TensCare TouchTENS XL-Y1, TouchTENS XL-T Instructions For Use Manual

Model XL-Y1/T

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

Touch TENS

Instructions for Use

Section Page No

1 Introduction 1
2 How TENS works 1
3 Side Effects 2
4 Contents 2
5 Installation of Batteries 3
6 Belt clip 4
7 The Programmes 4
8 Programme Settings 6
9 Controls and Display 7
10 Controls 8
11 Connecting Lead wires 11
12 Positioning of Electrode Pads 12
13 General Pad Advice 14
14 Cleaning 14
15 Troubleshooting 15
16 Caution and Warnings 16
17 Consumables and servicing 18
18 WEEE 19
19 Guarantee 19
20 Technical Specifications 20
21 EMC Precautions 21

Endorphin Release

At low frequency settings, and slightly stronger output, TENS
drives the motor nerves to produce a small repetitive muscle
contraction. This is seen by the brain as exercise, and this
promotes release of Endorphins – your body’s own natural pain
killer. The relief builds up and normally takes about 40 minutes to
reach a maximum level which can last for hours after the machine
is switched off.

By using TENS you can expect to achieve a significant reduction
in pain if not complete pain relief.

3. SIDE EFFECTS

There are no known side effects to TENS use and long-term
TENS use is not harmful.

4. CONTENTS

The pack contains:

• Touch TENS Pain Relief unit

• Belt Clip

• 2 x Leadwire

• Pack of 4, 50x50mm, self-adhesive electrode pads
(item code: E-CM5050)

• 2 x AA 1.5V(Type LR6) alkaline batteries

• Instruction Manual

• Storage Pouch

1. INTRODUCTION

Device Description & Principles of Design

The Touch Tens is a dual Channel TENS unit with pre-set energy
output levels for easy use. A choice of eight pre-set programmes
is available . The operation of the controls is described in detail
in Sections 9 & 10.

The Tenscare Touch TENS is a dual channel TENS.
It has:

• two independent strength controls

• 60 mA output over 500 Ohm load

• 8 pre-set programmes including Burst, Strength and
Frequency Modulation, and Han

• Programme Timer

• Compliance Memory

2. HOW “TENS” WORKS

T.E.N.S. stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.
T.E.N.S. stimulates your body’s own natural defences against
pain, namely the release of endorphins. T.E.N.S. is totally safe
and has been used successfully by thousands of pain sufferers.

TENS sends a gentle stimulation through the skin which
works in TWO ways:-

Pain Gate

Stimulating the sensory nerves, which carry touch and temperature
signals. These nerves go to the same connections in the spine
as the nerves carrying pain. A strong sensory signal will block the
pain signal travelling up the spine to the brain, this is known as
closing the “Pain Gate” and takes effect quite quickly after the
unit is switched on. You can use TENS several times a day, for
as long as you like.

1

2

Warning

• Keep batteries out of the reach of small children.

• If battery leakage occurs and comes in contact with the skin
or eyes, wash thoroughly with lots of water.

• Do not attempt to recharge alkaline batteries.

3

4

5. INSTALLATION OF BATTERIES

Remove battery tray from side of unit

i) Slide down button in centre of battery cover to unlock.
ii)

Hold each end of battery tray in finger and thumb, and pull tray out.

iii) Insert batteries.

Ensure that the batteries are inserted the right way as

shown in battery compartment.
iv) Lock battery cover.
When the batteries are running low a low battery indicator will

show on the screen (battery symbol) and it is important to change
the batteries as soon as possible.

Rechargeable batteries

The unit will not work with rechargeable batteries.

Low voltage cut-out may be above the normal operating voltage
of rechargeable batteries.

Storage

Remove batteries from your TENS machine if the unit is unlikely
to be used for a long period. Some types of battery may leak
corrosive fluid.

Disposal of batteries

Always dispose of batteries safely.
Do not throw batteries onto a fire. Risk of explosion.

Battery Life
Batteries should last about 48 hours at full power.
Unused batteries have a nominal shelf life of 3 years, but will
usually last longer than this.

i)

ii)

6. BELT CLIP

A belt clip is provided to allow you to attach
the touch TENS to your clothing. It can be
inserted either way up. Slide along the
base of the unit until it locks in position.

