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Living with an overactive bladder (OAB) can be challenging. The constant urge to urinate, frequent bathroom visits, and occasional accidents can disrupt daily life and lower self-esteem.
Millions in the world experience these symptoms, and sadly it is, most of these people do not know of a non-invasive, medication-free treatment like TENS machines to set them free from distressing symptoms.
This post goes in-depth about everything you need to know when using a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation machine for an overactive bladder. We shall have another look at exactly how the TENS machine works and how to use a proper TENS machine.
Lastly, we’ll go deep into what science has been saying about their effectiveness with Gilani Mobility as such a trusted brand offering high-value TENS machines and other mobility aids like scooters, wheelchairs, and other mobility aids.
Before explaining TENS therapy, I will give some background information about OAB. It involves:
Urination is greater than the average eight times per day.
The sudden intense urge or need to urinate and unable to resist.
Unable to retain urine in the bladder until appropriate to void.
Complaint of rising multiple times at night to void.
These symptoms occur due to the contraction of the muscles in the bladder involuntarily, even when it is not full. Though medications, behavioral therapies, and surgery are traditional treatments, many people are looking at TENS machines as a non-invasive alternative.
TENS is a small, portable electrical device; it sends gentle impulses into the skin through sticky electrode pads and, although it is normally prescribed to people in a lot of pain, its usage is currently being researched and proven very effective in the treatment of OAB.
These electrical impulses will also affect the nerves themselves, in particular, the nerve of the lower back known as sacral nerves related to, or regulating activity of the bladder.
And therefore, TENS may potentially relax muscles of the bladder and decrease urgency to pass water by improving generally the rate of control over the functions of the bladder because they set these nerves going.
In OAB TENS therapy, the focus is usually on stimulating the sacral nerves or other nerves related to controlling the bladder.
The nerves that come from S2 to S4 help to moderate the bladder and floor. In this, there is therapy with TENS to help in the stimulation of nerves that would further provide modulation to the overactive signals.
Most often, OAB is related to the inappropriate coordination between detrusor and sphincter muscles. TENS probably works by restoring this imbalance.
TENS relaxes overactive nerves that may cause involuntary contractions of the bladder, hence reducing urgency and leakage.
Several patients with OAB have pelvic discomfort. For this type of pain, TENS therapy can be used.
Reduction of nocturia or the frequency of nighttime urination improves sleep, hence improving the quality of life immensely.
OAB treatment using a TENS machine is pretty easy if proper techniques are to be followed for optimum results. Following are the step-by-step instructions:
Such a device should allow for adjustments in the intensity, and the frequency settings should fall within the low-frequency parameters, ideally around 10 to 20 Hz. The more advanced devices have modes pre-set for conditions affecting the bladder.
Clean and dry the skin where you’ll be placing the electrodes. This will help ensure good contact. Avoid areas with cuts, irritation, or rashes.
For OAB, the electrodes are usually placed:
On the lower back, overlying the sacral nerves. Alternatively, along the lower abdomen just above the pubic area. Always check the user’s manual for specific placement diagrams.
Start with the lowest setting and gradually increase it until you reach a tingling sensation. It should never be painful.
This treatment should utilize low frequencies like 10–20 Hz as recommended for bladder complaints.
The typical length of sessions is 20–30 minutes. The machine can be used 3 to 5 times a week for several weeks for improvement.
Keep a symptom diary before and after TENS therapy to assess its effectiveness.
Some scientific works support TENS therapy, showing its potential in treating overactive bladder. Here are some of them:
For instance, one study appearing in the Journal of Urology recorded that 75% of participants demonstrated significantly reduced urgency, frequency, and incontinence at six weeks after TENS therapy.
According to a research study presented in the International Urogynecology Journal, patients with TENS therapy increased their bladder capacity by as much as 30%, which allowed the patient to hold more urine with comfort.
One of the studies, from 2017, had dramatic results: nocturia was reduced by as much as 50% with TENS therapy, thus enabling patients to sleep uninterrupted.
Several studies established TENS therapy as non-noxious, where there had been no side effect results for 95% of participants. Thus, for such patients, these types of treatments would eventually bring significant relief.
Advantages of TENS therapy over other modes include the following.
TENS therapy is non-invasive as compared to surgery or injections.
Most of the medications for OAB produce dry mouth, constipation, or sleepiness. The advantages of TENS therapy will prevent these complications.
A single investment for the TENS machine saves lots of dollars over a long-term course of medication or for repeated visits to hospitals and clinics.
Most of the TENS machines are lightweight, portable, and easy to use at home or even at work.
While generally safe, here are a few tips and precautions one should consider in ensuring the effective and safe use of TENS therapy:
Always consult your doctor before commencing the TENS therapy, especially if you are pregnant or have a pacemaker.
Low-intensity settings to avoid discomfort at the beginning.
Make sure the skin location where you will place the electrode is free from dirt and dry.
Consistency will provide long-term results.
If redness or irritation from the electrodes is noted, move placement areas or switch to hypoallergenic electrode pads.
While TENS therapy may often be effective on its own, it works even more appropriately in combination with other methods of treatment:
Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles can help advance bladder control.
These are methods of gradually increasing the time between bathroom visits to retrain the bladder.
Stay away from bladder irritants generally found in caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods because these may precipitate an attack of painful symptoms.
Products come with quality standards that make them safe and durable.
Their team helps you in selecting the right device and using it accordingly.
Renowned for good customer service, they put customers’ needs and comfort first.
For individuals seeking a TENS machine or other solutions for managing OAB, Gilani Mobility is a trusted resource for high-quality products and expert advice.
An overactive bladder can disrupt one’s life, but a TENS machine offers a safe, effective, and non-invasive solution. By using it consistently and correctly, you will be able to reduce urgency, frequency, and discomfort caused by OAB.
Scientific research supports the benefits of TENS therapy in treating bladder control and improving the quality of life in most users. When you are ready to try the treatment, consult your doctor, then choose a reliable machine from Gilani Mobility leader in mobility and medical devices.
Take control of your bladder and take back your life with TENS therapy, as managing OAB doesn’t have to be so complicated.
