Does TENS Actually Work? | Expert Physio Review

[@venkatadri1299]

It works! I took care of my bedridden uncle who suffered a severe brain stroke and his limbs were paralyzed. He could rest easy on the days when physio used tens machine and had restless, painful and uneasy when physio missed a day

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Bless you and I’m glad to hear you had something that was helpful 🙏🏼

[@SanjeetaTamang-l7k]

Could you please share the name of the TENS machine that worked for your uncle

[@aysudakolemen4387]

I don't need any studies. TENS helped me heal injuries on my shoulder, arms and knees. It also helps me immensely in managing back pain, lower back pain, and pelvic pain. Finally, I use it to manage eczema on my face, and headaches by placing the electrodes on my neck and temples. As a chronic pain patient, my TENS machine saves my life and I never travel without it.

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Very pleased to hear it! Wish you all the best

[@daiena_rabinovich]

How high should I put the electricity on my machine? I tried to put it up today to the high settings and i could feel my muscles in a small area in my neck where almost jumping while the machine was on. I try not to use the machine too late in the evening because it usually make me feel a bit faint and heartbeat goes up together with increased anxiety, and that is really a unpleasant feeling. I did also order new sticky contacts to put on the body.

[@gaylelizabeth]

I’m a chronic pain patient as well. I’ve just ordered a good unit with great reviews. I noticed you mentioned you used your tens for pelvic pain. I have pudental nerve damage from a botched emergency surgery where my colon there was removed. The wound opened 10 days after surgery while I was still in the hospital. It took 9 1/2 months of packing and unpacking to get the wound to close. I have tons of adhesions and my nerves including the pudental nerve are extremely damaged. I was hoping that maybe you could share with me where you placedthe pads to help with your pelvic pain I would be forever grateful. Thank you so much in advance. Your success has provided me with hope for myself to relieve some of this pain.

[@lillywildflower]

I guess it depends on what caused the pain. I had a car accident and had major physical injuries, brain injuries and have spasticity in my left side and NOTHING helps with the pain. The left side of my neck, shoulder, shoulder blade and whole arm has decreased sensation and the muscles contract really bad. I used to live the massagers like a jackhammer but with my brain injury I can’t handle the vibration. Giving birth with no pain relief is less painful than this.

[@daiena_rabinovich]

@@lillywildflower Did you try if this sense machine could work for you?

[@----79821]

From my personal experience 6 years ago had a bulging disc in my neck (shown on MRI) with radiating pain down into my right hand, tingling in fingers and numbness in hand, has 3 cortisone injections into my neck under twilight sedation over a period of months, changed my posture, diet, physio etc but still the pain just wouldn't go away, my physio told me about TENS and lent me her unit for a weekend... after 8 months of this nagging constant pain in one short weekend the pain disappeared and never returned again at all not even a hint of it, so id say the nerve gate theory is absolutely true as in the gates can get "stuck" open and send pain signals even if the disc had healed, TENS machine got my nerve gates operating correctly again id say

[@live12617]

How much time to used it like 5 minutes or 10 minutes

[@Know-nx5yo]

the nerve gate theory in your case is called "phantom pain".

[@Sakchassin]

Where did you place the tens device?

[@zamanbhalli5641]

Hey Ben, I have the same problem it's C5, I wanna know where did you place it? I feel a mild pain in my shoulder and wrist with numb thumb all the time

[@Anna-bl8ey]

I’m typing this as I’m using the TENS 7000 for the first time and I feel so relaxed as if I’m in a spa getting a deep massage while I’m able to regulate the pressure. I KZbind health benefits of the TENS 7000. Sadly your video came up. So audience, don’t listen to him. It’s amazing!!!!

[@ClinicalPhysio]

I’m pleased it has helped you!

[@danpal6737]

i only brlieve in terraplanist and trump😂

[@trpk4713]

Recovering from GBS and I have residual neuropathy in my left ankle/foot. TENS usage twice a day has helped tremendously! It relaxes the muscle tightness, dull/constant pain which has allowed greater mobility & faster recovery.

