Optimize your RS-4i® Plus Treatments with Proper Pad Placement
Where do I put these pads, again?
If you’re new to the RS-4i Plus, or using the RS-4i Plus to treat a new body area, it’s a question that likely has crossed your mind. But don’t worry – we have you covered. Here’s how you can get the most out of your treatments with the RS-4i Plus.
Essential Tips: Proper Pad Placement
The details of your treatment plan are typically prescribed by your healthcare provider, so make sure to refer to your healthcare provider’s plan of care before starting a treatment. But here are a few handy tips to make sure that your treatments are as effective as possible.
Consult our Interactive Pad Placement Guide – With more than 20 detailed videos, the Interactive Pad Placement Guide is an easy way to review proper electrode placement or learn new placement protocols. These brief, color-coded guides show exactly where to place pads – and which muscles are being targeted – so you get the most benefit from an electrotherapy session. From common treatment areas like the upper back and lower back, to more specific placements like on the lower legs and feet, these videos give you the confidence that your pads are in the right locations. For those who prefer, there is also the corresponding printable Pad Placement Guide.
Place each set of pads along each muscle you’re treating – Proper pad placement isn’t just “proper.” It’s essential. It’s important to place two electrode pads per channel in the direction of each muscle you’re treating. This ensures that your device can elicit a maximum muscle contraction for effective treatment.
Get assistance to place pads on hard-to-reach areas – Some electrode pad configurations are much easier to set up with assistance. For example, if you’re treating the lower back or upper back, you’ll want another person to apply the pads for you to ensure that they’re in the correct locations. If you’d rather set up these types of treatments yourself, our garments can help, too.
Garments: Simplify Back Pain Treatment at Home
Our garments make certain types of treatments easier and allow you to set everything up on your own. RS Medical offers two garments: the RS-LBG™ for low-back treatments and the RS-FBG™ for mid- and upper-back treatments.
You can also customize your pad configuration within each garment. Both the RS-LBG and RS-FBG feature numbered grids on the inside, as well as electrode pads with VELCRO®. These features enable you to adjust the position of each pad so that it can stimulate the right muscles and better target your pain.
Visit the RS Medical Wearables page to view upper-back and lower-back treatment videos or more details about either garment.
Keep it Clean: Extending the Life of your Electrodes
While proper pad placement is essential for an effective treatment, it’s important to remember good pad care, too. That’s because keeping the specialized gel on each pad sticky and free from debris enables them to maintain full contact with your skin – and give you the best results possible.
After a treatment, simply cover each electrode pad with the clear plastic sheets included with your device (wax paper also does the trick) to help them stay clean. If a pad dries out, just dampen it with a few drops of water and wait about 10 minutes for the gel to become sticky again. With proper care, you can expect to replace your electrode pads about every 30 days.
For more details, read about Getting the Longest Life from Your Electrode Pads.
Take the Next Step
The RS-4i® Plus requires a prescription from your healthcare provider. For that reason we offer a free guide to aid in your review of RS Medical product information and assist in the discussion with your provider. Complete this form to view, download and print our guide.
Related Resources
Blog: Chronic Pain, Meet Whole Health
Blog: How to Compare TENS Units by Signal Type
Related Reading: 7 Ways to Manage Musculoskeletal Pain at Home
This blog provides general information and discussion about medicine, health and related subjects. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed physician or other healthcare professional.