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Contraindications, Cautions
2.1 Electrotherapy
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Contraindications
•
Powered muscle stimulators should not be used on patients with cardial
demand pacemakers.
•
Other contraindications are patients suspected of carrying serious
infectious disease and or disease where it is advisable, for general
medical purposes, to suppress heat or fevers.
•
Caution should be used for patients with suspected or diagnosed heart
problems.
•
Caution should be used for patients with suspected or diagnosed
epilepsy.
•
Caution should be used in the presence of the following:
o
When there is a tendency to hemorrhage following acute trauma or
fracture;
o
Following recent surgical procedures when muscle contraction may
disrupt the healing process;
o
Over the menstruating or pregnant uterus; and
•
Over areas of the skin which lack normal sensation.
•
This device should not be used for symptomatic local pain relief unless
etiology is established or unless pain syndrome has been diagnosed.
Cautions
•
Safety of powered muscle stimulators for use during pregnancy has not
been established.
•
Some patients may experience skin irritation or hypersensitivity due to
the electrical stimulation or electrical conductive medium. The irritation
can usually be reduced by using an alternate conductive medium, or
alternate electrode placement.
•
Electrode placement and stimulation settings should be based on the
guidance of the prescribing practitioner.
•
Powered muscle stimulators should be kept out of the reach of children.
•
Powered muscles stimulators should be used only with the leads and
electrodes recommended for use by the manufacturer.
•
The effectiveness of TENS waveforms is highly dependent upon patient
selection by a person qualified in pain management.
•
Inspect patient cables and associated connectors before each use
Adverse Effects
•
Skin irritation and burns beneath the electrodes have been reported with
the use of powered muscle stimulators.
•
Potential adverse effects with TENS are skin irritation and electrode
burns.
