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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

TENS Units?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Oakdale, CA

My Rheumy has recommended an OTC TENS unit and said you can find them on Amazon; however there are so many I don’t even know where to start or what to consider. I have noticed some are combo TENS/NEMS units, which could be helpful if these are quality units. I am also curious how reusable the pads are as I do have enough body hair to have a slight resemblance to a Sasquatch and don’t want to have to shave to attach pads. I also don’t want to buy cheap unit only to spend fortune in pads. Would… read more

January 21, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members shared helpful advice about choosing TENS units for rheumatoid arthritis pain management, with several emphasizing the value of combo... Read more

Members shared helpful advice about choosing TENS units for rheumatoid arthritis pain management, with several emphasizing the value of combo TENS/NEMS units that have four pads instead of two and manual adjustment controls rather than presets, allowing for more personalized treatment of different body areas and muscle groups. Many community members described practical considerations like pad longevity (wiping them with alcohol swabs helps maintain stickiness), lead wire length for flexibility, and the tradeoff between cheaper units that work well versus expensive prescription models that may not offer enough extra value. A recurring theme was seeking professional guidance from physical therapists who understand individual needs, reading user reviews carefully, and starting with affordable options since even budget-friendly units around thirty dollars can provide significant relief.

A myRAteam Member

The TENs I have now is Easy Home EHE009. on Amazon. $32.99. Depending on what you want to spend you can go bigger and better but this one does the job for me.

January 23, 2018
A myRAteam Member

Have the doctor order one through your insurance if possible. The over the counter ones are not going to last and I think they are expensive. The pads don't last long.

January 25, 2018
A myRAteam Member

I love my TENs machine. it has helped me a lot. I wore one out and now have a new I ordered online at Amazon. It has 4 pads; most have only 2. But yes the pads can wear out. I wipe mine with an alcohol swab to keep the stickiness. But eventually you do have to get new ones but there not that expensive. I think both my machines have been Dr. Ho.

I sit and watch tv and hook up my TENs and relax. I highly recommend it.

January 22, 2018
A myRAteam Member

@A myRAteam Member. I’m definitely not an expert on TENS units. I would talk to your Physical Therapist or doctor. Thanks for the add. But when I think about it, I don’t think you have to shave any hair off for TENS. They didn’t ask to shave you in PT, right? Good luck 🍀!

January 21, 2018
A myRAteam Member

OTC or prescribed you probably have to shave. Need skin contact for it to connect with nerves. If you want to try one

February 4, 2018

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