I would like to share my experience with transcutaneous (that means through the skin) electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), a method of pain relief using a mild electrical current. A TENS machine is a small inexpensive device with electrodes connected to sticky pads. I've been using it on my hands 3 times a day for a few weeks and wanted to share the noticeable benefits I've experienced with hand rigidity. It's not a miracle product, but it has greatly improved my quality of life.
I would be interested to hear what other people have to say about this, so please share your thoughts in the comments!
Written by
Michel0220
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Hi Michel. Could you please describe your exact protocol specially with regards to the placement of the electrodes? I am very interested in this for two reasons: 1) I have tried steroid injections to reduce the rigidity of the fingers on my right hand but it did not help at all, and, 2) a physical therapist once utilized a type of electrical stimulation therapy on me and for several hours the following morning, it felt as if I no longer had PD. If we can figure out a proper treatment protocol, then it would be a safe, non-invasive, inexpensive, convenient and practical treatment for those with PD.
I place the electrodes on top of my hands and do 3 20 to 30min sessions per day at half strength. I selected the 6th mode on the menu (the one that shows 2 small suction cups) but you can experiment with the many menu and intensity options and select the one that you like.
Thank you so much, Michel for your reply. I will try it over the next few days and let you know about the results. By the way, do you have any suggestions about the proper placement for the lower limbs?
interesting to hear it helps with your hands. We have 3 TEN s machines in our house. 2 rechargeable ones and a battery one. My husband has used it frequently for his lower back which he has a chronic problem with and it definitely provides pain relief when he has a flare up. I’ve used it with my torn muscles on my shoulder which is now much easier to manage. My husband does have lack of coordination in his hands and a few stiff joints so might be another use for it. Thanks for posting.
I’ve tried the hidow unit which offers both tens and EMs functions. No sure the difference except that EMs feels much stronger and deeper and I really hurt myself with it! I use it for shoulder leg and hip pain and if it’s not set too high it feels great. No lasting cures but helps me get through those painful times when CL is OFF and I feel crazy!
Thank you GG. From what I have read, the electrical impulse from an EMS device is stronger than that from a TENS machine. I have never tried EMS. The TENS machine I am using is definitely strong enough (using half the strength on my hands is already plenty).
It has helped me reduce the discomfort and heaviness in my hands and I am now more comfortable eating, holding and using my phone, using my computer etc. As far as writing is concerned, I find that hand exercises and writing exercises have already helped me recover a lot of my writing (not all but much improved). I suspect that the nerve stimulation by the TENS machine might be reawakening/stimulating some nerve connections that have been impacted by PD (sorry if this is not scientific but rather based on my experience).
The good thing about this is that those devices don't cost much so not much downside to give it a try.
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