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    Physical Therapy (electrical stimulation)

    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.
    dx Transverse Myelitis March/2008 - dx upgraded to RRMS June/2008
    Rebif June/2008
    Tysabri October/2010

    #2
    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!

    Comment


      #3
      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!
      dx Transverse Myelitis March/2008 - dx upgraded to RRMS June/2008
      Rebif June/2008
      Tysabri October/2010

      Comment


        #4
        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)
        Be Well,
        Susan

        Comment


          #5
          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.
          dx Transverse Myelitis March/2008 - dx upgraded to RRMS June/2008
          Rebif June/2008
          Tysabri October/2010

          Comment


            #6
            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!
            "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power
            is made perfect in weakness." -2 Cor. 12:9

            dx 11.23.10 RRMS

            Comment


              #7
              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!
              dx Transverse Myelitis March/2008 - dx upgraded to RRMS June/2008
              Rebif June/2008
              Tysabri October/2010

              Comment


                #8
                Great! Hope it helps
                Be Well,
                Susan

                Comment


                  #9
                  Can tens help reverse contractures ?

                  Due to severe spasms and contractures my legs are permanently bent. I got a baclofen pump in january which has relieved the pain/spasms and am working with PT and OT to stretch/strengthen.

                  thanks

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Depending on the contracture, there are two methods commonly used..
                    Serial Casting - non-invasive technique for contractures which are not severe which is corrected by a series of casts, each cast serving to straighten the joint a little more, until near full range of motion is recovered (though not muscle control); and
                    Surgically straighten for severe contractures to loosen up the tendons that hold the muscles before casting begins.

                    TENS will not reverse contractures

                    I'm glad to hear the pump is going well. Keep up with therapy, it makes a difference in the big picture.
                    Be Well,
                    Susan

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Susan,
                      Thank you -

                      Are you familar with 'dynasplints' ? do you consider them to be 'serial casting' ? I was given dynasplints when I went to rehab after the pump surgery and still use them (at night).

                      For the tendon loosening - what is the con for doing this ? Thought it was a severe approach that may limit walking in the future ?

                      Thanks again for your helpful feedback.

                      Comment


                        #12
                        I've seen the dynasplints used for post knee replacement surgery, knee injuries and other knee problems.

                        The only reason why I mentioned the surgery is because you mentioned your legs were permanently bend. Yes, any time you talk about surgery, there are cons. But because each individual is different and the purpose & outcomes are so different, only your physician can really go over cons. If you haven't talked to your doctor about it, perhaps you can ask. The degree of surgical intervention varies so much.

                        Surgery is a last resort. Keep up with the therapy and searching for options. You seem very motivated and inquisitive which is great.
                        Be Well,
                        Susan

                        Comment


                          #13
                          yes; plan to talk with my doctor on options.

                          thanks once again Susan - appreciate it.

                          Comment


                            #14
                            You're welcome

                            Take care and keep me posted (if you don't mind)
                            Be Well,
                            Susan

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Similar experience using an EMPI 300pv for NMES stim on my right leg. I am 55 years old Male and was officially diagnosed in 1996. I have a strong family history of MS. I understand it is thought to be non heriditary but you can trace it back 100 years on my fathers mothers side of the family.
                              The NMES and a daily pt regimen has had a profound effect on my foot drop. I use a cane, walker, wheelchair, mobility scooter, stair lift.

                              Currently the only medication I use is Vitamin D. After going through the ABC regimen I decided that a natural holistic approach was right for me. So far the NMES has allowed me to greatly improve foot drop. Also I have regained some ability to lift/bend my knee.

                              Do not think that this is an instant cure I am measuring progress in Millimeters not Inches. It is exhausting, exhilarating and well worth the effort. The hardest thing for me is when I find a clinician who tells me " that will not work or you are doing this wrong"

                              The methods I use are compensatory they work for me. This week we begin FES therapy with the EMPI machine using the foot switch, this is a second choice as I have had difficulties aquiring walkaide through Hanger. Wii fit is also part of my daily routine

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