I have used them therapeutically in the form of TENS (Transcutaneous Electrial Nerve Stimulation)machines ..... this is smaller versions of the machines which are used in sports / muscular injuries.... I have also used them on labouring women..... the stimluation makes the body produce more endorphins (natural pain killers) and can reduce the need for drugs (eg pethidine).... when I was a student midwife I did a project to see if it was effective.... and in my group most of the women got to 3cm further dilated (than the ones who didn't use TENS.... and yes I know everyone has different pain thresholds anyway)before they needed drugs....

the bigger ones for muscle toning I have tried and they do seem to work for me (it tones the muscles but doesn't shift the fat... so if you could actually see through the padding I have great toned abs underneath!!! lol)..... and yes if you turn them up to high they hurt!!... the idea is to turn them up until it becomes uncomfortable... then reduce it a bit.. and when you get used to it... increase again as before.....

there are beauty clinics who use the BIG machines... and they also wrap you in a heated blanket thingy.... apparently the heated thingy "melts" the fat while the machine tones you........ as we say at home "Do I look like I came up the Lagan in a bubble!!"

slainte

alison