Looking for info/guide to TENS and EMS therapy

I used IFC (Interferential Current) for many years on patients and found it helped a lot.  I never got into the specifics of how electrotherapy works though.  With IFC and to a lesser extent with TENS the current helps to flush inflammation out of the injured tissues (decreasing inflammation and swelling) and bring in oxygen/blood and antiinflammatory products to take away pain, swelling and speed up the healing process.  In theory at least it is also supposed to improve/enhance the healed joint/muscle so it heals as near to the pre-injured strength and function.  I did find mixed results with TENS.  Some people loved it and others felt no improvement.

If you're looking for a TENS unit of your own in Canada we have a readily available unit by Dr. Ho (Google it).  It seems to be decent quality but get one with 4 electrodes rather than 2.  There are many other good versions and even the cheap ones work but don't go too cheap.

I ended up buying a "TwinStim Plus II" from amazon.  Its a 4 channel unit with TENS and EMS function.  In all, I think there is 8 modes.

Based on you description of interferential currents, it almost sounds like light duty cardio as a "recovery run".  Is that right?  Something to get blood flowing the area to flush out the bad stuff and bring in the good stuff?

I've been using my unit sparingly, maybe twice a week for the last couple weeks.  To me, it seems almost as if it creates a pain block in the area.  My PT Assistant that has been working with me was on vacation all of last week, but she said that if I bring it in, she'll help me with settings and a plan.  So I've got that going for me ... which is nice ....  (name that movie)

I'll do some reading on Dr. Ho, thanks.

my first experience was 16 years ago after a complete knee replacement. It worked wonders for getting me back on my feet. It helped to build some atrophied muscles, and helped with alleviating soreness after hard PT sessions. After deciding that paying for messages was way more expensive than buying my own TENS I bought the Prosepra unit below. I am quite pleased with it. It has enough power to really make the muscles contract hard, and is gentle enough to make the message mode relaxing. For the price it is well worth it. You will blow $36 on junk anyway.

http://www.amazon.com/Prosepra-PL009-Electronic-Pulse-Massager/dp/B000XHNBLU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317010305&sr=8-1