DualStim TENS/NMES Unit: nerve and muscle stimulation at home

What the DualStim TENS/NMES Unit is

TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. It targets nerves and is typically used for pain. NMES stands for neuromuscular electrical stimulation. It makes muscles contract and is typically used in rehabilitation — for example, when a muscle has weakened after an injury or surgery.

The DualStim TENS/NMES Unit offers both, so your doctor or therapist can prescribe one or the other, or both at different times. It also has massage-style modes, which your provider may or may not include in your plan.

DualStim TENS/NMES Unit is our program name for a device supplied through our medical-supply partner when a doctor prescribes it. Prescriptions.plus doesn't sell, bill or prescribe it.

• Dual-channel unit — can run two sets of pads
• Massage-style modes — used only if your provider says so
• Reusable electrode pads — replace them as directed

How it's generally used at home

Your doctor or therapist will usually show you how to use it the first time. In general, you clean and dry the skin, place the pads exactly where you were shown, connect the leads, choose the setting you were prescribed, and turn the intensity up slowly to the level your provider described.

TENS sessions for pain may feel like tingling or buzzing. NMES sessions cause a visible muscle contraction. If either feels sharp, burning or uncomfortable, turn it down or off and check with your provider.

Many people keep a photo of the pad positions their therapist showed them on their phone. It's a simple way to get placement right at home, especially for areas like the lower back where you can't easily see.

• Use only the setting, placement and session length prescribed
• Start at a low intensity and increase slowly
• Keep pads clean, and replace them when they stop sticking
• Turn the unit off before moving or removing pads

Who prescribes it — and questions to ask your doctor

TENS and NMES units are commonly prescribed by orthopedic and spine specialists, pain management physicians, physiatrists and sports medicine doctors, often in coordination with a physical therapist who teaches you how to use the device.

Ask these questions so you're clear on your plan.

• Should I use the TENS setting, the NMES setting, or both?
• Exactly where should the pads go?
• How long should each session be, and how often?
• What intensity is right for me?
• Can I use the massage-style modes?
• When should I stop using it?

Safety considerations

Tell your doctor if you have a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device, a heart condition, epilepsy, or if you're pregnant — these need to be discussed before you use electrical stimulation.

Don't place pads over broken or irritated skin, over the front or sides of the neck, across the chest, or anywhere your provider hasn't approved. Don't use the unit while driving, operating machinery, in the bath or shower, or while asleep unless your provider has specifically said so.

Stop and call your provider if you notice skin burns or rash under the pads, or if pain or weakness gets worse. New numbness, weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control after a back injury needs urgent attention. Medical emergency? Call 911.

Requesting more information

Patients, doctors and clinics, and employers or adjusters can request more information about the DualStim TENS/NMES Unit using the form on this page.

Patients should talk with their doctor first, because the doctor decides whether a stimulation unit is appropriate. Whether a claim or policy covers the device is a question for your adjuster or insurer.

When you use the form, it helps to say whether you're asking as a patient, a prescriber or an employer or adjuster, and whether your question is about TENS, NMES or both, so the reply can be specific.