topic Re: WIRELESS TENS Users? in Wellness

WIRELESS TENS Users?

Moonchilde — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 16:27:49 GMT

I've had 2-3 TENS units over the years. I always ended up sticking them in a drawer or tossing them because of the wires and electrodes, which could go bad, were never long enough, couldn't keep untwisted, kept coming out, etc. depending on the body part you were trying to use it on.

I'm in a position (haha) where I could really benefit from using one, and have just discovered there are wireless TENS units with remote controls! There are those without remotes as well, but people remark that if you're trying to use it on your back, it's very difficult to change settings w/o a remote. These wireless units are not. BTW, more expensive or much more expensive than an average TENS unit.

Has anyone had experience with the WIRELESS units? I'm very familiar with regular TENS units, don't need advice on those, but would like feedback from WIRELESS users. Thanks!

Re: WIRELESS TENS Users?

Beaches 1956 — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 16:32:45 GMT

No, but I love the idea. I always have my TENS unit ready to go from backaches to sprained ankles - it is a go to. Everyone should have one and they are so inexpensive - $20 and it lasts a life time! Never pay more!

Re: WIRELESS TENS Users?

Toppers — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 16:58:59 GMT

Hl @Moonchilde,

Sorry, I don't have one.

I haven't even heard of a wireless unit. That's a great idea, especially for your back, like you said.

I cannot tell you how many times I have gotten tangled up in mine, trying to awkwardly place it both on my upper and lower back at the same time. A wireless unit would really solve that problem.

Re: WIRELESS TENS Users?

Moonchilde — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 17:09:16 GMT

@Toppers wrote:
Hl @Moonchilde,

Sorry, I don't have one.

I haven't even heard of a wireless unit. That's a great idea, especially for your back, like you said.

I cannot tell you how many times I have gotten tangled up in mine, trying to awkwardly place it both on my upper and lower back at the same time. A wireless unit would really solve that problem.

I hear ya, @Toppers. I had no idea there was such a thing - and they've apparently been around a couple of years, judging by review dates - who knew?

I read a LOT of reviews last night for 5-6 different ones and think I have it fairly narrowed down, but wondered if anyone on the forums had one they like (or don't).

There are ones with remotes, and ones without. From what people say, if you get one without a remote you're doing the reaching-behind-you-blindly thing as far as changing the program or intensity, so for my use will go with a remote one.

Re: WIRELESS TENS Users?

Moonchilde — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 17:13:35 GMT

@Beaches 1956 wrote:
No, but I love the idea. I always have my TENS unit ready to go from backaches to sprained ankles - it is a go to. Everyone should have one and they are so inexpensive - $20 and it lasts a life time! Never pay more!

I do tend to believe that you get what you pay for, especially with electronics. So no, I personally wouldn't buy a TENS unit (wireless or wired) that cost $20.

Re: WIRELESS TENS Users?

Toppers — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 17:15:49 GMT

@Moonchilde wrote:
@Toppers wrote:
Hl @Moonchilde,

Sorry, I don't have one.

I haven't even heard of a wireless unit. That's a great idea, especially for your back, like you said.

I cannot tell you how many times I have gotten tangled up in mine, trying to awkwardly place it both on my upper and lower back at the same time. A wireless unit would really solve that problem.

I hear ya, @Toppers. I had no idea there was such a thing - and they've apparently been around a couple of years, judging by review dates - who knew?

I read a LOT of reviews last night for 5-6 different ones and think I have it fairly narrowed down, but wondered if anyone on the forums had one they like (or don't).

There are ones with remotes, and ones without. From what people say, if you get one without a remote you're doing the reaching-behind-you-blindly thing as far as changing the program or intensity, so for my use will go with a remote one.

I agree with you regarding the remote, @Moonchilde.

It makes sense to get one with it. I would do the same if I were going to get one.

I can't see trying to change settings without one, especially for your back.

Re: WIRELESS TENS Users?

Nightowlz — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 17:54:01 GMT

Never used a wireless TENS.

I have the one Tony Little sells on HSN. Never had any problems with it. They do work.

Re: WIRELESS TENS Users?

Moonchilde — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 18:53:06 GMT

What I have found really odd is that ALL the reviews for MOST of the units were from people who were given free or reduced-cost units. I've been seeing these types of reviews on Amazon for years, but not to this degree. There is hardly a review, for say 4 out of 6 different machines, that doesn't have a disclaimer. Many of them are dumb/obvious and many are clearly scripted. Some just quote the text in the company's ad! SMH. I really had to dig to find any useful info.

Re: WIRELESS TENS Users?

Reba055 — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 22:39:11 GMT

I wouldn't doubt with today's technology that the wireless units work well. Glad you brought it up. I'm going to look into too. I hate those darn wires.

