How to Use a TENS Unit with Foot Pain (Top, Heel, Plantar Fasciitis). Correct Pad Placement.
How to Use the TENS Unit:
If you are using an iReliev TENS unit we provide step-by-step video instruction on how to use the following types:
iReliev 1313
iReliev 5050
iReliev 8080
Just go to the program section at BobandBrad.com and click on the TENS series. Under the series look for the videos with the 1313, 5050, or 8080 TENS units. If you are using a TENS unit from another manufacturer you will need to follow the instructions provided with the product.
Where to Place the Pads:
There is NOT a specific right way to position or place the pads. The best approach is to place the pads wherever they relieve pain the most. Experiment and see what will work best for you.
General Guidelines for Top of Foot:
Use of one channel and two pads for top of foot
Option One: Use one channel and two pads. Place one pad (either one) directly on the pain. Place the other pad either in front of the other pad or behind the other pad (at least a pad’s width apart).
Option Two: Use one channel and two pads. Place one pad (either one) in front of the pain and one pad behind the pain or place one pad on each side of the pain.
Use of two channels and four pads for top of foot
In our demonstration channel, one has yellow pads and channel two has green pads.
Option one: place one pad from channel one placed behind the area of pain and one pad placed in front of the area of pain. Place one pad from channel two placed on the right side of the pain and another pad from channel two placed on the left side of the area of pain. This arrangement forms a cross pattern.
Option two: place one pad from channel one in the upper right corner of the area of pain and one pad from channel one in the lower left corner of the area of pain. Place one pad from channel two in the upper left corner of the pain and one pad in the lower right corner of the pain. This arrangement forms an X pattern.
General Guidelines for Bottom of Foot:
Caution: If you place a pad over a calloused area on your foot, the conduction of electricity may be affected (diminished). Experiment and see.
Option One: Use one channel and two pads. Place one pad (either one) directly on the pain. Place the other pad either in front of the other pad or behind the other pad (at least a pad’s width apart).
Option Two: Use one channel and two pads. Place one pad (either one) in front of the pain and one pad behind the pain or place one pad on each side of the pain.
Use of two channels and four pads for bottom of foot.
In our examples channel one has yellow pads and channel two has green pads.
Option one: place one pad from channel one behind the area of pain and place one pad in front of the area of pain. Place one pad from channel two on the right side of the pain and another pad from channel two on the left side of the area of pain. This arrangement forms a cross pattern.
Option two: one pad from channel one in the upper right corner of the area of pain and one pad from channel one in the lower left corner of the area of pain. One pad from channel two in the upper left corner of the pain and one pad in the lower right corner of the pain. This arrangement forms an X pattern.
General Guidelines for Pain Referred from Another Area:
An example would be foot pain that is coming (referred) from the back. Using channel one, place the two pads along the nerve pathway. The two pads from channel two could be placed on the foot.
See Photo for Example
Reminder: do not place pads over open wounds or areas with excessive hair. Clean the area with soap and water prior to placement of the pads.
Treatment before or after TENS: Circular and splaying massage. See video for demonstration.
Interested in learning about the products mentioned in today's video:
- iReliev TENS/EMS Units: https://ireliev.com/bobandbrad/?uid=14&oid=1&affid=10
This video is a part of a series of videos on how to use TENS Units on your own. Check out the full series of videos along with downloadable guide sheets for each video on our website here: http://bobandbrad.com/programs