What Are TENS Electrode Pads? Need To Know

The electrode pads are usually provided with the TENS device package. Their numbers, shape, and size depend on vary according to the unit you have bought. Some manufacturers make standard sizes so that they can be interchanged between the units. While few other manufacturers, opt for more specialized pads to improve its relieving effect.

It hardly matters which TENS device you buy, the pads are disposable and should be replaced at regular intervals. Their effectiveness is essential for consistent pain relief from your device.

 

TENS Electrode Pads

They are the adhesive electrodes which connect the main device to pain affected areas. Different devices come with a different number of pads. This figure may vary between two and eight. The older kind of electrode pads needed electrode gel for your unit to work efficiently, but all the modern machines do not require any additional gel to give you relief from pain.

How to Use Them?

The electrode need to be placed on the either side of or around the affected area, and then the device needs to be activated according to the prescription. Usually, the pads are placed half to one and a half inches apart for best-relieving action.

Once you are done with the treatment, just peel them off from the skin. Just ensure that you are not pulling them so strongly that their electrical connection is with the primary device is broken. They give the best results when used on clean skin. You can continue to use them for long without the need to change them.

When to Change Them?

When the electrode pads stop sticking to your skin, it is an indication that you need to change them. Their longevity depends on how often and for how long they have been used. It is advised that you should clean the skin with soap and water and dry it completely before using them.

It is important to understand that if electrodes become wet due to sweat or other damp conditions, their adhesive properties will be lost and they must be replaced. The duration for which you use tens electrode pads also affects their life. If you use them for a longer term, then it’s better to rotate between two sets of electrode pads, this allows them to get dry before the next use. 

Where can you buy them?

You can buy them online. There are many trustworthy websites which offer electrode garments and electrode pads in various size and shapes.

It is important to remember that TENS units need replacing at certain intervals, but with the little care, their life can be significantly enhanced.