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How to use a TENS units & EMS machines for period pain & abdominal cramps? Placement of electrode pads (UK)

Period pain is possibly the ailment that all women in the world suffer the most during their lives, it can be considered as part of their life cycle, and although many get used to it, it never ceases to be an almost unbearable discomfort in some circumstances.

Fortunately, electrotherapy can be a great ally to help you eradicate the pain caused by cramps, menstruation or any other cause that is generating such discomfort in the lower abdominal area. That is why today we are going to show you how to use it to make your ailments disappear.

How to use TENS machines to relieve menstrual or belly pain?

As you may have noticed, the ideal therapy to relieve menstrual pain is TENS, so here we will show you in detail its benefits and how to use it to stop feeling that strong pain that ruins the days of menstruation.

Benefits

  • Vasodilation: it will allow blood vessels to relax and dilate to allow more blood flow to the abdominal area, which will allow pain relief to be maintained even after your TENS session is over.
  • Increases pain threshold: one of its greatest benefits is that unlike drugs it does not create dependence, so as you use TENS you will become more and more tolerant to menstrual pain, to the point that you will feel it as a mild discomfort without having to be glued to your electrotherapy device.
  • Nerve and muscle relaxation: TENS is a healthy therapy for your nervous system as it strengthens it and helps it to relax, which will prevent other problems such as pinched nerves or neuropathies in the future.

What intensity to use?

One of the most important things to keep in mind to relieve your belly pain is the intensity of the current you should use. In this sense you have two options:

  • 10Hz to 30Hz: you get a mild stimulation that will allow a relaxation of the nerves in case you have a pain that is not so intense.
  • 40Hz to 80Hz: this is the frequency to use in case you have a very strong and intense pain that you cannot tolerate.

Best TENS units for menstrual pain relief

Here are a number of transcutaneous nerve stimulation machines that are ideal for treating all types of abdominal pain and cramps:

Beurer - TENS device for menstrual pain relief with rechargeable heat therapy and 15 intensity levels
  • Type: TENS
  • Channels: Not specified
  • Modes/Programs: Not specified
  • Intensity: 15 Levels
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Heat Therapy: Yes
  • Battery: Rechargeable Lithium
  • Electrodes: 2 Pads
  • Display: No display
  • Size: 230 gr
  • Includes user manual
  • With heat therapy
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Reduces pain symptoms
  • Portable and small size
  • No measurements specified
  • No number of modes/programs specified
  • No display included
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.

Beurer - Digital dual channel TENS/EMS device with heat therapy, 70 programs and 50 intensity levels
  • Type: Combo
  • Channels: Dual
  • Modes/Programs: 70 Programs
  • Intensity: 50 Levels
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Heat Therapy: Yes
  • Battery: Rechargeable Lithium
  • Electrodes: 4 Pads
  • Display: Digital
  • Size: Not specified
  • With heat therapy
  • Incl. user manual
  • TENS+EMS combo
  • Accelerates recovery from sports injuries
  • Reduces pain symptoms
  • No battery life specified
  • Transport bag not included
  • Does not specify dimensions and weight
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 - Dual TENS Machine with rechargeable heat therapy and 9 modes with 22 intensity levels
  • Type: TENS
  • Channels: Not specified
  • Modes/Programs: 9 Modes
  • Intensity: 22 Levels
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Heat Therapy: Yes
  • Battery: Rechargeable Lithium
  • Electrodes: 2 Pads
  • Display: Digital
  • Size: Not specified
  • Includes user manual
  • Rechargeable battery
  • With heat therapy
  • Improves joint mobility
  • Reduces pain symptoms
  • Carrying bag not included
  • Battery life not specified
  • Dimensions and weight not specified
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.

Paingone Easy - Portable & wireless TENS machine for back, arm, leg and shoulder pain
  • Type: TENS
  • Channels: -
  • Modes/Programs: 3 Modes
  • Intensity: 12 Levels
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Heat Therapy: No
  • Battery: Rechargeable Lithium
  • Electrodes: 2 Pads
  • Display: No display
  • Size: Not specified
  • Portable and small size
  • Wireless electrodes
  • Improves joint mobility
  • Improves blood circulation
  • Reduces pain symptoms
  • Does not specify size and weight
  • Few types of programmes
  • Battery life not specified
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.

Hollywog - WiTouch Pro wireless and portable TENS unit with adhesive electrode pads included
  • Type: TENS
  • Channels: -
  • Modes/Programs: 4 Programmes
  • Intensity: 15 Levels
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Heat therapy: No
  • Battery: 2 AAA Batteries
  • Electrodes: 6 Pads
  • Display: No display
  • Size: 22cm x 13cm x 5cm - 417 gr
  • Control from mobile app
  • Reduces pain symptoms
  • Includes user manual
  • Improves joint mobility
  • Portable and small size
  • No display included
  • Few types of programmes
  • Not suitable for muscle hypertrophy
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.

