Questions & Answers
Questions:
How does TENS work to help Relieve Pain?
Can I use EziStimŽ TENS at the same time as I use medications?
How strong should I set the Intensity on my EziStimŽ TENS?
How long should I use my EziStimŽ for? And how often?
How can I get the most out of my EziStimŽ TENS?
General
Why aren't EziStimŽ TENS Systems connected to mains electricity?
How do I order an EziStimŽ TENS System?
Safety
Where can I put the electrodes so they are safe?
Fault Finding
I can't feel any pulses and the light doesn't flash.
The light is flashing, but I can't feel any impulses.
I'm Not Sure How to Remove the Battery.
The pulses feel like they're stinging me.
I have to turn it up more than I used to.
Other details
Answers:
What is TENS?
TENS is a generic name given to a battery-powered unit which sends tiny electrical impulses through electrodes placed on or near the painful site. This causes a tingling sensation that reduces pain - even pain that hasn't responded to other treatments. TENS is an acronym for Transcutaeous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. "Transcutaneous" means across the skin.
TENS is an "Electronic Aspirin", so to speak. It is a method of therapy which stimulates an extra flow of the signals travelling into the Central Nervous System. These signals can override pain and induce a release of Endorphins, which influence the "moods" of our body, in particular Pain and Stress sensations - hence the use of TENS for Pain Management. The machines that are used for TENS Therapy are also called TENS Devices or TENS machines, of which there are a great variety of both good and bad.
Return to Product description
How Does TENS Work to Help Relieve Pain?
EziStimŽ TENS helps relieve pain by using a method of pain relief we at EziStim.com like to refer to as Electronic Body Stimulation (EBS).
The pain relieving mechanism of EBS is multi-factorial. All sorts of issues factor in, including the type of stimulus, its frequency and duration. Acceptance of the technology by the user plays no small part - meaning that there is a strong psychological component to any pain experienced - so how one interprets pain and the choice of analgesia for that pain can be central. Having said that, the three most important physiological factors are:
Endorphins
Endorphins are a hormone that occurs naturally in the body. Released in response to an injury or physical stress, they reduce pain and promote a feeling of wellbeing. Morphine, and related medications, have a similar chemical structure to Endorphins - which explains their strong pain-killing effects. In fact, 'Endorphin' is made up of two words: Endogenous - native to the body, and Morphine - opiate-like substance.
Runners, and other athletes, experience a natural 'high' after about half an hour of sustained physical exertion. This is attributed to the steady release of Endorphins during exercise, which reach a threshold point within an hour, before which time their effect cannot usually be felt.
Electronic Body Stimulation is a well accepted medium for inducing a release of Endorphins into the body - and much like exercise, may take up to 30 minutes or more to take a noticeable effect. Once pain relief is evident, however, the effect may last several hours before Endorphin levels in the body need to be increased again.
The body will release Endorphins if the rate of EBS is low (aprox. 10Hz or lower).
The 'Gating' Effect
This pain relieving effect is very simply described using the example of someone that stubs their toe, then rubs it to ease the pain. When the toe is stubbed, the pain messages travel in the nerves to the brain - where they are interpreted and tell the person they actually feel the pain. Rubbing this same toe vigorously will also cause new, 'non-painful' messages to travel to the brain, where they compete for attention. The non-painful messages are processed in favour of the pain messages, and we subsequently feel less pain. In other words, the rubbing sensation has 'closed the gate', by providing an alternative, favourable sensation for the brain to process. We all know from personal experience, the faster we rub our stubbed toe, the better the results.
EBS works in the just the same way. It generates electrical impulses that block the pain. The faster the pulses, the better the pain relief (35Hz and above).
The Best of Both Worlds
EziStimŽ PainEze plus is set to fluctuate from 10 to 35Hz, promoting a most effective application of EBS. This can provide both a release of Endorphins and provides a 'Gating' effect. A Gating effect should be evident within a short period of application, but for an Endorphin release (and extended pain relief), you should wear EziStimŽ PainEze plus for at least 40 to 60 minutes. Applications for more than two hours will give maximum results. EziStimŽ PainEze plus can be worn safely for as long as required (including whilst sleeping).
