How to Use a TENS / EMS Unit for Shoulder Pain Relief - Ask Doctor Jo
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ส.ค. 2024
- A TENS / EMS Unit can be a great tool for helping to reduce and relieve shoulder pain. Here are some pad placements to relieve different types of shoulder pain. Purchase a Healthmate Forever TENS/EMS Unit here: amzn.to/2LYI5rL (affiliate link)
Some common shoulder injuries that may benefit from a TENS/EMS unit include things like rotator cuff tears, labral tears, sprains, strains, tendonitis, bursitis, shoulder replacements (TSA), and general arthritis.
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is used to help reduce pain and increase circulation. Basically the vibration of the TENS follows the same pathway as the pain pathway to the brain and helps cancel it out. It is a great alternative to pain medication. A TENS uses two or four electrodes with cross currents to surround the area. The deep vibration/massage helps relax the muscles and allow for healing. You should not get a muscle contraction when using TENS.
EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) is designed to treat more of the muscle area than the nerves. It helps activate the muscles to help healing, and regain strength in that muscle. EMS is uncomfortable, and you should get a contraction with this. To help with elbow strengthening, placing the electrodes over the wrist extensor muscles is a great option.
Healthmate Forever has a wide variety of TENS/EMS Units and pads. The unit I'm using in this video is the T40AB. Check out their full line of products and learn more at: amzn.to/2LYI5rL (affiliate link)
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How to Use a TENS / EMS Unit for Shoulder Pain:
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DISCLAIMER: This content (the video, description, links, and comments) is not medical advice or a treatment plan and is intended for general education and demonstration purposes only. This content should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any health, medical, or physical condition. Don’t use this content to avoid going to your own healthcare professional or to replace the advice they give you. Consult with your healthcare professional before doing anything contained in this content. You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Ask Doctor Jo, LLC, its officers, employees, and contractors for any and all losses, injuries, or damages resulting from any and all claims that arise from your use or misuse of this content. Ask Doctor Jo, LLC makes no representations about the accuracy or suitability of this content. Use of this content is at your sole risk.
PRODUCT PLACEMENT DISCLAIMER: This video contains paid product placement. Thank you to Healthamate Forever for sponsoring this video and providing Doctor Jo with a free T40AB TENS/EMS Unit to use.
![3 Keys to Rehab a Rotator Cuff Tear & AVOID Surgery [UNIQUE EXERCISES]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/o9fiTFfW4uU/mqdefault.jpg)
![3 Keys to Rehab a Rotator Cuff Tear & AVOID Surgery [UNIQUE EXERCISES]](/img/tr.png)
Purchase a Healthmate Forever TENS/EMS Unit here: amzn.to/2LYI5rL (affiliate link)
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I have tendinitis of the left shoulder (pain going to neck, arm and back) what would be the best place to position the pads? Ps. So painful that there is not a single comfortable position to rest my arm at the moment
Hi doc jo can the tens help with fibromyalgia?
Jo made this very understandable. Ran out of insurance company's P.T. allotment for my repairs, and resorting to resuming home self therapy (based on what P.T. taught me). Makes my new TENS device easier to tackle. I wish expensive Insurance Companies did not put cold hard limits on things like this when you find yourself suddenly living on disability funds. Thank you Jo for understandable HELP.
Thanks, and you're welcome.
I have been having a bone spur pain on my shoulder and your video is very helpful ❤❤❤
Heh, I broke my shoulder in 2 places back in August of this year. 2 weeks later, I had to have surgery for it. Eventually, I was sent to PT 3 times a week. I really liked the TENS that first week. Then one of the lady's cranked it too high. For about ten minutes, I sat, almost laughing at myself because my body kept visually contracting. The Tech from the week prior walked by so I asked her if that was supposed to be happening. She said 'No! We want your muscles to relax, not work out.' lol
I've been going to PT for little over a month. I'm still on passive exercises only. The TENS is one of my favorite parts :)
I just got my own TENS unit in the mail today (Flex-it) and I'm eager to start using it. It looks very confusing but the distributor is going to walk me through everything over the phone tomorrow. I can hardly wait.