[@jonnno243]

Every time i use my TENS machine, my sciatic pain DOES ease a lot, and therefore, I am far less tense in that area. I think that the stimulation plus the lowering of tension go hand in hand to at least temporarily ease the pain.

[@martyy4073]

works great, after a broken neck and spinal surgery, it relieves alot of pain and nerve problems

[@meeks726]

TENS helped me with mind-muscle connections. I use it to activate a muscle before a workout

[@danaeads919]

My TENS unit was good for managing and reducing pain. I didn't feel that it "healed" anything. However, recently I've had muscle pain in my upper left arm that was intermittent for five months but has become a constant, nearly unbearable pain the last two months. I couldn't find my TENS unit and so purchased a "three in one" unit on Amazon for $40 USD. It has TENS, EMS and massage capability. Per the literature, the EMS function is supposed to help "heal and rehabilitate" the muscles. It feels different than TENS. It doesn't feel like sharp needles poking me, I feels like more of a powerful, electronic massage. It's the only function I have used so far and it truly has made a remarkable difference. It's still a few weeks before my appointment with my doctor to find out what is really going on with my muscle pain, but the EMS function has made a difference in my quality of life.

[@drtravispenrod]

Awesome. I love the analogy and it makes it so easy to understand. I will definitely be using that to explain pain gate theory. Thank you!

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you so much for your kind words

[@محمدالخطيب-ط9ذ]

Very useful information with a great explanation and a short time, thank you for this great effort

[@ClinicalPhysio]

You’re very welcome Mohammed! Thank you!

[@luckydesilva6733]

Thank you for your explanation Khalid . My husband had two strokes & he uses the Tens Machine abd he finds it helpful for his constant stabbing pains . I have ME & I started to use Tens Machine with Dry Needling for myself and Dry Needling with Tens Machine ( simultaneously) & find the combo is extremely helpful . With respect .

[@TechIsGods]

Thank you so much. I respect Physiotherapists and chiropractors.

[@ClinicalPhysio]

You are most welcome!

[@darrellgrant7615]

Chiropractors are scam artists.

[@zeezee5740]

My husband ordered a little 10 dollars tens machine because he was tired of me complaining about my back and guess what that little tiny device has helped me tremendously I don’t know why I suffered for 2 years wow! It’s been 2 weeks and no back pain I get little pains here and there but it’s completely manageable my back pain was making me depressed I’m mad I did not try this early but I do think my minor pain is from my bad posture but I feel like a person again ❤❤❤

[@Canuklhead]

Would you mind commenting on what to consider in regards the hz and mA when shopping for a TENS /TENS & EMS unit and the modes vs levels?

[@exosproudmamabear558]

As a doctor I dont think ems is just sensory nerves get the attention. I would rather think muscarinic,serotinergic and nicotinergic receptor activation along with other changes such as other compound releases like acetylcholine,cytokines maybe healing factors because it is very well known that electricity cause some compounds like neurotransmitters to be released which we can clearly see in ect.

[@SproutyPottedPlant]

I ❤️ TENS! Get that sweet spot and it feels so good! I use mine for DOMS and for distraction feeling. It is also fun to collect TENS machines and accessories as they come in many interesting designs, I especially like ones that look and feel like a proper medical device from a doctor ☺️

[@ClinicalPhysio]

I’m glad it works for you!

[@Justin-r7u2p]

lol

[@61spindrift]

This is about using TENS for pain...sometimes debilitating pain for some of us. Using and collecting TENS for fun? Some people are just...um...I'll just end my comment there.

[@Know-nx5yo]

@@61spindrift psycho?

[@Know-nx5yo]

@@61spindrift have too much money and don't know what to do with it?

