Tens machines

[stormcloud]

Does anyone know if it is safe for people with AF to use Tens machines?

[Hidden]

I'm not saying she was right, but my GP said it was OK so we bought one. I think she said just keep it away from the chest.

Having said that, can't remember what my problem was, but the machine did nothing for me.

Koll

[stormcloud in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Koll,

I have one on loan from my GP surgery and was not given any advice on using it by my GP.The instructions say not to be used if you have cardiac problems. They also say not to be used if you have metal implants and I wanted it for pain relief in my hip which has a hip replacement! I also have degenerative discs in my lower spine and could perhaps use it there but not easy to position the pads yourself so don't think it will be much use to me.

[Hidden in reply to stormcloud]

I would recommend a good Physical massage Therapist in you area unfortunate for me I am unable to treat my own back...If you wished to private message me I will be pleased to give you details of a recommended Therapist in you area.C

[stormcloud in reply to Hidden]

How do I send you a private message?

[Hidden in reply to stormcloud]

Hi there,

Click on the v at the side of the profile picture of yourself on the top of the page...You will see different options-click on message -then a page will come up asking who the message is for then you enter my name caromia-click on it and then you ready to type message.C

[BobD Volunteer]

Why not?

[AnticoagulateNow]

I use a Revitive ix, a foot massager that uses TENS technology to work on muscles below the knee. No problem at all. As has been said you should always keep pads away from the chest (even if you haven't got AF!).

Having said that I wonder if anyone has experimented to see whether TENS could give you a 'do it yourself' cardioversion? ...... HEY FOLKS, ONLY JOKING!!!!

[stormcloud in reply to AnticoagulateNow]

Thank you for your reply. Don't think a Tens machine is going to be much use to me but I haven't had to buy it to discover this which is good.I am in a lot of pain and unable to take anything except paracetamol which doesn't help much so was hoping this would help.

[Hidden]

HI,

For use in my practice over the last 20yrs I have purchased my electrical equipment from a company called BRETHERTON they supply a very good Tens machine reasonably priced....However,just this week I have considered purchasing one for my own personal use...

I was a little concerned and cautious as I intended to use on my back muscles which have close proximity to the heart muscles.i e-mailed the company for there advise which came back prompt ie to seek GP's advise which I did and he recommends not to use...

So there you are,possibly if used on the legs there wouldn't be a problem but as mine would have been used for the Trapezus muscle I decided not to go a head with the purchase...

Carol..

[stormcloud in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply.

Medical opinions seem to be divided but I would be a bit nervous using it even if it was suitable for me which it isn't. I mainly wanted it for pain in my hip and leg but I have a hip replacement and instructions say not to use over metal implants!

[Mimi44 in reply to Hidden]

Hi, I am 73 & have had AFib for 2 years. I have 3 stents & am on Sotolol, Digoxin & Cardizem. I did not know this about a Tens as I have one ive had for many years. The last 2 nights I've used it on my back & shoulders & at 3:30 this morning I woke up to AFib😪 I finally went back to NSR about 2:30 this afternoon. You can bet I WON'T use it again!!!!! I just now started researching it & am so glad I found your answer!!!

Blessings!!!!

[Hidden]

I use one on my knee and lower back without problems - I think the machine info itself cautions about use near the heart and has a warning about pacemakers. I'm sure it all depends on whereabouts you're planning to use it.

Lis

[stormcloud in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

Do you find it helps with the pain?

[Hidden in reply to stormcloud]

Yes, I find it very soothing while it's on and it seems to lessen the pain afterwards.

[GranJan in reply to stormcloud]

For backache and stiffness, I have had great relief from a HoMedic massage seat, the one I have has Shiatsu and rolling massage; you can select the area/s you want to treat, neck & shoulders, whole back or just lower back; with or without heat. My husband thinks it very good too!

[Available from Amazon]

[stormcloud in reply to GranJan]

Thank you. I haven't heard of this but will certainly look in to it.

[shirlygirly]

I have used one and found some relief but you will need to use it on a

regular basis for lasting relief, I think someone mentioned use on back

pain which I have and found some relief but ended up having facet joint

injections which have proved successful and last a couple of years. I have had

them now for around 20 years and been very grateful for the relief they give.

I know the jury is out on the lasting benefit of them but in my case they have

been a success.

[stormcloud in reply to shirlygirly]

Thank you for replying.I have been told that I could have injections in the hip and spine but not if i am having another hip operation as this would increase the risk of infection in the new joint.

[gerryatriq]

my guess is that if you ask a GP for his opinion on something like this the answer would be NO.

why would he stick his/her neck out

[iris1205]

I have a full body PEMF mat for my clients and in the past me.... (pulsated electro magnetic field). I can use the small version on a my knee or foot, but the full body mat is OUT.... even on the lightest setting my heart does not go into Afib, but it doesn't appreciate the input. Unfortunatley, I stay away from anything electrical in direct contact with my chest area. Just my experience.... create your own tests!

[stormcloud]

Thank you for your reply but have decided that a TENS machine is not for me. Can't use it on the hip because of metal implant and can't use it om my back because unable to position the pads myself.

[GranJan]

For backache and stiffness, I have had great relief from a HoMedic massage seat, the one I have has Shiatsu and rolling massage; you can select the area/s you want to treat, neck & shoulders, whole back or just lower back; with or without heat. My husband thinks it very good too!

[Available from Amazon]