'Tens' machine

I used a Neurotrac Pelvitone to help increase my pelvic floor strength, and my physiotherapist at the time was less than enthusiastic. However, the surgeon said that as I no longer had a prostate and my PSA was less than 0.1 consistently, I did not have cancer so the TENS machine use was OK. I have just re-read the instruction manual (or at least a version of it on the Internet) and there is nothing in the contraindications section about the use of the machine for people with cancer. In fact, one of the prime purposes (with surface electrodes) is to help with the relief of pain from cancers.

The only thing I can think of that might be an issue is that, for muscle stimulation, perhaps rather greater voltages are used and particularly with the (ugh) rectal probe, it is operating in an area very close to the prostate (or where it was if removed).

What is the actual wording on the instructions for your machine, and what model is it?

Some time ago I repaired one of these TENS boxes for a friend as part of my repair business. I had never heard of them at the time and did a bit of research. I suspect they may have some benefit as advertised but personally remain of the view that they are 'snake oil'. As to whether you should use them if you have cancer I have no idea, but the very thought of deliberately giving yourself electric shocks (I did VERY BRIEFLY try it) does not seem a good thing to do.

I have a tens machine (my second one) and two pain guns (which work on the same principle and can be carried in a hand bag.
Do they work? or do I just think they work?

To me, it doesn't matter because if you are in that much pain you'll try anything.

In your shoes Jacko, I'd contact the consultant's secretary and ask her to check for me. You'd get it from the horses mouth so to speak

Edited by member 09 Dec 2015 at 15:51  | Reason: Not specified

In a similar vein, there are also diverse opinions on whether massage is good/bad/indifferent for men with PCa and some masseurs will not do it if a man has this disease.