This document describes the AccuRelief™ Dual 3-in-1 Electrotherapy Pain Relief device, Model ACRL-3100, which combines Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS), and Massage programs for pain relief and muscle performance.
Function Description
The AccuRelief™ Dual 3-in-1 ACRL-3100 is a dual output channel device designed for temporary relief of pain and muscle stimulation.
- TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation): This non-invasive, drug-free method uses tiny electrical impulses sent through the skin to nerves to modify pain receptors. It helps control pain by blocking pain messages from reaching the brain and increasing the production of natural pain killers like endorphins. TENS is indicated for temporary relief of pain associated with sore and aching muscles in the shoulder, waist, back, neck, upper extremities (arm), and lower extremities (leg) due to strain from exercise or normal household work activities. It is a symptomatic treatment that suppresses the sensation of pain and does not cure the underlying cause of pain or disease/injuries.
- EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation): EMS works by sending electronic pulses to the muscle, causing it to exercise passively. It uses a square waveform pattern to directly stimulate muscle motor neurons, facilitating muscle contractions and vibrations. EMS is designed to stimulate healthy muscles to improve and facilitate muscle performance.
- Massage: The massage stimulation program is a low-level EMS type used to loosen tight muscles, mimic manual massage, promote relaxation, and reduce muscle tension.
The device is intended for use on normal, healthy, dry, and clean skin of adult patients at home.
Important Safety Precautions and Warnings
- Contraindications:
- MUST NOT be used with internally transplanted electronic medical devices (e.g., pacemakers), electronic life-support equipment (e.g., respirators), or electronic medical devices attached to the body (e.g., electrocardiographs). Consult a physician as it may cause lethal rhythm disturbances.
- DO NOT apply on open wounds, rashes, swollen, red, infected, or inflamed areas, skin eruptions (e.g., phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins), or on cancerous lesions.
- DO NOT apply over areas of skin lacking normal sensation.
- DO NOT use while connected to high-frequency surgical equipment, as it may cause burns or problems with the stimulator.
- DO NOT use in the vicinity of shortwave or microwave therapy equipment, as it may affect output power.
- DO NOT use on pregnant women (safety not established).
- DO NOT use on children or infants (not evaluated for pediatric use).
- DO NOT use on persons incapable of expressing their thoughts or intentions.
- DO NOT use while bathing, showering, sleeping, driving, operating machinery, or during any activity where electrical stimulation could cause injury.
- NEVER APPLY PADS TO: the head or any area of the face; the side of the neck (carotid sinus) or throat (front of the neck) due to risk of severe muscle spasms, airway closure, breathing difficulty, or adverse effects on heart rhythm/blood pressure; both sides of the thorax simultaneously or across the chest due to risk of lethal rhythm disturbances; spine or backbone; both feet, legs, arms, or hands at the same time.
- DO NOT apply over the menstruating or pregnant uterus.
- Pain Management Warnings:
- Consult a physician before use if you have had medical or physical treatment for pain.
- Stop use and consult a physician if pain does not improve, becomes seriously chronic or severe, or continues for more than five days.
- Consult a physician if you suffer from a serious illness to confirm advisability of use.
- Electrode Pad Warnings:
- Apply pads to normal, healthy, clean, dry skin of adult patients.
- DO NOT continue therapy on an area if skin irritation or redness occurs after a session.
- Pads SHOULD NOT touch each other when placed on skin.
- Pads MUST be placed at least 2 inches apart, no more than 6 inches apart.
- DO NOT bend or fold electrode pads. Place pads on the plastic film and store in the sealed package when not in use.
- DO NOT apply ointment or solvent to pads or skin during use.
- Pads are pre-gelled and adhere to skin.
- Place pads only on skin or plastic film to avoid damage to adhesive surface.
- Always place clean pads according to illustrations.
- Ensure components are well connected and pads are fixed to the body part for effective therapy.
- Pads SHOULD NOT touch any metal object (e.g., belt buckle, necklace).
- DO NOT share pads to prevent skin irritation or infection. Pads are for single-person use.
- ALWAYS turn power off before removing or changing pad location.
- DO NOT leave pads attached to skin after treatment.
- Use only manufacturer-recommended electrode pads.
- Incorrectly sized or applied pads can cause discomfort or skin burns.
- Replace electrodes if damaged, dirty, lost adhesive power, or if stimulation becomes uncomfortable (stinging/biting sensation).
- ALWAYS connect the electrode device to pads before placing pads on skin.
- Make sure the device is turned off before applying or removing electrodes.
