The main disadvantage most TENS units have is the fact that they cannot be used for chronic pain of any sort. We say ‘most’ units, as this one right here is a part of the smaller group of devices that actually will help you if you have chronic pain associated with arthritis. In this Icy Hot TENS Unit review, we summarized the advantages and disadvantages.
In reality, the word ‘arthritis’ does not mean a single disease. It is an informal way people use to refer to joint pain or joint disease, and there are more than a hundred different varieties of arthritis. This is also the leading cause of disability not only in America but in many other countries as well, and that’s why Icy Hot Smart Relief TENS Muscular and Chronic Pain Relief Starter Kit is the number one pick of so many people.
Besides the fact that you can use the device for symptomatic relief and management of chronic pain that is associated with arthritis, you can also use it for temporary relief of sore and aching muscles. Persistent pain is something that can darken even the most fun of activities, and this Icy Hot device is a great solution. We all know how aching neck pain from a pinched nerve can be, and this device proves to be very useful.
Portability is also a factor that many people find essential. Yes, using a TENS unit at home is easy, but what happens when you have to go to your work, go for a walk, or just do your daily activities? If you really want to feel better, you need to use the unit regularly, and that’s why the device should allow you to do so.
Icy Hot Smart Relief TENS Muscular and Chronic Pain Relief Starter Kit are portable, battery powered, and easy to use. The fact that it is wireless is also a great advantage. You can wear the machine under your clothes, and you don’t have to wonder if it shows to much. No wires are coming out of your pockets, and the only thing that you need to think about is when to change the batteries.
Here, we have to mention some of the disadvantages this unit has as well. The unit is really powerful, and therefore its batteries need to be replaced more often than usual. This can get a bit irritating, especially when you are not at home. However, it is definitely worth it, since the Icy Hot Smart Relief TENS Muscular and Chronic Pain Relief Starter Kit has 63 intensity levels and even includes reusable electrode pad. The intensity levels most TENS units have are somewhere between 5 and 20, so you really get why this unit is considered to be a ‘beast’ and why its batteries must be replaced regularly.
Another feature that our team was not really happy with was the fact that you may need some assistance when applying the unit on your body. Yes, we said that it is easy to use, and that is indeed true. It is not hard to understand how the unit works, there are two buttons- on and off, and everything else that you need to know is explained thoroughly in the user’s manual. Still, a problem arises, when you use the unit on your back.
If you use the device on your knees or arms, everything is a piece of cake, you apply it without a problem, you can easily reach it and access the buttons. However, the situation is not the same when you use the device on your back. It is pretty much impossible to apply the unit by yourself, and reaching the buttons is also ‘mission impossible’. Still, you can always ask someone for help, as the relief this unit offers, is worth the hassle.
Also, if you plan to use the unit on smaller parts of your body, for example, your wrist or ankle, this may not be the most suitable device for you. We would suggest that you get a regular tens machine, that is small since this unit is sturdy and not that effective for smaller body parts.
Let’s have a few words about the pads as well. The unit uses a reusable electrode pad that is designed for targeting muscular and chronic pain. Our team, however, noticed that the pads sometimes do not stick as well as it should. The unit comes with two pads, and we recommend that you keep them on the plastic sheet after use and also store them in a closed bag for more extended wear. This is important to remember, as the replacement pads of the unit are quite expensive, compared to the device itself.
When it comes to how often you can use the unit, there are no limitations. You can use the unit as many times as necessary, as long as you wait 10 minutes between cycles. On the other hand, there are limitations when we talk about who shouldn’t use the device. If you have implanted defibrillator or other implanted electrical or medical devices or a cardiac pacemaker, you must not use this device.
Also, keep in mind that it isn’t recommended to place the unit on your head, face, neck, or over your chest. If you have any open wounds, sores, or rashes, the device is also off limits. And, of course, if you are pregnant, do not use this product.
Also, check out our roundup of the best wireless tens units here!
Lots of people get confused by the name of the brand- Icy Hot and believe that the unit uses an icy/hot cream. No, this is not true. The Icy Hot Smart Relief TENS Muscular and Chronic Pain Relief Starter Kit is a TENS unit that differs from the others with its powerful operation and 63 intensity levels.
In conclusion, we would say that despite the few disadvantages this Icy Hot Smart Relief TENS Muscular and Chronic Pain Relief Starter Kit has, its positive sides are way more. It is portable, powerful, relatively easy to use, and more importantly- durable. And, on top of that, it is an excellent option if you are on a budget.