TENS machine for hip?

I've only just seen your post, soop, but thank you so much for the encouragement (badly needed). Happy new year to you, too.

Lona I'm chortling as I read your response. VERY funny!

soop You almost make me want one, and my hips are ok!!

NotTooOLd I've had both hips replaced and can truthfully say that, apart from the inevitable soreness for a wee time post op, I have NEVER regretted it. The second hip was performed whilst I was aware of the sights and sounds of the operating theatre. I had an injection in my spine (cannot remember the terminology)...I had a super male nurse to hold my hand and we blethered non-stop - and it was NOT a fearful experience in any way, shape or form. The only gripe that I had was that I was not allowed a G&T with my supper! Get yourself sorted. You will have a far better quality of life. You'll also have the experience of meeting others who are going through the same procedure. I came out of hospital having made two new friends. Let us know what you decide to do. Best wishes for the coming year.

Thanks, Soop. I think I could probably go on the list for a hip replacement now but I am scared. I should also have a gromit put in my ear as everyone keeps telling me I'm deaf - but I'm scared of that, too. My NYR should be to have both these things done and then to get on with my life but......you've guessed it.....I'm scared. I might start a new thread about gromits as perhaps others have experiences to pass on.

Good news, NotTooOld any relief from the gnawing pain of arthritis has to be a bonus. Should you have the chance to have the joint replaced...go for it. Best wishes.

Hello - and happy new year to you all! I said I would let you know how I get on with the TENS machine for my arthritic hip, so I will. I have been using it for a few days now and although it is not exactly a miracle cure it has certainly made a difference. I have been able to cut down on the pain killers, which was my aim.

My machine is a mini-tens (from Amazon, about £17). It has only one pad which sticks to your skin and this means you can stick it on and carry on as normal; it doesn't show through your clothes. The programme runs for 30 minutes and then you can restart it (through your trousers!) by simply pressing the button. I think you can make it run for an hour but I haven't worked out how yet.

Hope that helps.

Yes. I used one for Sciatica and it helped enormously. I didn't use it prior to hip replacement surgery. Good luck.

Interesting, I have a TENS machine, never thought to use it on my hip. Must try it.

Please do.

Thank you for all your comments. I'm going to order one from Amazon and will report back on how I get on.

I did try one when before my replacement surgery and found no relief but I think maybe I was way past any help by the time I tried. Using it earlier may of been different I hope you get some relief from it..

It lasted for several hours afterwards. It is no cure, but brings some temporary relief.

Did the good effect last long or do you only feel the benefit whilst you're using it?

Yes - I used it on hip - before operation - I do not think it would be a good idea to use it with metal inside!

I found that the way to make it effective was to turn it up until it was slightly painful - you soon adapt to it - and the pain seemed to act as a counter-irritant which eased the hip pain.

Boots sell tense machines for a reasonable price. I was lent mine by the physio department, paid a £10 deposit and the deal was if it worked, I could pay an additional £20 and keep it. If it didn't work for me, I would return the machine and be re-funded my £10

It helped a lot. I've used it for low back pain, shoulder pain and more recently, inflammation in my feet (ouch)

I'd like to know, too. I do have a very good massage mat, but once you are off it the relief soon wears off, after maybe half an hour.