TENS questions and answers

Can anyone use electrical stimulation?

Those with implanted electrical equipment, such as pacemakers and intra-cardiac defibrillators, should not be treated with electrical stimulation. Pregnant women should not use electrical stimulation during the first trimester of pregnancy.

How long should I use electrical stimulation?

Generally, 20-45 minutes, 3 times a day is recommended for maximum effect. For electrical muscle stimulation in a rehabilitation setting, please follow your care giver’s recommendations.

Is the current from the units dangerous?

No, the current is too weak to pose a threat. Cefar units are used by physical therapists and doctors on their patients.

How long do the electrodes last?

They last for approximately 20-40 cycles, depending on how closely the care advice is followed. Care and maintenance advice is included in the electrode packaging.

Can I use rechargeable batteries in the Cefar units?

Yes, one can use 1.2 V rechargeable batteries in Cefar units.

What is the difference between Shop TV’s products and Cefar?

We can’t speak for "all" the Shop TV stimulators, but we have tested the majority of them. There is a big difference between how the program is technically set up, which is very important for the point of view of muscular physiology. This is partly valid in terms of achieving the required effect and partly to receive a comfortable stimulation. Furthermore, there is a difference in the quality of the hardware, for example from the point of view of durability. CEFAR Medical has been developing electrotherapy since 1975. Our products are always based on medical research, even for the sports and fitness stimulators.

Does electrical stimulation provoke any side effects?

No, in contrast to pain relieving pills, for example, the method is completely free of side effects.

My skin gets a little red under the electrodes - is that dangerous?

No, it is due to the modified release of the substance (Histamin) that takes place and is completely harmless. The redness will normally disappear within a few of hours.

Are Cefar units CE certified?

Yes, Cefar units adhere to MDD 93/42/EEC (Medical Device Directive) requirements, including the EMC requirement. Cefar is ISO 13,486 certified.

What is TENS and how does it work?

The units provide pain relief using TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) – a clinically proven method that is used daily by physical therapists and other care givers. The treatment method is safe and, in contrast to pain relief medication, there are no side effects.

Your body has its own system for relieving pain. TENS works in conjunction with this system, strengthening it. The electrodes look like large band aids and are placed directly on the skin in the areas where you feel pain.

The electrodes are connected to the TENS unit, which sends out impulses. These impulses block the pain, so that you don't feel it.

TENS can be used as often and for as long as you like, although each session should last at least 30 minutes.

TENS provides good results for both acute and chronic pain. Pain relief is often most successful when self-administered, but the effect can continue once the session is over. TENS session can sometimes prove a sufficient treatment in itself, but it can also act as a valuable complement for pharmacological and/or physical treatments. It is perfectly possible to combine pain relief pills with TENS. Thanks to TENS, many people have managed to reduce their use of pills.

How can electricity rehabilitate?

Electrical muscle stimulation is successfully used in medical rehabilitation and as a complement for sports training at all levels.

The aim of electrical muscle stimulation is to induce muscular contractions or vibrations in the muscles. Normal muscle activity is controlled by the central and autonomic nervous systems with the help of electrical signals sent to the muscles. Electrical muscle stimulation works in a similar manner, but the muscles are instead stimulated by external electrical impulses sent through the skin. The electrical impulses go through the nerves to the muscle. The muscle then reacts and contracts in the same manner as it would during normal muscle activity.

Electrical muscle stimulation is suitable for all the body’s muscles. With electrical stimulation, you can strengthen musculature that has been weakened, for example, after an operation or fracture, as well as improve joint mobility. Furthermore, electrical muscle stimulation is an excellent tool in the rehabilitation of stroke victims, as it can improve grip and walking functions, among others.

For the best results, electrical muscle stimulation in a rehabilitation setting is something that should be first applied by a physical therapist or other caregiver.