I received free product samples for the purpose of this review and giveaway. The opinions expressed here are 100% mine. This post contains affiliate links.
When Omron contacted me to review one of their TENS devices, I had no idea that electrotherapy was even a thing. And I certainly had never heard of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as a method for treating pain. I’m guessing I’m not alone – so let me give you a little info about TENS before I tell you about the device itself.
What is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)?
TENS is a therapy that uses a low-voltage electrical current for pain relief. Typically, a TENS unit is a small, portable device with electrodes that are placed on the skin, usually on a pressure point or painful area. The device creates a circuit of electrical impulses that travels along the nerve fibers. Some people experience a reduction in pain when the current is delivered. According to WebMD, “This may be because the electricity from the electrodes stimulates the nerves in an affected area and sends signals to the brain that block or “scramble” normal pain signals. Another theory is that the electrical stimulation of the nerves may help the body to produce natural painkillers called endorphins, which may block the perception of pain.” (WebMd.com, 2011)
TENS technology has been used by physical therapists, chiropractors, and other medical professionals for more than 30 years. It’s non-invasive, drug-free, and accessible.
Omron Electrotherapy TENS Pain Relief Pro Unit
From OmronHealthcare.com:
The Omron Pain Relief Pro TENS unit is:
- Portable: Smart-phone sized unit for great portability
- Accessible: Easy-to-read screen with large buttons allows for simple operation
- Versatile: 8 pre-set modes offer more pain relief choices or a relaxing massage (arm, lower back, leg, foot, joints; tap, knead, rub)
- Powerful: 10 levels of intensity for the right amount of relief
- Multiple Users: Ideal for sharing with other family members (each person should have their own pads)
- Easy To Travel With: Sturdy belt clip and soft carrying pouch for using anywhere, anytime.
- 100% drug-free: Safe and effective for home use (FDA cleared)
- Includes: unit, electrode cords, two Long Life pads, pad holder, cloth carrying case, 2 AAA batteries, instruction manual, quick start guide, and pad placement guides
The Review
Fortunately, I’m not currently dealing with any significant pain (other than the usual aches and pains of being 40 and a long distance runner). So instead of trying it out myself, I decided to ask my mom to give it a test drive – she has severe, chronic pain in her right knee and both ankles, and I was really interested to see if the TENS Unit would make a difference. Frankly, I was a little skeptical – it seemed a bit gimmicky to me.
My mom agreed to try it out for a few days. After 3 days, she could not tell a difference in her knee – in fact, she thought perhaps that the TENS therapy made it feel a bit worse. HOWEVER – she immediately noticed an improvement in her right ankle. Trust me – this is a big deal! She and my dad kept notes for me, and after just the second use, they noted that her right ankle felt “a lot better.”
My mom’s ankle pain has been incapacitating at times, so for her to notice any improvement, let alone a significant one, is really saying a lot. Before starting the TENS treatment, she experienced severe pain in her ankle just from standing. Now she’s able to stand AND walk on it with much less discomfort. She continues to use the TENS Unit once a day on her right ankle and sometimes on her left ankle as well. She is so pleased with the product – and if mama’s happy, everyone’s happy, right?
{GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED}
Omron ElectroTHERAPY TENS Pain Relief Pro Unit Giveaway
I’m not sure if my mom’s experience is typical, but considering the severity of her pain, I take her testimony quite seriously. You can learn more about the Omron TENS Unit and whether it might be right for you at OmronHealthcare.com. And thanks to Omron, one lucky reader will have the chance to win their own Pain Relief Pro Unit (MSRP $69.99). Everything you need to enter is on the Rafflecopter below.
Stuff you should know before you enter the giveaway —> * This giveaway is open to US residents only. You must be 18+ to enter. Winners will be notified via email and given 48 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner may be selected. Mommy Runs It is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Giveaway ends 10/24/14 at 11:59 p.m. EST.*
Good luck and thanks for entering!
Lora says
These are really cool machines, being able to re leave pain in the body is a big help.
Lora says
These are really cool machines, being able to re leave pain in the body is a big help. I saw something like this at a chiropractor’s office once,
ellen beck says
I have heard of TENS but never tried it. I would want my husband to try this he is a carpenter and his back and knees hurt. I think this would be another option for him.
Thomas Murphy says
I have never heard of TENS therapy. I would use it on my back.
Laura J says
Oh this would be so wonderful for me! I have nerve damage from surgery in my back and my hip spasms all the time. I would love this to try to stop the pain!
Amanda Sakovitz says
I haven’t heard of this before but I have chronic shoulder and neck pain that I would use it for
katie says
I was invited at work 4years ago and after two surgeries I still can’t walk. The tens unit helped a little at therapy so I would love to win this. Glad that it helped your mom, foot pain is horrible!!
Jody Cowan says
I’ve never heard of it. But I’m really interested! I have lots of pains in different places. I’d start out with it on my upper and lower back and my shoulders.
Georgiann D'Angelo says
I have heard of it , but have never tried it . would love it for all my aches and pains.
Thanks for the chance.