It is a great tool for pain relief and relaxing. Good luck.
Thank you Dr Jo! I have an older TENS unit and gel pad design. The more recent gel pad creation seems much easier to re position esp. without loss of adhesion. Will be looking for these. TY again!
You're welcome!
This explains everything. My shoulder is messed up but I fell stingers going down my arm. Thanks you. 🙂
You're welcome.
Thanks Dr Jo! I've bought a tens unit (single channel) for shoulder pain. Looks like I had been setting the intensity too strong as I set it so the muscles were contracting!
You're welcome!
Nice explanation with excellent guidance!
I like the muscle contractions. Is it bad if i keep doing it? It really feels like a deep massage and my pain goes away.
Very good info, thanks Doc!
You're welcome!
TY for posting these videos, i have one but not 100% where to place pads XD
You're welcome.
Mine doesn’t say which pad or cable is negative and which is positive
Hi Doc, sorry im late to the party, but with an MRI scan 5 years ago , I have a left shoulder rota cuff tear, I now have a TENS machine and watched your video with great interest, however it was great to see where you would attach the pads and how to use them....But then to my dismay you did not advise on long these should be left on and how often the treatment should be done....please could you clarify what we should be doing ....many thanks for the great advice and videos..
This was super helpful in getting the positioning just right. Thank you for the guide.
You're welcome.
Hey thanks for the education!
You're welcome!
How much time should I use the TENS at each session? Do I ice or heat my shoulder before, after or at all? I don't have the fancy machine that sets everything for me based on pics on a screen unfortunately. I came for the TENS information regarding shoulder pain (I have pain due to an injury to my rotator cuff) but I'm staying for the shoulder & neck stretches. It's good to know not to have the muscles twitching, thanks so much for the informative videos.👍
My PT couldn't give me ANY advise on how to use a TENS/EMS unit. Left to figure out on my on.
Doctor Jo, your videos have helped me a lot to get rid of neck and shoulder pain, so thanks a lot!
With regard to the TENS I went to a physical therapist for elbow pain and he applied it. Even though the TENS seemed to give some pain relief for the time being I felt the effects wore off almost as soon as I left the practice. Is it supposed to last longer or was I just unlucky?
You're welcome! It really depends on what the injury/diagnosis is, and it's pretty different for everyone. It doesn't make the pain go away permanently, it's more of a tool to help you be able to do the stretches and exercises you need to do to fix the problem with less pain.
Can you please explain to me why you don’t want a muscle contraction when using the TENS? Generally curious since I use it for lifting and muscle stimulation.
Would you recommend this for spasticity in the arm. I had a stroke and need to strengthen the muscle for my arm...
My shoulder doesn’t necessarily hurt just normally. It just hurts when I workout/ play my cello (Music instrument). should I still get it?
Doctor Jo, how many times can you use the same pads for TENS /EMS?
And thankyou for all your wonderful tips.
You’re welcome. If you clean your skin before use, and occasionally clean the pads, you can probably get 20-30 uses.
Dear Mrs. Dr. Jo, saw your video and helped me a lot about some pain I had in my shoulder.
Now I need purchasing a new TENS device, I found this TENS 7000 Digital TENS Unit in AMAZON, and I wonder if this unit works for bone and tendons pain like my old Tens unit, I wonder if you can give me an idea about, thanks in advance for your help.
Unfortunately, I don't know that answer since I can't evaluate you. Everyone is different. But in general, most of the units work the same.
Its ok to use two times a day doc
Kindly tell the devices which can be used for senseless parts of the body?
Hello Dr Jo, I follow you fondly. I wish I had a Turkish subtitle option and I could understand you better. 😓❤️
Closed captioning/subtitles can be turned on/off by clicking on the CC button below the video. You can also change it to many different languages among other things like changing the transparency to be able to see through the words: th-cam.com/video/VatNBZh66Po/w-d-xo.html
Hii, doctor Jo. I've shoulder tendonitis. Can you please tell me whether I should use TENS or EMS? Thank you.
Thanks! I’m almost willing to try anything to speed up recovery....doing PT and exercises/stretches...your videos help.
You're welcome! I hope it helps!
