Frequently Asked Questions

The Avazzia Bio-Electric Stimulation Technology (BEST) devices are FDA-cleared non-invasive, non-pharmacological neuromodulation devices for mitigating pain. These devices were developed to provide pain relief without surgery and without taking medicine. Effectiveness depends on factors including source of pain, history of pain, other health issues, adherence to treatment schedule and more. Even fatigue and hydration may impact outcomes. There are no known side effects. The technology does not impact efficacy of other medicine or injections received for pain management. Ask your doctor to determine if Avazzia’s line of pain-management products might be suited for you. You (or your healthcare provider) may attend an information session, held throughout the year. At these sessions, a licensed practitioner will talk about the benefits of Avazzia treatment.

In the U.S., Avazzia BEST devices are FDA-cleared for

• Prescription use for the symptomatic relief and management of chronic, intractable pain and adjunctive treatment in the management of post-surgical and post-traumatic pain.
• Over-the-counter use for the temporary relief of pain associated with sore and aching muscles in the shoulder, waist, back, back of the neck, upper extremities (arm), and lower extremities (leg) due to strain from exercise or normal household work activities.

The Avazzia BEST devices have been certified by the European Union, HealthCanada, and the U.S. FDA as safe and effective. Since BEST devices do not introduce drugs, medicine or toxins to your body, you will not suffer related potential side effects. Avazzia offers safe, cost-effective treatment. Patients have used Avazzia for the following reasons:

• They want to alleviate pain either before surgery or after surgery.
• They have found that traditional remedies for pain (drugs, surgery, physical therapy) are not helping or not helping enough.
• They have long-term pain (from sports injuries, trauma such as car accidents, or work-related pain such as carpal tunnel syndrome) that is hard to eliminate.
• They have pain related to other health conditions, such as diabetic neuropathy or nerve pain.

Many people report impressive results – significantly reduced pain and, frequently, pain completely eliminated. Healthcare practitioners, including medical doctors, dentists, chiropractors, physical therapists and athletic trainers, use Avazzia units for their own pain. A growing body of research shows that electro-stimulation effectively manages pain which can bring relief to related issues. Avazzia’s premier engineering ensures its units offer outstanding performance. Electro-stimulation is used by NASA, the U.S. military and hospitals, as well as rehab clinics, physical therapists and athletic trainers, to improve outcomes after injury and surgery.

Electro-stimulation is the application of electrical impulses to the body. There are many types of electro-stimulation and several U.S. FDA classifications, such as:

• Heart stimulator (pacemakers)
• Implantable stimulators (frequently used for pain)
• Bone growth stimulators
• Transcranial stimulators
• Electrical muscle stimulators
• Transcutaneous (skin) electro-neurological stimulators (TENS): Avazzia falls into this category, and unlike many in this category, also falls into both subcategories of microcurrent and interferential.

Avazzia devices are classified by the FDA as a TENS unit, as are possibly hundreds of other devices. Many of these TENS units haven’t changed their technology in decades. Key features of Avazzia’s BEST technology (Bio-Electric Stimulation Technology) are its state-of-the-art engineering and that it is manufactured in the U.S.; its flexibility in addressing pain issues in patients; Avazzia’s outstanding customer service at the Dallas, Texas, headquarters; and its full training support both at in-person seminars and through online videos. Avazzia’s technology distinctions:

• Technology delivers more advanced output waveform and microcurrent.
• The interactive features and functions of Avazzia are patented and proprietary.
• The PRO-SPORT model gives a numeric reading of tissue reaction response data.
• Flexibility means all Avazzia devices can be used with any of the approved accessories or alone, with the onboard electrodes.

Because of the interactive response, the patient is less likely to develop accommodation or habituation from treatment. (Accommodation reduces the efficacy of almost every other TENS device on the market.) Devices are programmed to control the electrical amplitude (how much power is delivered); the frequency (the rate of electrical output) and other qualities such as burst pulse patterns; modulation; and damping.

The PRO-SPORT model gives a numeric reading of tissue reaction response data. Other Avazzia devices also indicate D or Z in some modes. Click here for more information about IR, OR, D and Z.

Follow your healthcare provider’s directions. It is not unusual to apply Avazzia microcurrent two to three times a day, for up to 20 minutes each time, for a week. After a week, many users find they significantly reduce their treatment time or frequency. Many discontinue daily use all together.

Yes. The only contraindications for using Avazzia technology are cardiac pacemakers and pregnancy. Make sure to read and follow warnings in the Owner’s Manual. And make sure your physical therapist knows you are using Avazzia.

