I read an article where a man was arrested for using one of these for sexual stimulation on his wife--her heart ended up stopping and paramedics were unable to resuscitate her... Don't ask me where they put the electrode pads.

breasticlesrkool wrote:As Doctor of Physical Therapy candidate, I have to say that I agree wholeheartedly with this. Putting a TENS unit on the market for the general public is irresponsible and down right dangerous. If put in the wrong hands, this can really hurt somebody. I love WOOT, but please leave the medical device prescriptions to someone with proper knowledge and training.

Better this than someone trying to rig a car battery, ending up electrocuting themselves.

joebeimon wrote:As a 35 year licensed therapist, this is a pretty irresponsible item to put out to the general market. A TENS unit can really make a back problem a lot worse if used incorrectly. If the unit has removable electrodes that can be placed where "needed" THEN it can be used by someone with some knowledge. How many people will put these electrodes on their ears for fun? that's the real question. Great Libel case. dumb woot. Most people with PT training will think this pretty scary. But, hey we will make money off the people who have to seek treatment after using this.......

Your advice on the product may be sound, but most people, without PT training, will think your knowledge of tort law is pretty scary. Please don't play a lawyer on woot.

And if you hook this thing up to your ears for fun...you're a dumbass...that's the real statement.

joebeimon wrote:As a 35 year licensed therapist, this is a pretty irresponsible item to put out to the general market. A TENS unit can really make a back problem a lot worse if used incorrectly. If the unit has removable electrodes that can be placed where "needed" THEN it can be used by someone with some knowledge. How many people will put these electrodes on their ears for fun? that's the real question. Great Libel case. dumb woot. Most people with PT training will think this pretty scary. But, hey we will make money off the people who have to seek treatment after using this.......

Yeah, place the electrodes in your ears and then sue Woot. Sounds like this guy gets most of his clients from ambulance chasing lawyers. These are simple to use. And think of all the money you will save by not going to a licensed therapist.

This is overpriced on some sites and at some stores but it is not hard to look around and get one for this very same price.

I have a professional one that was paid for by my insurance company, Seems to be usful for a short time But lemme tell ya, They go in the closet after a bit and rarly ever come back out.

Man! When will there be something I cannot Live without?

I do Like the site but I am Thinking that the stories of items wooted before I got here are never to be repeated history OR maybe they never were and I was just getting smoke blown in my face eh?

I will hang in here and wait,. That first woots gotta be right around the corner.

Looks like a good deal. I'm in for one.

TENS units are great and this is a steal, however the Self-adhesive stimulator pads are extremely expensive.

No word on this unit how much they are.

(2 Replacement pads are probably more expensive than this entire package deal)

yanked wrote:Actually, transcranial direct current brain stimulation, using low-level currents, is becoming increasingly popular in the treatment of some psychiatric problems. And recent studies have shown that it can increase performance on some mental tasks. But it seems to require getting the amperage just right -- too little does nothing, too much does seizures. So while we wait for over-the-counter versions of this for healthy brains, it's probably best not to strap it to your temples. (That's putting it mildly; DIY DC through your brain = bad idea!)

None of those studies have been well-designed RCT's, and aren't powered for effectiveness. I highly doubt that you will see any OTC transcranial stimulators any time in the near future (no matter the use), and I know for a fact that there are currently no LEGALLY-marketed transcranial stimulators for OTC psychiatric use.

You can get the replacement pads for about a buck each.. Do some searching.

cedaroo wrote:Check me, but I think it's

http://tinyurl.com/ouch-my-back

I checked that manual and saw this, ""Do not place the pads on or around your head. The effects of stimulation of the brain are unknown." Someone's gotta do it so I'm taking one for the team. I'm in for one!

Sincerely......Batty

My wife is pregnant with a sore back. Is this safe ?

joebeimon wrote:As a 35 year licensed therapist, this is a pretty irresponsible item to put out to the general market. A TENS unit can really make a back problem a lot worse if used incorrectly. If the unit has removable electrodes that can be placed where "needed" THEN it can be used by someone with some knowledge. How many people will put these electrodes on their ears for fun? that's the real question. Great Libel case. dumb woot. Most people with PT training will think this pretty scary. But, hey we will make money off the people who have to seek treatment after using this.......