- Replace pads if damaged, torn, past expiration, lost adhesive power, stimulation feels less strong, or is uncomfortable.
- General Precautions:
- If the device malfunctions or causes discomfort, stop use immediately.
- DO NOT use for any other purpose than intended.
- DO NOT use while wearing other electronic devices (e.g., watches) as it may damage the device.
- Dispose of device, batteries, and components according to local regulations to prevent environmental pollution.
- The user is the intended operator.
- The long-term effects of electrical stimulation are unknown.
- You may experience skin irritation or hypersensitivity to electrical stimulation or conductive gel.
- Consult a physician before using after recent surgical procedure, as electrotherapy may disrupt healing.
- Keep product away from children. Small pieces may be swallowed; cable can cause strangulation. Contact physician if ingested.
- Use only manufacturer-recommended electrode pads, remote, and lead wires.
- DO NOT use if closer than 12 inches (30.5cm) to wireless communication equipment (e.g., home network routers, cell phones, cordless phones, base stations, walkie-talkies) due to potential electromagnetic interference.
- Contact Compass Health Brands (800.526.8051 or customerservice@carex.com) for problems.
- Possible Adverse Reactions:
- DO NOT treat one region for extended periods (more than 30 minutes/session, up to 3 total treatments/day) as muscles may become exhausted and sore.
- Skin irritation and burns may occur beneath electrodes. Test electrodes on sensitive skin (e.g., underside of wrist) prior to using.
- Stop use, rinse skin if irritated, and consult physician if adverse reactions occur.
Important Technical Specifications
- Power Source: 3.0V DC, 2x AAA Batteries
- Frequency: 2Hz~150Hz
- Pulse Width: 30us~350us
- Wave Form: Biphasic square wave
- Output Voltage: 0~45V (at 500 ohm load)
- Output Intensity Level: 0~25 levels
- Operating Conditions: 41°F~104°F (5°C~40°C); 30%RH~75%RH; 700hPa-1060hPa
- Storage and Transport Conditions: 14°F~131°F (-10°C~55°C); 10%RH~90%RH; 700hPa-1060hPa
- Size: 115mm x 53mm x 25mm
- Weight: About 80g (without batteries)
- Service Life of the Device: 3 years
- Service Life of Electrode Pads: Up to 30 times
- Service Life of Battery: Approx. two weeks with new super heavy duty batteries, used for 30 min/day in Arm program at 13 level intensity.
- Applied Part: Electrode
- Size of Electrode: 2 in. x 2 in. (50mm x 50mm)
- IP Classification System: IP22 (Protected against solid foreign objects of 12.5 mm and greater; Protected against vertically falling water drops when enclosure tilted up to 15 degrees).
- Channels: Two channels
- Treatment Modes: TENS: 6 programs, EMS: 5 programs, MASSAGE: 3 programs.
- Waveform Type: Symmetrical Biphasic square pulse.
- Remote Control: Yes.
Usage Features
- Package Contents: Remote control (1PC), Electrode Pad (2 in x 2 in) (4PCS), Instruction manual (1PC), Quick Start Guide (1PC), AAA Batteries (2PC).
- Device Components:
- Rear Panel: Output socket, Battery cover.
- LCD Display: Shows Treatment mode (TENS, EMS, MASS), Treatment time icon, Treatment time display, Lock icon, Intensity icon, Low battery icon, Treatment programs (Neck, LBack, Arm, Shldr, Leg, Joint, Tap, Knead, Rub).
- Controls: Intensity increase/decrease buttons, Channel select button, Program select button, Power ON/OFF button, Mode select button (TENS/EMS/MASSAGE).
- Inserting Batteries:
- Remove battery cover on the back.
- Insert 2xAAA batteries, observing positive (+) and negative (-) signs.
- Reattach battery cover.
- Notes: Use 2xAAA batteries. Remove batteries if not in use for long periods. Do not mix old/new or different types of batteries.
- Warning: If batteries leak, wash skin/eyes immediately with copious water. Dispose of used batteries safely. Rechargeable battery life depends on cycles. Recharge monthly if not used frequently.
- Getting Started:
- Step 1 - Attach pads to lead wire: Snap lead wire onto the connector in the middle of the electrode pad.
- Step 2 - Insert lead wire into TENS unit: Hold the lead wire plug and insert it into the socket on top of the stimulator.
- Step 3 - Electrode Pad Placement: Place pads on clean, dry, healthy skin, at least 2 inches apart and no further than 6 inches apart. Refer to specific placement illustrations for Neck/Cervical Pain, Shoulder Pain, Carpal Tunnel/Hand Pain, Lower Back, Elbow Pain, Upper Arm Pain, Knee/Joint Pain, Calf Pain, Ankle/Foot Pain. DO NOT place pads simultaneously on both legs, arms, knees, elbows, feet, or hands.