Is it helpful for rotator cuff tendons pain? Thanks
Where would you recommened for pain near the right collarbone? because it isn't suppose to be near the heart right?
Not directly over the heart. Maybe try length ways over the collar bone area instead of up and down.
Awesome!!! thanks!!!
You're welcome!
Hi doctor Jo! Can you please explain why it has to be no contractions? I have been using a TENS machine and set it in a level that’s not too high but causing my muscle to move. By the way I’m using TENS for my shoulder pain. Hope you’ll read this. Stay safe and healthy. Love from the Philippines
Quick contractions are okay for TENS, but you don't want a sustained contraction, that is more for EMS.
Hello Doctor.
What kind of Pulses mode you recommend to use for Shoulder Pain Relief? I have the device Muscles Dual Channel TENS EMS Unit from DOMAS company.
Thank you.
Can you keep it on all day?
Thanks, I'm a new subscriber & loving it.
You're welcome, and thanks!
Doctor JO i used to have a tins machine for my lower back pain and it worked well for me. I have a heart pace maker now i want to go back to using it for lower back pain. I don't know if it's safe because I don't want to use it above my bellybutton..?
helpful, thanks
You're welcome.
Pain that radiate from cervical to shoulder where electrode place.kinfdly tell me
if you have knots and tightness in lats which should you use and how long for x
Hi Dr. Jo i have bought TENS machine. so i want to ask how it works. plz tell me principal
I just received my first Tens machine in the mail today, so how do i cross the leads over when mine has 4 on each lead? Do i have to use all 8 at once?
Would this help frozen shoulder?
It would probably help for some pain relief.
Hi doc. You are always amazing. Thank you
Thanks, and you're welcome.
Awesome doc ❤
❤
Thanks.
Love Tens units :)
did it make your knots go away? Thanks
Do you think this would be beneficial for myofascial pain syndrome? Ive been suffering for over 3 years. And I am up to trying new things.
It might help. I think it's definitely worth trying.
I’ve found that using it consistently does help. You just gotta stay on top of it.
thanks for the imfo Dr. JO
You're welcome.
Good for sub scapular?
Does this help dislocated shoulder pain?
It might help with the pain.
Can this tens unit with electrode pad be used for senseless parts (numbed parts) of the body?
Kindly reply as soon as possible.
What about fast convulsion of the muscle for injury? Would you recommend that in some instances?
Watching this while using myntens machine lol
Do you have a video for neck and shoulder pain on one side ?
You can find all my videos on my channel: th-cam.com/users/askdoctorjo
I clicked on your affiliate link and was a bit overwhelmed by the number of options, and crazy price differences. To add even more confusion, the price "markdowns" are all over the board... regular price $239 marked down to $39, etc. Where can I find a good guide to help me make an informed choice? thanks :)
It's really all about how fancy you want to get with one. They have wired, wireless, some have many different channels so you can do more than one area at a time, and some are touch screens so it just depends on what you want out of it. If you want the basic one that does the job but doesn't have any fancy bells and whistles, that would be their best seller, the YK15AB ($29.99).
Can this tens unit with electrode pad be used for senseless parts (numbed parts) of the body?
Where's the fur babies Doc ?? I miss seeing them. Good vid by the way
Thanks! They are on vacation :-) They will be back in action soon though!
How many time gel pad working ?
tnx, this is great
You're welcome, and thanks!
My tens has two four-pad channels... No idea what to do.
does this work for frozen shoulder?
If your doctor has cleared you to use one, they can be helpful in reducing pain and improving circulation, making it more tolerable to do the stretches and exercises that will help.
Do they make tens units with heat?
The one you use here Dr. is about 1,099 USD ARE THE ONES you show in the link just as effective?
This article should help: www.askdoctorjo.com/best-tens-unit
Hi Dr Jo, I am using a Techcare Plus24 massager. I have shoulder and upper humerus pain. Am I better off using 2 or 4 electrodes? BTW your videos are great.
Thanks! 4 might be better if it's a bigger area.
Thank you so much for your response. Actually, the pain is localized about 4 inches below the joint on the humerus in one spot. few inches. I should have been more specific.