I think maybe this unit does not have anything like the power of the kind of TENS unit that requires a license?

Eh also: "libel" is a kind of defamation. I'm not sure why using this would have anything to do with defamation.

Evidently the upside here is that evidently in your 35 years you were apparently never involved in a serious lawsuit involving unlicensed use of a therapy and/or defamation. So kudos.

Shadowbat wrote:I checked that manual and saw this, ""Do not place the pads on or around your head. The effects of stimulation of the brain are unknown." Someone's gotta do it so I'm taking one for the team. I'm in for one!

Sincerely......Batty

Shoot, I was thinking of other places to try it first!

joebeimon wrote:As a 35 year licensed therapist, this is a pretty irresponsible item to put out to the general market. A TENS unit can really make a back problem a lot worse if used incorrectly. If the unit has removable electrodes that can be placed where "needed" THEN it can be used by someone with some knowledge. How many people will put these electrodes on their ears for fun? that's the real question. Great Libel case. dumb woot. Most people with PT training will think this pretty scary. But, hey we will make money off the people who have to seek treatment after using this.......

Yeah, cause we all know that doctors and therapist NEVER do anything wrong or stupid.

I am sure this is "scary" to you. Scared that we wont need your overpriced services.

This is a good link:
http://www.bruceeisner.com/mindware/2007/02/back_pain_the_m.html

Fits up to 50" waist.
You can pick between 15/30/60 min. treatments.
I have bad back since 1994, this will help on bad days, but no REAL cures for a bad back except, take care of it and don't hurt it to start with.
PT and PT people are evil.

I order one (i think) about 30 minutes ago. Its not showing on my account. Does it take awhile for Woot! to post a purchase to one's (mine) account?

Please people, read the actual intended use in the manual:

The MEDISANA® Back Pain Relief System is intended for temporary relief of pain associated with sore and aching muscles in the lower back due to strain from exercise or normal household and work activities.

It's not a "massager", and it's not designed for chronic pain. Don't read anything into the manual that's not actually there, and heed the precautionary language; it's there to help keep you safe. If you follow the directions, this will probably not hurt you.

I've used these in physical therapy a lot after I had some major back surgery. As a tip for anyone who gets this, I'd recommend lying down with it in a way you wont need to use your back at all. They are very comfortable as long as you remain relaxed. However I've found that if i try to use a musle that's being worked by the electrodes, it'll tighten up real fast and you'll get a cramp.

Just a tip. So stay relaxed! Otherwise make sure you know how to use it before you try it. Great product though, might get one for myself!

TENS units, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators, to the best of my knowledge are FDA Class II medical devices and can only be sold with a prescription from an MD. I believe it is illegal to sell TENS units without a presciption.

Woot would be wise to stop this sale and not deliver to its customers.

EBAY pulled TENS units off its sites a while back.

ChrisCane wrote:TENS units, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulators, to the best of my knowledge are FDA Class II medical devices and can only be sold with a prescription from an MD. I believe it is illegal to sell TENS units without a presciption.

Woot would be wise to stop this sale and not deliver to its customers.

EBAY pulled TENS units off its sites a while back.

I don't think this is not that kind of TENS unit. This "uses TENS technology". You can get stuff like this at a drug store, OTC. I have, twice.

I looked into the same issue years ago. I wanted a real TENS but all I could get was stuff like this.

C'mon.

Would require replacement pads, $20/set:
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=158843&catid=59986&aid=337953&aparam=medisana_back_pain_relie&CAWELAID=61231803

lenhogger wrote:My wife is pregnant with a sore back. Is this safe ?

WARNING: DO NOT USE THIS SYSTEM, if you have a cardiac pacemaker, implanted defibrillators or any other implanted metallic or electronic device, DO NOT use this system if you have undiagnosed chronic pain. If pregnant, consult physician prior to use. From Amazon description.

