Purchasing a TENS Unit

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a machine which uses mild electrotherapy for pain relief. An electric current is produced by the unit and is passed to the user through electrodes. TENS units can be used to treat acute as well as chronic pain.

Picking-out a TENS Unit can be intimidating since there are so many on the market. Key features to look for when purchasing a new machine include whether or not it is battery operated, adjustable width and rate, modes, timer, screen, warranty and most importantly maximum output of electricity or milliamp (mA).

Width control determines the level of electricity (pain relief) you receive, whereas rate determines how often the electric current is sent. Some units come programmed with its own width and rate modes, others leave it all up to you.

A screen can make reading the width and rate outputs easier. But some people prefer using dials rather than buttons. The timer aids in administrating the correct length of time during treatments.

At Pro Therapy Supplies, we honor all of our warranties. Machines which do not have warranties could end-up costing more to repair than what they are worth. Some units have 1 year warranties, others can have up to 5 years.

These are the most popular TENS Units we sell. Click for more details on the units and prices.

Types of Bandages and How to Use Them

Adhesive Bandages

Most common form of bandages and is found in every first aid kit or medicine cabinet. They come in many shapes as well as sizes from a small .25" dot to a large 4" x 5" rectangle. They also come in an assortment of materials and colors, from beige fabrics to glittery plastic. These are for everyday paper cuts to accidental scrapes.

Tubular Finger and Toe Bandages

These are specially shaped bandages which are designed to fit over fingers, toes or other extremities that regular bandages can not. Tubular bandages are made in quite a few materials, from the usual beige fabrics to clear gel tubes. Some are washable and even reusable. While others release mineral oils to soften and moisturize skin. They are not necessarily for cuts or bleeding, but can offer cushion and absorb pressure from painful corns, ingrown nails and blisters among other irritants.

Gauze and Dressings

Just as there are a dozen types of bandages, there are an abundance of gauze and dressings. They come in liquid form, gel pads, cotton rolls, powdered collagen or even foam adhesives. Some come impregnated with ointments and oils to nourish or soothe. The dressing is meant to protect the cells and tissue in the affected area from germs, bacteria and general nastiness. The dressing is also in place to absorb excess fluids.

Tapes, Rolls and Wraps

Offered in a wide range of materials in addition to a multitude of colors, rolls are meant to hold gauze, dressings, as well as cold packs in place. Perfect for awkward places where regular adhesive bandages can not go, like the head or elbows and ankles. Tapes can also offer support, depending on how tightly the roll is wrapped around the affected limb. They help to immobilize and hasten healing time. Wraps are great for providing cushion or to alleviate pressure on painful tendons.

BONUS:

Specialty scissors are made for cutting through tape and bandage material with ease, since some wraps have tough adhesive or are too thick for normal scissors to easily go through.

Sprays are also available to help secure tapes and wraps, in order to reduce friction or help prevent blisters and chafing.

How Menthol Works as a Pain Reliever

Menthol is a natural pain reliever, in fact it is the strongest natural analgesic. That's why you can find it in many lotions, creams, gels, rubs, pastes, medicines, the list goes on and on.

Menthol is made from the oils of mint and peppermint plants. Since menthol is in so many products, the demand is too high for natural sources. Thankfully it can be synthesized in labs.

Pain relief comes through a number of processes menthol creates. It blocks pain receptors from feeling pain. It also stimulates those same pain receptors into releasing natural pain-relieving substances your body produces. Since menthol feels cold, it tricks the body into constricting blood-flow to the area. Menthol also allows other medicinal ingredients in the topical analgesic to penetrate quicker and easier, which aids in pain relief.

Other chemicals are vital to how a topical pain reliever works but for the most part, menthol is the main active ingredient in the most popular topical analgesics.

	Active Ingredient(s)
Tylenol Precise	10% Menthol, 30% Methyl salicylate
Tiger Balm	8% Menthol, 11% Camphor
China Gel	5% Menthol, 3% Camphor
Biofreeze	4% Menthol
Sub Zero	3.9% Menthol
Perform	3.5% Menthol, 0.2% Camphor
Kool 'N Fit	1.25% Menthol, 0.2% Camphor
MyoNatural	1.25% Menthol

Personal preference for a certain product can come from other ingredients like Ilex in Biofreeze and Sub Zero. Or how strong a balm smell verses how the analgesic is applied. Test a few out and see which one you like the most.

PowerStep Product Review

If you have flat feet or plantar faciitis, PowerStep Orthotic Arch Support will definitely help. Pain in your heel and arch dramatically decreases with these insoles in your shoes.

When I decided to go back to the gym after a long hiatus, the first thing I needed was a good pair of cross trainers. I started with a nice pair of Reebox's. While they were comfortable at the store and okay at the gym, my feet would be sore for hours after a workout. Then I purchased a pair of bright blue Nike's, which were okay for an hour at the gym. My feet were still taking a beating and coming out as the loser. That was when I realized I would need more support than what the standard insole could offer because I have mild fallen arches.

