These are used extensively by physiotherapists (physical therapists for our US friends) and can be very effective when used wisely.

They're also used by those who want something a little different in their sex life. I know, shocking isn't it?

 

....and there I was, trying to have an intellectual conversation, and we get on to sex toys! <grin>

I THINK the machine is reducing the pain - but it's difficult to tell, too many other factors involved.

DejW

 

It's not an electric shock machine It's a nerve stimulator and they've been around since at least the late 70s. I used a borrowed one around 15 years ago for back pain - it was great at the time and I was able to do without it after several months, however the cause of the pain worsened significantly over time, now resulting in pinched nerves and inoperable and the TENS doesn't help the issue I now have. (I was actually involved with the importation and marketing of the machines in Australia in the late 70s.) BUT they are good for many long-term pain problems.

 

Hey, if it works! I know here in France, there are plenty of medical doctors certified in accupuncture, too. Don't knock it until you've tried it.
Cheers,
Bev

 

Lots of medical doctors actually recommend them. As I said, these have been around for years. They do indeed work for lots of pain - pretty much proven many years ago. It does, however, depend on the type of pain.

 

Heck, my doctor recommended an osteopath one time - though she admitted that they aren't covered under the sécu. If the machine is covered, then so much the better.
Cheers,
Bev

 

Last I knew, the equipment was very reasonably priced. I don't know whether they are covered here, but I don't believe they are covered in Australia. Even so, at the price they are well worth the small outlay. There is lots of evidence on the equipment's effectiveness. Haven't come across a doctor or specialist in Australia who was against them, which is not something that can be said about osteopaths (although I know you can get insurance cover there for osteopath services - even though you can't get cover for the gap between Medicare rebate and the GP's actual fee - but then, the Australian system is absolutely crazy)

 

I know that some places, they use a weak electrical current with the acupuncture needles. Since those are supposed to be nerve points, I guess it's sort of the same idea.
Cheers,
Bev

 

For those interested...

.....yes, the machine and stick on pads are covered by CPAM etc. I had to leave a 150€ cheque as deposit.

........For varous reasons I missed 2 of the 3 sessions of 30 mins each yesterday. I think the pain increased during the night. Better this morning.

DejW

 

........For varous reasons I missed 2 of the 3 sessions of 30 mins each yesterday. I think the pain increased during the night. Better this morning.

DejW

Not surprising, it's pain management rather than a cure.

 

Oh I've had that done before. Here in US. They didn't give me my own machine though, the chiropractor did it for a bit before doing the back twisting and such. Not sure if it helped or not, but, the reason I went to the chiro was as a one-of-many attempts to fix another problem, and as it turned out chiro wasn't appropriate for that particular problem. But it might work for stuff it's actually intended for.

Come to think of it, I did buy something else another time for myself that shocked me. And I'm still alive. haha

Oh...and as for your pain revelation. I used to live with daily pain (same as above problem) and I used to snarl and growl and wish others could be in my body to know how much harder it was for me just to get through the day. So...yeah. Now if I find out someone has a condition that causes pain I basically want to roll out the red carpet for them and grovel because I know how much harder it is for them.

 

Irrational belief systems

Oh I've had that done before. Here in US. They didn't give me my own machine though, the chiropractor did it for a bit before doing the back twisting and such. Not sure if it helped or not, but, the reason I went to the chiro was as a one-of-many attempts to fix another problem, and as it turned out chiro wasn't appropriate for that particular problem. But it might work for stuff it's actually intended for.

Ah, what is chiropractic intended for? In many cases, the treatment of non-existent 'vertebral subluxations'. Chiropractic is a cult, a sham, and in some cases (neck manipulation) it has killed people.

Oddly enough, in some countries (such as the US) it has mainstream credibility. In many other countries it's regarded with appropriate disdain.

 

I can only mirror what soleilcouchant wrote. I was given the treatment over a 3 month period by a Kine in France (along with the back twisting thing) and it did not work. I had suffered 5 years of pain with my shoulder and eventually had two operations to cure the problem. The thing is, whilst I am cured I can still feel the pain. When you suffer pain (especially at night) over a long period of time it scars you. It is like a ghost pain.

 

I know you're not keen on the 'alternative' scene, but as a qualified nurse & qualified Holistic therapist, I can confidently suggest you give the machine a go! Also, swallow your scepticism and find a medically trained acupuncturist!

Many a woman in labour has been grateful for the arrival of the TENS machine!
Gypsycob x

 

Thank you GC!

I've had the machine for 4 days now, and apart from yesterday when I missed 2 sessions , I'm doing as the doc ordered. In fact my arms are tingling as I write this - it's working at this moment. Is there a smiley for electric sparks flying out of a post?

I think it works - but the pain is not constant, and some things make it worse - driving and screwdrivers are difficult.

I don't regard it as alternative medicine at all - it's been field tested with participating and non participating groups. I qualified in electrical engineering, so I understand the electrical aspects. Human biology was not a stong subject for me!

For your interest I've also got a BIG tube of Xylocaine which works in 1 minute when it's really bad, but that's not for everyday use.

In reply to Smeggie - you are right about long term pain. If you had told me your shoulder story 18 months ago I would not have believed you. Now, I believe you.

