Based on another reviewer’s advice I chose this model over the one utilizing AAA batteries, and I am extremely happy I did so.
This unit, which runs on a single 9V battery is working much more effectively than even my best home-made versions. Having eaten dozens of honey-coated watch batteries of various sizes, rigging motorcycle batteries with the leads from digital ohm meters, and licking both 110 and European sockets with few beneficial results, this contraption is a real time saver, if even just no longer making weekly trips to Radio Shack for miscellaneous capacitors, transistors, etc. While the lead-core fly fishing line coils connected to a type 31 marine battery did indeed provide some minor neck relief, lugging the 75 pound battery proved to be somewhat inconvenient, especially on bowling night. Enter the TENS 7000 (I realize this sounds a lot like an ad for an upcoming Terminator movie, but that’s really what they call it)
Having suffered some extreme issues stemming from the fact I have disks pinching my spine to nearly 100% closed off (I swear I’m not making that up) along with the fact I was born quite young, chiropractors and physical therapists have been a major part of my life for well over 30 years now. While many of them claim it was their manipulations which cured many a stiff joint or mis-aligned spine, I know from experience that TENS therapy truly works wonders. It truly does. With the exception of the time the doc’s assistant came in to turn the rapid-sine machine “off” and accidently turned it from power “2” to “Well Done” and having to peel me off the ceiling, TENS has provided much needed relief from massive muscle spasms in my lower and upper back; eliminated stiffness in my neck; reduced swelling in my neck; as well as made me a very rich man. Well maybe not that last one, but it’s not too late.
Anyone who spends time at the chiro knows the joy of TENS therapy, but we also know the disappointment of feeling the power shut down just when it’s starting to feel like it’s working! Sure the doc has other patients in line, but we’re paying for US to get relief- let them wait! With your very own TENS machine at home, there IS no wait, and better yet, as long as you’ve got batteries, there is NO LIMIT to how long you can cook yourself to pain free!! (Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor. I do have much experience as a PATIENT, and offer only my personal opinion stemming from that experience. If you have a serious problem, please consult a doctor or your local Salvation Army for proper assistance)
I read about others who run their TENS constantly, and at full power- setting 8- and achieving good results. Let me tell you, I can take a LOT of pain, and I am running this 9V model at just below power level 3, and it is making my shoulder spaz out so much it resembles Kanye West at a Golden Globes ceremony. I am using my new TENS to relieve a frozen shoulder; after just 30 minutes of low-intensity therapy using the various modes I was actually able to lift my arm over my head for the first time in nearly a year. I swear I’m not making that up. I do firmly suggest that you DO NOT use the unit constantly however, as your body needs time to relax and “calm down” after a session, so based on my decades of experience I would say a total of 2 hours or so per day broken into 30-40 minute sessions will provide you with a quick idea of whether it will work for you or not. Others are obviously suffering different problems however, so you should consult with your doctor (or qualified airline stewardess) to determine what is right for you. That being said, I expect within the next week to be suffering from zero shoulder pain, no more back pain, and full restoration of my receding hairline. While this machine IS pretty cool, I doubt I’ll get down to my desired weight without having used it at least a month, and the cancer will probably require at least another after that. Good thing I also bought rechargeable batteries!
The TENS machine is truly very sleek, and extremely well thought out. It is about the size of a walkman; unfortunately in fact, it resembles a walkman SO much that just this morning while out shopping I was hit with rocks by 2 young thugs who told me to “Grow up and join the digital age!” after spotting my TENS conveniently clipped to my Bermuda shorts. Another cool feature is that both the controls for the leads and the modular controls are each protected behind little doors, which prevent accidental changes to the settings while you move about. Very cool, as they are easy deal with when need be. The unit is also lightweight; I would barely know it’s there if it weren’t for the fact my face keeps changing shape as if I’m sticking my open mouth out the car window while traveling in excess of 90MPH on the highway. But darn, it feels so good.
Overall I am extremely happy with this unit and wholeheartedly recommend it. Here are the Pros and Cons I have found so far:
Pro:
Surprisingly low cost
VERY powerful
Lightweight
Attractive design
May possibly double as a sex toy
Variable modes, wide variety of outputs
Easy to program and use
Much more effective than string of holiday lights with tinsel replacing original bulbs then wrapped around body
Con:
Will only partially cook hot dogs at level 6; level 8 burns ends
Easily mistaken for Walkman by local thugs
Does not work after being pushed into uncovered cesspool
May possibly double as a sex toy