I have chronic back pain with degenerative and herniated disks.. I have been using a TENS unit, but attaching the electrodes is a pain just a little lower than where it really hurts..

This is just what the doctor ordered (can I get a scrip and submit this to insurance?)

In for one.. Thanks for thinking of my well being, woot!

variax1 wrote:I've had one for over a year and paid $129 -- and I consider it money well spent! I injured my back over 30 years ago and had back surgery 10 years ago, and this is just about the only thing that provides relief when it starts acting up. I -- I mean "my friend" -- has about a 42 inch waist and this fits fine, in fact it could go much bigger. Someone asked "how much does it move?" -- well it doesn't move at all, it's not a massager -- it provides electrical signals, the intensity of which you control with two rotary knobs, one for the upper pair of patches, one for the lower. Put it on 10 and it's almost painful, but ramp it down a bit and you will get almost instant relief. There are 8 different "programs" or patterns of signals -- you'll find your favorites quickly. It makes NO noise and fits invisibly under most shirts. You can put the controller in your pocket and wear it all day if you want. I usually wear it for about an hour and then remove it, after my back feels better. It has a timer with 15, 30 and 60 minute presets, but of course you can shut it off whenever you like.

Is that enough info for ya? ;^)

How often do ya have to change tha pads, and how much?

ABitCreative wrote:I'm guessing this works like a TENS unit, which was AWESOME for my back when I was pregnant. If feels like you are getting a massage--totally loosens tense muscles. Seems like a good price for what it is, compared to a basic TENS unit.

Did a doc prescribe the TENS treatment to you? Is it safe while pregnant...I mean for the baby?

In for one... I promise I won't sue Woot! for Libel.. or any other idiotic item a "therapist" may think of.

aside:
I'm flat-out shocked (harhar) at the numbers of doctors and therapists who have already popped in only 4 pages of posts who don't know the difference between this device and the kind TENS unit that requires prescription.

Scary.

mctees wrote:You can get the replacement pads for about a buck each.. Do some searching.

Where? I've gotta get to work and can't search...help a fellow wooter out, just PM it to me.

Thanks!

In for 1, my wife is tired of hearing me complain about my back pain (2 hemorraged disks and other issues...).

Thanks Woot!

joebeimon wrote:As a 35 year licensed therapist, this is a pretty irresponsible item to put out to the general market.(etc.)

OK. I believe you as long as your opinion is limited to incorrect or irresponsible use of this device.

However, I've got a question for you. Presuming someone who (a) doesn't have a pacemaker or other electronic device in their abdomen/chest, b) does not have _undiagnosed_ chronic pain, (c) has their unit is in proper working condition, and (d) they use it precisely as directed, would you then say that it is a dangerous item?

I'm not asking whether or not it would relieve pain. I'm only asking if, when used as described above, it would be safe? I, of course, would suggest that anyone who was going to do so contact their doctor about it BEFORE they use it, but hey, we are all immortal here, right? (insert extremely cynical look here)

Now I am wondering about another "use"...

2 electrodes it has, huh? So, place one on your butt cheek, and one on hers. Turn it on high. When you get "connected" together, I wonder what would happen? Who cares about helping sore backs...I see better uses.
Curious minds want to know...

WootChiq wrote:I order one (i think) about 30 minutes ago. Its not showing on my account. Does it take awhile for Woot! to post a purchase to one's (mine) account?

you might want to contact customer service, I got my confirmation in less than a couple of minutes.

jeraden wrote:I've had a bad lower back for a year now. I went to a chiropractor over the summer and one of the treatments was to use a similar device (though a completely different commercial design, but same concept). Feels kind of freaky while its working.
I quit going cause it was getting expensive and wasn't really seeing any results, but since this is kind of a staple treatment for lower back pain (this and the roller bed), won't hurt to give it a shot at home to see if it helps with repeat usage. So I wooted one.

Though at this point, I'm so sick of it hurting to even bend over, I think I'd have bought a bottle of Lower Back Pain Snake Oil if Woot was selling it.

I dropped $200 for an inversion table last month and that hasn't really helped, so whats another $50?

