How To Use a TENS Machine for Carpal Tunnel

Are you dealing with the aches and pains of carpal tunnel? Maybe it’s time you give TENS therapy a try and see what all of the commotions around TENS & EMS therapy devices are! Using a TENS machine for carpal tunnel can be a great way to alleviate some of the pain and discomfort from carpal tunnel.

What Is Carpal Tunnel?

The carpal tunnel is a condition that affects the hand, wrist, and forearm. It occurs when the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed or irritated due to repetitive movements or other conditions. The symptoms of carpal tunnel can range from mild to severe and include tingling, numbness, pain, weakness, and decreased grip strength in the affected hand.

If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage. The most common cause of carpal tunnel is repetitive motion injury (RMI), which involves performing an activity with your hands over a long period.

This could be typing on a computer keyboard for hours each day or engaging in activities such as playing musical instruments or sports that require frequent use of the hands and wrists. Other causes are arthritis, diabetes, and pregnancy-related swelling of tissues around the median nerve.

Can Carpal Tunnel Be Treated?

There are a few types of carpal tunnel syndrome treatments, including surgical and non-surgical therapies and treatments. Additionally, there are preventative measures that you can take to avoid experiencing carpal tunnel. Traditional hot-cold therapies, such as heating pads, compression wrist wraps, and TENS therapy, can help you keep the pain under control throughout the day. If the pain from carpal tunnel is too severe, a doctor may recommend open or endoscopic surgery to treat the pain.

Will A TENS Unit Work On Carpal Tunnel?

Your body sends electrical pulses from nerve endings through your nervous system and up to pain receptors in the brain. TENS and EMS treatment work to manage pain and discomfort, such as the kind felt from carpal tunnel, because of how TENS and EMS disrupt pain signals.

When a TENS device is activated, it sends vibrations and pulses up through the nervous system and mimics those pain signals. So TENS and EMS aren’t restricted to just treating carpal tunnel pains, but rather, they can work for any kind of muscle or joint pain that you experience.

TENS units have been found to reduce inflammation and stimulate the production of endorphins in the body, two elements that play a major role in decreasing carpal tunnel pain. Additionally, some studies have found that wearing a wrist splint during TENS may improve symptoms further than using just the unit alone.

How To Use A TENS Device For Carpal Tunnel

Using a TENS device for carpal tunnel syndrome is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to medication and surgery. The TENS device, short for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, reduces pain signals sent by the nerves in the wrist and hand.

This non-invasive method of treatment allows users to manage their carpal tunnel symptoms without the use of drugs or other invasive procedures. The first step in using a TENS device for carpal tunnel is to find one that fits your needs. Choose a model with adjustable intensity levels to control how much electricity is delivered during each session.

Once you have the right device, carefully place electrode pads on either side of your wrist at the base of your thumb and forefinger, then turn on your TENS device to begin treatment. Be sure to use the right therapy setting so that it doesn’t overwhelm you. After some time, you’ll notice a warmth in your wrist. This is the effect of the TENS device assisting your body.

Electrode Placement for Wrist and Hand Pains

When using a TENS/EMS device, it’s essential to place the electrode pads in the right position. HiDow Acu Gloves are perfect for targeting any pain on the wrist, hand, or fingers. With the AcuGloves, you simply slide the gloves on and connect them to your HiDow device. There is no need for pad placement. If you are using traditional electrode pads, that is ok too! You will need at least 2 electrodes to get the full effect of the TENS therapy. Place one electrode on the center of the back of your hand. Place the other electrode pad on the forearm just below the wrist.

What Should You Not Do If You Have Carpal Tunnel?

If you have carpal tunnel, certain activities should be avoided to prevent the condition from worsening. First, it is best to avoid putting too much strain on your hands and wrists through repetitive movements.

This means avoiding activities such as typing for long periods. Performing actions like hammering in nails or using other tools that require forceful gripping motions with your hands. Additionally, working with vibrating tools can also worsen symptoms associated with carpal tunnel. So these types of tasks should also be avoided.

Furthermore, it is important to take breaks throughout the day and perform stretches and exercises regularly. That can help keep your wrists flexible and reduce swelling or hand pain in the affected area.