- Step 4 - Turn on the device: Press the ON/OFF button. The screen will appear.
- Step 5 - Select the therapy program: The ACRL-3100 offers 6 TENS programs, 5 EMS programs, and 3 Massage programs. Press the Mode button to switch between TENS, EMS, Massage. Press the Program button to select the treatment part or Massage type.
- Step 6 - Start treatment and adjust intensity: Press the up or down arrow button to adjust output intensity. The stimulator will start. Maximum output intensity is 25 levels.
- Step 7 - Following completion of session: Press the ON/OFF button to turn off. Remove pads and device from skin. Detach device from pads. Device enters sleep mode after 5 minutes of inactivity. To re-engage remote, press power button. To end treatment while in sleep mode, reactivate screen and hold power button until remote turns off. Always ensure remote is powered off before removing pads from skin.
- When to Use: Use as soon as pain begins. Start with one 30-minute session. Early intervention may prevent pain from worsening.
- Setting Intensity: Intensity is based on comfort level (1-25). Start low and gradually increase. DO NOT exceed comfort level.
- Duration of Use: Start with one 30-minute session. ALWAYS turn device off with pads still on. Stop therapy if pain reduces or stops. If pain does not improve or soreness occurs from overuse, refrain from treating those areas for 2 days. If this reoccurs, reduce treatment time/intensity or consult a physician. Maximum use is 30 minutes per session, up to 3 times per day (90 minutes total).
- Type of Pain Best For: Best for acute, localized pain (less than 3 months). Chronic pain (more than 6 months, possibly multiple areas) may be compounded by issues this device cannot address. The device provides temporary relief, not a cure.
Maintenance Features
- Cleaning the Remote Control:
- Turn unit off.
- Clean with a soft, slightly moistened cloth and wipe gently. Use only water and a mild soap.
- DO NOT use chemicals (thinner, benzene).
- DO NOT let water get into the internal area.
- Note: Device and accessories do not require sterilization.
- Cleaning the Electrode Pads:
- Turn the power off.
- Remove pads from device.
- Wash pads with water only when adhesive surface is dirty or difficult to attach. Wash softly with fingertips under slow running cold water for several seconds.
- DO NOT use sponge/cloth/sharp object, detergents, chemicals, or soap on adhesive side.
- Air-dry pads completely (DO NOT wipe with tissue paper or cloth).
- Caution: Pad life varies by washing frequency, skin condition, and storage. Discontinue use and obtain replacement pads if no longer sticky or broken. Wash and degrease skin before applying pads. DO NOT turn on device when pads are not positioned on body.
- Storing the Electrode Pads: Place clean, dry pads on the plastic film and store in the sealed package at room temperature between uses.
- Storing the Product: Store at room temperature in a dry place.
- General Storage: KEEP DEVICE AND ALL ACCESSORIES OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
- Battery Storage: When remote is not in use for a long period, remove batteries before storage to avoid liquid discharge.
- Disposal: Used, fully-discharged batteries must be disposed of in specially labeled collection containers, at toxic waste collection points, or through an electrical retailer, according to local regulations. Electrical devices are recyclable material and should not be disposed of with household waste. Contact local waste disposal organization.
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
- The ACRL-3100 requires special precautions regarding EMC and needs to be installed and serviced according to provided EMC information.
- It can be affected by portable and mobile RF communications equipment.
- DO NOT use a mobile phone or other devices emitting electromagnetic fields near the unit, as this may cause incorrect operation.
- DO NOT use adjacent to or stacked with other equipment; if necessary, observe to verify normal operation.
- The device uses RF energy for internal function, so RF emissions are very low and unlikely to cause interference.
- Guidance and Manufacturer's Declaration for Electromagnetic Emissions and Immunity are provided, detailing compliance levels and recommended separation distances from RF communications equipment.
Limited Warranty
- Warranty Period: One year from date of purchase. Proof of purchase (sales receipt/invoice) is required for claims.
- Repairs under warranty do not extend the warranty period.
- Exclusions: Damage due to improper treatment (e.g., non-observance of user instructions), repairs or tampering by unauthorized parties, damage during transport from manufacturer to consumer or retailer, accessories subject to normal wear and tear.
- Liability for direct or indirect consequential losses is excluded, even if damage to the unit is accepted as a warranty claim.
- Contact Compass Health Brands for claims, enclosing a copy of the receipt and clearly stating the defect.