Physical Therapy (electrical stimulation)

[DancesWithPugs]

I was given a TruWave Plus that has three different "modalities" as they call it: Interferential Current (IFC), Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), and Neuromuscular Electrical Nerve Stimulation (NMES). He had me start out on the IFC since that is actually what was used on me for physical therapy.

First of all, I was NOT expecting a portable device. I was thrilled to be able to clip it on my side and go. It is going to be perfect for grocery shopping, long errands, and so many other normal activities. Sometimes I avoid the movies or church because of the chairs (how sad is that?).

Anyway, the battery runs down pretty quickly, so I'll use the DC while at home. FYI, I used it for 40 minutes and had FOUR hours of pain relief! I'm really quite impressed with this and hope to be able to eventually cut my pain medication significantly.

Thanks for all your help!

[Kelsey.23]

Glad a TENS unit was able to help ease your pain so much! I went to PT a few months back for a while and had the same thing done, except with a heat pack on my back instead of a cold compress. I agree this was the BEST part of therapy!

[DancesWithPugs]

I just saw my pain doctor on Wed. and he enthusiastically prescribed a TENS unit for me, and I got a call the next day from a medical supplier who said my insurance covered it 100%. I have an appt later this morning to get trained on it and take it home. YAY!!!

Just wanted to update in case anyone else was interested in obtaining one of these. I'll let you know how it goes.

[SusanD]

TENS units are great. Get a prescription for one for insurance to cover and I highly recommend getting trained by a PT or an OT for usage (settings, frequency etc)

[DancesWithPugs]

Thank you for the response. I did some searching and found the TENS unit online, and I was pretty sure that's what I was looking for, but it's good to get confirmation from another person here. It's also nice to know that insurance will cover it (knock on wood), so I definitely plan on asking my pain doc to write a prescription.

It's encouraging to hear that someone else uses one at home with great results. There's just times when you need that extra relief. Thanks again!

[cmagness73]

It is called a TENS unit, and I have one for home use. I had the same experience as you when I went to PT loved the electrical stimulation! My husband is an OT, and he suggested that we get a TENS unit, and I love it! I have frequent back pain, and it really helps. My doctor wrote me a prescription, I called my insurance company and the home medical supply company that they suggested, and mine was free of charge! Look into it, you will be glad you did!

[DancesWithPugs]

I hope I'm posting this in the right place. I vacillated between this forum and the "technology" and devices one. Anyway, I used to go to PT to gain back the strength I had lost after being significantly less active after my first onset of symptoms (I have spinal lesions-sensory issues). I have back pain due to one particularly nasty lesion, as well as some arthritis further down because of poor core strength.

To make a long story short, I ended up having to quit PT after a series of illnesses unrelated to MS, my daughter being diagnosed with T1 Diabetes, and an enormously busy schedule. The good news is that I continue to do the exercises I learned in PT, along with the Wii fit, and have a great pain specialists.

Now for my question. At the end of every PT session, they would attach electrodes to the areas of my back that were painful alongside cold compress. I have to say that it was my favorite part of PT because it felt so good and I would walk away pain free. I am wondering what those machines are called and whether or not patients can purchase them for use at home. I'm sure they're expensive, but maybe I could start saving up.