Below
is a compilation of the most frequently asked questions. If you have
a question that is not listed below, please feel free to contact
us or call 1-800-567-(PAIN)
7246.
What
is the difference between the ETPS and the TENS
US Unit?
Both of our electrotherapy units are identical in terms of their parameters,
operation, application and results. The only difference is that in the
U.S.A., the FDA requires the TENS US Unit to be manufactured with an external
ground, which we've adapted onto a convenient wristband. The
ETPS is unavailable throughout the United States where only the TENS
US Unit is FDA cleared for purchase and sale. Professionals may purchase
the TENS US Unit directly, while patients require a prescription for purchase.
^Top
Is
the TENS US Unit like a conventional T.E.N.S. (Transcutaneous Electrical
Nerve Stimulation)?
No. The TENS US Unit is exceptionally different. TENS
US Unit uses Direct Current
(DC) microcurrent stimulation applied via a concentrated point. Conventional
TENS applies Alternating Current (AC) stimulation at milliamperage levels
(1000 times stronger and more dangerous than microcurrent levels) using
pads, wires and gels.
^ Top
Will
my insurance company pay for the TENS US Unit?
Yes. Most private health plans and Workers' Compensation will cover
the purchase cost of the TENS US Unit. In all cases, a Medical Doctor's
prescription is required along with a short trial. For more information,
contact 1-800-567-PAIN (7246) for further details.
^Top
How
does it work?
The battery-operated TENS US Unit works by sending tiny electrical impulses
to first locate, and then stimulate, treatment points related to a given
disorder. Once stimulated, these points naturally relieve chronic intractable
pain, making TENS US Unit has become the preferred non-pharmacological alternative
to aggressive therapies and toxic pharmaceuticals.
^Top
What
are nerve or trigger points?
Nerve or Trigger/Motor points (TP/MP’s)
are tiny, tight bundles of nerve endings located throughout our muscles.
They become tender when a muscle or a related nerve is injured. These
points, which lie on the skin surface, display a lowered electrical
resistance than the surrounding tissue, and can be precisely identified
and stimulated with the TENS US Unit.
^Top
Does
the TENS US Unit have to be applied by a trained specialist?
No. With the TENS US Unit, there’s no need to suffer until the next therapy
treatment. Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of our palm-sized
unit is that it's non-invasive (or needle-free) which makes it very
easy, and safe, to apply. Instead, TENS US Unit relies on electronic impulses
to reproduce the physiological results of trigger point needling, without
the obvious dangers. This means TENS US Unit can be successfully applied
by both novices and experienced professionals – whenever and wherever
the need arises. Every unit comes with a
video and a concise, easy-to-digest treatment manual -- Natural
Health I. You’ll be amazed at how quickly
you can learn to locate and stimulate the correct points for fast, effective
results. Empower yourself to heal yourself and your friends.
^ Top
How
do you find the right treatment point?
The accompanying manual, Natural
Health I, will become your treatment
bible. It clearly illustrates and describes appropriate treatment points
for over 100 different pain disorders. Just turn to the page corresponding
to your pain condition and use your TENS US Unit to locate and treat the
points listed. As for the actual application,
it couldn’t be easier. The tip of the TENS US
Unit acts as a point finder
and treatment probe. Glide the tip over the general area of the treatment
points illustrated in Natural
Health I. When the point finder has
successfully located a treatment point, the indicator light near the
tip will activate off and the audible tone will change from a low-pitch
to a high-pitch. Points displaying the highest pitch will produce the
strongest sensations. These points often produce the most favorable
outcomes.
^ Top
How
can I reach every treatment point throughout my body?
Treatment points on the arms, legs,
face and torso are easily treated with the hand-held TENS Pro. For those
harder-to-reach areas, an extension probe is attached to the TENS Pro,
which permits the user to locate and treat points behind the neck and
back. Using this system, treatment points may be conveniently and safely
located throughout the body.
^ Top
Is the TENS
US Unit difficult
to use?
We think you'll find that both our self-help unit and our systematic
approach to pain management are extremely user-friendly. To hasten the
learning curve, we include an instructional video and easy-to-follow
treatment guide with every TENS US Unit. For additional questions or advice,
we provide a toll-free support line (1-800-567-7246) where professionals
and patients may speak to an experienced therapist.
^ Top
Is
the TENS US Unit safe?
The TENS US Unit is battery-operated and very safe. It produces stimulation
in the low microcurrent range, hundreds of times less than conventional
TENS. TENS US Unit may be applied facially, to children (not infants under
2 years old), and to the elderly to benefit their health and chronic
pain.
Contraindications: Patients who are pregnant,
have cancer, are epileptic (or prone to seizures) or fitted with cardiac
pacemakers, should NOT use the TENS US Unit. For further information, please
contact us.
^Top
How
effective is the TENS US Unit for pain relief?
TENS US Unit is very effective for chronic intractable pain control. Across
the board, the majority of patients, therapists and doctors have reported
excellent relief for chronic intractable pain within 1-4 treatments.
Most patients respond favorably, and some respond remarkably. Properly
applied, almost every patient will receive benefits with this form of
therapy.
^Top
How
long does the TENS US Unit take to relieve pain?
In many cases, this powerful therapy can provide instant symptomatic
pain relief within minutes of application. Chronic or severe conditions
may require repeated treatments over several days or weeks before significant
progress is noted.
^ Top
How
long does the relief from pain last?
The relief from pain can last anywhere from a few hours, to days or
even weeks after one application. The average first response is 24-72
hours, with results usually cumulative with each successive treatment.
^ Top
What
can be treated with the TENS US Unit?
Whether you are looking to relieve pain, reduce muscular tenderness/tightness,
or simply wish to re-energize and bring your body back into balance,
the TENS US Unit will provide quick and effective results. If desired results
are not received the TENS US Unit may be returned for a full refund (minus
shipping-within 30 days). Over 100 conditions are detailed in our manuals.
To view a sample, go to Natural
Health I -Pain Management or Natural
Health II- Health Maintenance.
REMEMBER: It is always important that you
have an accurate diagnosis of your condition by a Medical Doctor or
therapist before you begin treatment with the TENS
US Unit system.
^ Top
How
will I feel after a treatment?
Like exercise or massage, treatment with TENS US
Unit releases biochemicals
responsible for your warm, euphoric feelings known as the "runner's
high". Some patients also experience mild stiffness after the treatment,
which is often a positive signal that the muscles are realigning, and
the body is being brought back into balance.
^ Top
Can
you overdo it?
It is very difficult to overdue treatment if you follow our instructions.
We advise against treating more than once per day (at the beginning)
and no more than 15-20 points per application. Highly sensitive conditions
should be first treated with the calming (parasympathetic) points, to
ensure the most successful outcomes. For the highest rate of safety
and success, always consult the accompanying manual Natural
Health I -Pain Management, or call our
toll free Acumed support line (1-800-567-7246) for professional
advice.
^ Top
What
does the medical profession say about TENS US Unit?
Health practitioners all over the world are discovering the benefits
of TENS US Unit’s pain relieving abilities. The TENS
US Unit, combined with
our protocols (called ETPS Therapy), is now helping many thousands of
patients in hospitals, pain and physical therapy clinics manage their
pain. For professional feedback on clinical outcomes, take a look at
our
testimonials page.
