Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyFibroTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Actipatch vs TENS?

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Newcastle under Lyme, UK

Has anyone on here used the Actipatch vs TENS? I've ordered the trial of the Actipatch and a proper TENS system. Whilst I'm waiting for the pain clinic in July - it's for those 'pain hits 11' days when I run out of what I can take. I'm a bit confused of the difference. I read the promo blurb but I'm still none the wiser...

February 11, 2016
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members shared mixed experiences with TENS machines versus Actipatch for managing rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia pain, with many... Read more

Members shared mixed experiences with TENS machines versus Actipatch for managing rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia pain, with many finding TENS helpful initially though some noted its effectiveness diminished over time. Several members offered practical guidance, including starting TENS at very low settings and gradually increasing intensity to extend how long it remains effective, using it strategically when pain medication limits are reached or while traveling, and being cautious with tender points where the sensation can be too intense. A recurring theme was that TENS worked well for joint pain but could worsen fibromyalgia tender point pain, with members emphasizing the importance of experimenting with different settings and patterns to find what works best for each individual's unique pain experience.

A MyFibroTeam Member

@A MyFibroTeam Member Rheumatoid Arthritis. Mum has it and my grandmother had it on both maternal and paternal lines.

I saw Dr today took my photos of my feet, I've got to have rheumatology referral and rheumatology blood tests like mum had I did say it would be pointless as it took years for it to show up in mum's bloods. Put my amitriptiline up as well. Just waiting for prescriptions. Fed up.

February 18, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I have used a tens in the past. It helps. Not a cure, but anything that helps goes in the plus column.

February 12, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I have tried tens machine it worked for months but then my extreme migraines came back like being hit over the head with a rock, I loved the patches I used them for nearly a year till my skin decided it would start to reject them and case blister on my skin till they got so bad they brunt my skin and I had to be treated for bruns so back on OxyContin / oral morph again now.

February 11, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

I use TENS and find it really good, especially when travelling and when I have taken all meds I can take for the day.I have not heard of actipatch ,what is it?

February 11, 2016
A MyFibroTeam Member

Thank you I'm glad to hear TENS worked for a while...well I'll do a review of both then 7 days each if anyone would find that helpful :)

February 11, 2016

Related Questions

View All

Actipatch

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Toronto, ON
November 23, 2018

Fibromyalgia vs. Lupus: How Are They Different and Similar?
The Mask of Invisible Illness and Fibromyalgia