[@gino3286]

Hi thank you very much for this extremely valuable video I am beginning to learn about Tens having bought a small machine I am overwhelmed by the infinite settings combinations available It's impressive the effect that a Tens machine can have on human body I am mindblowed 😮

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Glad it is helpful to you!

[@Know-nx5yo]

i'm sure throwing a toaster in the bath while you're bathing can have the same effect, but at a lower cost.

[@gino3286]

@@Know-nx5yo I want to be honest Since I heard that they extract semen from pigs with an electric device I have become curious I have already upgraded my electric grid to 60 kW

[@Know-nx5yo]

@@gino3286going to a sperm bank is way easier and much safer. but what are you doing with pig semen? cross breed between human and pig? ummmm...

[@markaes]

I don't have any evidence beyond my personal experience... But when I had a pinched nerve, my $5 TENS device made the (considerable) pain go away in about 5 minutes. But it would only last for about an hour and a half until I had to repeat and didn't seem to have long term effect. Still that was better than nothing and helped me get through a lot of things without relying on painkillers.

[@ClinicalPhysio]

So glad to hear you have had some good benefit from it!

[@danielwakulwa9690]

If I may ask did it finally recover

[@Know-nx5yo]

maybe it only lasted and hour and half because the machine only cost $5. got a used one? they typically cost $100 to $500+ in north america. khalid says it cost 20-25 pounds ($45-$60) in the UK.

[@carolwilliams6633]

I use it on my injured tailbone. It relieves some of the pain

[@yolisurich4025]

I tried it as part of therapy for my shoulder I didnt really have much faith that it would work. I thought it was BS. But I was surprised. It didnt work right away but later on, I forgot all about the pain. It works for me.

[@GrumpyXer]

I'm using a Revitive for edema and restless leg syndrome. Seems to be helping greatly on both. I quit wearing compression socks and there is no noticeable swelling in my feet/lower legs. And my legs feel totally relaxed when I go to bed. Would love to hear of anybodys experiences in this regard.

[@LazyLawrence]

Got rear ended last year, Knees got messed up, Physical Therapy used it on me, I felt it working. Looking to buy one now or home use.

[@Know-nx5yo]

Khalid mentioned that it costs 20-25 pounds in the UK. This translates to $100 to $500+ in North America, depending on the model you get. One caveat is that you need to know about referred pain. Just randomly applying the electrodes to the body part that is in pain may not help at all.

[@alanharrison694]

It did work for me. I went to a chiropractor because my left arm only had about 30% range of motion. He used TENS and EMS plus using a sort of pneumatic hammer on my shoulder, and the last 4-years, I am at about 90% range.

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Very pleased to hear it!

[@Know-nx5yo]

the pneumatic hammer was the life saver. as Khalid said, TENS acts on the brain's pain receptors to think the real pain is coming for somewhere else to distract the brain from what the hammer was doing.

[@gauravkumarraheja]

For cervical and lower back pain - which is best? Tens machine, hammer machine or message gun?

[@fabienneisore7831]

Stretching, reinforcing the muscles , thermotex heat pad.

[@Know-nx5yo]

depends on what's causing the lower back pain. usually lower back pain is the result of tight glutes and hamstrings. try foam rolling both the glutes and hamstrings before using TENS, hammer machine/massage gun (all are quite expensive).

[@lorraineboland6885]

Using a Tens machine as we speak with suffering from CRPS to me it's just a distraction from the pain & not actually taking the pain away

[@LJournals101]

Tried tens machine on my Dad's diabetic foot drop issues. He is not feeling the tens pads on his legs. But he can feel it on his lower back and lower buttocks, if placed there. Does this mean his legs nerves are damaged/numb and we should still continue putting the pads there, even if he's not feeling the tens vibrations? Thanks

[@61spindrift]

I would have liked to have an answer to your question as well. I too, have a similar issue as your Dad"s. Interestingly almost every other comment was replied to except yours. And it was a great question that I believe should have been aswered.

