It sounds like a type of tens machine. If so I have had my own tens machine for years. I was getting wonderful results with the ones that my doctor used so I had him order me one. This year for Christmas I gave my sisters their own tens machines. They were delighted.

Raven: Obviously your tens experience has been a positive one. We'd welcome knowing the brand/model of your machine and/or the ones you gifted to your sisters.

Thank you.

Raven, we have our own unit, too. It's been one of the best little investments for our personal care.!

My husband has owned a TENS unit for years. His insurance paid for it, he needed pain relief after he injured his neck in a car accident.

Yes it is a type of tens machine. I'm not sure what the exact difference is between the two. I got my Hi Dow on Daily Deals for about 20.00 but that was some time ago. I found if you take care of the little pads like they suggest they last a long time. It says to dampen them before putting them on your skin and I always put the paper backing right back on them...

Here is the link to a Tens machine that is on Amazon today and for a great price of 53.97 It also includes free shipping and 10 extra pads

Here is a link that might be useful: Tens unit on Amazon

I bought the Omron system for my sisters because it's a well known medical brand and it's extremely easy to use. I ordered them from online. The one I have my doctor ordered for me it's Somaticare brand. Here's where I ordered the Omron system from. The tens pads for the regular type like mine come in many sizes and materials, it's really worth it to spend a little more and get better quality pads, they conduct better and last longer.
There's a generic pad for the Omron too but I would buy the genuine replacement pads. I have bought some of the cheaper ones and regretted it. The pads are about as important as the quality of the machine. After all they are the connection to your skin.
If my tens would die I would definitely buy another one. They are very good for Arthritis too.
Tens machines come in a range of prices, in the range of $40 - $80 you can get a good machine that should last. Mine was over $60, it's been awhile so I can't remember exactly.

edit to add I just got an email from heartratemonitors.com they have a 10% special in the store for the new year just use promo code
NEWYEAR

Here is a link that might be useful: Tens machine

This post was edited by ravencajun on Wed, Jan 1, 14 at 20:01

Well, this is an eye-opener! I got one of those Hi Dows as a gift several years ago, never used it, and have been trying to sell it ever since. EBay pulled my listing, saying it was a medical device.

I really didn't get what it did; I think I was confused by the "document holder" feature. But now I'll try it on my back. Thank you!

PS: I should add that the gifter had a history of giving semi-decorative, useless things, so that probably added to my confusion. :-)

This post was edited by alisande on Wed, Jan 1, 14 at 13:02

By the way mine is a 9 volt battery unit and from what I've read they are a more powerful device. The Omron is not a 9 volt.
Also you will see gels sold for the pads, I have never used that stuff it's not necessary, but I do use a swipe of alcohol on my skin sometimes before sticking the pads on. My pads last for a very long time.

This is not my unit but it looks exactly like mine and has the exact same functions and settings ability. Mine did come with a case.

Here is a link that might be useful: Like mine

I suggest that anyone deciding to use one of these devices obtain detailed instructions about where to place the electrode pads on their body to gain any benefit.

I've had doctors, PT professionals, and my chiropractor each give us detailed instructions about placement for whatever the problem might be. Have them draw a diagram or even make marks on you if someone else will be hooking you up. It's possible to cause more problems.

Also, store the pads in an airtight container (I use a freezer bag) ....and in the fridge or other cool, dry location. Same with the batteries.

Good timing! I forgot I had one of these too. Used it for arthritic back/hip pain a few years ago, under supervision of a chiro, but hips have now been replaced. I'd like to use it for shoulder pain now.

Anyone know if it's OK to use with metal implants? Sure not taking any chances with those. Guess I'll ask PT before I do anything.

No, no, no.....don't use it over metal implants.

OK, thanks, rhizo.

Don't use it with a pacemaker for sure.

I think you can use it on other areas of the body but not directly over or around metal parts or implants.

And never anywhere on the head or eyes which all is pretty much common sense. Care should be used around the chest area. My doctor gave me some instructions for how to set it and some guidelines and guidance. There's tutorials online.

Of course there's always the idiots that try it out and put it on you tube, including on the genitalia! It takes all kinds! They are the future Darwin award winners.