Michele P says
I have a torn rotator cuff and other issues in my right shoulder that need to be operated on this coming Spring once I am laid off from work for the season… I go to physical therapy and they use a TENS unit on my shoulder and it feels pretty good afterwards and I am able to continue working thank goodness. This would be wonderful to try right here at home after a long day of work for pain relief.
kelly mcgrew says
yes i have heard of this product and i WOULD LOVE to win this for my dad for christmas!!! he struggles with back, neck, and knee pain and this would be AMAZING for him!!!!!
thanks for the chance!!
Alexa Cohen says
I havent heard or used this before but I have back pain and this would be awesome!
Jen R. says
My husband has used his mother’s TENS unit many times and swears by it for his low back pain. We would love to have one of our own!
runinboise says
I have used a TENS on my leggies after long runs. I could so use one now!
Hetal says
I actually use this unit during my PT sessions! Thanks for the giveaway!
Tina Bornheimer says
I have fibromyalgia and chronic acute migraines and go to physical therapy for TENS therapy and they are a miracle for relieving pain. I would love to have one of my own, but my insurance does not cover them and I am on social security disability because the fibro is so bad, so can not afford one. Thanks for the opportunity 🙂
Nicole Dz says
I have never heard of TENS therapy and I Have never tried it before, but it looks quite interesting. I would use this for pain in my wrist from my tendonitis.
dawn says
Looking for a TENS unit for my poor hubby ! Having a lot of sciatica 🙁 Thank you for the opportunity to win !!
Ancilla J says
I would give this to my mom, she has bad shoulder pain.
Billie says
Yes, I’ve heard of Tens therapy and we used to have a unit, but we sold it. I would love to have it back or a new one.
Marilyn Nawara says
I wore one years ago for my back injury during physical therapy
Cheryl Harris says
I have heard of a Tens before, but have never used it. My neck is often stiff after running. Sounds like this would help 🙂
Janie Prather says
I have tried it before but mine was a smaller & cheaper one. I used for my neck & arm. I need a bigger & better one. thanks for the chance.
Ronda says
I have heard of this, but have not tried it. I would use this for my low back pain.
Rita A says
I have had TENs therapy at my chiropractor. It really helped my back
Michelle C says
I have tried these. Was surprised how well they work
Paige c says
I have used a big stem machine in the training room at my school, I love it, I would use it for my super tight and knotted calves
suzie says
Oh, I need this for ALL my aches and painS!
Stephanie @Cat Lady Runs says
I am willing to try anything to help my hip feel better and heal soon!!
robin says
I would LOVE to try this! My knees would thank you if I won. 😉 I haven’t heard of it, but would really love to try it.
Darlene says
I used it at PT for achilles & ankle injuries.
Julie Perry says
Yes. I have heard of Tens therapy and I would love to use it on my upper back/shoulders where I carry all my tension!
Amy Lauren says
I have heard of these! I looked into it when I was injured with a stress reaction/fracture. I’m glad I don’t have that injury anymore but one of these would come in handy if I did.
Khaleef @ Fat Guy, Skinny Wallet says
Yes, I am using it now in physical therapy. I would use it on my back and shin.
Amanda - RunToThefinish says
I haven’t seen this specifically, but would totally use this on my hips and glutes to get those bad boys firing correctly.
Brandi says
I’ve never tried it but would like to try it on my knee as I have ITB pain after long runs
Annmarie says
I have only heard about this recently through fellow bloggers and I really need it in the worst way right now!!!
runtobefree10 says
I LOVE Tens… I need one terribly. I keep borrowing my friends, lol. I was looking to get one for christmas. They are REMARKABLE!!!
Julie @RunWalkRepeat.com says
I have issues with tendinitis would use on ankle and foot.
Stacey Niedzwiecki says
I used TENS when I was in PT for Achilles tendonitis. It was actually my favorite part because it made my ankle feel so much better.
Beth~ A Disney Mom's Thoughts says
I have heard of TENS therapy, but have never had it done. Currently I’m dealing with plantar faciitis in my left foot. It hurts like crazy! I think this would be a great gadget to have to help with the pain so I can get back to “normal” faster! great review.
Kristy @Runaway Bridal Planner says
I only recently started hearing about TENS. In PT I occasionally do Itonphoresis (I am spelling that wrong) which is similar to TENS. This kind of thing is great for injuries that need more blood flowing!
breannaS says
Right now I am dealing with a tight calf and pain on the top of my foot that I think would respond well to the tens. I heard about it on another blog but haven’t tried it yet.
Nancy says
Very cool!! Thank you for sharing 🙂
http://neatly-packaged.com/
Christine says
I have never heard of it but I’m intrigued. My mom has been having some weird shoulder pain that her doctor hasn’t been able to figure out. Maybe this could help her.
Jon says
Would save me trips to pt!!
Deborah says
When I was going to PT for pain in top of foot, they used something like that on me. It was probably way different since it was about 15 years ago. 🙂
Lisa Jones says
I have heard of TENS therapy but have never personally used it. I would love to try it for my shoulder and my leg issue that I have with my Pirformis muscle.
Kristen M says
I’ve heard of TENS but never tried it myself. I’d use this for my knee & PF pain.
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
Coincidentally I think I just tried this out at an expo today. It was a really interesting concept. It did feel good for the few minutes that I tried it.