[@Know-nx5yo]

@@61spindrift he's only telling us what he read. his replies have been, if you bother to read, "glad it worked for you" or they were smilies or prayer hands. you should consult a medical doctor. TENS devices should not be used on people with diabetes, as they may not be able to feel pain, especially on their legs and feet.

[@Know-nx5yo]

people with diabetes will often lose sensation in their legs. TENS should not be applied to the legs because of this. If the setting is too high, his legs can be damaged.

[@hazelb7218]

​@@Know-nx5yocan you explain how it damages the legs for diabetes users..? Leg Neuropathy is bad... x

[@Chatik08]

Hi! For any person here that has use a TENS, could you recommend a brand? Do you know if Doctor Ho's is a good one?

[@dalmarcadde1507]

Thank you, excellent review

[@saaedbelal]

thank you khalid I would like to know your thoughts on other TENS variants like "Burst TENS" , "nociceptive TENS" and "IFC"

[@Fizyoglobal]

Perfect, thank you Khalid🙏

[@ClinicalPhysio]

You are very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@soulsaver369]

Tens does work but after a time you have to turn the voltage up and eventually it will stop working for you.

[@HindL-il1ep]

تحية طيبة استاذ خالد أتساءل عن الامراض او الحالات التي يمكننا معها الاستفادة من عمليات التحفيز التي توفرها عدا تحفيز العضلات وتخفيف الالام ، اكون شاكرة جدا لو اجبت على تساؤلي باللغة العربية او الانكليزية او حتى السويدية 😊 كل التقدير لجهودك

[@Ring0--]

What?

[@marshallnmoonshine]

It’s been working in my situation, where I had a muscular problem in my shoulder. I love this thing, but it doesn’t permanently fix anything. I’d say I agree with the final assessment in that it lets me do the other stuff that will actually fix this.

[@ClinicalPhysio]

That’s great! I’m glad you are finding it helpful 🙏🏼

[@silviofontana5144]

IMO, NO, TENS simply interferes or momentarily blocks or disrupts the pain signal travelling to the brain. Does TENS allow for improved blood flow then healing by its initial actions, maybe it may contribute. Cpmapred to Ultrasound heat, I IMO, TENS comes second

[@LenGreenblat]

I got TENS physiotherapy for neck pain from arthritis. Now I have chest pains when I breathe in. Did this electrical stimulation affect my heart?

[@Know-nx5yo]

wow. sounds like someone needs to consult legal counsel. all TENS devices come with a warning against using it on the neck and places close to the heart.

[@cronchy_bakingsoda]

Would you recommend using a TENS machine for trigeminal neuralgia or tmj arthralgia?

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Hi! I’m afraid I don’t really have much experience with this to comment

[@cronchy_bakingsoda]

@@ClinicalPhysio that’s okay, thank you for your response

[@Jay-Still]

Thank you for easily explaining that a tens machine is a diverting sensation tool, but are there any health benefits from using one? For example would it Improve flexibility ,lymphatic flow or speed up healing to mucles tears/ or strains. . Or anything else 🙏

[@Know-nx5yo]

No, it doesn't. You should watch the video again. What TENS does is distract the brain from your pain and get it to concentrate on something else. It will take time for muscle tears and strains to heel. TENS won't improve flexibility, but stretching will.

[@matc8085]

It works for me and lower back pain

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Glad to hear it helps you!

[@motioninmind6015]

Interesting, thank you 👍🏻 so it doesn't really have any healing or therapeutic use? What about the massage setting, for example?.

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Hi! I agree with you Its intention is not based on tissue healing as you said, but is designed to focus on pain control

[@Know-nx5yo]

@@ClinicalPhysio pain control is therapeutic, don't you agree?

[@SairaKhan-qm9gl]

Which mode of tens use in clinical practice

[@colinbrammeld2038]

TENS only resulting in causing a short term distraction of the pain from prolapsed disc. When not used the pain was back to normal.

