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

Pregnancy is one of the most complex natural processes of the female body and is one of the most stressful, causing a variety of hormonal and physical discomforts that vary as the pregnancy progresses. One of the main problems of pregnancy, are the ailments of various types that occur in the stages of the process.

For these situations, you can apply methods such as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) therapy and try to reduce as much as possible the physical discomfort of pregnancy. Below, we will show you how to apply TENS units therapy to relieve the different ailments caused by pregnancy, taking into consideration the criteria for its safe use, both for the mother and the fetus.

How to use a TENS device to relieve pain during pregnancy?

The effectiveness of using TENS therapy to deal with pregnancy-induced pain depends on the effectiveness with which the appropriate electrical current can be applied and the correct positioning of the electrodes. If these criteria are met, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation can offer a number of advantages.

Benefits

The direct action on the nerve endings of the electrical impulses provided by TENS units can greatly enhance the comfort of the mother in the last two trimesters of the gestation period.

Among its main benefits we can highlight the following:

• No injections or chemicals are required
• It is a non-invasive process
• Can be applied directly to the most affected areas
• You can control the intensity of the impulses
• Harmless to mother or baby

How often to use?

Due to the fact that pregnancy puts a great deal of stress on different parts of the body, ailments can occur in multiple areas and the frequencies to be applied depend largely on the ailments to be treated and the intensity of the ailments.

For most cases, however, the ideal intensity for the treatment of ailments varies between 80 and 120 Hz, an ideal intensity to numb the nerve endings in the affected areas, while promoting the release of endorphins that reduce the sensation of pain.

Where to place the electrodes?

The positioning of the electrodes to apply electrostimulation varies in relation to the area in which the patient feels the greatest intensity of pain, so it is necessary to establish the priority areas to achieve optimal therapy.

The areas most prone to pain during pregnancy, and the positioning of the electrodes in these areas, are described below:

• Abdomen: upper and lower segments of the anterior rectus muscle, on both sides of the navel.
• Lower back: over the lumbar frame, on each side of the spine, at the level of the L4 and L5 vertebrae, over the iliac crests.
• Legs: the first electrode on the medial head of the gastrocnemius, under the popliteal fossa, while the second electrode will be placed at the base of the external face of the calf.
• Ankle: one electrode should be positioned on the head of the first metatarsal closest to the joint and the other just on top of the astragalinus.

Best TENS machines to relieve pain during pregnancy

A procedure as delicate as the gestation period can cause great stress on the body and lead to various ailments in the mother. However, in order to safely relieve these pains, it is necessary to take into consideration factors such as the use of the right device, which has the right settings to optimally treat the pains caused by pregnancy. Among these devices, we can highlight the following:

The muscle stimulator sends an electric current through wires to electrodes on the skin and helps relieve body pain; improves sports injuries, arthritis and sciatica; stimulates muscles, improves blood circulation, relieves fatigue, improves immunity and sleep quality. 10 intensity levels allow precise adjustment of pulse amplitude and frequency, allowing optimal and sensitive control for pain relief; a pre-programmed timer can set a preset duration from 5 to 90 minutes.

The therapeutic device can be used by two users at the same time or by one user to relieve two locations. Treatment intensity is guaranteed at all times. It has 5 treatment modes (massage, acupuncture, tapping, scraping and cupping) to choose from to relieve headache, leg pain, shoulder pain, joint pain, stomach pain, hip pain and leg pain. Automatic treatment interruption, alarm if the electrode falls off.

ROOTOK is a two-channel TENS unit, perfect for relieving and massaging all types of chronic pain: ideal for back pain, sciatica, knees and any other joint pain. The 16 pre-programmed massage modes and 20 intensity levels allow you to precisely adjust the amplitude and frequency of the impulses.

The backlit LCD digital display makes the screen clear and easy to read. Supplied with 8 high quality TENS electrode pads. Recharges via computer (USB cable included). Comes with detailed instructions and a TENS user manual containing guidelines for applying the electrodes to the TENS unit. Lightweight and robust.

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.

This is one of the most versatile electrostimulation devices you will find. The electrostimulation machine is fully rechargeable and has a dual channel function that allows you to apply electrostimulation to various areas of the body. It contains 30 preset massage programs through which you can relieve different types of ailments as well as strengthen muscles.

This electrostimulation unit is completely digital for an effective and reliable treatment. It has an LCD display and a user-friendly system that allows you to set the functions in seconds. In addition, the purchase includes 16 reusable electrodes of high quality and for all budgets.

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 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 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.

How to use an EMS machine to continue training during pregnancy?

As a general rule, Electro Muscle Stimulation devices should not be applied at any stage of the gestation period, because the intensity of the electrical impulses and muscle contractions it causes can cause harmful effects for both the mother and the baby.

Due to the high intensity muscular contractions produced by EMS therapy, the mother's body temperature increases and because the fetus does not yet have its own temperature regulation, this increase may cause negative effects on the baby, in addition to the possibility that its use may cause premature contractions in the mother.

Video: How to place electrodes pads to relieve pain during labor?

Electrodes for childbirth

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Can electrotherapy be used during pregnancy?

In general, electrotherapy is a fairly safe process to treat pain in most cases, as it is a non-pharmacological and non-invasive procedure, which can be applied autonomously. However, even such a technique has its contraindications.

In the particular case of pregnancy, it depends entirely on the type of electrotherapy. The use of TENS is largely contraindicated during the first trimester of pregnancy, since the fetus is very vulnerable to chemical alterations and may suffer damage if the electrical currents of the TENS device are applied. It is advisable to wait at least until the 15th week before starting to use TENS, if necessary.

EMS, whose objective is physical conditioning, is contraindicated during pregnancy in its entirety, since the intensity of the electric currents can cause a series of problems during the development of the fetus, generating alterations in its temperature, causing possible deformities, in addition to the fact that it can cause involuntary and premature contractions.

TENS vs EMS: What are the differences and which is better during pregnancy?

Electrotherapy is one of the most innovative and effective forms of physiotherapy in their respective fields, the most common being TENS and EMS therapies. In order to apply these therapies correctly during a process as delicate as pregnancy, it is necessary to know the effects of each of them on both the mother and the fetus.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is a physiotherapeutic technique that uses electrical currents whose intensity varies between 1 and 250 Hz, in order to block nerve signals, preventing them from reaching the brain and preventing the sensation of pain from being registered.

This technique provides a great number of benefits for the mother in the treatment of the most common ailments during pregnancy, such as ankle, lower back and leg pain.

However, it is important to note that the fetus is very vulnerable to the electrical shocks of the TENS device during the first 12 weeks of gestation, so it is necessary to begin treatment after this period and only if necessary.

On the other hand, Muscular Electrostimulation is a training and conditioning method widely used as a muscular rehabilitation therapy, after a long period of inactivity due to injuries or surgeries. It uses medium intensity discharges, which vary between 70 and 150 Hz to generate contractions that activate the muscle tissue, promoting the creation of new fibers, and increasing its strength and elasticity.

One of the main contraindications of muscular electrostimulation is pregnancy, since the intensity of its electrical discharges can cause a series of side effects for both the mother and the fetus, which can range from deformities and temperature regulation problems, to premature contractions and risk of miscarriage.

Contraindications to the use of electrodes and electrotherapy