You can also hang the unit from your neck
using the hook provided. Use thread or
wool that will snap easily if the unit snags on something.

7. THE PROGRAMMES

There is no one programme for a particular condition, and the
best choice varies from one person to another, even if they have
the same type of pain.

Each user needs to select both the programme and the positioning
of the pads that is best for them. You may need to try a few
positions/programmes before finding the one that suits you.

If you are using TENS for the first time, it is recommended that you
start with Programme A, which gives the gentlest stimulation.

The Touch TENS has 8 pre-set pain relief programmes.
Research has shown that some programmes are particularly

effective for certain pains. These have been indicated under the
“Specific uses” section.

* F - The user increases the strength to the desired level in the first 7 seconds. The strength
drops down 90% over a period of 6 seconds and then gradually starts increasing again to the
original setting over a period of 6 sec.

* G - The frequency starts at 2Hz and after every 3 minutes shifts to the next frequency setting.
After 21 minutes it returns back to 2 Hz and starts the cycle over again. NB Specifications are
nominal and subject to variation from the listed values.

The following grid summarises the programmes available and
how they vary.

5

6

Pr Output Sensation Specific Uses Frequ- Pulse
ency Hz Width
µS

A Constant Tingling/Pins and needles sensation.

Pain Gate 110 50
Increase strength slowly until a strong
but comfortable sensation.

B Constant Pulsing or tapping sensation associated Not for injured 4 200
with muscle contractions. Increase the

muscles
strength to a level that just produces

Endorphin
muscle activity.

Release

C Burst Stimulus is delivered in bursts, i.e. a Not for injured 100 200
group of pulses rather than a single muscles in 2Hz
pulse. You will get muscle activity at a burst
lower strength and thus you may find it

Pain Gate/

more comfortable.

Endorphin

D Constant Is similar to B, but has a Freq specifically Menstrual pain, 10 200
recommended for nausea, travel sickness and

nausea, travel
morning sickness (see body map for position

sickness and
of electrode pads).

morning sickness.

Not for injured
muscles

Endorphin
Release

E Constant This is similar to A, but has deeper penetration

Pain Gate 110 200
and a stronger feel. It is more likely to produce
muscle contractions

at a lower strength

F Strength

This is similar to E, but with the strength Pain Gate 110 200
Modulated modulating continuously, this gives a pleasant
slow relaxing massage

sensation.

G Frequency

This changes the frequency every 3 minutes, Pain Gate 2-110 200
Modulated stepping from 2 to 110 Hz. This constant change in
helps to prevent

accommodation occurring. 7 steps

2, 10, 50, 80, 90, 100,110Hz

H HAN This changes the frequency from 2 to 100 Hz

Pain Gate/ 100/2 100

Alternating every 3 seconds. It is claimed to be the most

Endorphin /200
effective form of TENS, but may be
less comfortable.

USAGE

TENS can be used for as long as is necessary. Continuous
treatment is fine, but electrode pads should be repositioned
regularly (at least every 12 hours) to allow the skin to be exposed
to the air.

The Endorphin Release modes work better when the strength is
high enough to cause small muscle contractions. Best results are
achieved at between 20 and 40 minutes. Longer use may cause
muscle ache.

8. INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAMME SETTINGS

• Frequency (measured in Hz - pulses per second)

PAIN GATE: A high frequency of 110Hz is good at blocking
pain signals.
ENDORPHINE RELEASE: A low frequency of 4 or 10Hz allows
for the release of endorphins, the body’s natural morphine-like
substances.

• Pulse Width (measure in µS - millionths of a second)

The Touch TENS unit has pulse widths of 50 and 200 µS. Higher
Pulse Widths are more likely to cause muscle contractions.

• Constant and Burst Modes

Constant mode is when the sensation is continuous as against
Burst mode when the sensation, is as its name implies, is one of
on and off.

• Modulation Modes

Modulation is when either the frequency or pulse width sweep
across range of settings. This enables the body to receive many
different signals and can be very beneficial and lessen any effect
of accommodation. See programmes F and G.

• HAN Stimulation

Invented by a Professor Han, this alternates between high and
low frequencies to give - in theory - the best pain relief.