How to use a TENS units & EMS machines for endometriosis? Placement of electrode pads (UK)

The functioning and internal structure of the female reproductive system obeys very delicate processes to maintain its balance and optimal functioning, so that an imbalance of any kind can cause a variety of diseases, which result in symptoms that can greatly impair the quality of life of patients.

Among the main diseases affecting the female reproductive system, we can especially highlight endometriosis, a disorder characterized by the pain it causes. Below, we will teach you everything you need to know about the causes and symptoms of endometriosis, and how to use TENS and EMS electrotherapy devices to relieve its symptoms.

How to use TENS machines to relieve endometriosis pain?

Since endometriosis is a condition that can be generated mostly by hormonal imbalances, the intensity of pain can vary from one area to another. Below, we will show you how to use TENS devices to treat endometriosis pain.

Where to place the electrodes?

Since the main pain in endometriosis occurs in the pelvic area, the electrodes should be positioned in the most relevant areas to stimulate the nerve endings that innervate the pelvic floor.

For this purpose, the optimal locations for TENS electrodes are as follows:

• Lower lumbar area, just above the sacrum, interacting with the sensory roots of the sacral nerves
• Perineum, between the vagina and anus, to directly stimulate the perineal nerve.

Which current to use?

Applying electrical impulses to the sacral and perineal nerves is an excellent way to treat pain caused by endometriosis, provided that the right frequency is applied to stimulate endorphin production.

For this particular case, shocks of 8 Hz to 250 microseconds can be applied, as well as shocks of 85 Hz to 75 microseconds. Both frequencies offer similar benefits at the nervous and muscular level for pelvic floor sensitivity, providing the patient with a sense of relief.

Best TENS units for treating uterine inflammation

While there is little study regarding the effectiveness of TENS therapy for the treatment of endometriosis, a large percentage of women have benefited from its effects, making it an option to consider. However, the lack of studies in itself is a reason why it is necessary to select the right device for the treatment, in order to apply an optimal therapy that does not generate pain in the patient. For this purpose, the best TENS units are:

The Beurer brand offers a specialized model of portable electrode designed to relieve menstrual complaints. The EM50 uses an innovative combination of TENS electrostimulation and heat therapy to relieve pain caused by menstrual symptoms in a natural way. Its ergonomic and portable design offers great versatility for use anywhere, and features 15 adjustable intensity levels that you can tailor to your needs.

To deal with menstrual and endometriosis ailments, the EM50 makes use of its TENS stimulation modalities and a soothing heat wave, which can reach a temperature of 43°C (109°F), which will help relieve symptoms such as muscle cramps and other ailments. It is powered by a rechargeable battery that gives it an autonomy of up to 6 sessions.

The physiotherapy brand Beurer offers its users one of the most versatile electrostimulation devices that can be found on the market. It is the Beurer EM59, which contains an incredible 4-in-1 function that allows you to apply therapeutic massage, muscle stimulation, nerve stimulation and heat therapy, providing a completely different level of relief to its users with its more than 70 programs and 50 intensity levels.

This powerful electrostimulation equipment offers immediate relief for almost any type of ailment using stimulation methods that stimulate the production of natural pain relieving agents within the body. It also works as an effective methods to accelerate muscle growth and regeneration, while combining with heat therapy to provide one of the most complete treatments you will find.

Omron has a wide range of electrostimulation devices in stock, including Omron HeatTens, which combines the therapeutic effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation with the effective method of heat therapy, resulting in one of the most complete relaxation and pain relief effects available on the market.

Its operation is really simplified, having 6 preset programs that focus on treating different areas of the body, which you can customize by modifying the 3 TENS massage modes, in combination with the 3 heat therapy modes. It is the best choice for joint and muscle ailments and you will get 1 Omrom HeatTens, 2 Omron gel pads, 1 power adapter and an instruction manual.

The AccuRelief pain treatment system is based on the new technology of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to relieve any type of muscle and nerve ailments, through the application of electrical impulses that stimulate the production of endorphins in the nervous system.

