iStim Tens Unit Stimulator Machine - EV820 with 8 Electrodes Japanese Gel for Pain Management, Back Pain and Rehabilitation

After having used an expensive TENS unit ordered, at my request, by my doctor after a major surgical procedure in 2008, I was amazed at the amount of pain it controlled right from the start in the recovery room. I was given Toradol for the first two days. After that, I was able to use just Tramadol for a few days, and then alternated between Tylenol and Advil when needed for only about another week when I went home. I never needed serious pain medication, which I wanted to avoid. I DO have a high pain tolerance, which convinced my doctor to at least try the TENS unit. It was wonderful!I don't have chronic pain, but I do have the tendency to stress lower back muscles, shoulder and neck muscles, and occasionally my knee, which has had three ligament surgeries. I never thought a TENS unit was affordable until I saw one featured here on Amazon. I then researched all the units offered on Amazon, and the iStim EV-820 had the best overall reviews from customers using it for more serious issues than mine. I decided to try this unit.I used it for the first time last night on the left side of my neck and my left shoulder, which were tight and sore from lifting things I shouldn't have been lifting. I read the manual thoroughly, and having used a TENS unit, I knew that the increase in stimulation has to be gradual to get to the level I could tolerate. Everyone one is different and tolerates different levels of stimulation. The manual recommendations are not a be-all for every user.Since I had some experience with a TENS unit, I did not pre-set the unit to the recommended level, but after adhering the electrode pads in the recommended places (which I later adjusted with no difficulty), I turned the dial and dialed up slowly to get just enough stimulation to determine which mode I wanted to use. Once the mode I desired was selected, then I increased VERY slowly the stimulation.I felt that the instructions, complications, warnings, and placement diagrams were clear, precise, and thorough. Every technology has a learning curve, and it is the responsibility of the consumer to read very carefully and ask questions if not sure about how to use any TENS unit.It was perfect for my specific need last night. I went to bed ache-free and slept well after a 30 minute treatment, a break, and another 30 minute treatment. I am glad I decided to try this unit, and I feel confident that future use will result in reduced, less potent medication or medication-free pain relief.

The product is easy to set up. Has 2 ports. 2 sets of pads that can be reused. Works great.

I had an older model TENS that was prescribed for my back in 1995 which cost me at the time $375.00 - - fast forward to present day, that unit was still working, but seeing reviews on this one, I wanted to try one with varying programmable pulse modes. Received quickly, similar in many ways to my much older model, with the exception that this one has a digital readout and a"run" timer. . . this one also works exactly the same but with the ability to select a variety of programs, and this one cost a whole hell of a lot less. Definitely Recommend! p.s. my back is doing well, I'm now using this one for post op for bicep tendon repair, and elbow tendon repair...there is NO miracle cure for recovering from surgery, but this TENS unit definitely helps mask the discomfort while I'm healing and post therapy.

This unit has mostly everything I wanted: a replaceable battery, a clip, a cover of the buttons and knobs, least amount of digital parts to break, no time limit, two channels, leads (the sticky patches) that insert INTO the wires, and multiple settings to choose from. While the A/B channel settings are coordinated (B does what A does), it's nice to stimulate two different areas or compound the stimulation to one area. Also, the intensity levels of each channel are separate from the other (B channel can go higher, lower, or the same as A channel). I took one star away because I had to use a higher intensity level on this one (versus the 3000 unit from a different brand). I did also test a digital LED display, rechargeable lithium battery device - this "basic" unit was more effective for my pain, as I had more options to personalize, but these wires did fit into the "smart" unit (if needed for future updates). Overall, this will not cure me but it helps me get through the workday lifting patients.

Product is sound, comes with a convenient case to keep wires and unit straight, even came with a 9v battery. Unit has covers that close over buttons and knobs on the unit to prevent unintentional setting changes. Stronger settings on the unit are extremely strong. Comes with good pads in the box and really leaves no room for complaint about the quality of the device. Shipping was Prime so it was very fast and free. Packaging was easy to open. Instructions were clear with helpful illustrations.Very pleased with the unit. Please note I do not address the value or effectiveness of this therapy in this review, but the machine is of excellent quality and function.

This TENS UNIT seems to be a great one for the price especially. I opened it up last night, it was packaged nicely and it is simple to operate, try the different modes out. I hope it last me a long time. I highly recommend getting the Auvon 2x4 pads for maximum relief. They are on Amazon and they are $9.00.

My biggest problem with this unit is that while 1-3 on the dial are smooth in transition of intensity, as soon as I get to 4, it JUMPS violently in its intensity, and it hurts. It's even worse if I go any further towards 5. The problem I'm having is 3 isn't intense enough, but 4 jumps up to be too intense by a large margin.I ordered 2, and the other one seems to do the same. Is this a common thing among these units? Has anyone else experienced a notable JUMP in intensity between dial 3 to 4?