How I Use My Tens Unit from Medicpad

A few years ago when I attended the annual Ability Expo in Boston, I purchased a tens unit from a representative at Medicpad. The reason I purchased it was because the representative at the event showed me different capabilities it had. He placed the tens unit on my back and pressed the mode that stimulates as if a person was actually giving me a massage. It felt really good because sometimes I deal with back pain. As well, he showed me the other features that the tens unit has. As well, add the intensity of it and how long you want the certain mode to run.

These are some examples that the tens unit offers

However, ever since I bought my stim unit, I have not been consistent with it. So, I can't speak that my muscles have gotten stronger from it. But when I do use it, I use it for an hour and try out different modes and move the pads around so I target different areas. 

This is how I regularly use and put on my pads on my thighs.

I normally use it when I'm on my bed right before bedtime and catch up on Netflix. It is really easy to put on and use. Just place the pads where you want, then connect the wires to tens unit and the pads. Once everything is connected, turn on the tens unit and press on the mode of choice and how long you want.  

As you can see, this tens unit looks like iPod

Using the tens unit is proven to strengthen muscles. I actually did a study with the Cambridge Spaulding Rehab Hospital for individuals with SCI. This study concluded of dividing the whole group of volunteers into two, group A took calcium pills with vitamin D vs group B did not take any calcium pills nor vitamin D. But, both groups had to come in 2-3 times a week and work out in an adaptive rower with occasional testing of VO2 max. As well, when I workout at Spaulding, I would use the tens unit to row as the stimulation would help my muscles contract. They even let me take the stim unit to take home (which I lost 😟). I was in this study for about 2 years and really enjoyed that I got to be part of it. I even got to be in my first competition to row with other SCI and abled individuals at Boston University.

This why I am excited to have my tens unit, to use it more frequently in hopes of muscles strengthening so I am stronger to walk at PT and do other activities. Has anyone else used a tens unit or something similar? If so, how are you using it and have you seen any progress?