It works by means of a remote control system that allows you to increase or reduce the intensity and frequency of the electrical impulses quickly, so that it adapts to the ailments of the treated area. The box includes the remote control to modify the configuration of the device, and 2 adaptable electrodes to place anywhere on the body, together with 6 AAA batteries necessary to operate.

PainGone offers its PainGone Easy, an incredibly effective wireless TENS device that will allow you to treat pain in the back, arms, legs, shoulders and other parts of the body. Its portability makes it one of the most convenient stimulation devices on the market, so you can have pain relief treatment without any medication.

It has a multi-setting function, offering 3 modes of use with 12 intensity levels to suit your condition, and its adaptable electrodes allow PainGone Easy to reach virtually any area of the body. Additionally, its long-lasting lithium battery will give you enough power for at least 80 sessions before you need to get a replacement, which you can easily access on the brand's website.

The Hollywog WiTouch Pro is a muscle stimulator that helps relieve pain caused by injuries naturally and without the use of drugs with potential side effects. Its TENS electrostimulation technology stimulates the production of endorphins and provides a pleasant feeling of relief for all types of ailments caused by injury or illness.

With a size of 19 cm wide and 9 cm high, the WiTouch has the widest area of action on the market, with a current output strength of 0 - 110 mA for maximum effectiveness. It has a 2-button function that allows you to quickly change the device settings, and includes 3 reusable gel pads in the package you receive.

From EOSVAP comes this wonderful wireless electrostimulation device, effective for back pain, sciatica, arthritis and muscular ailments although its range of function is so wide that it can be used almost anywhere on the body portability and rechargeable battery make it an excellent investment when it comes to pain relief.

It has 7 intensity levels and 5 massage modes for instant pain relief in a natural and completely drug-free way. Its rechargeable lithium battery provides 24 hours of continuous use on a single charge, and can be charged via its USB connectors. Undoubtedly a complete revolution in the massage experience that you can keep in your pocket and take anywhere thanks to its small size.

Omega has available this fantastic and compact electro stimulator, called Omega Wireless Remote for its wireless function. Each of the electrodes is operated by means of a remote control, through which you can adjust and switch between the 6 available massage modes, making it one of the most practical and easy to use models on the market.

Its low intensity electric impulses offer a complete recovery of muscular and nervous pains, and its reusable electrodes have a superior quality adhesive gel, long lasting and easy to apply, so that each session can be carried out in a very simple way.

The Irest Massager brand brings for your use one of the best massage devices on the market. This is its classic mini TENS massage unit, which has 6 modes of use and is focused on relieving pain caused by injuries and diseases. It is particularly useful for joint ailments and neuropathies, although it can be used for almost any type of muscle or nerve pain.

It uses a combination of TENS and POMS technologies to apply low intensity electrical impulses to the affected area, which block pain signals, eliminating the sensation, and increasing the production of endorphins. It has 6 massage modalities and the package includes 1 control, 2 large electrodes, 2 small electrodes, 2 guide wires, 1 electrode and cable case and 1 massage treatment point guide.

The TensCare Flexstim multifunction device is one of the most complete and versatile electrostimulators you will find. Brought to you by the TensCare brand, this device combines a variety of electrostimulation technologies designed to treat different types of ailments. TENS, EMS, Micro Currents and IFT technologies allow it to relieve acute and chronic ailments, deep muscle pain and promote the rehabilitation and regeneration of muscle fibers.

It includes 53 massage programs in total, which are designed to treat a wide variety of ailments. Additionally, some of these programs have modifiable parameters that allow you to create the perfect customized programs for your own needs.

Video: How to place electrodes pads for endometriosis?

Electrodes for endometriosis

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Are EMS machines effective in strengthening muscles and preventing endometriosis pain?

Unfortunately, studies using EMS devices in patients with endometriosis or prone to endometriosis have been scarce, so there is no evidence that can confirm or disprove the usefulness of muscle electrostimulation for the treatment or prevention of endometriosis.