[@ClinicalPhysio]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@Know-nx5yo]

that's what khalid said in the video

[@Slakass55]

Since a car accident a couple of decades ago where I underwent countless sessions of physiotherapy, the Tens machine was a constant companion. I always thought the stimulation meant my very tight muscles were being worked on, loosening up by those pulses. Now I realize it's just a kind of a placebo effect. Disappointed to hear this. It's no wonder I required so much physio, as the tens did nothing for me and manipulation only went so far. Fast foward many years and now wife is in the same boat. Now debating whether she'd be better off with a heat pad instead of a tens machine that sounds more like a gimmick. At least heat helps loosen very tight muscles from a whiplash. Tens is just getting your brain to counter the pain effects, while doing nothing to correct/help sore, tight muscles. This is is not what I was expecting. Learn something new everyday. Edit: wife wants me to buy a tens machine. Cheap enough to justify a try. Will post if this proves helpful.

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Wishing you and your wife all the very best

[@Know-nx5yo]

She'll have a better quality of life when she isn't in pain. Isn't that worth it for both you and your wife? You can use both.

[@sikk5150]

Can this machine help you with ED?

[@Know-nx5yo]

erectile dysfunction? no.

[@JasonRichardson-l6o]

Wouldn't this be the same/similartie with one of those ab toners

[@Know-nx5yo]

studies have proven that ab toners do not work.

[@danesha4705]

Great video 😁

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much!

[@troofs]

In my case i had trouble breathing after hemiplegia tens workswith my chest spastic muscles so that i can sleep peacefully.

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Very pleased to hear that this has helped you!

[@flovisser3381]

How will TENS work with Post Polio

[@Know-nx5yo]

it temporarily relieves pain. if you're looking at it to regain limb usage, it will not do that.

[@janfijan578]

Did tens contraindicated for metal implant

[@konstantinvukomanovic8230]

No

[@Know-nx5yo]

don't do it! TENS shoot electricity through the body. with metal implants, it will be like lightning being attracted to a lightning rod. You'll get fried.

[@Know-nx5yo]

you should NOT use TENS if there are metal implants. what TENS does is introduce an electric current into the tissue. the metal implants will attract the current like lightning to a lightning rod and quite possibly burn the tissue

[@PopCorNationG]

Game changer! Nothing has taken my pain away except this cheap tens machine from temu!!!!

[@trevorsmith579]

Thanks think i will try it

[@ClinicalPhysio]

🙏🏼

[@miutf2]

Love to analogy!

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Thank you so much!

[@johnbeard7404]

excellent -- thank you

[@ClinicalPhysio]

You’re very welcome!

[@sumitvmusic6605]

Is it okay to use it everyday twice?

[@Know-nx5yo]

yes it is safe. it doesn't have any dangerous effect, unless you have it on very high setting.

[@elixier33]

I'll usually attendance machine all the time. And yes, it absolutely does work.. 😊

[@chrisblaze2438]

Yes it works yes had knee pain the pain disappear

[@Mary-yh5ot]

Hey dr can u do tens placement video because everyone telling something different that would me a lot during my studies ❤

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Good idea!

[@Know-nx5yo]

the TENS unit you bought will have a placement chart for the electrodes. i've used several different TENS/EMS machines and all the placement charts are relatively the same.

[@footyfreak4546]

No studies needed just go and ask who had been using it during recovery from injuries . I am doing and man o man it legit help

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Glad it helps you!

[@MilliePat]

Horrible lower back, and TENS stopped the pain with out the side effects

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Very pleased to hear it!

[@thomasharborne7774]

No paid commission, no affiliation with any company what so ever. I had ACL surgery in the UK 4 years ago. Had physio before and after and could never really fully engage my quadriceps after surgery. Since using the TENs machine I've been able to get my quads active again and hit the gym harder. TENs goes hand in hand with my workouts now. Can't believe more physiotherapists aren't using this immediately after surgery.

