How to Use an Ice Pack With a TENS Unit
A TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) unit is a pain management device that you can supplement with heat or cold therapy. Sufferers typically use it with an acute injury to reduce swelling or to decrease muscle spasm. Applying it can also reduce chemical production that leads to a pain response. So, for some, combining a TENS unit and cold therapy is a good idea.
Instructions
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Using an Ice Pack with a TENS Unit
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Find an appropriate ice pack. Putting ice in a plastic bag is not the preferred method. The water can leak out on your TENS machine, causing malfunction. Use an ice pack wrap in which contains the ice inside thick material. You also can use a heavy-duty cold pack that has a cloth coating. Avoid gel packs or packs with plastic coating that can collect condensation.
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Put the TENS unit on first. Attach the TENS unit electrodes to clean, dry skin. If your skin is already wet, the electrodes will not stick or stay in place. Check that you have attached the unit well before you add any ice. Turn the unit on and adjust all the settings first. Get the TENS unit to the appropriate settings and levels before adding cold therapy.
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Place the ice pack over the electrodes. Once you firmly attach the electrode pads, and know the TENS unit is on, add a heavy-duty or well-insulated ice pack on top of the area. Lie back and stay still during treatment.
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Take the ice pack off after a set time period. Do not leave an ice pack on for more than 20 minutes, on any one area. Some people cannot tolerate cold for even that long. Using an ice pack for 5 to 10 minutes may be all that you need. You can also alternate cold and heat on the area if this helps your symptoms.
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Tips & Warnings
Another unit available combines TENS and laser cold technology. It is called Cold Laser Treatment therapy. This may be a viable way to get both TENS and cold therapy more effectively.
For some individuals, cold therapy is contraindicated. If you have a cold sensitivity or allergy, Raynaud's phenomenon, an open wound, or already experience numbness, do not apply an ice pack.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit ice cubes image by sheldon gardner from Fotolia.com