In addition, the very nature of EMS therapy makes its effectiveness for the treatment of endometriosis pain unlikely, since it is a physical conditioning method that, although it is suitable for muscle massage, has a base frequency that is too high to be plausible.

What is endometriosis and what causes it?

Endometriosis is a disorder that affects the endometrial tissue, which lines the inside of the uterus, causing it to grow outside the uterus, affecting the fallopian tubes, ovaries and the tissue lining the pelvis. This condition causes the endometrial-like tissue to break down, thicken and bleed with each menstrual cycle, causing it to become trapped inside the body.

The main symptoms of endometriosis are especially pronounced during the menstrual period, and are listed below:

• Moderate to severe pain
• Fertility problems
• Excessive bleeding during menstrual periods
• Diarrhea, bloating or nausea

Although the main cause of endometriosis is not clearly defined, it is possible to attribute to some explanations, such as:

• Retrograde menstruation: a condition in which menstrual blood, containing endometrial cells, flows back into the body through the fallopian tubes instead of out, causing these cells to attach to the pelvic organs, where they grow and bleed each menstrual period
• Implantation of surgical scars: there is a possibility that endometrial cells may attach to the pelvic organs after surgeries such as hysterectomy or cesarean section.
• Immune system disorders: immune problems may result in the body's inability to detect and destroy endometrial tissue outside the uterus, allowing it to grow and affect the pelvic organs.
• Peritoneal cell transformation: certain hormonal or immune factors can convert the peritoneal cells that line the inside of the abdomen into endometrial-like tissue.
• Embryonic cell transformation: hormonal dysfunctions affecting estrogen production can cause cells in early stages of development to become endometrial-like cells. It is a process that can occur in the early stages of puberty.

Differences between TENS and EMS: Which is better for treating endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition that can cause considerable pain in the lower abdomen and pelvic area, making it necessary to apply therapy methods in order to treat the pain caused by this condition. This is where TENS and EMS electrotherapy methods come into play, both of which are very effective in relieving ailments caused by different types of disorders.

However, it is necessary to make the distinction between TENS and EMS electrotherapy technique, as well as their use and effect on the body. TENS therapy is a treatment method that involves the use of electric shocks that reduce the sensation of pain in patients suffering from various disorders.

The most distinctive characteristics of this technique are the following:

• The intensity of its electrical currents ranges from 1 to 250 Hz, a relatively low frequency.
• Its effect is applied on the micro nerve endings in the lower abdominal area and the nociceptors of the sciatic nerve that innervate the pelvis.
• The electrical currents produced by TENS units prevent pain signals from traveling from the nerve receptors to the brain, causing a reduction in the sensation of pain.
• It is a technique I have seen in many branches of physical therapy

On the other hand, Electro Muscular Stimulation, or EMS, is a training and fitness technique designed to improve the condition of muscle tissue. The following characteristics stand out in this type of therapy.

• The base frequency of its electrical impulses is much higher, being fixed at a minimum of 70 Hz, and can reach up to 150 Hz.
• It interacts on the muscle tissue, causing an increase in the creation of muscle fibers that cause its growth.
• It is focused on training and physical conditioning
• It can generate an aggressive response of the nervous tissue when applied to injuries and painful disorders.

With this information, it is concluded that to treat the pain caused in the pelvic area by endometriosis, it is necessary to apply the Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation treatment, in order to numb the nerve endings of the sciatic nerve, which cause the sensation of pain in the pelvic area, causing it to reduce and generating a sense of relief in the patient.

It is necessary to highlight the fact that the effectiveness of the treatment varies from one patient to another, since although many women have treated the pain caused by endometriosis with TENS electrotherapy, there are reports of cases in which it offers practically no benefit.

On the other hand, muscular electrostimulation therapy does not provide any benefit to patients suffering from endometriosis, since it is mainly a hormonal disease, so the stimulation discharges on the pelvic floor muscles do not offer relief to the problem

Contraindications to the use of electrodes and electrotherapy