Unlearning Pain
After a course of treatment with TENS, the body may be reprogrammed so that pain is no longer perceived. It has been taught to 'unlearn' the pain.
Return to Product description
Is EziStimŽ TENS Effective?
Yes. The technology behind EziStimŽ has been proven effective by over thirty years of medical and scientific research. Most studies conclude that this technology is an effective means of decreasing pain, promoting faster healing, as well as inducing relaxation & sleep. What's more - it's safe, and has no major side effects.
Return to Product description
Can I use EziStimŽ TENS at the same time as I use medications?
Yes. EziStimŽ TENS will not have interactions with drugs or other medications you may be taking. In fact, EziStimŽ TENS is often used in conjunction with other forms of therapy to gain the best response out of the overall treatment.
Return to Product description
How strong should I set the Intensity on my EziStimŽ?
Everyone is different, so the intensity each person needs is different. Try a low intensity at first, so the tingling feeling is comfortable. If after some time you find that the pain relief isn't adequate, you might try turning up the intensity until the pulses feel stronger.
You may notice after having your EziStimŽ TENS going for a period that the stimulation feels weaker. This occurs because your body has become accustomed to the impulses. If you wish to, increase the intensity slightly until you can feel it again.
Return to Product description
How long should I use my EziStimŽ TENS for? And how often?
You can use EziStimŽ TENS for as long as you need to. Some people use their EziStimŽ TENS for 15 minutes before they get out of bed in the morning, and others use it all day and night to relieve severe, chronic pain.
Rule of Thumb
Use your EziStimŽ TENS for one hour, then turn it off and see how long the pain relief lasts. Reapply your EziStimŽ TENS for another dose of one hour when pain levels start to increase. Using this method, you will receive the exact dosage you reqire for adequate pain relief for your particular injury or condition. If you find pain relief is inadequate with a one hour dose, apply your EziStimŽ TENS for two hours and use the same system as above.
Return to Product description
How can I get the most out of my EziStimŽ TENS?
Like all pain management techniques, TENS works to a different extent for different people. Research around the world has continually shown TENS gives good to excellent pain relief in 80 - 90% of cases. If, in using your EziStimŽ TENS, you have so far not achieved good relief it may mean you are in that percentage of people for whom TENS has limited results. However, follow the suggestions given here to ensure the effectiveness of treatment is maximised for you.
1. Some people get great results the first time they use their EziStimŽ TENS. Others need to try it over a period of a few days before they achieve suitable results.
2. Try turning the intensity up a bit higher. At higher intensities the impulses spread out more in your body, stimulating more nerves, and giving better pain relief. If the stimulation is uncomfortable - turn it down a bit.
3. Are you using it long enough? Don't be surprised if the best results are obtained when using your EziStimŽ TENS three times per day - just like taking a regular dose of oral pain killers. In this way, the endorphins, are maintained at level more conducive to experiencing less pain.
4. Remember that TENS is not a cure for the condition causing your pain. It can, for instance, reduce your lower back pain - thereby allowing you to get on with the things you want to do. And it can speed the rate at which muscle and ligament injuries heal. But as a general rule, EziStimŽ TENS is not a cure for most conditions.
5. EziStimŽ TENS is not a magic fix, and so will not make your pain "disappear". It is a personal health care treatment for use in pain mangement. For some people with particularly severe pain, the best they can expect from their TENS is that it will 'dull' the pain, or 'take away its edge'. For many of these people, this alone is a great benefit.
6. Many health professionals can give invaluable advice on TENS. Often the best results are obtained with ongoing medical assessment and advice.
7. There are, of course, other treatments that can be used in conjunction with EziStimŽ TENS. It is possible that your overall treatment can be greatly enhanced if TENS therapy is combined with other treatments and therapies.
Return to Product description
Why aren't EziStimŽ TENS units connected to mains electricity?