LBP sufferer 15+ years (L3-L4-L5-S1 bulges & tears). There are so many things you have to do to maintain a healthy back, but my inversion table is an important tool. I hang inverted for ~20+ min 3-4 times a week. Usually I experience a 'self adjustment' (back popping) when inverted due to my back being in traction which creates space for the discs to recover/heal. I feel like it has greatly helped with blood circulation in the bad area. Stick with it...also try doing short sets (5-10 reps) of various abdominal excercises while inverted. In a day, you'll feel a difference...in a month you'll see a difference.

The problem with this TENS device is the same problem with using NSAIDS: it MASKS the pain without addressing the CAUSE. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it's important for people to find out why they have pain in the first place.

Woot, great write-up today! I couldn't come up with an "e" word either, to complete your alluringly alliterative allusion.

I use a TENS unit daily - well, almost daily - and I have to say... I love it.

I have lower back pain that sometimes keeps me from even getting out of bed, let alone walking/standing.

I do have an Rx for my EMPI TENS written by my pain doctor. I do find it a little scary that "just anybody" could buy this without being diagnosed and educated about its proper use.

If it's as strong as the EMPI unit I have I would like to state this one WARNING - do not touch this with your finger tips while in use. Your finger tips have more receptors than your back and what feels good and tingly on your back could shock the crappers out of your finger tips.

Also, after looking at this photo below, I'd have to say this thing is rather large compared to the ones most doctors and PTs use.

berjade wrote:This may work but it reminds me of those TV infomercials things that you need to plug in your gut to make it go away (right).

There may be some chronical cases where therapy and chiropractors are needed but if you need a healthy back one of the most important things one can do is to exercise.

I (don't laugh) bought one of the 'As Seen on TV' ab stimulators. It acutally works the muscles pretty hard if used regularly, I just couldn't handle the mess. You have to spread water-based gel all over the sensors for it not to shock/sting you severely.

So, it was in the bottom of the closet for 2 years until last winter when my back went out. I tried it on my back, and was very happy when it relieved the pain (blocked the pain signals). My back was still out of alignment, but I was immediately able to drive myself to the chiro to get a spinal adjustment...and again two days later...and again two days later (if you know chiro scheduling).

I still use the 'Abdominator' on my back when it hurts, but I'm still dealing with the mess. Although the water based gel is very inexpensive when compared to the replacement pads. Alas, I think this product will work as good as the TV one, but I'm really hoping that it is much better.

In for one...thanks Woot.

Seriously folks... this is a piece of medical equipment. My girlfriend was given one by her doctor as she healed from having three herniated discs removed from her neck, a major surgery. If you have chronic back problems, call your doctor and tell them you found a deal on a tens unit to see if it's for you. If you think you have problems now, wait till you misuse it. Woot should be more responsible than this.

joebeimon wrote:As a 35 year licensed therapist, this is a pretty irresponsible item to put out to the general market. A TENS unit can really make a back problem a lot worse if used incorrectly. If the unit has removable electrodes that can be placed where "needed" THEN it can be used by someone with some knowledge. How many people will put these electrodes on their ears for fun? that's the real question. Great Libel case. dumb woot. Most people with PT training will think this pretty scary. But, hey we will make money off the people who have to seek treatment after using this.......

I have had several herniated discs and electrostim therapy is very effective. Clearly this therapist is defensive about the home user doing on his/her own something he gets paid for. While there are some limitations, my therapist used this on my back and neck. She often left the room after setting it up and it did not interact with pain medications I took while suffering with herniated discs in my neck and back.

I'm sure there are dangers, just as there are dangers to giving someone a jar of vicodin. So you'll want to read the instructions.

I ask this therapist not sell his services through fear mongering.

I play sem-pro football and why back tightens every now and then I hit with my mothers tens unit and it is instant relief. I just bought one and was excited to see it on here!!!!

anyone know if you put this on the top of your back will it work? like upper spine due to pain from standing from scollyosis????

immersed wrote:wasn't there a something that prevents back pain, and aching muscles...what were those things called...oh yea:

STRETCHES!!

You can't buy stretches :P