Muscle Stimulator and TENS Unit Pads Positioning Guide

Muscle stimulators work best if the pads are placed correctly. Correct stim pad placement is important to optimize treatment.

Below we list some tips for correct stimulator pad placement.

Step by step guide: How to place muscle stimulator pads?

1. Select the muscle group

Identifying the right muscle group is the first step to proper electrode placement. This can include large muscle groups, such as quadriceps, or smaller muscle groups, such as biceps.

2. Prepare the skin

Skin preparation ensures good conductivity and minimizes the risk of irritation:

  1. Clean the skin with soap and water to remove oils and dirt;
  2. Dry the skin thoroughly before applying pads.

3. Position the pads

The correct placement of electrodes promotes effective treatment.

Here are the general tips when applying pads:

  • Pads should be applied firmly to the surface of the skin;
  • Place the electrodes parallel to the muscle fibers
  • Avoid placing electrodes on bony prominences to avoid discomfort

How to place TENS unit pads?

TENS muscle stimulatoion relieves pain by stimulating nerves to block the pain signal to the brain. Key points to consider for pads placement in TENS include:

  • Target area: place the pads around or near the area where there is pain;
  • Distance: maintain some distance between the electrodes to prevent the currents from overlapping

How to place EMS unit pads?

The goal of EMS is to stimulate muscle contraction to improve muscle strength and tone.

The main things to keep in mind when placing EMS unit pads:

  • Muscle belly: Electrodes should be placed on the belly of the muscle, which is the thickest part;
  • Muscle fibers: Place the electrodes in the direction of the muscle fibers to achieve proper stimulation;
  • Motor points: Place the electrodes on the motor points, where the nerves enter the muscles, to maximize contraction;
  • Spacing: Apply adequate spacing to avoid discomfort or poor stimulation.

How to ensure effective muscle stimulator pad placement?

Follow these additional tips for an effective electrostimulation treatment:

  • Make sure there is good contact between the electrodes and the skin;
  • Make gradual increments to avoid discomfort;
  • Check the skin for any irritation or redness at points of device use;
  • Change the pads regularly.

The application of electrodes near the chest may increase the risk of cardiac fibrillation


 

 

Pads Positioning

All
Electrode placement 01 Electrode placement 02 Electrode placement 03 Electrode placement 04 Electrode placement 05 Electrode placement 06 Electrode placement 07 Electrode placement 08 Electrode placement 09 Electrode placement 10 Electrode placement 11 Electrode placement 12 Electrode placement 13 Electrode placement 14 Electrode placement 15 Electrode placement 16 Electrode placement 17 Electrode placement 18 Electrode placement 19 Electrode placement 20 Electrode placement 21 Electrode placement 22 Electrode placement 23 Electrode placement 24 Electrode placement 25 Electrode placement 26 Electrode placement 27 Electrode placement 28 Electrode placement 29 Electrode placement 30 Electrode placement 31 Electrode placement 32 Electrode placement 33 Electrode placement 34 Electrode placement 35 Electrode placement 36 Electrode placement 37 Electrode placement 38 Electrode placement 39 Electrode placement 40 Electrode placement 41 Electrode placement 42 Electrode placement 43 Electrode placement 44 Electrode placement 45 Electrode placement 46 Electrode placement 47 Electrode placement 48 Electrode placement 49 Electrode placement 50 Electrode placement 51 Electrode placement 52 Electrode placement 53 Electrode placement 54 Electrode placement 55 Electrode placement 56 Electrode placement 57 Electrode placement 58 Electrode placement 59 Electrode placement 60 Electrode placement 61 Electrode placement 62 Electrode placement 63 Electrode placement 64