I picked out the PowerStep Original Full Length Orthotic Arch Supports because they are our most popular insole. They are always selling out and getting rave reviews.

Powerstep Full Length orthotic arch supports feature a prescription like polypropylene arch support encased in a unique double-layered cushioning insole. The insole is made from polyethylene foam and it completely surrounds and encases the plastic arch support. Powerstep orthotic arch supports have a deeper, softer heel cup then most hard plastic orthotics. The heel cup is sculpted from the firm polyethylene foam so it is extremely comfortable yet still adds to the over all stability of the orthotic arch support. The top blue covering on the Powerstep Full Length orthotic arch support is a special patented Sanitize ETC fabric. Its special weave reduces slippage and friction (and therefore heat and perspiration). Sanitiz ETC fabric is treated with an anti-bacterial/anti fungal application so the Powerstep orthotic arch supports stay fresh and odor free even after considerable use. 

My first workout with the PowerStep Original Full Length Orthotic Arch Supports was painful but did not leave my feet feeling sore and tired afterwards. My feet no longer bothered me and I could focus on getting back in shape. It also helped with my balance, which was a nice surprise.

The insoles are hard and supportive, not soft and cushy. My arches were sore from so much support but after a few hours, they felt great. I wear a size 8.5 in women's and the arch hit me perfectly. The orthotic fit in my athletic shoes without any extra space or wiggle-room.

After about half a year, 5-10 hours a week of vigorous training, they were wearing thin. I replaced them with the ProTech Classic Plus because they're a little softer and offer the extra heel poron cushion. But next time I plan on getting the Original, just because I don't really need extra cushion. Either way, they are still incredible.

Below is a comparison chart which can help guide you to your perfect fit.

Let's Get Rolling

Dr. Oz featured foam rollers the other day on his show and it is no surprise, foam rollers are one of the most versatile tools for pain relief or exercising.

A foam roller can be used for self-myofacial release (self massage), by laying on the foam roller and gently moving the roller to release knots or problem areas. Trigger point massage helps relieve pain in many areas, from the back to calf muscle aches. You are in control of how much pressure and how long each tender spot is massaged.

Not only can foam rollers be used after workouts to aid in muscle recovery or decrease inflammation, the rollers can be used during exercise. They can add another dimension to push-ups, crunches and bicycle kicks among others. Foam rolling can improve with flexibility, range of motion and dramatically increase balance.

Depending on your needs, foam rollers come in an array of densities, sizes and lengths. The density of a foam roller can be anywhere from a pool noodle to an extremely solid pole. At Pro Therapy Supplies, we offer sizes ranging from 12" to 36". We even carry half sizes as well as offer a wide range of colors.

What is Compression Therapy?

Compression stockings, socks and tights are intended to apply pressure against the legs and help blood circulate to the heart. They are worn first thing in the morning and taken off right before bed time.

Used in compression therapy, these specialized medical products treat a wide range of leg problems from aching feet/legs to varicose veins. They do not eliminate the problem, but compression stockings do provide temporary relief from the aches and pain associated with venous reflux and vein diseases.

Many people can benefit from compression therapy. From those who are on their feet all day to people who sit all day and especially those with vein diseases. Since compression therapy helps with pumping blood throughout the leg and body, these medical stockings aid in decreasing swelling, tiredness, aching and numb legs.

Compression stockings, socks and tights come in a wide variety of compression, sizes, colors as well as material. At Pro Therapy Supplies, we carry styles from casual knee highs to full maternity stockings.

15-20 mmHg Gradient Compression Indication Guide: 

• Discomfort from spider veins
• Relief from minor leg swelling
• Relief of tired aching legs
• Relief of leg discomfort during pregnancy
• Minor varicose veins
• For wear following sclerotherapy

20-30 mmHg Gradient Compression Indication Guide: 

• Moderate to severe varicose veins
• Moderate swelling
• Varicose veins during pregnancy
• Leg swelling following surgery
• Following sclerotherapy

30-40 mmHg Gradient Compression Indication Guide: 

• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Post-thrombotic syndrome
• Severe varicose veins
• Severe edema
• Venous ulcer
• Lymphedema
• Orthostatic hypotension

*Note: These are examples of reasons to wear different levels compression. Please consult your medical provider for the recommended compression level. It is important to wear the correct compression level, if incorrect the stockings may become uncomfortable.

For a limited time, save 10% on all Jobst Products with code: JOBST10 at checkout!

4 Simple Things to Keep Your Heart Healthy

Happy Valentine's Day! Hopefully you are treating your heart right, not just emotionally but physically as well. As the hardest working muscle in your body, you should be taking care of your heart.

1. Avoid smoking, it can damage the structure and how your heart functions which increases your risk for diseases.

2. Keep stress at bay, stress increases the risk of heart disease as well as heart attacks.

3. Avoid bad foods, they can lead to high cholesterol as well as high blood pressure.

4. Be active, it strengthens your heart and helps with controlling stress, high blood pressure and maintaining a healthy weight.

These are just 4 simple things you can do to keep your heart happy and healthy.