The correct TENS pad placement is vital to obtain the best results from your TENS machine, regardless of whether you are using it for labour, back pain, neck pain, or any other condition.
TENS has been successfully used for many years by medical professionals and patients to help with pain relief. Impulses from the TENS machine override pain messages to the brain, so you are far less aware of pain. You can read more about how it works in our article https://birthpartner.com.au/elle-tens-machines-labour-tens-works/
The importance of correct TENS pad placement
it is important when placing your TENS pads to ensure that the current from the TENS machine passes through the painful area, or along the nerves leading form the pain, or over acupuncture points.
Where to position TENS electrode pads for effective pain relief during labour
To use a TENS machine for labour pain relief, ensure you are using a TENS machine designed for use during labour, such as the Elle TENS Plus, the Elle TENS or the Neurotrac TENS machines.
You will find a diagram illustrating the correct TENS pad placement for labour in your instruction manual.
This positioning also works after your labour if you experience afterpains, quite common, especially in those first few days.
You may also experience shoulder pain from breastfeeding, back pain, incontinence or pain from your caesarean section incision.
Where to position TENS electrode pads for effective pain relief from shoulder pain
As a new mum, just starting to breastfeed, you may have aches in your shoulders. Place two pads on the shoulder as shown. Set the unit frequency to 2 pulses per second (2Hz) for 30 minutes, 1-2 times a day.
Where to position TENS electrode pads for effective pain relief from back pain
After labour it is common to suffer lower back pain. Place either two or four pads on the area of pain indicated in pink.
Where to position TENS electrode pads for effective pain relief from period pain – dysmenorrhoea
If you suffer from bad period pain it can be soothed away.
Place pads on the lower back and front of body. The typical areas affected by pain are shown in pink. Place one pair of electrodes on the front of your body and the other pair on the back. Set the TENS unit frequency to 2 pulses per second (2Hz) for 30 minutes each treatment, 1-2 times a day.
Where to position TENS electrode pads for effective pain relief from pre-menstrual migraine and tension
You may at some point suffer from symptoms typical to PMS or PMT, including headaches and migraine following the birth of your child. The treatments below are especially useful last thing at night to promote a good night’s sleep.
Place two pads 2.5cm either side of the spine bordering the hairline as shown. Set the TENS unit frequency to 2 pulses per second (2Hz) for 30 minutes each treatment, 1-2 times a day.
At Birth Partner, we have a great range of TENS machines available for you, depending on your needs. Please feel free to contact us to discuss what will suit you best.
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