Your BioWave Patient Support Center

Electrode Placement

Please consult the Quick Reference Guide for complete placement instructions. BioWaveHome Quick Reference Guide

INSTRUCTIONS

BioWaveHOME electrode placements are different from conventional electrical stimulation. BioWaveHOME’s patented therapeutic signal is a 3-D hemispherical signal (imagine a dome or half of a grapefruit) beneath and surrounding each electrode, not along the surface of the skin between the electrodes.

As a result, electrodes need to be placed directly over specific locations of pain, or one electrode over a single location of pain and the second over a comfortable location to receive stimulation. Typically BioWave is in continuous maintenance near the treatment site. Electrical signals can be focused to different parts of the body by pairing electrodes of different sizes with one another.

BIOWAVE NONINVASIVE ELECTRODES

B-Set: Two Locations Of Pain or one large area of pain. Two same size 2″ diameter round Pain Site Electrodes.

• placed directly over 2 locations of pain; or
• one electrode at source of pain at the most painful location that is closest to the origin of pain (for example, for sciatica, one pad is placed over the spine (origin) and one pad is placed on the buttock (most painful location that is closest to the origin); or
• one inch apart from one another to treat a large area of pain

The B-Set is used for treating pain in the following areas

• pain in one or two locations in the back including, buttocks, lower back or mid back region
• radiculopathies (radiating pain down the back or side of the leg)
• pain in the two locations in the hip or groin
• pain in two locations in the cervical spine, shoulders or knees
• pain centered directly in the spine
• pain radiating in a large area

E-Set: Single Location of Pain on Extremities.

One 1.375″ diameter round Pain Site Electrode; One 2″x 4″ rectangular Dispersive Electrode placed in a comfortable location (not a bony prominence).

Pain conditions treated with E-set Electrodes include:

• One location on extremities (wrists, ankles, feet, toes, neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands and fingers

ELECTRODE PLACEMENT EXAMPLES

1. Pads must not touch each other when the unit is turned on — one inch is the minimum spacing.
2. Pads are reusable but must be tacky to the touch. If not, please use a new set of pads.
3. Pads can typically be reused 8-10 times.

Please consult the Quick Reference Guide for complete placement instructions. BioWaveHome Quick Reference Guide

Contraindications

Understanding BioWave’s contraindications and warnings ensures safe and effective use. This section outlines when BioWave should not be used, where electrodes must not be placed, and important precautions for patients with specific medical conditions or implanted devices.

Contraindications

• DO NOT USE on patients with a cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator as the stimulator may interfere with its function.
• DO NOT USE any electrodes over the heart or across the thoracic volume. Electrodes can be applied to the back of the thorax and lateral aspect of the upper limb (i.e. below/down the shoulder).
• DO NOT PLACE the electrodes on the front or side of the neck.
• DO NOT PLACE electrodes on top of the head.
• DO NOT USE on patients prone to seizure (for example, epileptics).
• DO NOT PLACE electrodes and DO NOT USE the stimulator over open wounds, broken skin, rashyskin or sensitive skin areas (e.g. sunburned skin).

• Pregnancy – BioWave CAN BE USED on pregnant patients. Anecdotal evidence suggests BioWave may be helpful with back and hip pain in pregnant patients. However, PADS CANNOT BE PLACED over the belly of a pregnant patient. Patients should consult with their physician regarding use of BioWave during pregnancy & labor. See BioWave’s protocol for use during pregnancy.

• Cancer – BioWave can be used on patients with cancer. Please consult with your physician prior to use.

• BioWave stimulators MAY BE USED on patients with implanted drug pumps, spinal cord stimulators, peripheral nerve stimulators or other implanted electrical stimulation devices. Implanted electrical stumilation devices should first be turned off remotely before using BioWave.
• Electrodes MAY BE PLACED on the back of the neck and bioccipitally on the back of the skull.
• BioWave electrodes MAY BE PLACED and BioWave stimulators MAY BE USED over scar tissue, tattoos or any other intact skin area.
• BioWave stimulators MAY BE USED to treat over body locations that have implanted orthopedic hardware made from metal or other materials including total joint replacements, pins, screws, plates, rods, and anchors.