Tens Machine Hire
Tens Machine Hire
Hiring Details
Refundable deposti of $50
Rental fee for 4 weeks $50
Items to purchse with your hire TENS machine
These are for you to keep and do not need to be returned with your hired tens machine
Electrode Pads $25.00
What is TENS?
TENS is short for “Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation” It is used to provide pain relief for many painful conditions like back pain, and is also used in labour as an effective drug free pain-relieving tool. The TENS machine emits electrical pulses through adhesive pads that are attached to your back. The pulses feel like tingling or buzzing on the skin. During labour you can increase the sensation you feel to match the strength of the contractions. The ELLE TENS is small, light-weight and easy to use. It has a belt clip and neck cord to have it close at all times.
How does it work during labour?
• Electrical pulses “stimulate” nerves and interfere with pain signals. The sensation you experience from TENS reaches the brain before the pain signals you may experience from contractions.
• It promotes the release of the natural feel-good substances call endorphins.
• It offers a distraction from contractions.
• It can help you feel more in control of labour and have a more positive birth experience
How to use the ELLE TENS machine:
• You can use TENS from the beginning of labour when you start getting regular contractions.
• Full instructions and an electrode placements chart are in the accompanying manual.
• The lead wires and electrodes should be attached to the ELLE TENS machine you hire from AWHC and be ready to use.
• Make sure the machine is OFF before attaching the electrodes at approximately the “bra line” and just above the “dimples” in your low back on either side of the spine. One set of electrodes should be just above the imaginary midline formed by your belly button and the other set just below.
• Turn the machine ON at the pink button on the top right. Ensure the BOOST button on the side is NOT pressed in.
• The machine will always start up in BURST 1 mode. No need to change this until later in labour. This is the mode the machine will be on between contractions and this is the intensity you will be adjusting with the next step.
• Once turned on, slowly increase the intensity with the (+) buttons on CH1 and then on CH2. The intensity on the channels do not need to match as long as you can feel a comfortable pulsing sensation (periodic bursting, tingling) under the electrodes. You can reduce the intensity with the (-) button.
• Press the BOOST button on the side DURING the contractions. The Elle TENS will then switch automatically into the BOOST 1 mode for that extra surge of power required to combat the pain during contractions. This will feel like a continuous sensation.
• Release the BOOST button as the contraction subsides. You will continue to feel the pulsating between the contractions from the BURST 1 mode and you can continue to adjust the sensation with the + and – buttons if you need to.
• Mode 2 (BURST 2 and BOOST 2) can be used when your labour advances and your contractions become more frequent. Press the Mode button to switch between modes. You will see from the User Display, that the number in the small circle next to the BURST or BOOST will change from 1 to 2 and vice-versa. Both modes are interchangeable and can be used according to your preference, not necessarily for the stage of labour you are in.
• Mode 2 can be operated in the same way as Mode 1.
• The OPTI-MAX key can further heighten or lesson the pulse sensation. The machine always starts on opti-max 3 and can be adjusted to 5 during the final stages of labour, but can be used according to your preference and not necessarily for the stage of labour you are in.
• As you labour progresses and the longer you use the TENS, your body may adapt to the sensation and you may not feel the pulses anymore. You can then turn the intensity up more (+) or adjust the opti-max to 4/5. Alternatively click on MODE and change to MODE 2.
• Familiarising yourself with the unit and its functions will make for a more stress-free experience when your labour begins.
• Always ensure that the unit is switched off before you remove all the leads and pads. Do not pull the wires. Remove the jack plug from its socket by holding the plug between the forefinger and thumb and pulling gently.
• The electrodes can be reused, but are single patient use only. If it becomes dry, you can wet it with a drop of water. This will help it stick better. Replace the pads on the clear film between use.
When not to use the ELLE TENS:
• Before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
• In water (in bath or shower).
• If you have an epidural.
• If you have broken skin in the area of the electrodes.
• If you have a pacemaker or metal in the area.
Troubleshooting:
• If you can’t feel the tingling or buzzing, first check the leads and electrodes are properly attached.
• If you still can’t feel anything, change the batteries as they may be running low. You should have a spare pair in your box. Please discard of used batteries.
• Lastly, change the position of the electrodes slightly OR the MODE if you are unable to feel anything.
• Refer to manual for more trouble shooting.
Want a 1 on 1 session with our Physiothereapist, Olivia Bredenkamp to run through how to use the TENS machine?
TENS Consultation with Olivia includes:
- Training and education on the use of obstetric TENS machine prior to hiring machine.
- Vaginal delivery and post natal recovery education.
*Please note, this appointment does not involve assessment or treatment for any concerns. If you require treatment for any concerns, please book an initial pregnancy appointment.