TENS Units

Are only available with a doctor’s prescription Conditions where TENS has shown to be beneficial Research Articles Available on request.

What is a TENS?
An acronym for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, TENS is a drug free alternative for managing pain. Doctors have prescribed TENS for their patients for over twenty years as an effective method of controlling pain. For patients who are less tolerant of drugs, TENS is a safe, non- addictive non-invasive form of treatment with little or no serious side effects.

Is TENS safe?
Yes. The thought of putting electricity into the body may seem a little scary at first, but all you feel is a mild tingling sensation under the electrodes. There are no known cases of electrical shock, and unlike some narcotic drugs that are prescribed for pain relief, TENS does not cause any dangerous side effects. The only reported side effects are occasional skin irritation at the electrode sites. TENS is a symptomatic treatment only , and as such, has no curative value.

Are TENS difficult to use?
Most TENS devices are simple to use. Your doctor or therapist will generally recommend what settings to use and where to position the electrodes on your body. Maintenance usually only requires replacing electrodes, batteries, or the lead wires.

Thermophore Moist Heat Packs

About Moist Heat
For centuries, people have known that heat can relieve pain. We soak in hot tubs or apply electric heating pads because we know instinctively that heat will help us feel better.

What exactly does heat do?
• Heat improves circulation
• Heat improves cell function (metabolism)
• Heat decreases stiffness in tendons and ligaments
• Heat relaxes the muscles and decreases muscle spasm
• Heat lessens pain

Medical professionals explain that heat causes dilation of the blood vessels in the area being treated. This increase in blood flow brings fresh blood to the area and takes waste away from it. The result is that heat eases pain and speeds healing

About the Thermophore ® Automatic Moist Heat Pack ™
Electric hot packs are one of the most popular sources of therapeutic heat in the home. They come in various sizes to fit the body part in need of treatment, and they are clean, inexpensive, and simple to use. In addition to these standard features, the Thermophore Hot Pack provides two unique benefits: moist heat and safety.

Moist heat treatments are more effective than dry heat treatments. This is because moisture transmits heat better than air. The outer flannel cover of the Thermophore Hot Pack draws humidity from the air and retains it. Once the heat is turned on, the moisture is forced out of the flannel and onto the treated area.

The "on" switch makes the Thermophore Hot Pack safe. The switch allows you complete control of the temperature; and should you fall asleep, your grip on the switch relaxes and the heat automatically turns off.

Why is moist heat more effective than dry heat in relieving pain?

It has been proven that water is a more effective conductor of heat than air. In addition, body tissues are able to tolerate moist heat at a higher temperature than dry heat. As this intense heat penetrates painful body tissues, blood vessels dilate, increasing the circulation in the area. The increased blood flow relieves inflammation, brings additional oxygen, carries away toxins and waste for healing, and provides relief from pain. The Thermophore pack makes a hot fomentation compress without adding water, using drippy towels or soaking in a tub, to provide temporary relief from pain. It eases the cycle of pain and muscle spasm to allow for more natural movement and comfortable rest. It is especially effective in providing relief from the pain of arthritis, back or neck pain, muscle strains or respiratory congestion.

Where does the moisture come from?

Each Thermophore unit has a specially woven flannel cover. During storage, this cover traps moisture from the atmosphere in the air spaces between the textile strands. When the special safety switch is activated, the Thermophore pack becomes intensely hot very quickly. Through a hygroscopic action, the moisture moves away from the source n/heat to the cooler body tissue. When properly applied, a layer of moisture is produced between the Thermophore pack and the body to effectively transfer heat directly to the painful area.

Is it necessary to add moisture to the Thermophore Pack?

No, you add nothing. Simply place the Thermophore pack on the affected body area, depress the switch, and within moments, intense moist heat will penetrate tissues to relieve pain. In some regions of extremely low humidity, it may be necessary to store the Thermophore in a humidified room. In particularly dry situations, a stupe cover has been developed to provide moisture directly to the flannel cover.

Why does the Thermophore Pack get so hot?

For best results, the painful tissues need to be heated enough to greatly increase the circulation of blood, reduce inflammation and relieve muscle spasm. This increased circulation brings fresh blood cells and speeds up the healing action. The momentary switch allows the Thermophore heat to be controlled by the patient for maximum safety, comfort and benefit.

Why is the Thermophore Pack so much heavier than ordinary heating pads?

To relieve aches and pains with hot fomentation treatments, it is necessary for the heat to effectively transfer deeply into body tissues. To make the Thermophore pack more efficient, we have positioned weights to cause the Thermophore pack to conform to body contours. This reduces air spaces between the Thermophore hot pack and body; so more heat is transmitted to the body tissues. Ordinary stiff plastic heating pads leave air pockets. Which result in uneven transfer of heat.