temms machine questions

[lostboy74]

I am 5 weeks out from a shoulder reconstruction where the doctor sutured the capsul that forms the socket and also repaired a rotator cuff tear. it was reccommended to me that i use a temms machine from the physical therapist that is handling my rehab. question is can i use this on other muscle groups? abs bi's tri's and quads since i cant workout or would this be a waist of time and energy?

[KeyMastur]

you're gonna have to explain or post a picture of what a "temms" machine is...

[Times Roman]

you're gonna have to explain or post a picture of what a "temms" machine is...

he means a tinns unit or a tenns unit (not sure how to spell it)

I have one here at the house. You can use it for other muscle groups. But it is designed for pain relief. I believe the frequency is too fast to prevent muscular atrophy. Or at least mine is. Here's the weird part. Even though designed for pain relief, I don't get much relief from mine. I'm guessing it works for others due to a placebo effect? I do know that it keeps the muscles contracting, and therefore blood flow circulating, but beyond that, not much pain relief for me. Maybe you will do better on yours.

[KeyMastur]

not to be confused with a "stem machine" though right ?? where it sends electrical shock and "fools" the nerves relieving pain. correct???

[Times Roman]

not to be confused with a "stem machine" though right ?? where it sends electrical shock and "fools" the nerves relieving pain. correct???

I think we are calling the same thing different names? My PT called it, and I'll spell it phonetically, a "tinns unit" or a "tenns unit". It's a device a little bigger than a pack of smokes, with two dials on it and a few switches. Controls frequency, strength and such. then there four leads coming off this thing that you stick to your body and recieve mild shocks depending on your setting.

[Times Roman]

Ok, I had to go look it up, so here is what I found....

Definition: "TENS" is the acronym for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. A "TENS unit" is a pocket size, portable, battery-operated device that sends electrical impulses to certain parts of the body to block pain signals.

The electrical currents produced are mild, but can prevent pain messages from being transmitted to the brain and may raise the level of endorphins (natural pain killers produced by the brain).

TENS units should only be used under the direction of a doctor, physical therapist, or occupational therapist. Electrodes are attached to the surface of the skin over or near the area where you are experiencing pain. It is important that you learn how to:


•correctly put on the electrodes (proper placement is important)
•operate the unit
•change the batteries
•vary the controls and settings (both the frequency and voltage)
•set the proper duration and intensity of the stimulation (which depends on the location and type of pain)

TENS units are prescribed for both acute pain and chronic pain conditions such as:

•arthritis
•joint pain
•fibromyalgia

For some chronic pain patients, a TENS unit provides pain relief that can last for several hours. For others, a TENS unit may help reduce the amount of pain medications needed. Some patients hook the unit onto a belt turning it on and off as needed.

The cost of a TENS unit can range from about $100 to several hundred dollars. TENS units can be purchased or rented. A prescription usually is necessary for insurance reimbursement of a TENS unit.

Pronunciation: Transcutaneous (TRANS-Q-TAIN-E-US) Electrical Nerve Stimulation Unit
Also Known As: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Units

[KeyMastur]

yeah. same thing. i've only heard it called "stim [stimluation??] / stemm" machine.

to answer the original guy's question - no, you can't use in replacement of a workout.

[KeyMastur]

the ones i used weren't pocket sized....ha. they're about the size of a DVD player. then again they were dual - one on each side with 4 plugs for each

[Times Roman]

I am 5 weeks out from a shoulder reconstruction where the doctor sutured the capsul that forms the socket and also repaired a rotator cuff tear. it was reccommended to me that i use a temms machine from the physical therapist that is handling my rehab. question is can i use this on other muscle groups? abs bi's tri's and quads since i cant workout or would this be a waist of time and energy?

btw... there are other products out there besides the tens unit that are designed to prevent muscular atrophy, they are stronger with longer/slower contractions typically found on a tens unit. years ago i remember a guy rehabbing a forearm, and he wrapped this thing around his arm much like taking blood pressure, turned it on, and the contractions were real slow but strong. If I knew what it was called, I'd google it for you, but I seem to have shiit for brains and CRS

[Times Roman]

the ones i used weren't pocket sized....ha. they're about the size of a DVD player. then again they were dual - one on each side with 4 plugs for each

Yeah, mine has 4 plugs too. but I think the size difference is due to the fact that everything electronic is getting smaller now adays. I purchased mine 6 months ago. How old is yours?

and you are absolutely correct, the machine I was thinking of was to prevent atrophy only. much different than resistance training and working out at the gym. don't expect any growth. hopefully, it will keep you from shrinking down some.

[KeyMastur]

i don't have one. they were property of my athletic trainer / team

[Times Roman]

i don't have one. they were property of my athletic trainer / team

they are super cheap nowadays....... you can get a decent one for $100

http://www.medicalproductsonline.org/