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In the field of rehabilitation physiotherapy, percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (EMS) techniques have become common means to relieve pain and promote the recovery of muscle function due to their advantages such as non-invasveness and convenient operation. However, the safety of medical technology is always based on strict management of indications and contraindications. Recently, cases of adverse reactions caused by ignoring contraindications in clinical practice have drawn attention. This article will combine authoritative guidelines and clinical data to systematically analyze the contraindicated population for TENS EMS physiotherapy devices, providing scientific guidance for consumers.
Patients with abnormal electrophysiological conditions of the heart and nerves: Be vigilant about the risk of current interference.
Patients with cardiac pacemakers or severe arrhythmias have been clearly listed as contraindicated for TENS EMS massager. Clinical data show that the pulsed current generated by electrical stimulation may interfere with the normal operation of pacemakers, leading to cardiac rhythm disorders. A tertiary hospital once reported a case where pacemaker function was suppressed due to the use of TENS, and the patient experienced brief syncope after the operation. Patients with epilepsy also need to be cautious. Electrical stimulation may induce abnormal discharges of neurons and increase the risk of epileptic seizures. For such people, it is recommended to give priority to non-electrical stimulation physical therapies, such as ultrasound therapy or cold and hot compress therapy.
Special Physiological State Population: The safety boundary between pregnancy and postoperative recovery period.
Pregnant women are prohibited from using TENS EMS massage devices, especially avoiding Contact of electrode plates with the abdomen and lumbosacral region. Although TENS is applied in labor analgesia, the electrode position and parameters need to be strictly limited, and ordinary household devices are difficult to meet this requirement. Postoperative patients need to adjust the usage time according to the wound healing condition. It is prohibited to use it in the wound area within 3 weeks after the operation to prevent infection or bleeding caused by current stimulation. In a certain rehabilitation center, there was once a case where the wound split due to the early use of TENS after surgery, highlighting the importance of standardized operation.
For those with damaged skin barriers: The risk of infection needs to be closely monitored.
TENS/EMS devices are contraindicated for patients with broken skin, acute inflammation or metal allergies. Direct contact of electrode sheets with broken skin may cause secondary infections. Statistics from a dermatology clinic show that the incidence of skin infections in such patients after use reaches 12.3%. Patients with malignant tumors need to distinguish the treatment scenarios. During radiotherapy or chemotherapy, the skin barrier function declines, and it is recommended to suspend the use. It is strictly prohibited to use in areas with tuberculosis lesions and acute suppurative inflammatory lesions. Electrical stimulation may aggravate the local inflammatory response.
Patients with hematological diseases: Potential threat of abnormal blood coagulation function.
Patients with thrombophlebitis and lower extremity venous thrombosis are prohibited from using EMS devices. Electrical stimulation may cause thrombus detachment and lead to serious complications such as pulmonary embolism. A vascular surgery study shows that the incidence of pulmonary embolism in patients with venous thrombosis after using EMS is 4.7 times higher than that in the normal population. Patients with coagulation dysfunction need a comprehensive assessment. If it is necessary to use it, it is recommended to adopt ultra-low intensity parameters and do so under the supervision of professionals.
Special parts and those with abnormal sensations: Safety operation needs to be further standardized.
Patients with metal implants at the treatment site (such as artificial joints, cardiac stents) are contraindicated from using TENS EMS electronic Pulse Muscle Stimulator. The current may cause the metal to heat up or shift. People with sensory loss or allergy to electric current need to have their tolerance evaluated through skin tests. A rehabilitation hospital once had a case of skin burns caused by electric current allergy. Parameters need to be adjusted for children and the elderly. It is recommended that children use the dedicated mode, and the elderly need to closely monitor changes in heart rate.
Medical advice: Equal emphasis should be placed on scientific use and risk prevention and control.
When consumers choose TENS EMS machine, they should give priority to purchasing Products with medical certification. Before use, they need to read the instructions carefully and pay special attention to the contraindications clause. It is recommended to establish a "Self-Check List before Using the Equipment", covering key information such as the history of wearing a pacemaker, skin condition, and surgical history. If any abnormal symptoms such as increased stinging or skin redness and swelling occur during use, stop using it immediately and seek medical attention. Medical institutions need to enhance patient education and popularize knowledge on safe usage through forms such as Video demonstrations and graphic manuals.
In the field of rehabilitation physiotherapy, technological progress must always be based on patient safety. Although TENS EMS physiotherapy devices offer a new option for pain management, strictly adhering to contraindications remains the core to ensuring efficacy and safety. Consumers and medical practitioners need to jointly build a safe closed loop of "scientific assessment - standardized operation - timely intervention", so that electrical stimulation technology can truly become a health tool for improving the quality of life.