Tens machine

[greynot]

Do any of you lovely people use TENS machines to help with their RA? Are they any good?

Googling suggests you talk to a physio and perhaps try one out, but the chances of talking to a physio are rather remote at present.

[oldtimer]

I found that the TENS machine was very helpful for nerve root pain, like sciatica. It seemed a bit variable for joint pain, sometimes helping but when the joints are swollen and tender it seemed to make it worse.My local pharmacy has a scheme where you can borrow one for a fee, which is taken off the purchase price if you buy it.

[greynot in reply to oldtimer]

Thanks...I have nerve root pain as well as the joints and all the rest, so it's worth a try! Is your pharmacy that lets you try an independent, or a chain?

[Fruitandnutcase]

I tried a TENS machine years ago when I had a herniated disc - I didn’t find it helped.I still had the sciatica and pains associated with my problem and the TENS was just an annoying and very irritating electrical impulse on top of it all.

More recently I tried again on my wrist after breaking my wrist and ending up with CRPS. It didn’t help then either.

If you decide to get one get a remote version. First one I tried had wires, most recent was remote which was easier to use. They’re not all that expensive really if you can’t get one to try from your hospital / physiotherapist - Lloyds the chemist sometimes do ‘deals’ with them.

[greynot in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Thanks for that. It looks like I should track down somewhere that offers a try out. I'm not hopeful about getting a physio appointment any time soon, though I could probably phone for advice. I was on their 'books' before the first lock down, but I'd be surprised if I still am!!

[vonniesims]

It used to be advised to see a physio for them to tell you where to put the ends in relation to the pain

[Knip]

In my experience they help with nerve pain, which is often referred pain from a joint in another area.

[Wobbies]

I tried electrical acupuncture for my knees from a chiropractor which is not the same I know but similar and it made my knees unbearable for 3 days each time, so caution is my watch word. That was before my diagnosis and the chiropractor has since told me that if he had known my diagnosis he would never have given that treatment and offered me my money back.

[Angjoplin]

I find mine helpful. It doesn't help with joint pain per say. Rather it helps with the muscle pain related from holding the joint at a funny angle.

[Leics]

I found a tens machine switched all the pain on to overdrive and was 100% worse so I wouldn’t touch one with a barge pole. Acupuncture did the same thing for me but I’m perhaps a weirdo. I think perhaps get a cheap one or like you said see if you can borrow one. We are all different what works for one doesn’t work for another.

[Angels54]

I used a tens pen which I used on my shoulder and it hepled ,bought of Amazon .

[Deeb1764]

I am ok with the TENS machine if you can borrow one to see if it is for you even better! I find on bad muscular days it helps and distracts me from the pain.

[rounder]

I have tried TENS, it helped a bit but I found the sensation really wierd, so my machine lives in drawer under the bed now!!!!😂

[Hidden]

I don't have RA but lots of other back sciatic related issues and have bought the Lloyds pharmacy ones when they were on offer and like others say they are always having offers, its compact and I always carry it on holiday so I have it just in case I get any twinges. Sometimes depending on where the pain is it doesn't help or makes it worse so I immediately stop. But I had been recommended it by a physio who also recommended a digital acupuncture pen which was very good too but best to try and contact your rheumy to see if you could have a physio call first to discuss.

[LoneEra]

I absolutely love my TENS! They typically come with placement charts for the pads. But physios can give good advice too.

So you’re not expecting too much, it’s not like instant pain relief. It’s more like white noise for the nervous system. So try out some different pad positions and settings. And wear it as long as you can each day. Also use it in bed to fall asleep if the pain is keeping you awake xx