Re: WIRELESS TENS Users?

poppinfresh — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 03:07:55 GMT

I had a Tony LIttle 10's unit, and while I think it helped, the wires more than got in my way, so I sent it back and opted for a wireless unit. I was so excited to get it, but...wasn't even close to the ones with wires. No programs, just could up the intensity or drop it down, and to be truthful, except for the first couple of minutes, the intensity didn't feel any different, regardless of what speed you had it set on. I think the wireless is an amazing idea,, but I have to say they aren't near what the ones with wires are. The replacement pads are also quite expensive. I only used the unit twice and the pad wouldn't stick any longer. And, if you have dexterity issues, every time you want to re-run the program, there is a little teeny tiny button on the unit that you have to find and push, before the remote will turn back on. I will go back to my 10's with the wires.

Re: WIRELESS TENS Users?

Moonchilde — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 04:35:43 GMT

@poppinfresh wrote:
I had a Tony LIttle 10's unit, and while I think it helped, the wires more than got in my way, so I sent it back and opted for a wireless unit. I was so excited to get it, but...wasn't even close to the ones with wires. No programs, just could up the intensity or drop it down, and to be truthful, except for the first couple of minutes, the intensity didn't feel any different, regardless of what speed you had it set on. I think the wireless is an amazing idea,, but I have to say they aren't near what the ones with wires are. The replacement pads are also quite expensive. I only used the unit twice and the pad wouldn't stick any longer. And, if you have dexterity issues, every time you want to re-run the program, there is a little teeny tiny button on the unit that you have to find and push, before the remote will turn back on. I will go back to my 10's with the wires.

@poppinfresh, there are a few different companies who make these. I ruled out ones users said were weak, or only have one program/speed. Some of them work the same (they look identical), but the one I ordered is different, and part of the reason I chose it is because it's not like several others. Fingers crossed. I bought it on Amazon, so no problem if I decide I want to return it.

I too had a Tony Little unit and was not unhappy with it *except* for the wires. But, the wires kept me from using it, so will try this. Just now I'm in too much discomfort not to try.

Re: WIRELESS TENS Users?

poppinfresh — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 14:15:47 GMT

Moonchilde, when you get yours, would you mind posting bacck and letting me know which one you got and how you like it?

Re: WIRELESS TENS Users?

Moonchilde — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 16:23:54 GMT

@poppinfresh wrote:
Moonchilde, when you get yours, would you mind posting bacck and letting me know which one you got and how you like it?

Sure! I should get it late tomorrow, I think.

Re: WIRELESS TENS Users?

poppinfresh — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 17:14:50 GMT

Thank you!!

Re: WIRELESS TENS Users?

Imadickens — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 20:10:32 GMT

I have the regular type and have never had any problem using it! Mine is quite old and probably needs new sticky pads, but I've had no problems! I have a script from my doc just in case my ins. will pay for it, but I haven't looked into it yet. I think they run about $250 but I'm sure they will come down soon!

Re: WIRELESS TENS Users?

Moonchilde — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 21:09:46 GMT

@Imadickens, the vast majority of just TENS units, without EMS combined, are well under $100. I couldn't even find one over $170 max. Most are in the $25-75 range, even from medical supply companies.

Re: WIRELESS TENS Users?

Moonchilde — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 01:15:02 GMT

@poppinfresh

I might not try it out tonight, but will try to before bed. Three pieces need to charge, and they don't charge quickly. Comes in a sturdy small box I will keep, as the innards of the box are well-designed to store everything neat and tidy. Nothing looks/feels cheap. Comes with a quick-start guide and a manual, but there is also a bit more operating instruction on the company website.

The name of the device is:

Drive Painaway Pro

The company is Drive Medical (large well-known seller of lots of durable medical goods). You can google the company or look on Amazon. It looks to me like some of the people on Amazon who had issues didn't have the info on the website and that was added later by the company. And as always, looks like some people just didn't follow directions. Fingers crossed!

Re: WIRELESS TENS Users?

tansy — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 04:29:34 GMT

Last night at the grocery store, after I pushed all of the dogs aside, I saw a large display of an Aleve Tens unit with a remote control. I think it was $55.

Good luck with yours, @Moonchilde

Re: WIRELESS TENS Users?

Moonchilde — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 05:10:08 GMT

@tansy, the Aleve one is identically to a couple of other brands I saw that seem identical - must be the same manufacturer. Quite a few people said the main component that you would stick on your back was heavy and kept falling off when they moved, and that the ends kept curling away from your body so the unit didn't want to stay on, so I elected not to try that kind for those reasons. It is a good price though - $40 at A*

The wireless ones have the part(s) that does/do the tingly work in "transceivers" that snap onto the pads. Unlike regular units with wires, these pieces are larger (thicker) and heavier than just wires & pads. So there has to be a balance of big "enough" without being too big.

Re: WIRELESS TENS Users?

Moonchilde — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 05:12:56 GMT