Precautions

> When is TENS not advised?
  • With an active malignancy
  • With epilepsy or acute inflammatory disease
  • Through the heart
  • Through the uterus during pregnancy
  • Over the eyes, mouth or carotid artery
  • On wounds or open skin

If TENS is to be self-administered, the user must be able to understand the instruction. If it is to be administered by a carer, the patient must be able to communicate what they are feeling.


> Can I use TENS with medication?

Yes. ActivLife TENS products do not interact with drugs or other medications. In fact, ActivLife TENS is often used in conjunction with other forms of therapy, including medications, to gain the best response possible.


Electrodes

> How long will electrodes last?

This varies from individual to individual as everyone’s skin type is different. We recommend ensuring the skin is clean and free from body oils and lotions. In some instances, it might be advisable to remove excess hair.
For most people, on clean, smooth skin, one pair of pre-gelled pads should last for a couple of months.


> How should I store my electrodes?

After use, replace electrodes onto the ON side of the plastic sheet and into the zip lock bag. Place in a dark, environment. Store between 5 and 27 degrees C.


> Can I apply gel to my pre-gelled electrodes?

We do not recommend this as you will need to clean the gel off each time. This application is rather messy.
Gel is ideal for use with rubber electrodes; and then you should remain stationary.


> What if I get an irritation?

if you get a skin irritation, stop use at the location of the irritation. The cause could be one of a number of things:

  • Your skin is sensitive to the electrodes – try using Sensitive Skin Electrodes as an alternative
  • Prolonged use – try moving the electrodes to different positions on the body
  • Electrode wear and tear – this can cause a stinging sensation. We suggest you replace the old pads at this point.
  • The electrodes have been placed over broken skin, a mole or a pimple – move the electrodes to a different area of your body.


> I can only feel one electrode or one electrode feels stronger than the other

This can be caused by a number of things:

  • The electrodes may not be adhered to the body adequately. Press firmly on the electrodes to ensure good contact with the skin. You may also like to try new electrodes.
  • Different regions of the body have different sensitivities. Some of the things that can cause this are fat, hair, scar tissue. Try placing the electrodes in different positions on the body to see if you are still having the problem.
  • Try taking the pins out of the electrodes and swapping them over. If the problem now exists on the other electrode, there may be something wrong with the unit.


The connecting lead

> My unit cuts in and out, how can I tell if the lead is the cause?

With extensive or rough usage, the connecting lead can break.
To test for this:

  • Ensure the intensity of the control unit is not too high
  • Wriggle the ends of the lead at both ends; the end plugs into the control unit and the two ends that plug into the electrodes
  • If the unit cuts in and out as you do this, you will need to replace your lead


The control unit

> Should I recharge the battery when not in use?

When you are not using the control unit for long period’s of time, charge it for 1 – 2 hours every 3 months. This will help preserve the longevity of the battery.


> How should I store the control unit when I’m not using it?

To avoid corrosion which is not covered under warranty, store the control unit in a dry environment. Do not store it in a bathroom or any environment of high humidity.


> Do you have any tips on wearing the unit?

To avoid corrosion which is not covered under warranty, do not wear the unit close to sweaty skin. Either put the control unit in your pocket or try using the ActivLife Pendant Holder which can be either worn around your neck or clipped onto your belt or pants.


> How long should the rechargeable battery last before it needs to be replaced?

The rechargeable battery has a life of approximately 3 years under standard operating conditions. Standard operating conditions include not using the unit in extreme temperatures and using and charing it on a regular basis.


> The control unit is not working

Please try the suggestions below. However if your control unit is still not working after that, please give us a call on 1800 675 571.

Are the lights coming on?
First check to see if the lights are coming on. If they are not, try recharging the control unit for at least 30 minutes. If the lights are still not coming on, please contact us.

Ensure the system is properly connected
If the lights are working, ensure the system is properly connected.
Turn the unit off and reconnect the lead into the control unit, ensuring it is pressed firmly in place. Reconnect the 2 pins of the lead to the electrodes; again ensure they are firmly connected.

Attach both electrodes to your body
Connect both electrodes to your body ensuring you have removed the electrodes from the plastic backing sheet. The unit will not work with only one electrode attached to your body, it requires two electrodes to ‘complete the circuit’.
Note: whilst the BDE and PFIE appear as one electrode, they are in fact two electrodes.

Check the stickiness of the electrodes
With use, electrodes lose their stickiness and thus their effectiveness. If you are not feeling any pulses or the pulses feel faint, replace tired electrodes with new ones.

Try a new connecting lead
With use, the lead can break. Often the break won’t be detectible on the outside however the wires on the inside may be broken. A broken lead will prevent the system from working, try a new lead.

How many times have you pressed the + button?
Occasionally users make the mistake of turning the control unit ON but then they don’t realise they need to turn it up to the desired intensity. Once you’ve selected a mode, repeatedly press the plus (+) button until you can feel the pulses. Refer to your User Guide.