hi folks. had a play with a machine that someone brought around to show us last night. small battery powered device with two self adhesive pads attached by electric wire. the product is made in taiwan or china, and is meant to simulate an accupuncture affect. quite a strange sensation when applied - even on lowest setting.

i have since been online to try to find serious reviews, but can only find posts from people selling the things. does anyone have experience with these devices? was it useful for muscle tightness? headaches? or just for lightening your wallet?

Got this from here : http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/health-products/tens-pain-relief-unit/1026713/

This is not a gizmo, not a fun thing for massage. It is a serious machine that deals with body fatigue and pain. I bought my mother in law one as well, having been convinced of its effectiveness, and she uses it more frequently than me, and finds it equally as effective, and for those less active people who stiffen up and feel pain more than more active younger patients, this really does improve the quality of her life.

I would recommend it to any sufferer of chronic pain because it is a good tool to combat that feeling of hopelessness that couples hand in hand with constant aches.

To me, this product gets the thumbs up.

TENS is a valid method of therapeutic medicine. It was used in physiotherapy after (two) disk ruptures in my lumbar region by licensed physiotherapists in the hospital.

However, I question the use of a TENS machine as a D.I.Y. toy at home. The intensity and length of the sessions (and the location, I suppose) seemed calculated to target my pain management needs by the physiotherapist. What guidelines are included with the off-the-shelf TENS machine?

Would you buy a set of acupuncture needles and attempt self-administration at home (or trust a friend to place them properly in the right locations)? I have similar concerns with these retail TENS machines.

Yes, works for many people in relieving pain and can also alleviate muscle tension/spasms. I have one.

Most helpful for very localized pain and localized muscle tension. Takes a bit of trial and error to learn the best settings and best pad locations for each individual.

I first started using one about 15 years ago, it was recommended by my Physio in Australia. That machine was stolen.

I bought a new one in Panthep Plaza for 3,200B, Its great for pain relief . Great bit of gear.