Hi there, would a TENS work for bursitis in the shoulder as well? Do you have video explaining the different channels & frequencies and what their for? Thanks
Yes, it should help. I don't have one for that yet since most TENS units are preset with the channels, and they are all slightly different. It should have instructions that tell you what each setting does though.
Where can i buy the gel pads and how much
You can find them in the link in the description below the video.
Hi Doc, Kevin here...golf professional with adhesive capsulitus 👎🏼....does tens help with healing faster? Your opinion greatly appreciated.
I think it will help increase the circulation and decrease some of the inflammation. Probably worth trying. Good luck.
Do you think this device will help to strengthen my lower back muscles is because five years ago I had a lower back herniated disc surgery and ever since my lower back muscle pulls very easily, injury to my lower back is very easily nowadays
I would not recommend EMS for strengthening lower back muscles. You have to be very careful on the back because the muscles cross the spine, so it's probably not the best option unless you have a physical therapist show you exact placements first.
Hi joe wanted to ask I have artery stenosis in left leg can i use tens or shockwave therapy to break calcification. What ur suggestion will it work
Unfortunately, I don't know since I can't evaluate you. You will need to ask your medical doctor about that.
Thanks this was really helpful :) Good to know that visible muscle twitching is bad but doesn't mean I'm turning into a cyborg.
You're welcome. 😎
Hey Doctor Jo! I am going into bootcamp in about a month and I have had a small case of tendonitis in my shoulder for about 2 months now, is there anything I can do to make it better? Would the EMS everyday heal it? And will I be okay at bootcamp with the exercise everyday? Thank you so much!
You're welcome! I have some specific videos for shoulder tendonitis that might help: th-cam.com/video/NRSV8kkjKAg/w-d-xo.html TENS would be better for pain control, but neither EMS or TENS will heal it on its own. It's only a tool to help with other treatment like stretches and exercises.
Hi Dr. Jo, Happy New Year!!! 2023!! Hey I have a tens that I use for lower back pain, my question is can I use it for my shoulder, went to urgent Care and was diagnosed with calcific tendinitis, the pain is a 10/10! Been on pain meds and using resistance bands for at home therapy, no relief. Soo I am curious if I can use my teens on my shoulder? It's made by icy hot brand and it's one large patch with the connections on each end.... Please advise, thank you!
Happy New Year! Unfortunately, I don't know that answer since I can't evaluate you. Everyone is different. But in general, TENS can be used on different parts of the body for things like tendonitis.
@@AskDoctorJo No worries, thank you for replying. I ended up going to ER and the doctor gave me a shot of Toradol and prescribed Prednisone. The pain was unbearable so the trip to the ER helped dial down the pain, following up with an Orthopedic doctor and go from there. Thanks for all your PT videos, they have helped me so much!!
You're welcome. Glad you are feeling a little better. Hopefully you can get some more relief soon.
Hi doc , its helping me a lot btw wanted to ask you about my shoulder pain . It started while doing dips on chest day , hurts on top of shoulder while trying to flex my traps outside . Been doing tens massage as well but it hurts during the massage , should i stop or go ahead to massage despite the pain
It really depends on what is going on. If it just feels like muscular pain with the massage, it's probably fine, but unfortunately, I really don't know since I can't evaluate you.
@@AskDoctorJo yeah i worked my chest a bit more than needed , may be tore my internal rortator , been 3weeks already still hurts a bit . I would really appreciate your help pls
That could really be a number of things. Maybe these will help some: th-cam.com/video/hd5TY9c1dLE/w-d-xo.html
Hi dr. Jo, would you use ems or tens for sports recovery , like for a softball pitcher on her shoulder
It depends on what the specific injury is. TENS is for pain control, so that is usually used in the beginning. EMS is for muscle re-education, so if there is any weakness or imbalances, that can be used later.
Informative doctor jo. Would love to know how u stay so slim and fit even now?
Thanks. Just eating (fairly) healthy, and exercising :-)
AskDoctorJo. I'm sure it isn't that simple doc.😉
Surprisingly it is!
AskDoctorJo I'd believe it if u say so.
