PROSTIMS 1000 (TENS Device) Saved My New Year's Eve

Ok, so I wrote a comment last night on a previous post. I was doing HITT workout (High Intensity Tactical Training) with my peers and I pulled a muscle in my back on my lower left side doing some cleans. I didn't even have very much weight on the bar, but something just pulled. I have pulled my back before about 4-5 years ago. I knew this wasn't as bad as my previous ones, but it was bothering me enough to slow down the workout and start stretching. Still don't know if it is related to lifting weights, because I've managed to pull my back picking up a pair of shorts off the floor in the past...so who knows.

I couldn't remember how to treat my back other than stretching and moist heat, so I laid in bed all night. When I got up this morning, I could hardly walk. My back had crazy bad spasms and I couldn't straighten out. I was also feeling nauseous, so I put my pride to the side and went to the doctor.

Turns out the whole resting thing was a terrible idea. The doctor said it was actually making it worse instead of helping me. I got some written instructions and was told I couldn't sit or lay down during the day for more than 30 minutes. Moving around, despite the pain, would actually help it heal faster. They gave me flexeril and motrin, but it wasn't helping much. I could still not move around because of the spasms. Luckily for me, one of my coworkers was nice enough to bring me his family's TENS unit....and BAMN....amazing.

When I ran NCAA, I got E-Stem treatments pretty regularly because we were running so many miles.It helped out so much, but I didn't realize they made take home devices to use from your home! 

These personal-use devices are called TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). The model my friend loaned to me is called PROSTIMS 1000. It's regular price is at $119, but I've seen it online for as low as $70.

It's a palm-sized device that runs off of a single 9-volt battery. There are two sets of pads and can set to different levels of intensity. The device also has a timer and other settings like intensity and type. 

Putting this on was pretty easy. I was able to easily attach the clip to my sweats. It didn't feel like I was walking around with it, despite being a little bulkier in size (bigger than my iPhone). The pads were reusable and they stay on pretty well. I've been using this on and off a few hours and they haven't moved yet.

So far, this device is saving my butt. I already told my husband I want one for our house for injury recovery. I was so worried about New Years Eve. There was no way I could walk around in a dress and heels, and I was worried I wouldn't be able to leave the house. It has helped so much, I can finally move around the house and do some chores...I still have some weakness, but I no longer feel like I'm completely immobile. 

So impressed! I hope this helps get me back on my feet and into the gym!

I know this isn't athletic-clothing related, but has been so helpful I decided to share!

Have you guys used a TENS unit before?