Go to the Transportation Security Administration website for the latest information regarding batteries and battery-operated devices in carry-ons and checked luggage. No problems in traveling with Avazzia devices have been reported but the Federal Aviation Administration and TSA may change these regulations on very short notice.

SCENAR also is a TENS unit and relies on research done during the 1970s in the Soviet space program.

The Avazzia devices are, in general, simple to use:

• Turn on the power with the slide switch on the side of the device.
• Place electrodes (either the metal plate on the device or through an accessory) on the skin and, using the plus and minus keys on the front, turn up the power (or down) to find a comfortable power setting.
• Click the black button in the center of the circle on the front display to select mode.
• Apply microcurrent therapy.

Free instructional videos are at avazziatraining.com, under the tab at the bottom of the page that says “FREE INSTRUCTIONAL DEVICE” videos.

Home users (patients) generally need very simple, specific instructions for treatment from their healthcare provider. The free videos answer the most frequently asked questions, such as where to place the conductive electrode pads for treating foot pain. Home users also will get advice from their prescribing healthcare practitioner. The advanced protocol videos are optional. Healthcare practitioners who use Avazzia during office visits generally use more advanced therapies and are looking for advanced protocols. Those advanced protocols are offered online, with a membership. Continuing education training (in-person) by licensed healthcare professionals is available for healthcare professionals seeking more information and/or certification. Go to the Training page for information.

Avazzia is a medical device manufacturer. Avazzia does not have licensed healthcare practitioners to answer medical questions. Your prescribing healthcare provider is the best person to help you. You may go to avazziatraining.com to look at the free demonstration videos. You also may purchase a membership to view other training videos on the site. In addition, as a device owner, you may attend (often for a fee) one of the many Level 1 training events held nationwide. Go to the Training page for information about upcoming Level 1 events.

Yes. A number of conditions impact your body’s sensitivity to the electro-stimulation from Avazzia’s microcurrent. These can include, but are not limited to: your body’s hydration level; level of fatigue; where you place the electrodes; recent exercise or strenuous physical activity; recent bathing or showering; alcohol consumption; caffeine consumption; recent sun exposure and more. Also, after several applications you may notice that the tissue’s sensitivity to electro-stimulation has changed.

It is important to be well hydrated, both for general health and to get the most benefits from Avazzia protocols. Drink plenty of water or juice each day, not just on the days of treatment.

No. If you feel tingling in one pad, that indicates the unit’s power is working. Body tissue that is dry, cold, stressed, injured or receives poor blood flow may not be as sensitive. Set the power level to a comfortable setting for the pad through which you feel tingling, but no higher. Eventually, the sensation may be felt in the second pad as well. This may take more than one application. There is nothing wrong with feeling the sensation in only one pad.

Not necessarily. Try to determine why you don’t feel anything. It may be because skin tissue is dry, cold or numb or insensitive, for some reason, to touch. Test the microcurrent output on more sensitive skin tissue with these steps:

1. Make sure the device is OFF.
2. Turn the device ON using the slide switch on the device’s side. When the device is turned on, three LEDs will light up and a beep will sound indicating power is on.
3. With the device at its lowest power setting, put the onboard electrodes on sensitive tissue, such as fingertips.
4. Carefully increase the power level by holding down the plus key (+) on the face of the unit. You should begin to feel power (tingling) in the fingertips.
5. If, after turning on the device, it emits 20 rapid beeps, this indicates batteries are losing power (low). Batteries should be replaced. Make sure to use new, good-quality batteries. If after replacing batteries, you still don’t feel a microcurrent signal, even on sensitive tissue such as fingertips, the device may require service.

The most common reason power is not felt is because of very dry skin, very poor circulation or using electrodes on calloused skin. To increase skin sensitivity, try this: Make a light saline solution (1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in one cup of water), moisten a washcloth and wipe the skin. Once skin is dry, test it with the onboard electrode. Most likely, tingling will be felt. Do not apply lotion.

No. It is against protocol to use the Avazzia unit “while sleeping.” That includes any time the person using the unit is unaware of its functionality.

Yes, all modes on all Avazzia devices use specific frequencies. Some of those frequencies are proprietary information and are not public information. Others are listed in the owner’s manuals of the different Avazzia products.

Yes. Avazzia devices generate a high-voltage, pulsed current (HVPC), damped, biphasic, asymmetric sinusoidal waveform that produces a microcurrent output.

