United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

ok, I have a TENS/NMES too.. Elpha 3000

What I used/use is this setting, for Atrophied Muscle:
Frequency 25Hz
Pulse Width 300us (micro sec.)
Rise time 1.0 sec
Stimulation time 3 sec
Fall time 0.5 sec
Resting period 6 sec
Treatment time 30 min.

This is the factory pre-set numbers, though can be set to various settings of course...

I used this for my leg after I was paralyzed in 2004.
Marieke (31, LOBPI)

Thanks Marieke, ill give them a shot!

meeting with my physio monday.

need to find good activation points for my deltoid muscle.
bicep activation point seems to be good.

god bless.

Good Luck!

I was a PT but haven't really used much TENS/NMES apart from on me.. if I find my old sheets I may be able to give you more settings to try!

Marieke (31, LOBPI)

would be much appreciated! knowledge here in adelaide australia is very scarce to say it nicely!!

I hope by now you've found a setting or two you like? It really ends up to what you can tolerate without going too far.
Right now the TENS unit I have is a BioMed 2000. I browsed BioMedical Life Systems, Inc but could not find directions/instructions online so without further ado...what's a ado? are two adoos adice?
Here is the Low Frequency treatment as provided with my unit:
A consistent application of approximately 2 Hz has been shown to produce effective stimulation.
The Amplitude and Width settings should be set as high as possible without causing discomfort. The treatment period should be at least 20 - 30 minutes as the pain-inhibiting effect only commences after approximately 15 - 20 minutes. In the most favorable case, treatment lasting thirty minutes could contribute to a reduction in the need for analgesics. This will, however, be dependant on the seriousness of the patient's condition.
There is a bit more regarding High Frequency TENS treatment I will gladly share with you after I rest my finger.

I have two others in my storage unit I should go get. I've actually left here with key in hand and distracted in moments away from my appointed task. It's like getting the Item Number and description of either of the two braces/straps I wear all the time yet when I'm right there, with the prosthetic tech it goes right by me and I remember when I'm thirty miles away.
Keepitreal Peaceout
Scott

Scott,
TENS is not the same as NMES. TENS is used for PAIN management. NMES is used to contract he muscle to gain strength.

The setting for the 2 are very different.

Marieke (31, LOBPI)

hey buddy! thanks for the info. im really interested in the ems function. trying to help with muscle atrophy as well. ive lost 12KGs since the accident. i was at 12% bodyfat before the accident. now im pretty puny! haha
im trying everything!
god bless
s

I hope I had added a disclaimer for my ignorance? I know enough about nothing not to make a difference.
I hope the nursing staff will forgive and forget me?
Shaunn I certainly wasn't aiming to send you to certain pain?
I will be more cautious when/if I venture into posting in the future.
Man I feel terrible...
s2

Hey Buddy,
thats k! thanks for the info.
i havent been able to find the activation point on my bicep which produced the great result last time.bummer.
i have a meeting with my physio today, so i hope that will be promising.
knowledge is power!
hope you all are well!

shaun

You know you guys are really worrying me...you have these machines and you haven't been shown how or when to use them?? Have I got that right??

PLEASE check with your surgeons/physios etc that these stimulation machines are safe to use so soon after surgery. At the very least get someone to show you how to use them, set them up etc etc these things should be used carefully and at the right times. They have been known to cause the nerve endings to burn off with misuse.

Many apologies if I have got it wrong and if you are being careful...it's been a long day and I haven't been on here much in recent weeks.

Lizzyb