AskDoctorJo. One last thing doc. Have u shared ur contact details or mail ID in any of ur vlogs??
One question. I have read som on the internett. There are so divided what they say about ems. Tens works that i have experienced but can you strengthen your muscles with ems ? The research that is posted is disclaiming the effect. but there are meny who claims it works?. i Tested a belt when i was almost 200 pounds. Then i was trying to loose fat the abdominal muscles. I used it fore some time but it did not have noticeable effect. Now I am living an active life and exercise regularly. Im 128lbs and have no problem with the weight. I have cornicle pain in the deloid muscle so i bought a tens ems machine. now i am thinking of using it to strengthen some muscles that are difficult to exercise. Is it possible, or is it only a fals claim to sel tens machines?
EMS is for muscle retraining after an injury or surgery (when you sometimes can't physically activate a muscle on your own). It will not bulk up muscles or work your muscles harder than you can when healthy or without injury, but it will help the healing process when used correctly and retrain your muscles to work properly again. It's also not going to burn fat, so even if it is making the muscles stronger, it won't make you lose weight.
This is random but I need to know can you move a broken hand ?
If it's broken, it should be in a cast.
I have a grade 3 AC joint separation with associated tearing of the CC ligaments. What can you say about which setting I should use for healing between EMS and TENS? I'm 4 weeks post-injury and have been icing and using a sling, despite minimal signs of healing and constant pain. Also, is there any other advice you might about the recovery time table?
Is there any way you can go to physical therapy for it? That would really be the best option.
Why would my shoulder rise up when im using tens on my neck
Many of the neck muscles go down into the shoulder area.
Would this be beneficial for upper crossed syndrome symptoms? Thanks in advance!
It should help some. Good luck!
@@AskDoctorJo Thanks so much for your reply! Could you possibly recommend which specific areas to target with TENS (relax/massage mode) and which to use EMS on? I Really appreciate your help 😊
You're welcome! Probably TENS on the upper traps and levator scap area. As far as EMS, it really depends on where you feel your weakness is. Often it's the mid to lower traps, but I don't know if you will be able to isolate those with an EMS.
@@AskDoctorJo Many Thanks Jo! Appreciated. Merry Christmas 😊
You're welcome. Merry Christmas to you too.
Hi can TENS help with spasitiy
It might help. It really depends on how severe it is, and what specifically is causing it.
What type of current you used faradic or galvanic??
For these units, they are all preset. It depends on what you would be using it for.
@@AskDoctorJo Neuro muscular stimulation for hemiplegia
What muscle group?
Galvanic current is interrupted direct current and is used for the treatment of denervated muscle, where there is no nerve connection to muscle.
Faradic stimulation is given for muscle paresis conditions. In muscle paresis, there is partial nerve supply to the muscle.
For shoulder abduction & flexion
Deltoid anterior and medial muscles
Thank you for your videos. They are really helpful. Question. I got a Belifu Tens for Christmas and I have Bursitis in my right shoulder. What is the best position for the pads. I have a lot of pain running down my arm but I know the problem area is my shoulder. Also what mode do you suggest? I have been using the little hand. Thanks!
You're welcome. I am not familiar with that brand, but they all pretty much work the same. So the advice in the video would apply to any unit.
Hi Doctor Jo, just a question: Can Tens machine cure shoulder or knee chronic pain? Thanks and best wishes for the festive season :)
You're welcome, and thanks. You too. TENS won't cure it. It helps relieve the pain and increased circulation (which does help with the healing process) to help you be able to do the stretches and exercises you need to do to heal without as much pain.
@@AskDoctorJo Thank you very much Dr Jo I understand:)
You're welcome. Good luck.
Do I place the pads the same for for rotator cuffs?
You really want to place them around where you are having the most pain, so it would probably be close to that.
Thank you very much Dr Jo! Hope this helps me been really having sleepless nigh.@@AskDoctorJo
You're welcome! I hope it helps too.
what location would you recommend to place the pads for rotor cuff strains
Any of the ones in this video.
Wow Dr, cam this be used to tone up bum muscles then? 😹
LOL, no, unfortunately not.
@@AskDoctorJo just kidding lol 😆
😂