The advantages of EziStimŽ being battery powered are many, and fall into four broad categories:
1. Safety is vastly improved when a 240 volt energy supply is not employed, as it:
- Eliminates the chance of 'earth shock'
- Greatly reduces the chance of burns.
2. Cost to produce and sell is minimized as excessive circuitry to avoid electrocution is not required.
3. Portability is offered, so the user can have treatment where, when and for as long as required.
4. The flexibility of therapy gained from this portability enables:
Sustained Application - Only portable treatment can offer therapy 24 hours per day - which is the most effective way to apply pain relief and healing (ie. at a low intensity over long periods of time).
Pre-emptive Treatment - With portable equipment the user can have it on hand to apply stimulation for pain relief before the pain starts. (This is especially true with long term pain that has a predictable pattern of rise and fall.)
Controlled Doses - Only the feature of portability affords the user the ability to go about their normal activities and have several treatments of a regulated length of time, without altering their entire day to fit in with treatment.
Evening Application - Only a portable stimulation system allows the user to be treated while sleeping. Especially useful for those with painful conditions that become worse at night, or early in the morning.
Return to Product description
How do I order an EziStimŽ System?
Ordering is simple. You can do it securely online via this web site, or contact us by phone, fax or mail.
To order online, simply click here.
Return to Product description
Can TENS harm me?
If used correctly, no, TENS will not harm you. Here are a list of recommended precautions to take when using TENS:
1. EziStimŽ TENS should only be used after the condition or injury has been adequately diagnosed.
2. Do not place the electrodes over the eyes, the front of the throat or in the vacinity of a heart pace-maker. People with pace-makers may use TENS, but only with medical supervision.
3. Do not use in cases of tuberculosis, malignant tumours, high or low blood pressure, high fever or acute inflammatory disease.
4. Do not place electrodes over skin that is wet from bathing or excessive sweating, or over broken skin, psoriasis or similar conditions. Remember to keep electrodes at least 2cm apart.
5. Absence of pain does not necessarily mean the injury or problem has been overcome. Once pain relief has occurred, one should not undertake activities that may worsen the condition.
6. If used for a long period of time, the skin under the electrodes will tend to sweat more readily, and may become irritated (as would any area of the skin not allowed to breathe). If this should occur, simply move the electrodes to a fresh patch of skin.
7. EziStimŽ should not be used while driving a car or operating moving machinery.
8. Do not pass the stimulus through the uterus during pregnancy or menstruation. (For the 'line of current' to pass through the uterus, one electrode would need to be on the back and the other would need to be over the stomach). Positioning both electrodes over the back or over the stomach is safe.
Return to Product description
Where can I put the electrodes so they are safe?
Never put electrodes over the eyes, in the mouth, over broken skin, over a rash or psoriasis, over the front of the throat, in the chest region if you have heart problems or a pace-maker, or over the genitals.
Also, never place electrodes in such a way that the stimulation would travel through the uterus in times of pregnancy or menstruation. Mostly, these are all situations that one would avoid as a matter of common sense.
Return to Product description
I can't feel any pulses and the light doesn't flash.
The battery is most likely flat - try putting in a new one. We find batteries purchased from large department stores and supermarkets are best, as they move their stocks quickly, thus do not go flat on the shelf. You can also purchase packs of five batteries suitable for EziStimŽ models where you purchased your EziStimŽ System, or online at Pltam.com.
If you have replaced the battery in your EziStimŽ, ensure you have follwed the instructions in the manual correctly.
For EziStimŽ PainEze plus models that have a cream or beige coloured battery compartment, please follow the instructions below. If your EziStim device has a black battery compartment, then simply insert the battery with the positive (+) side up.
The battery must be inserted under the battery lugs which stand vertically on the left of the battery compartment. You may have squashed these battery lugs (causing both sets of lugs to make contact with the negative of the battery). You will need to carefully bend these lugs back up so they make contact with the positive of the battery (the top).
Instructions for Correct Insertion of the Battery
Hold the EziStimŽ unit upside down with the socket (where the cable plugs in) on your left. Insert the battery with the positive (+) side (and the manufacturer's name) facing you, under the two vertical contact lugs on the left side of the battery compartment and replace the battery cover.
