Hi all , just wondering if anyone on here has used a TENS machine in their post stroke recovery and did it help at all?
Thanks
I am also interested in this
I bought a wave board which is working for me
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What’s a wave board?
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Just what I was wondering EmeraldEyes! Sounds like something to do with surfing!
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Yes, that’s all I could see when I looked it up 
They used a tens machine on me for three weeks in the rehab hospital–every day for about 30-60 minutes. I think it helped wake up my nerve/brain connection. Jeanne
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I’m just trialling a Saebo Microstim Pro, which has Tens settings. I’m trying it ostensibly for the spasticity setting (one of 15 settings), but will hopefully get round to the others. Years ago I went on the Upper Limb Program at UCLH and some people were using TENS machines. I don’t know how those people were selected (maybe level of hand mobility?). You may need to speak to a stroke specialist to ascertain whether it is best for you.
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Do you actually mean tens as in transcutenous electical nerve stimulation - for pian relief or
funtional electro stimulation
The machine is often the same the intent is different
Ive got a saebo as well (the stim pro I think). Amy at saebo is very helpful on zoom to teach how to use at no extra cost - that are plenty of cheaper ones on Amazon but no support but a pt should know how
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wave board
= waver vibration plate
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Just been having a look around on internet about, they sounded good to the point of considering getting one just to incorporate in my daily workout routine. But then I the questions on google and reconsidered.
Who Cannot Use Vibration Plates?
If you have heart disease or suffered a heart attack in the past, vibrating plates should be avoided. This also applies if you’ve experienced a stroke, have a pacemaker, or been diagnosed with a blood clotting disorder.
You might be right, Emerald, but my stroke was not due to a clotting disorder
There is also a lot of support for vibration plates
Vibration is used in combo with returning sensation / sense therapy
I would encourage people to research deeply ; it probably is not for everybody
ie. there are always pros and cons ; I like it for myself…
I have to bend my knees though or the vibes can lead to upset tummy…
Vibrations have particular relevance for me & stroke recovery…
but as we know every case is different. Greetings, Roland
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Yes, I can appreciate it’s not for everyone and I suppose it’s not worth the risk for as my TIA was due to blood clot. Besides I’m doing pretty well now, so why rock that boat aye 
But I’m seriously considering the TENS machine for my drop foot. Though that’s not even true drop foot as it works fine when I’m not tired 
Bought an easy @ home tens machine. Early days but when its on, it eases the stroke pain. Hoping there’s long term positive benefits and hoping the doctor changes my medication next week cos gabapentin isn’t doing anything at all. Guessing my option now is pregabalin, which ill ask if I can try
Thanks for replies 
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Emerald,
hi - I totally respect your position.
I got the idea from a US stroke forum
and decided on the vibration platform based on my experience with a handheld massage device by drGraeme which I find excellent
I’m going to research TENS machines too
Good luck, Roland
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Do keep us posted on the TENS machine; as with all amazon reviews, there were mixed reviews for it. I had a Boots one years ago which I found helped some with back pain during pregnancy, but that was burned out and binned long ago.
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@stokiejoey Just wondering how you are getting on with the TENS machine.
I bit the bullet myself and bought the AUVON 4 Outputs TENS Machine as my birthday present from my hubby I’m logging to try it on my leg muscles during gym workouts but I’m not sure if I wait 'til my actual b’day 
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Hi, to be honest I’m not really sure cos I’m trying to sort out stroke pain and upped my dosage of gabapentin. It feels like more strength and natural movement is happening, so perhaps it is contributing along with few other changes I’m making
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Well that’s a good sign anyway, lets hope it continues. If you can figure out the pressure points (the really sore/bruised spots) in leg, arm and back, and put the pads there, it could be good for loosening up muscle and tendons which will help.
Good luck with it
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I have just got a tens machine I am going to ring the physiotherapists at the hospital tomorrow as unsure whether it’s for me or not I do not have any pain the reason I bought it was because I have had pins and needles in my left hand 24hours a day since the stroke happened 18 months ago and I can move my fingers wrist and hand perfectly just can’t stop the pins and needles thought the tens machine might be able to stop them any advice would be much appreciated
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I’ve only been using my TENS/EMS experimentally up to now while I familiarise myself with the functions and settings…the manual with it is not great.
I do have a small pain in my right thigh from below hip joint to above knee. What I did notice is that the pain went away for few days…it’s back again tonight though.
I tried it on my calf to the outside of the shin for my foot drop and was fascinated the way it got the foot lifting without the usual tendency for the foot to curl.
But when I put the electrodes on the inside of the shin, that really curled the foot in.
Fascinating to watch muscles and twitching away wherever I placed the electrodes.
Now I’ve had a play around and think I know where I need to place the electrodes; it’s time to start getting into a daily regime with the TENS to see what it might do for my foot.