EOSVAP - Rechargeable Wireless TENS Massager machine with 5 modes and 7 intensity levels
  • Type: TENS
  • Channels: -
  • Modes/Programs: 5 Modes
  • Intensity: 7 Levels
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Heat Therapy: No
  • Battery: Rechargeable lithium (up to 24 hours)
  • Electrodes: 4 Pads
  • Display: No display
  • Size: 13,5cm x 7,4cm
  • Long battery life (up to 24 hours)
  • Portable and small size
  • User manual included
  • Wireless electrodes
  • Reduces pain symptoms
  • No display included
  • Not suitable for muscle hypertrophy
  • Does not specify weight
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 - Wireless TENS muscle stimulator with touch screen remote control
  • Type: TENS
  • Channels: -
  • Modes/Programs: 6 Modes
  • Intensity: Not specified
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Heat Therapy: No
  • Battery: Rechargeable
  • Electrodes: 4 gel electrodes
  • Display: Touch
  • Size: Not specified
  • Improves joint mobility
  • Improves blood circulation
  • Accelerates recovery from sports injuries
  • Reduces pain symptoms
  • Wireless electrodes
  • No intensity levels specified
  • Does not specify measurements and weight
  • Not suitable for muscle hypertrophy
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.

Irest Classic - Mini dual channel TENS unit with 6 massage modes and timer
  • Type: TENS
  • Channels: 2
  • Modes/Programs: 6 Programmes
  • Intensity: Not specified
  • Wireless: No
  • Heat Therapy: No
  • Battery: Rechargeable Lithium (up to 20 hours)
  • Electrodes: 8 electrodes
  • Display: Digital
  • Size: Not specified
  • Includes user manual
  • Accelerates recovery from sports injuries
  • Portable and small size
  • Long battery life (up to 20 hours)
  • Includes carrying bag
  • No intensity levels specified
  • No heat therapy
  • No specified dimensions and weight
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.

Omron - Intense Wireless TENS Muscle Stimulator with remote control
  • Type: TENS
  • Channels: 2
  • Modes/Programs: 9 Programs
  • Intensity: 15 Levels
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Heat therapy: No
  • Battery: Rechargeable
  • Electrodes: Not specified
  • Display: Digital
  • Size: Not specified
  • Improves blood circulation
  • Includes user manual
  • Accelerates recovery from sports injuries
  • Portable and small size
  • Includes carrying bag
  • No heat therapy
  • No battery life specified
  • Size and weight not specified
The E3 model from OMRON is a TENS electrostimulator of compact size and great power, designed to be portable and used to relieve pain caused by exhaustion, injuries or diseases such as sciatica or neuropathy. This device uses TENS stimulation technology, proven and widely used by physiotherapists for its ability to relieve any type of pain.

It has a wide variety of pre-programmed modes of use designed to treat a wide range of ailments. Its compact size makes it incredibly convenient to carry wherever you want, and its specialized long-lasting electrodes can be washed and reused up to 150 times. The purchased package contains 1 OMRON E3 electrostimulator, 1 electrode cable and 1 long-lasting pad.

Dioche - Digital TENS device for muscle relaxation and effective pain management
  • Type: TENS
  • Channels: Not specified
  • Modes/Programs: Not specified
  • Intensity: Not specified
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Heat Therapy: No
  • Battery: Rechargeable Lithium (300mAh)
  • Electrodes: 4 Pads
  • Display: Digital
  • Size: Not specified
  • Reduces pain symptoms
  • Includes user manual
  • Improves joint mobility
  • Portable device
  • Improves blood circulation
  • Does not include carrying bag
  • Does not specify channels and modes/programmes
  • Does not specify intensity levels
Dioche has available to the public one of the best TENS machines on the market, which stands out for its ease of use, versatility and portability. You can use it to relieve pain caused by various causes, from neuropathies and arthritis to injuries and muscle contractures.

One of its best features is the presence of a laser line for the nose that will allow you to treat rhinitis symptoms effectively, improving your health conditions considerably. The dual channel function of this rechargeable mini TENS machine allows you to treat multiple parts of the body simultaneously, bringing benefits such as improved circulation, reduced pain and accelerated metabolism.

Video: How to place electrodes pads on the abdominals?

Electrodes for abdomen

Electrodes for abdomen
Electrodes for abdomen
  • Period pain: For menstrual pain, the electrodes are placed in the lower abdomen between the navel and the genital area, always prioritizing that the electrodes enclose the painful area.
  • Cramps: Cramps can be felt in any area of the abdomen, although they occur more regularly in the lateral sections. Whatever their position, what you should do is to enclose the area of pain between the electrodes. If you have 4, the ideal is to place them in a diamond shape surrounding the point of pain and if you have only 2, place them in the middle of both.