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Glad to hear it has helped you!!

[@Know-nx5yo]

ACL is just a muscle that joins the upper leg to the lower. I know several people who had torn ACLs but didn't have any issue with their quads. You probably had something specific going on.

[@jaredkauther6787]

It helps with my syatica i know i spelled that wrong haha but i have lower back pain thay shoots down my right leg it doesn't cure it but it does help alot

[@down1plus2]

Works, cured my back spasms

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Glad to hear it has helped you!!

[@Judyjlefebvre]

Yes, TENS 100% does help with pain. The 1sthand evidence I have is 100% fact. So much so, I bought a TENS machine to use at home.

[@lovly2cu725]

Too bad the pads don't stick for more than 5 minutes

[@ClinicalPhysio]

True!

[@Know-nx5yo]

did you wet the pads with a dab of water? it's in the instruction manual.

[@RiverCrockett-in7bg]

You can get conductive gel for the pads that makes them stick better.

[@nylanirzerolf5640]

Are tens good for Gout?

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Haven’t heard of it being used for gout to be honest

[@nylanirzerolf5640]

@@ClinicalPhysio My Dad have been suffering from gout for days. I've searched in Google if Tens is good to use It says its fine but I can't find a direct answer that it's safe to use for Gout.

[@Know-nx5yo]

no it's not. essential oils are good for all forms of arthritis, which includes gout.

[@Know-nx5yo]

Not so fast, Dr. The effects of TENS could be hiding a serious issue that needs to be looked at.

[@htlv34]

I think that before making any statement, you should carry out an updated bibliographic review and have a randomized study of patients that corroborates the information, otherwise it is just a non-objective and personal perception.

[@ClinicalPhysio]

The aim of the video was that it was a literature review 🙏🏼

[@Know-nx5yo]

If you watched his videos, you'll know they're all based on what he read. He mentions this at the beginning of the video. However, some of the videos do tend to be subjective because he only relied on side of the topic, which he admits to doing.

[@ugochukwuchristopher4407]

Beautiful Khalid... Awesome

[@hamedsaraii583]

so good

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Thank you so much!

[@zakyvids6566]

Dear Dr Khalid Assalamualaykum I had a query can cervical loss of lordosis or even general neck instability affect vagus nerve and cause symptoms like rapid heartbeat I saw this kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5LLZn-vZcd9j7s and this kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKSQhHuNgdKYrZo

[@Know-nx5yo]

he's a chiropractor. is does not know the answer to your question.

[@billballoo7881]

In my experience the answer is no

[@DrValentine59]

Sad when you need to go to the comments on a yes or no video. L video W comment section

[@PerlaAbdie]

I knew it too!! Doesn’t work either!

[@ClinicalPhysio]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@chicfini]

Its not good to listen to everyone and everything, and this is one of them..

[@CHINJOWYNNKPM-Murid]

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC

[@CHINJOWYNNKPM-Murid]

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CHANGES FOR THE BETTER

[@ericmancia8180]

Tens works fuck those reviews

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Glad it has helped you!

[@LanceMcGrew]

Out of the million and seven options to buy - I'm still lost.

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Appreciate you Lance! I think that’s part of the problem that there is no “one is better than all the rest” which is why everyone else has similar experiences 🙏🏼

[@Almussalami]

You are not " kalid" you are "Khalid". As an Arabic name.

[@ClinicalPhysio]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@utubeSome]

For my neck related tension the headache didnt help

[@Know-nx5yo]

have you tried massage therapy on your neck?

[@vasileiospetropoulos2046]

Amazing as always. Man!!! My fiancee used tens on birth delivery and was spot on! They really helped her!

[@ClinicalPhysio]

That is awesome! Really pleased to hear it and congratulations!!

[@vasileiospetropoulos2046]

​@@ClinicalPhysio thanks

[@unita39hse]

Thanks for the video it makes alot of sense