Owners may set paired frequencies using two PRO-SPORT units. In this case, treatment can be using two separate preset modes on each device (eg: set one device at Stimulate, the other device at Relax Assess and place the four pads as preferred) or setting each device at one of the VAZ custom programmable modes and personally selecting desired frequencies. This also would require two sets of two pads, with placement as desired. Also, this could be accomplished using two BEST-RSI devices or BEST-PRO 1 devices, with one device set at one mode, the second device at a different mode.

Custom-programmable VAZ mode is available only in the PRO-SPORT. It is not difficult to use (and save) a preferred frequency. This example gives step-by-step instructions to save desired settings:

1. To start, turn on device: Press v key to navigate to AVA mode. Press Select to select AVA mode.
2. Set frequency at 121Hz: Press > key to frequency. Press v key to 121.
3. Select pulse value of 3: Press < key to pulse. Press v key to value of 3. (This sets 3 pulses per packet.)
4. Select Z_value to 15: Press > key to Z value. Press v key to value of 15.
5. Select damping value of 2: Press > key to Damping. Press v key to value of 2.
6. Select Modulation of 3:1: Press > key to MOD. Press v key to 3:1
7. To save this program in VAZ 2: Press > key to SAVE VAZ 1. Press v key to SAVE VAZ 2. Press Select.

This is now saved as the VAZ 2 mode. This can be recalled by moving to VAZ 2 and pressing Select (the center button).
This VAZ 2 mode also can be reprogrammed with different settings, in effect “erasing” the first set of characteristics. Note that programming happens in the AVA mode, although AVA will not save those settings.

Avazzia medical devices are available over-the-counter for temporary relief of pain associated with sore and aching muscles in the shoulder, waist, back, back of the neck, upper extremities (arm), and lower extremities (leg) due to strain from exercise or normal household work activities.  Over-the-counter Avazzia devices may be purchased through distributors or online without prescription.

For  symptomatic relief and management of more serious pain, chronic pain, intractable pain and adjunctive treatment in the management of post-surgical and post-traumatic pain, prescription devices are available.  Prescription devices may also be purchased through distributors. If prescription devices are puchased online, they will not ship without a prescription.

Goto www.AvazziaNetwork.com or Avazzia Global Reach to find a practitioner or distributor near you who can help answer your questions.

Most U.S. healthcare providers with prescription writing authority (including dentists, physician assistants, osteopathic doctors and chiropractors in some states, in addition to medical doctors) are able to prescribe Avazzia, which is a TENS unit. If your healthcare provider has not heard of Avazzia or its products, you should print off the product sheet, Avazzia v. TENS comparison chart and a prescription form. After you have received a signed prescription, you must submit it to either an authorized Avazzia dealer or representative or order the product from Avazzia’s online store. Your order will not be shipped until your prescription is received.

For BEST-Vet or ezzi-lift product ordering information, contact an authorized distributor or shop the Avazzia online store.

Yes. Go to the International Customers page for details about products and shipping details.

Avazzia has an online prescription form that you may print off and bring to your healthcare provider to fill out and sign. You then must send this to a licensed Avazzia distributor to have your prescription filled. Alternatively, you may Contact Us to for healthcare providers in your area who use Avazzia in their practice for patients dealing with pain. You might prefer to make an appointment with one of these practitioners in order to get a prescription.

Some insurance policies may provide benefits towards the cost of a prescription Avazzia device. Check with your human resource office  or check with your insurance company to find out how to file claims directly. Avazzia does not file insurance claims. 

No. Insurance might not cover any devices.

Yes, the BEST-PRO 1 is as good as the other Avazzia devices, but it does not have the same features as the other devices. The BEST-PRO 1 device has four of the most popular modes built into the device: Relax Assess, Stimulation, Deep Stimulation and Acute mode. The next model is the BEST-RSI which has the RSI mode. The RSI mode emits a higher power output. Both devices are safe and effective. It is possible that you may get faster results from the BEST-RSI, but both devices are FDA cleared to help with pain management. BEST PRO-SPORT is most commonly used in clinics and other healthcare settings. It requires advanced understanding of its multiple modes and treatment protocols.

Medicare guidelines and rules change often. Avazzia does not file Medicare claims. For insurance coverage information, see the Prescription Information page for more information.

At this time, Avazzia does not have rental program.

No. This prescription device cannot be “tried out.” Your healthcare provider may have an Avazzia unit in the clinic, which you might try under the healthcare provider’s supervision.

It depends upon how careful you are with them and where you store them when not in use. Follow the care directions on the package they come in. Some patients, with care, have used a set of pads twice a day for 7 to 10 days and more.

With the device off, carefully wipe it with a damp cloth. Dampen a cotton ball in isopropyl alcohol and wipe off the onboard electrodes (if those were used) or the electrodes on the end of the brush, pencil or Y-electrode attachments. Do not open up the device, other than to change batteries.

