And I have a traveling husband. Now, if you'd like to come to the states for a prolonged visit, I have a guest cottage in my back yard. You could move in and convalesce with me. Just wondering if the TENS/EMS would help before I start prolo-ing myself to death. AJ: You sounded like a rapper there for a minute. SlowSwim: They seem to really help after surgery. But I was wondering whether they help a non-surgical condition such as tendonitis.

Hmm ..... I thought you were of the belief that that certain things could be permanently eradicated? Maybe I'm in a "life = suffering" funk....nothing a few rapidly applied, medical grade, electro-pulses couldn't snap me out of. Aw, I hope things improve. I'd give you a hug, but don't want to accused of flirting. Not SR, I hope. Maybe a few zaps for the hamstring and some yoga? Neti pot? I think I was in one of those funks last week from lack of exercise. Now, my endorphins are better adjusted. Although this aerobic lite stuff I'm doing is not enough exercise. I'm going to have to spin and run more to get a real workout and burn calories.

:laugh2::laugh2: I love my initials, too. I only marry men whose last names start with a D. And what's wrong with temporary? Isn't everything temporary? Some temporary things just last longer than other temporary things; I've been temporary for 59 years and I am still temporary!! I agree, DD/DB/BB (which one should I use? ;) ) I have LL. Same thing. Temporary is good, as long as the initials aren't. But I may still have to avatar or profile picture my back porch or guest cottage to tempt you. Yes, much is temporary. Is this a philosophy thread now? There have certainly been enough hijacking attempts. :rofl: Is this where I am supposed to ask politely or rudely for everyone to get back on topic? ;) Tecumseh: Well, the actual pain I was referring to was swimmer's shoulder or RC tendonitis. To quote Peter Cruise, don't believe everything you read on the internet. AJ: If by rehab, you mean PT, I don't need no stinkin' PT.

Fort, My husband twisted his loosey-goosey ankle one week before the New York Marathon. He ran it anyway, though I had to help him back to the hotel because it hurt so bad. That was in November. He bought an Ultrasound device after he started the PT and they had used it on him. His ankle is just now back to where he can run some distance (12 miles) on it, but he swears by the Ultrasound device for helping with the swelling and repairing the damage. He also uses it on his knee which he messed up compensating for his ankle!!! Men :shakeshead:

Fort, My husband twisted his loosey-goosey ankle one week before the New York Marathon. He ran it anyway, though I had to help him back to the hotel because it hurt so bad. That was in November. He bought an Ultrasound device after he started the PT and they had used it on him. His ankle is just now back to where he can run some distance (12 miles) on it, but he swears by the Ultrasound device for helping with the swelling and repairing the damage. He also uses it on his knee which he messed up compensating for his ankle!!! Men :shakeshead: Hey, watch it there FAF Sista. :rofl: I messed up my ankle and shin with a lot of LSD running. Then, I messed up my loosey goosey shoulder by compensating for the ankle/shin with a return to swimming. This last week, I was back to messing with my loosey goosey ankle. No shin splits though. :) I guess this is why I was a guy on that superhero thread ... Ultrasound device sounds interesting too. Are those wicked expensive though? Where did he get his? I've heard others swear by ultra-sound too.

Fort, He ordered it online. I just asked him and it was $250 (did not tell me that when he ordered it, Men:shakeshead: ). The site link is: www.aidmytendon.com/index.cfm He uses it religously and really credits it for finishing up where the PT left off. Good Luck FAF Sista!!!