As a physical therapy tech can I set up a patient on a tens unit with a pacemaker - #16368

Hello,

You can usually continue working in physical therapy with a pacemaker.

Being around a TENS unit used on a patient is generally safe as long as you don’t use it on yourself and you keep🛑 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) between your chest and the active electrodes or lead wires.

Most PACEMAKER manufacturers say: Passive exposure is safe Avoid direct contact with active electrodes/wires Keep a small distance when the device is running

Many PT techs, PTAs, and PTs with pacemakers work normally with only minor precautions.

Anyways, Before surgery, ask your cardiologist: If you can safely work around TENS and other e-stim devices What distance they recommend To provide a written work-clearance note

🛑A pacemaker almost never requires someone to quit working in PT. You’ll likely still be able to perform your job with simple precautions.

I trust this helps Torie Feel free to reach out again Thank you

Hello dear See presence of pacemaker usually doesn’t stop the physical activity. But tens interfere with the activity and us usually contraindicated in Cardiac surgery Unipolar leads Defibrillator Hip implants So better take clearance from your cardiologist before application of tens activity It could be fatal Regards

Hi dear torie, TENS Should not be given in a patient with pacemaker But the person with pacemaker can give tens to a patient who needs it It doesnt harm you and your job Take care :)

You do NOT need to reconsider the surgery based on your job. A pacemaker will not prevent you from performing your physical therapy duties, including setting up TENS for patients.

Hello Torie DeRouen It’s great that you’re being proactive about your health and work situation! Generally, using a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) unit is not recommended for individuals with a pacemaker. The electrical impulses from a TENS unit could potentially interfere with the functioning of the pacemaker, which is a concern for safety.

Here’s what you can consider: 1. Consult Your Cardiologist: It’s essential to discuss this with your cardiologist. They can give you specific advice based on your pacemaker type and your overall health. 2. Alternative Treatments: If TENS is not an option for you, there may be other modalities or treatments you can use in your physical therapy practice that are safe and effective. 3. Workplace Adjustments:If using a TENS unit is a significant part of your job, consider discussing accommodations with your employer or looking into other roles that might not require direct use of TENS.

Your health and safety come first, so make sure to get the right guidance before proceeding. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.

Thank you

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) units might interfere with pacemakers, and generally, caution is essential when using any electrical device around someone with a pacemaker—including patients themselves or when setting up equipment as part of your job. Typically, TENS units are contraindicated for use in patients with pacemakers due to the risk of electromagnetic interference, which can affect the functionality of the pacemaker. However, it’s not just about your ability to use the TENS on patients but also about your own pacemaker’s susceptability to interference from the TENS when operating it closely as part of your job. Safety protocols usually dictate that individuals with pacemakers should maintain a safe distance from the units to avoid inadvertent influences on pacing functions. Considering this, it is vital to discuss your specific situation with both your cardiologist and employer. They can provide personalized advice taking into account the specifics of your pacemaker model and your daily job duties. In some cases, workplace adjustments might be made to minimize potential risks without changing your role. It could include having a colleague handle the TENS setup or establishing structured procedures that prioritize your safety. Your employer may also be able to help find compatible models of pacemakers less affected by such equipment, or explore non-TENS alternatives for therapy when feasible. Discuss all possible options with your healthcare provider and workplace to make an informed decision about your surgery and continued role in physical therapy.