Electrodes (stickiness, wired/wi-fi)
Electrodes additionally referred to as TENS pads, are important to consider. How sticky are the electrodes, and the way lengthy do they final? Pads that aren’t sticky will wrestle to stick to the goal space and be a trouble throughout classes.
Kinds of TENS Unit Pads: Pig-tail and Snap-on
A key query continuously requested is, “are TENS pads common?” Whereas most TENS models use the identical becoming, some aren’t. This is determined by the producer/model. Nonetheless, there are two normal forms of TENS pads: pig-tail and snap-on.
Pig-tail fashion pads function a slim finish piece attachment. Their matching lead wires have a small piece of steel that slips proper into the connecting component. Snap-on electrodes function a button-style connecting portion that you simply press collectively to connect.
Sizes of TENS Unit Pads: 2″ x 2″, 2″x 4″, and Spherical 3″
In the case of dimension, you may have a number of choices:
- 2″ x 2″ – These are the business normal and are what most units include. They’re nice for common remedy however is probably not excellent for bigger goal areas.
- 2″ x 4″ – These rectangular formed pads are excellent for bigger goal areas. Nonetheless, they aren’t excellent to focus on joints as their bigger dimension tends to trigger them to bunch up or elevate from the pores and skin.
- 3″ Spherical – These are the smallest sort of electrode. They’re nice for focusing on smaller areas similar to joints, fingers, and toes. Their form and dimension retains them pressed even when used over joints.
The electrode sort chosen is solely as much as desire. Earlier than deciding, contemplate the world you will be primarily focusing on and its dimension.
Wired vs. Wi-fi
Some TENS models function wi-fi TENS pads. These are handy as they remove the chance of turning into tangled and are much less noticeable (nice for public use). Nonetheless, these may be costlier and heavier than conventional pads.
TENS Unit Clothes: A Nice Various
An alternative choice to think about is TENS unit clothes. These specifically lined gloves, knee sleeves, and socks join to guide wires. They usually require being wetted to switch the electrical present. They could be a nice various to conventional electrodes as they do not have a stickiness to lose. Nonetheless, they have to be wetted, which is probably not handy when on the go.
Do I want gel for a TENS unit?
No, most units use pre-gelled electrodes. Nonetheless, you should purchase further gel to use, which is able to lengthen the lifetime of the pads.
