PT won't do TENS on pelvis....

[RAS6]

I just started physical therapy and I was told that they couldn't do the TENS on the front of my body where all of my pelvic pain is (which didn't sound right to me....) I had it on my back and it felt great, but my front still hurt afterwards. Does anyone know why they would have told me this? I want to get a unit of my own, but can't afford it right now. I am seeing a regular Physical therapist since I cannot find a PFD specialist close enough to drive to. The first therapist I saw (she has a doctorate in physical therapy) suggested TENS and is doing lots of research on ways they can help my PFD. So I am really confused now that her assistant will only do the TENS on my back. I guess I need to speak to her directly. Just wondered if anyone else had heard this before.
Thanks!

[waterflow]

Maybe she doesn't want to put the electrodes down there and then use them on someone else or do you have your own to use each time? If I put my electrodes on my back it makes the back and bladder pain worse. I have no clue as to why she would say that. You can get cheap ones on the internet or even at the pharmacy. mine only costs $35.00 and I got it at the pharmacy. You don't have to spend hundreds.

[RAS6]

Mary, would you PM me which pharmacy you got yours at? I could definately do $35! The ones I saw online were as much as $500 and as low as $90, but I really can't spend the $90 right now. All these co-pays on PT, Specialist's visits, and meds are breaking our little bank account! To be honest, I think the Therapist I saw yesterday had just never seen TENS done for pelvic pain, he did mention his specialty was sports medicine. Also he was very young (25 like myself) and I think he may have been uncomfortable about having to put the pads so close to my bikini line, if you know what I mean! I made my next appointment for a Friday, which means I will see the head therapist again, so I will ask her then. I had so much back pain relief last night, but horrible pelvic pain! Go figure!

[MerryBerryMoose]

Have you had any abdominal surgery? I was told not to put my TENS electrodes anywhere near my appendectormy and gallbladder scars. It has something to do with the fact that I can't feel the skin, so I wouldn't know if the shocks were hurting.

Next time you go, ask her why she said no to the TENS on the front/pelvis area, that's probaly the only way you will know for sure.

[Kathy in Canada]

TENS on pelvis

Hi,
I have PFD and have used a TENS for pain control. I use four electrodes. My physio told me to put two electodes on the lower abdomen above the pubic hair area - one on each side but not a way over far from the middle line of your abdomen. Basically over your pubic area. She said to put a red lead on one side and a black lead on the other.

I also was told to put two more electrodes on my lower back area - one on the right side and one on the left - on the dimples that are just above the top of the crease of your buttocks & a bit to the outside of the crease. Use a hand mirror to look into a big mirror so you can see your back. On the back you put the opposite colour of lead on each side compared to what you put in the front. So if on the front right you have a red lead you put a black lead on the back right and if the front left you have a black lead you put a red lead on the left back.

It works for me.

Kathy

[RAS6]

Thanks Kathy for the detailed instructions. I am going to talk to the head therapist there, but I am looking into getting my ownTENS as well since I liked how it felt on my back so much! So I really appreciate your letting me know what works for you. All of this can get confusing, especially when I am starting new meds, PFD therapies, etc.

[NicoleB]

my pt used them on my back only so that it would stimulate the sacral nerves (which eventually lead to your bladder). she said i could play around with the placement, but usually she sees more success by placing them on the lower back.

[BBB]

Kathy~
Do you have an IF3 Wave unit? That is what I have and it sounds exactly like mine. I love it. It has two leads in the back and two in the front. The machine as about 10 settings to choose from, with pre-written programs for different areas of pain, including a setting specifically for IC.

It was a little more expensive ($1,100.00) but I think my insurance paid for it.
Betsy

[Claredale]

When I had my TENS unit several years ago, It didn't cost me a thing and I just ordered the sticky pads for the electrodes. I had 4 leads and kept them all in front. 2 just above the hair line and 2 closer up below my belly button. Insurance paid for it all with my doctors prescription.

BBB I think I know someone that is using the one like you described. She just uses it a couple times a day for about an hour and it has made a huge difference.

Tracey

[jansid]

Tens Unit

I am going to get my TENS unit next week. The PT told me that she had to do a very quick internal (I can't remember why). She said it wouldn't be a deep one.

Has anyone heard of this or the reason why?
Thanks.

[BBB]

Thanks for the information Tracey. Maybe they will see this and post. I do the same exact method, unless I am just lying around and then I leave it on longer. I do have to manually reset the program after an hour.

It was GREAT! Love it!

[LeeAnn]

Back when I had my unit, I was told to put 4 electrodes on my back and 4 in front right above my pubic bone. I was also told I could "play around" with them until I found the best spots......I'm an Occupational Therapist and use TENS with my patients and I'm personally curious as to why you were told not to put them on your front. I specialize in hand therapy so it could be different....but the principles are basiaclly the same when using electricity, so I'm baffled as to why you were told not to put them on the front. Perhaps it's simply more effective on the back (typically). I can't think of any other reason. Let me know, I'm really curious what he/she says.