TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL

NERVE STIMULATION (TENS)

MODEL 2000T

A GUIDE FOR PATIENTS FOLLOWING RECOMMENDED

TREATMENTS FROM PHYSICIANS

M.P
13 NOVEMBER 2022
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS...........................................................................................................2
TABLES.......................................................................................................................................2
FIGURES.....................................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................2
SYMBOL CONVENTIONS........................................................................................................3
DESCRIPTION OF TENS..............................................................................................................4
OVERALL DESCRIPTION OF UNIT TENS............................................................................5
ANALYTICAL DESCRIPTION.................................................................................................6
HOW TO USE THE TENS UNIT...................................................................................................8
PROCEDURE..............................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
TABLES
Table 1: Symbol Conventions.........................................................................................................3

FIGURES
Figure 1: TENS unit, two leads connector, electrodes set, unit case and battery............................4
Figure 2. Representative picture of the TENS unit, with description of the main characteristics...5
Figure 3. TENS unit with three mode selectors; Burst (B), Continuous (C) and Modulation (M). 6
Figure 4: Tens Unit with panel cover..............................................................................................6
Figure 5: Two intensity controls, located at the top of the unit.......................................................7
Figure 6: Light indicator turns on when operating..........................................................................7
Figure 7: Lead connector located at the top of TENS unit..............................................................7
Figure 8: External components of unit; two lead cables and electrodes..........................................7

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INTRODUCTION

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a device that delivers low voltage current
through a configuration of electrodes on the skin to relieve pain. This current is used to stimulate
the nerves and helps to alleviate the sensation of pain in a pre-determined region. The TENS
therapy is used to relieve chronic pain and acute pain. The TENS unit is a device intended to help
relieve pain with the direction of your health specialist.
This manual is intended to help the public to properly use the TENS unit at home with the
recommended treatment directed by a physician. All information needed to operate the unit is in
this manual. Read the operation manual before using this TENS device.
For your security under all circumstances consult your physician before undergoing any TENS
treatment.

! WARNING: Do not use TENS unit if you have an electronic device implanted. Consult with
your specialist before undergo TENS treatment.
! WARNING: Avoid any electrode placement around neck region, this can cause death.

! WARNING: Avoid any electrode placement that can cause currents to flow through the head.

! WARNING: Avoid the use of TENS in the abdomen area and pelvis if you are pregnant.
Consult your physician about the use of TENS.
! WARNING: TENS devices must be kept out of reach of children.

SYMBOL CONVENTIONS
For your safety pay close attention to the symbol conventions presented in the table below, these
symbols will be presented throughout this manual.
Table 1: Symbol Conventions

Symbol Symbol Description

name
WARNING Warning indicates a potential hazard situation or unsafe practice
! that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious personal
injury.
CAUTION Caution indicates a potential hazard or unsafe practice that, if not
! avoided, could result in minor personal injury or product /
property damage.

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NOTE Note indicates best practices when using the TENS unit and its
! components.

DESCRIPTION OF TENS

INTRODUCTION TO OPERATING MANUAL

The purpose of this guide is to describe a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
which is a device commonly used in treatments for relieve chronic and acute pain.
The transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is an electrical current generated by a battery-
operated device, that is applied directly on the skin to stimulate the nerves.
The intended use of TENS is to reduce pain sensation by stimulating the nerves. The stimulus
masks the pain signal sent to the brain. Also, it is believed the stimulation relieve endorphins into
the blood stream to stop pain signals in the brain.
A TENS consists of five components (see Figure 1) [1]
1. TENS unit
2. Carrying case
3. Lead wires
4. Battery 9V
5. Electrodes

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Figure 1: TENS unit, two leads connector, electrodes set, unit case and battery.

OVERALL DESCRIPTION OF UNIT TENS

In general terms a TENS unit model 2000T is a small device with two lead channel and four
electrodes. The single unit includes the control system protected by a cover, the indicator lights,
and the battery compartment.
In overall shape the TENS is the size of a cell phone, and the user can hold the unit or place it on
any other surface while the device is delivering electrical stimulation through the leads. The
typical dimensions are 95mm x 65 mm x 23.5mm (height, width, thickness) and weighs 115g
including the battery. The TENS unit is made of polypropylene.
The TENS unit will need the external components to be functional, those being the two leads, the
electrodes connected to the leads, and the 9V battery.

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Figure 2. Representative picture of the TENS unit, with description of the main characteristics.

ANALYTICAL DESCRIPTION

This section will give you an overview of the components of the TENS unit and a description of
each component.
The TENS unit has four different controls that are protected by a panel cover. For further
clarification, these controls are referred to as the control system which include: a mode selector,
intensity controls, pulse width control and a pulse rate control. Furthermore, the unit has
components of input and components of output which will be referred to as inputs and outputs of
the unit system. These inputs and outputs are light indicators, two lead connectors, a battery
compartment, and a battery strip. The control system, the inputs, and the outputs are in the same
unit as shown in Figure 2. [1]
External to the TENS unit are 2 lead cables, two pairs of electrodes and the 9V battery.

COVER AND CONTROL SYSTEM

PANEL COVER
The cover’s purpose is to protect the system controls when the unit is
in use, and it may be open opened when the top of the cover is
pressed and pulled down.

