MRF-Logo2019-Horizontal-RGB
Tens unit for pain?
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

Tens unit for pain?

› Forums › Cutaneous Melanoma Community › Tens unit for pain?

  • Post
    • March 13, 2014 at 1:54 pm
    mary in Rhode Island
    Participant

      Does anyone have any experience with the tens unit. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator.  I would be using it for pain other than from melanoma.    Seems like the Am Ca Society  is not indicating a contraindication but I know some oncologists are not very happy with using it.  Seems like my last hope for some relief.  If it works for me.  Was hoping for some personal feedback.  Thank you in advance. Mary

       

    Viewing 5 reply threads
    • Replies
        • March 13, 2014 at 2:29 pm
        Janner
        Participant

          I've used them many times before on MANY knee surgeries as part of rehab.  I also used them when on long drives alone and knee pain from immobility and bent knees was an issue.  For me, I can't say it was total pain relief.  However, it did seem to break the pain cycle some and make things more bearable for me.  I'm not sure why an oncologist would even care about it, but I'm also not sure it's going to do all you hope.  However,  I certainly think it is worth a try.

          Best wishes,

          Janner

          • March 13, 2014 at 2:29 pm
          Janner
          Participant

            I've used them many times before on MANY knee surgeries as part of rehab.  I also used them when on long drives alone and knee pain from immobility and bent knees was an issue.  For me, I can't say it was total pain relief.  However, it did seem to break the pain cycle some and make things more bearable for me.  I'm not sure why an oncologist would even care about it, but I'm also not sure it's going to do all you hope.  However,  I certainly think it is worth a try.

            Best wishes,

            Janner

            • March 13, 2014 at 2:29 pm
            Janner
            Participant

              I've used them many times before on MANY knee surgeries as part of rehab.  I also used them when on long drives alone and knee pain from immobility and bent knees was an issue.  For me, I can't say it was total pain relief.  However, it did seem to break the pain cycle some and make things more bearable for me.  I'm not sure why an oncologist would even care about it, but I'm also not sure it's going to do all you hope.  However,  I certainly think it is worth a try.

              Best wishes,

              Janner

                • March 13, 2014 at 4:26 pm
                mary in Rhode Island
                Participant

                  Hi Janner,  It is my belief the oncologist think that the electrical stimulation might "stimulate the cancer growth".  IT is even listed as a contraindication in some tens units information.  Most of this type of warning is from awhile ago.  The American Cancer Society does not have this warning on its information. LOL, the last thing I want to do is "stimulate cancer".  But I am at that point where quality of life is important so I am going to try it  if possible.   Appreciate your answer.   Mary

                  • March 13, 2014 at 4:26 pm
                  mary in Rhode Island
                  Participant

                    Hi Janner,  It is my belief the oncologist think that the electrical stimulation might "stimulate the cancer growth".  IT is even listed as a contraindication in some tens units information.  Most of this type of warning is from awhile ago.  The American Cancer Society does not have this warning on its information. LOL, the last thing I want to do is "stimulate cancer".  But I am at that point where quality of life is important so I am going to try it  if possible.   Appreciate your answer.   Mary

                    • March 13, 2014 at 4:26 pm
                    mary in Rhode Island
                    Participant

                      Hi Janner,  It is my belief the oncologist think that the electrical stimulation might "stimulate the cancer growth".  IT is even listed as a contraindication in some tens units information.  Most of this type of warning is from awhile ago.  The American Cancer Society does not have this warning on its information. LOL, the last thing I want to do is "stimulate cancer".  But I am at that point where quality of life is important so I am going to try it  if possible.   Appreciate your answer.   Mary

                      • March 13, 2014 at 4:36 pm
                      Janner
                      Participant

                        Two of my three primaries are inches from each knee.  8 knee surgeries.  If there was something left behind, the tens unit didn't stimulate anything in mine!  🙂  I was once denied a facial at a beauty school because it may stimulate cancer growth.  3 primaries, stage I, and none near my face.  I always take these warnings like you said — done a LONG time ago.  I learned never to reveal my cancer history at a beauty school! 

                        Janner

                        • March 13, 2014 at 4:36 pm
                        Janner
                        Participant

                          Two of my three primaries are inches from each knee.  8 knee surgeries.  If there was something left behind, the tens unit didn't stimulate anything in mine!  🙂  I was once denied a facial at a beauty school because it may stimulate cancer growth.  3 primaries, stage I, and none near my face.  I always take these warnings like you said — done a LONG time ago.  I learned never to reveal my cancer history at a beauty school! 

                          Janner

                          • March 13, 2014 at 4:36 pm
                          Janner
                          Participant

                            Two of my three primaries are inches from each knee.  8 knee surgeries.  If there was something left behind, the tens unit didn't stimulate anything in mine!  🙂  I was once denied a facial at a beauty school because it may stimulate cancer growth.  3 primaries, stage I, and none near my face.  I always take these warnings like you said — done a LONG time ago.  I learned never to reveal my cancer history at a beauty school! 

                            Janner

                          • March 13, 2014 at 8:03 pm
                          POW
                          Participant

                            Interestingly, just the other day there was a post on the MIF forum entitled: "Clinical trial for neuropathy from chemotherapy". The post contains a link to an interesting article and to a clinical trial about using electrical stimulation (seems similar to a TENS unit) to reduce cancer pain. 

                            • March 13, 2014 at 8:03 pm
                            POW
                            Participant

                              Interestingly, just the other day there was a post on the MIF forum entitled: "Clinical trial for neuropathy from chemotherapy". The post contains a link to an interesting article and to a clinical trial about using electrical stimulation (seems similar to a TENS unit) to reduce cancer pain. 

                              • March 13, 2014 at 8:03 pm
                              POW
                              Participant

                                Interestingly, just the other day there was a post on the MIF forum entitled: "Clinical trial for neuropathy from chemotherapy". The post contains a link to an interesting article and to a clinical trial about using electrical stimulation (seems similar to a TENS unit) to reduce cancer pain. 

                                  • March 14, 2014 at 1:33 pm
                                  mary in Rhode Island
                                  Participant

                                    Yes, it sure does.  A rose is a rose……I followed the link and data is supposed to be posted March , 2014.Thank you for the info.  Mary

                                    • March 14, 2014 at 1:33 pm
                                    mary in Rhode Island
                                    Participant

                                      Yes, it sure does.  A rose is a rose……I followed the link and data is supposed to be posted March , 2014.Thank you for the info.  Mary

                                      • March 14, 2014 at 1:33 pm
                                      mary in Rhode Island
                                      Participant

                                        Yes, it sure does.  A rose is a rose……I followed the link and data is supposed to be posted March , 2014.Thank you for the info.  Mary

                                        • June 11, 2019 at 1:57 am
                                        bfacedon
                                        Participant
                                          It’s helped me a lot but you have to buy a decent one. Here’s a review on some units that I used. Most are pretty good. https://travelerinfohub.com/healthmateforever-tens-unit-reviews/
                                    Viewing 5 reply threads

                                    Tagged: 

                                    • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
                                    About the MRF Patient Forum

                                    The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

                                    The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.