Click images for a larger versionIf none of the above actions correct the problem, mail your EziStimŽ system to:
www.Pltam.Com
P.O.Box 71
Boxhill Vic 3128
Australia.
Ensure you include all accessories you are using with the unit (ie. cables, batteries, electrodes, etc.) and include a note describing the problem you are having, as well as your contact details. Repairs under warranty will incur no charges for parts or labour. A standard non-warranty service charge is typically AUD$35.00. Please indictate if you require a quote before proceeding with any repairs.
Please note: all repairs found to have no fault other than a flat battery will incur a $AUD20.00 charge - even inside the 90 day warranty period.
Return to Product description
The light is flashing but I can't feel any pulses.
Check that you have the cable plugged fully into the output socket.
Check your cable is not broken. Sometimes cables may look normal, but have a break inside. To test if the problem is in the cable, try using a new one. If you can now feel the impulses, then the first cablewas faulty.
Check that the electrodes aren't touching each other on your skin. If they are, this means the impulses will flow from one to the other and not through your skin.
If you still cannot feel the pulses, this means your EziStimŽ unit is probably faulty.
Mail your system to:
www.Pltam.Com
P.O.Box 71
Boxhill Vic 3128
Australia.Ensure you include all accessories you are using with the unit (ie. cables, batteries, electrodes, etc.) and include a note describing the problem you are having, as well as your contact details. Repairs under warranty will incur no charges for parts or labour. A standard non-warranty service charge is typically AUD$35.00. Please indictate if you require a quote before proceeding with any repairs.
Please note: all repairs found to have no fault other than a flat battery will incur a $AUD20.00 charge - even inside the 90 day warranty period.
Return to Product description
I'm Not Sure How to Remove the Battery.
To remove the battery from your EziStimŽ, simply place a pen or similar object under the battery and lift the battery from it's holder.
Click image for a larger versionHint: You can use the plug from your treatment cable to remove the battery instead of a pen.
Warning: Do not dispose of the battery in a fire - it may explode, leak and/or cause personal damage.
Return to Product description
The pulses feel like they're stinging me.
This could be caused by a few things.
1. Ensure the electrodes are not placed over a cut or rash, or the pulses are not passing through such an area.
2. Ensure the electrodes have not been placed on wet or sweaty skin.
3. Your PreGelled Electrodes may be wearing out. Try a new pair. PreGelled Electrodes are a disposable item, and require regular replacement. Their lifespan varies from 1 to 100 hours, depending on their usage.
Return to Product description
I have to turn in it up more than I used to.
The battery may be going flat. Try a new one.
Your PreGelled Electrodes, these may be nearing the end of their life. Try a new pair.
Return to Product description
Cable Care Instructions
EziStim® Cables do not come with a warranty.
Below are some tips to extend their life span.1. Never tug at the cable to remove it from the unit. Always insert and remove the cable at the machine end by handling the safety plug.
2. Never tug at the cable to remove it from the electrode. Always insert and remove the cable at the electrode end by handling the metal pins.
3. Do not store in a twisted position.
4. Do not expose to water or other liquids.
5. Do not expose the bare wires.
PGE Care Instructions
1. Never Remove a PreGelled Electrode from its plastic backing or from the skin by its attached lead. Always peel it back gently from a corner.
2. Never wet the electrode in an attempt to clean it or make it stick better. This is, by far, the quickest way to destroy them.
3. Always store the electrodes on their plastic backing when not in use.
4. In hot and humid climates the gel on PreGelled Electrodes will absorb moisture and lose their adhesiveness. This is at least partially reversible by storing your electrodes in the fridge overnight - sticky side up.
5. Due to the fact that your PreGelled Electrodes are naturally adhesive, body hair and other matter will stick to them and they will lose their ability to stick well to the skin. Unfortunately, when this occurs, they are usually not salvageable.
6. Our experience is that the average user will get around 3-4 weeks of regular use, or about 100 hours, from a pair of PreGelled Electrodes. But mis-handling and/or moist conditions may reduce their life span considerably.