DejW

 

I have an arthritic knee which is steadily getting worse. On my return to France in March, I shall have to get along to the " knee Doctor" in the local hosp., the same one that gave me a new hip and get something done about it. But its strange, since coming out here and being in a much warmer clime, my pain has gone. I am gardening two hours a morning, walking to the shops and swimming twice a day. Have not taken an anti inflammatory tablet since arriving, absolutely wonderful for the mo., full knowing that on return to Europe and within a week the old pains will return. I reckon that heat treatment must be the answer.

Fletch.

 

Hello, dear boy!

Far removed UK elections and foggy French winters?

The boss had a teflon / stainless steel knee fitted only 2 days ago. Judging by comments from friends, relatives AND the lady who sells vegetables in the village, it was a wise choice. Certainly the boss suffered with her old knee, now in the dustbin, or perhaps the surgeon's compost heap. We must recycle everything, even knees? Perhaps there's a cap on things like that?

Trust you are flying the flag in the far distant lands?

PS large and frequent applications of ethyl alcohol are recommended for knees. Just be careful how you stand up after treatment.

DejW

 

Hello, dear boy! Far removed UK elections and foggy French winters? The boss had a teflon / stainless steel knee fitted only 2 days ago. Judging by comments from friends, relatives AND the lady who sells vegetables in the village, it was a wise choice. Certainly the boss suffered with her old knee, now in the dustbin, or perhaps the surgeon's compost heap. We must recycle everything, even knees? Perhaps there's a cap on things like that? Trust you are flying the flag in the far distant lands? PS large and frequent applications of ethyl alcohol are recommended for knees. Just be careful how you stand up after treatment. DejW

Good Morning Dj. Hope Mdme is coping OK. I have to ask the question, "whatever are you doing up at this time of the morning?", plugging yourself in for treatment on the cheapo tariff?

Its 9.30 am here, 29deg and not a cloud in the sky, like a permanent summers day in Southern Europe, definitely good for joints!!!!! Strange you should mention alcohol and joints. When I return from the local bar/resto of an eventide, what minor aches and pains that I may have, have definitely disappeared for my wander home as I return to my basha now fully repleat. Avoiding the street dogs and doing an impression of Eric Morecambe leaving the stage after yet another Royal Variety show.

Regards. " Give me sunshine da de da de dah". Off to feed the pachyderms shortly. Fletch.

 

Good Morning Dj. Just calling too see if the Memsahib has had her op. and is coping ok.

Headline spotted in The Bangkok Post. " Monk sacked for fondling tourist". This caught my eye and my sense if humour as well. The photo appeared of a local monk from our local temple in town. It shows him seated on a log alongside a well proportioned and comfortably built German hausfrau. He has a smile from ear to ear and his left arm is around her large waist and he appears to have a handful of "lovehandles". The heading beneath the tableau in smaller print says." Monk sacked for groping tourist, is that a banana in his robe? , or is he just pleased too gather alms ?"

Off to the Temple now and feed the pachderms. Fletch.

 

Dear boy, how nice of you to ask. Based on my experience of living 1 year in Germany the monk was seriously ill advised to "enter into talks" with a steel corsetted, sensibly shoed house frau. He might have better luck in the lions' den? That said, I've been invited into Bavarian homes for evening, nights, and weekends. Önce you cross the boundary from "stranger" to "one of the family" the atmosphere changes immiadiately to one of warmth and friendship.

The boss moved from "cliniique" to reedaction centre on Friday- where the brochure has photographs of the the lovely blue med; sun shining, palm trees waving. Unfortuately there was a force 8 gale blowing, red flags stopping even the surfing clubs so their things in sexy body suits.

Madame arrived Friday evening, just after the admin offices closed. She had asked for a solitairy cell, but is sharing. The window looks out onto (no the stormy med, but another cell block). I arrived Sat morning to find the place empty of staff excerpt for lonely people shuffling on sticks, zimmer frames etc. Also the wifi (40€/month doesn't work). She's got meetings with doctor, admin etc on Monday. I hope a lot will be resolved then. If not I willl use all my sales and consultancy skills to get the domestice situations cleared up. On of my most effective techniques is to put victim floor in arm lock and ask how many fingers do I have break before they say "yes".

Despite the signs "no exit without doctor's sig" we went out for lunch to a little bar on the sea front that cheered her up no end.

Me; I missed a session of shocks yesterday and it shows today. I've got sparks coming out of fingers tips as I type.

.....DejW

 

Interesting times. Which hospital is Mdme attending? Sounds totally different to my experiences.
Just imagining your "electronic rejuvenation" and the thought of that scene in black and white from Frankenstein springs to mind. Where the body is on the table and Igor pulls the switch and electricity flows through the monster for the first time. Am I getting warm? Do you now shop at "Marks and Sparks". Are you giving " hydrOtherapy to your clients ?

Monday dawns and a big storm is expected too arrive today from Vietnam, plenty of rain needed for the garden, still 32degrees. Off to Vietnam on Friday.

Regards. Far Flung Fletch.

 

Fletch, dear boy

I've sent you a pm via this forum. I can use your "Fletch" email if it's easier on the ipad!

DejW