Can I use a TENS machine on my thighs?

TENS machines can be used in many areas around the body including neck, shoulders, arms, back, hip, legs, knees and feet. This is due to the electrode body pads that come with the machine.

 

Where do you place TENS pads to remedy femoral nerve pain?

Place one electrode just above the superior border of the patella at the midline and place the other electrode on the upper anterior thigh over the femoral nerve. Place one pair of electrodes at the front and back of the stump (on either side of any incisional scar).

 

What thigh injuries can be treated?

 

Quadricep muscle strain

A thigh strain refers to an injury where the fibres in a quadricep muscle are overstretched. Once the fibres are overstretched to a certain point, muscle tears can occur. These can vary from a minor strain to a full thickness muscle tear.

There are a number of factors which can increase the risk of straining a thigh muscle. The most common include muscle tightness, fatigue or imbalance. Other factors are poor exercise technique and an inadequate warm-up. The biggest contributory factory to a repeat injury is a previous thigh strain/tear without adequate rehabilitation.

There are four muscles within the quadricep, but the most frequent source of injury to this area occurs when muscle fibres at the head of the rectus femoris muscle are ruptured.

 

Tendon rupture

Severe cases may involve rupture of the junction between the tendon and the muscle, which may lead to a permanent weakness.

 

Corked thigh

A “corked thigh” is a muscle contusion, caused by a severe impact to the muscles of the thigh causing damage such as internal bleeding and inflammation. A haematoma (collection of blood in the tissues) in the quadriceps muscle may occur.

 

Referred pain

If your thigh pain is associated with back, hip, buttock or knee pain, referred pain from the back, hip or sacroiliac joint, is often the cause of symptoms. Treat these conditions at the source.

 

Muscle rehabilitation

Place one pad at the top of the muscle and the second pad one-third along the length of the muscle you wish to strengthen. You may need to consult your physiotherapist for specific guidance on which muscles to target.