TENS , E-STIM....Frequently asked Questions?

 

MY MACHINE CUTS OUT AT 5mA

  • this means that you do not have a complete circuit. If you are testing by holding between your fingers or in the palm of your hand then you will probably only be able to hold until it reaches 5mA as this will feel quite intense. When the electrode is inserted in the vagina or anus, a much higher mA is tolerated due to better conduction.
  • to test if your machine and electrode are working , attach electrode as normal to machine , place electrode in a glass of water and turn machine on - if it is working correctly you will see the mA go up as you turn it up as the water will conduct the current

 

MY MACHINE WON'T REGISTER ANY mA

  • ensure that you are using the intensity button ( +/- )  on the same side as you have the electrode plugged into
  • is the battery working?
  • check by placing in a glass of water as described above.

 

I CAN ONLY FEEL THE STIMULATION ON ONE SIDE : there can be several reasons for this

  1.  You are not getting good enough contact of the electrode plates with the vaginal walls - good contact is required in order to complete the circuit and receive stimulation from both plates

  • this tends to happen if the genital hiatus ( the space between the two sides of the levator ani muscles , the muscles you are trying to stimulate with the machine) is wider than the electrode
  • if this is the case - try for better contact by sitting up a bit rather than lying flat
  • you may need a wider electrode . The Periform is designed to fit the vaginal hiatus moulding to the natural shape of the vagina
  • try a circumferential electrode such as the PFLEX range which has contact plates in a circumferential pattern around the electrode ensuring best chance of contact

    2.  Your levator ani muscle may be avulsed on one side ( torn away from its attachment on the pubic bone) and unable to create tension.
    3.  You may have had some nerve damage to that side and therefore unable to feel the stimulation even though it is being delivered

 

HOW DO I TELL IF MY MUSCLES ARE CONTRACTING WITH THE MACHINE?

  • Hopefully you can have the intensity ( mA) turned up high enough to elicit a contraction which you will feel. Remember the sensation should always remain comfortable, not be painful, so initially you may find you don't tolerate it high enough to give the feeling of a contraction.
  • Put your fingertips on the end of the electrode - if the muscles are contracting you will feel the electrode end dip downwards towards your tail bone. This is why the Periform+  is an excellent choice of electrode as it is supplied with an indicator stick which attaches to the electrode and you can see it move when you contract.

 

I HAVE TURNED THE MACHINE UP TO 20mA BUT CAN'T FEEL IT YET!

  • The machines go up to 100mA. If you have significant weakness or some nerve damage it may easily require 50 or 60 mA or beyond before you feel the sensation or elicit a contraction. Whilst it is certainly advisable to start slowly and build up as you get used to the sensation don't be afraid to continue increasing the mA until you feel a strong but comfortable tingly/buzzing sensation and a contraction of your pelvic floor.

 

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