MODE SELECTOR
The TENS unit has three mode selectors. These modes are burst
(B), continuous (C) and modulation (M).
Figure 4: Tens Unit with
Burst (B): Deliver individual burst twice per second, the pulse panel cover.
rate in burst mode is set at 100Hz per second. The pulse width
will be adjustable.

Continuous (C): This mode allows the user to control intensity, rate, and width with knobs,
and it will deliver a continuous stimulation.

Modulation (M): The intensity and pulse rate are adjustable. The pulse width decreases the
original pulse width down to 60% and will maintain the decreased pulse for 1.5 seconds before
returning to the original width which is maintained for 3.5 seconds. The cycle is then repeated.
INTENSITY CONTROLS
The intensity controls are located at the top of the unit. Each channel
is controlled by an intensity control, beside each one is the output Figure 5: Two intensity controls,
channel where leads are connected. located at the top of the unit.
The intensity control sets the strength of stimulation and functions

Figure 3. TENS unit with three mode

selectors; Burst (B), Continuous (C) and
TENS: A Guide for Patients Following
Modulation Recommended
(M). Treatments from Physicians
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as the ON/OFF control.

PULSE WIDTH AND PULSE RATE CONTROLS

The pulse width control adjusts the pulse width for both channels.

The pulse rate knob sets the number of pulses per second for both channels. Both knobs are
depicted in Figure 3. [1]

INPUTS AND OUTPUTS IN TENS UNIT

INDICATOR LIGHT
The indicator light shows when the unit is operating, and it indicates when the battery needs to
be charged.

Figure 6: Light indicator turns

on when operating.

LEAD CONNECTOR
The lead connectors are located beside the intensity controls at the top of the unit, each channel
has a lead connector. The picture is showing only one lead connected.

Figure 7: Lead connector located at

the top of TENS unit.

BATTERY
The battery compartment is located at the bottom-front of the unit. The battery is a 9V
rechargeable battery.

LEAD CABLES AND ELECTRODES

The lead cables and electrodes are external to the unit. Each lead connector goes connected with
an electrode set.

Figure 8: External components of unit; two

lead cables and electrodes.

HOW TO USE THE TENS UNIT

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The following instructions will help you to use the TENS unit from home with the respective
recommendations given by your health specialist. Before starting, make sure the unit has all
external components in good condition and the 9 Volt battery is charged.
Components:
 TENS unit
 Lead cables
 Set of electrodes
 Implements to clean skin
 9V rechargeable battery

! WARNING: Follow procedures carefully to maintain stimulation and prevent skin irritation.

! CAUTION: The use of only a 9V alkaline battery with this unit is recommended.

PROCEDURE

1. Turn off the device, make sure the intensity controls are in position OFF by turning the
intensity control counterclockwise.

2. Inserting battery. To insert battery, open the cover of the unit by pressing the top of the
lead and pushing down. Make sure the polarity (+ and -) of the battery matches the same
markings on the device.

3. Clean the electrode application site on your skin with a mild soap and water solution,
rinse, and dry prior electrode application.

4. Make sure you trim any excess hair to ensure good electrode contact with your skin.

! NOTE: Cleaning your skin well will help to extend the life of your electrodes.
5. Connect the lead wires to the electrodes before applying the electrodes to the skin. Two
electrodes are connected to same wire, which will go connected to a one lead wire.

! WARNING: Ensure both intensity control knobs for channels are turned off.
6. Remove electrodes from protective liner

! WARNING: Not following the indications of your physician when applying the electrodes may
increase the risk of skin irritation

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7. Place electrodes on the skin over the area indicated by your physician for treatment.
Avoid stretching the skin, apply electrode smoothly pressing in place from the center.

8. Insert lead wire connector into the device. Plug end of lead wire into the channel 1 or 2
output port to be used as shown in Figure 7. [2]

9. Select treatment settings recommended by your physician. You need to configure the unit
as indicated. Select set mode, pulse width, and pulse rate.

! NOTE: When adjusting the intensity of the stimulation, if you don’t feel anything, turn OFF the
unit and then ON, slowly increase the intensity until you feel a tingling sensation under the
electrodes.

! CAUTION: If stimulation is uncomfortable reduce the intensity to a comfortable level by

turning the intensity control knob counterclockwise and contact your physician.

10. Slowly adjust channel intensity control. The intensity controls are located at the top of the
unit, (see Figure 5) [1]. With the intensity control you can adjust the strength of the
stimulation. Move the knob clockwise to turn ON until the stimulation is at the level
recommended by your doctor. The indicator light will indicate when the unit is working.

11. Once treatment has ended turn OFF the TENS unit.

12. Carefully disconnect the lead wire from the insulated connector jack. To avoid wire
breakage, do not unplug by tugging on lead wire.

13. Remove electrodes from your skin, pulling in the direction of hair growth.

14. Apply moisture to your skin.

15. Carefully wipe the TENS unit, and store in its case.

REFERENCES

[1] Graham Field, "TENS Unit, Lumiscope," Lumiscope, 2008. [Online]. Available:
https://shop.grahamfield.com/Medical_Product/TENS_Unit__Lumiscope.aspx?

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b=6&s=0&c=11&g=26&p=2856&v=197. [Accessed 10 November 2022].

[2]. Guilty, "Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation," 29 June 2012. [Online]. Available:
. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tens_unit.jpg. [Accessed 10 November 2022].

TENS: A Guide for Patients Following Recommended Treatments from Physicians