It depends upon many factors: how often you use your unit; how long you use your unit; the batteries’ quality; where you live. There is a great deal of difference between inexpensive batteries and high-quality batteries. In a professional setting, two to three days is an average life-span for the two AA batteries that power the BEST devices. For home users, a set of high-quality batteries could last several weeks. Your device will emit a series of 20 beeps immediately after turning on the device if it detects a low battery (weak) electrical output.

Battery life is dependent on battery quality and device settings. Higher intensity settings and frequencies will use more battery capacity.

In almost all cases, attendees must own an Avazzia device. Check registration for the event. Some events, especially those held by Avazzia partners, are open only to healthcare professionals.

Contact Us and indicate that in the box provided for additional comments. An Avazzia representative will contact you. Avazzia maintains a list of professionals who have received authorization to teach continuing education. Some authorizations are good nationwide, others are issued on a state-by-state basis.

Avazzia has free videos posted at avazziatraining.com which give directions for using PRO-SPORT, BEST-RSI and BEST-PRO 1. These videos should be used in addition to reading the owner’s manual that comes with each device. It’s important to read the owner’s manual, which includes warnings, contraindications, precautions, diagrams to explain features and use, description of modes, cleaning and care, accessories and warranty information.

Device owners might opt to purchase a membership at the avazziatraining.com to view training for advanced use of Avazzia devices. These additional videos are available 24/7. Several membership packages are available at different prices and there is no “joining fee.” In each case, medical professionals describe how they use the device. These protocols are beyond Avazzia’s knowledge and expertise as a developer and manufacturer.

The healthcare professionals in these videos also teach in-person classes to healthcare professionals. The videos show a few examples of topics presented by practitioners when they teach other professionals. These videos highlight the best practices of clinicians using Avazzia technology.

These videos are not a replacement for attending live training seminars. These videos, however, offer a wealth of information for clinical and professional users. Home users should contact their healthcare practitioner for specific instructions. Often personal health conditions or injuries are best treated with specific protocols by your healthcare provider.

Effectiveness is dependent on appropriate application. See your healthcare practitioner for your condition.

Avazzia is completely safe to use, if used as your doctor prescribes. As with all medical devices, there are certain restrictions. These are:

• Do not use if you have a pacemaker.
• Do not use if you might be pregnant or if you are pregnant.
• Do not use on or through your brain (transcranially)
• Do not use on or over your heart.
• Do not use on or over your eyes.
• Do not use if you are under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
• Do not use if you have epilepsy or another medical condition that might be impacted by an electrical current.
• Do not use while driving or operating other machinery.

Avazzia devices may be used for non-pharmaceutical pain relief.

Ship your unit back to Avazzia via FedEx or UPS or other traceable courier. Retain the tracking number you receive. FedEx and UPS make twice-a-day stops at Avazzia headquarters. Avazzia does not recommend shipping via U.S. Postal Service. USPS delivers once a day to a central mail room. It does not deliver directly to Avazzia headquarters.

Warranty and return instructions are outlined under the support tab on this website. You will need to submit your return shipping address and a description of symptoms. The more information provided, the better Avazzia can service you.

Avazzia promises units received for service are handled promptly and in the order they are received. How long that takes depends upon several factors – shipping method (see above, FedEx and UPS are the fastest way to ship a unit to Avazzia); the amount of detail provided by the customer on the return paperwork submitted with the unit being serviced; and the age of the unit, among other issues.

No, you do not. However, this is a medical device, and should be used in accordance with good animal husbandry.

Yes, you may but most users find it far easier to use the brush electrode or Y-electrode when treating animals. The adhesive pads can be used but only on short-haired animals (horses and cattle, for instance). Conductive connection with skin is important for successful, effective therapy.  Conductivity may be optimized by shaving the fur in the area of therapy.

No. Avazzia devices are engineered for specific tasks. While animals and humans share many physiological characteristics, the Avazzia devices for human pain (BEST-PRO 1, BEST-RSI and BEST PRO-SPORT) and the veterinarian line of products (BEST-Vet and BEST-Vet PRO) are not interchangeable.

Complete the Contact Us form and indicate you would like research and/or supporting documents about microcurrent use in animal husbandry. Avazzia has received reports that its technology has helped everything from laminitis in a horse to reviving a struggling calf after birth. BEST-Vet is referred to frequently in MicroCurrent for Horses by Deborah Powell (2008, Matrix Publishing Company). The book is available for purchase from Avazzia.