I was wondering if with pacemaker you are allowed to have the electical stimulation that they use when they do physical therapy? I am a bit confused because I know you cant use a TENS unit, is that considered the same thing?

 

 

I have had my PM for 7 yrs this yr and was told NO! about electrical stimulation and tens unit. I have had sever orthopedic problems since 88. Check with your cardiologist buut I was told NO!

 

You have to go with doctor's orders, but I did have TENS therapy after my ICD implant. The therapy was on very low back pain. I had no problems at all (other than a sore back) with TENS there.

Red in Wi

 

I have used a very small tens unit for back pain for years. Would love to use it now (severe back pain radiating down leg).
Both my cardio and the technician said they did not know if I could use my little tens.
Not sure where this leaves me,
Do I just try it and see what happens?
Lizzie

 

you normally can call up the maker of your device on that card you should be carrying with you and ask.
they have tech teams for these questions.

 

Tens and electrical stimulation are one and the same. TENS = Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

Equipment Manufacturers provide manuals for the patients and usually the booklets have guidelines on what is safe and what to avoid. My ICD's for Dummies manual says to "Although most medical equipment will have no effect on your ICD, some may affect its function...avoid magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electrical nerve and muscle stimulators (TENS units).

If you didn't get a manual, go to the manufacturers web site and either download one or you can request a hardcopy. I do not believe any of the manufacturers charge for them.

 

I have had my pacer for 9 years and have gradually developed a back problem. During therapy I have had the e-stim on my low back with no problem. I never checked with the cardiologist, but the PT and chiropractor said it is not be a problem. If it was near the pacer site, that may be a different situation.