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!
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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.
I use the TENS machine on my arm and/or leg when it is very rigid. It also helps if I am having bad tremors. After I'm done using it for about 20 to 30 minutes, the Tremor is greatly reduced, even gone.
I just apply the probes in two places on my arm at least 6 in apart and run it for about 20 to 30 minutes. I don't do it daily. I only do it when my tremors or stiffness are really bothering me. It provides temporary relief. I don't know what would happen if I just did it daily no matter what. I don't have the discipline to do that. It's kind of a pain in the neck.
On a similar topic, I just got this message from Parkinson’s UK about recruitment in the UK for a trial on: Can electrical stimulation improve walking?
It will be interesting to see the results of this trial. Below is the full text.
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Researchers from the Salisbury District Hospital and The University of Plymouth want to understand if a small electrical stimulation device could be used to improve walking for people with Parkinson’s.
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) is a technique that applies small electrical impulses through self-adhesive pads. These pads are placed on the skin over nerves that supply muscles that cause the foot to lift. Early testing suggests this may help to retrain movement. This treatment is already used to assist walking in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and stroke.
Who do the researchers need?
234 people with Parkinson’s who
- have difficulty walking due to Parkinson’s
- are able to walk 50 metres with walking aids and stand from sitting without assistance from another person
- are able to travel to a research site located in either Salisbury, Birmingham, Leeds or Swansea (sites are also due to open in Sheffield and Prestwick)
Unfortunately those receiving Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) or using other active medical implanted devices, such as a pacemaker, are unable to take part
What is involved?
If you are eligible to take part, you will either receive the study treatment, FES, for 18 weeks or your usual care for 22 weeks
You will be asked to attend visits to your local research site. Those receiving the study treatment, will attend 10 visits and those receiving usual care will attend 6 visits
The length of these visits will vary between 1 and 2 hours
During these visits you will take part in tests to measure your movement, your Parkinson’s symptoms, and fill out surveys
You will also be asked to complete a falls and exercise diary for the duration of the study
Travel expenses will be reimbursed
Please read the participant information sheet for more information
Interested in taking part?
Visit the Take Part Hub and complete the expression of interest form, or contact the study team by email steps2.penctu@plymouth.ac.uk.
On a similar note, has anybody tried the Neuro MD device? It also works with electrical impulses but it is different than a Tens. I've been getting a lot of advertisements for it. It's kind of pricey, but I'm intrigued since I've had success with TENS somewhat. One thing I like about it is that it doesn't have the wires.
At her summer school last year Dr Mischley mentioned TENS as part of the discussion around vagal stimulation. I've been looking for the study - will post when I find the reference.
It uses ear clips which are apparently inexpensive and are attached to the TENS and the earlobes.
Frequency - 20 Hz
Pulse width - 500us
60sec on, alternated with 10sec off repeat until 30min
They did this 2x per day
Improvement in gait and GI symptoms was seen
For those with a TENS already it could be worth a try.
I have 2 TENS units. Love them for my back. I may try this for my tremor and also my foot. It's been bad with the dyskanesia lately. I prefer my old one. You manually adjust the voltage and frequency. It's got some seriously high settings. We were playing around with it once and put it on my neck. Locked my jaw up... that one is my back buddy.
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Another human study, this one shows (electrical scalp stimulation) some improvements in Early Onset PD.
Experiment using TENS machine with glove attachment to see if it helps with dexterity in hands
Brain Stimulation Rapidly Revives Working Memory in Older Adults
Spinal Cord Stimulation for PD Pain