More types of EMS electrostimulators and TENS machines you should know

What are the causes of period pain?

Belly pain is undoubtedly one of the most common, especially in women, and although it is often attributed to a menstrual process, the truth is that it can have other causes that we will mention below.

  • Colic: these are an accumulation of air in some abdominal area, which causes discomfort that depending on the amount of accumulated gases may be of lesser or greater intensity.
  • Constipation: when eses accumulate for many days, they begin to generate pressure in the intestines that manifests itself as pain in the pelvic area. It is also very common for them to generate gas, which in turn causes cramping.
  • Menstruation: this female biological process is one of the most common causes of belly pain, which is generated by the so-called menstrual cramps that have their origin in gases emanating from the bleeding characteristic of this process.
  • Abdominal hernia: this is an opening in the abdominal walls that allows the tissue of an organ to protrude outward, which generates pain. Unlike the previous causes, this is a mostly active pain that manifests itself when the patient performs any activity that requires considerable effort in the abdominal area.
  • Stomach infection: a stomach infection can generate wounds in the walls of the stomach that manifest with an intense and unbearable pain throughout the abdominal area.
  • Indigestion: poorly digested food in the intestinal tract generates a large amount of gases that are highly likely to cause cramps in the abdominal area that generate a lot of pain.

What is electrotherapy and how can it help relieve menstrual pain?

Electrotherapy is a technique that consists of applying electricity to a person's body in order to generate a reaction in the body. It is a method that has been implemented for several decades, and today has hundreds of studies that confirm its effectiveness in relieving pain and strengthening muscles. Although there are more than 5 modalities, the most popular for everyday use are the following.

TENS

Transcutaneous nerve stimulation is nothing more than a form of electrotherapy that administers low-intensity, high-frequency currents to the body, acting directly on the nerves. In the case of menstrual pain, it acts on the enteric nervous system which is responsible for all intestinal processes, for it is there where the pain receptors of the entire abdominal region, including the belly, are located.

What TENS therapy does is that it alters the production of pain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, so that this is reduced, while "numbing" the pain receptors of these substances, but requiring a greater amount of these to send a signal of intense pain to the brain. Both effects have the perfect synergy to alleviate your "suffering".

EMS

The second popular form of electrotherapy is electro muscle stimulation. This, unlike the previous one, uses higher intensity and lower frequency currents, which go directly to the abdominal muscles to generate a contraction similar to the one you generate naturally when you train your core in the gym.

This does not have any pain relief function, but focuses mainly on strengthening and toning the muscles, so it will not help you to relieve your belly aches, although it will help you to have a flat and toned abdomen.

Contraindications in the use of electrodes pads and electrotherapy

Contraindications for electrode placement

The placement of the electrodes is of utmost importance in electrotherapy, whether TENS or EMS, so here are some things to keep in mind before starting a session:

  • Symmetrical placement: the negative and positive poles of each electrode should be connected symmetrically. That is to say, if we use two pads, we should use one positive and one negative pole in each one, while if we use four, the equivalence should be two positive and two negative.
  • Do not cross the electrodes: you cannot use one electrode in the lower train and another in the upper train and more importantly, never cross the electrodes from the left side to the right side of the body and vice versa, since the current path can negatively affect the patient's health. For this reason it is always recommended to use the electrodes in a localized way.
  • Motor point: at least one of the electrodes, whether positive or negative, must be positioned over the motor point, which is the point where the greatest force is achieved in the muscle in question.
  • Control the intensity: the size of the muscle must be taken into account when choosing the intensity of the current, since the less volume and size the muscle has, the lower the tolerated intensity will be.
  • Be careful with the skin: EMS or TENS should not be used on recently depilated areas since the pores will be open and this could generate skin sensitivity. Do not use on irritated or reddened areas, open wounds or recent scars.

Contraindications for the use of electrostimulation

Being a therapy that applies currents to the body, it cannot be used for all conditions, therefore its use should be avoided in cases where the user suffers from the following conditions:

  • Epilepsy.
  • Cardiac pacemakers.
  • Circulation disorders and problems.
  • Abdominal or inguinal hernias.
  • Neurological disturbances.
  • Tendency to bleed.
  • Skin irritation, burns or wounds.
  • Diseases that affect muscle metabolism, such as diabetes.
  • Metabolic syndrome (diabetes, hypertension and obesity).
  • High uric acid levels.
  • Metabolic disorders and metabolic pathologies.
  • Inflammatory pathologies.

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