The only way Lindsay knew how to manage her pain when growing up was with \u201cheavy pain relief\u201d.<\/p>\n
This meant missing school, work, and not being able to drive, she said.<\/p>\n
In her mid-20s, she began exploring other forms of pain relief.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is when I discovered Tens [Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation] machines and thought, \u2018Wow, I could have missed so much less school and work if I had known that this could be so effective just the same way that pharmaceutical medication is so effective\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Tap. Health statement said Tens sends small electrical pulses through the skin to the underlying nerves. This could help reduce the intensity of pain signals being transmitted to the brain and ease pain perception.<\/p>\n
Lindsay, an occupational therapist, co-founded Tap. Health about six years ago.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was definitely like a pain-to-purpose journey. I wanted to offer a Tens machine to the market that was evidence-based … <\/p>\n
\u201cNow it is a fulltime business that I\u2019m running while my husband\u2019s at home with our kids, so it\u2019s grown into something really beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lindsay said the portable Tens device, which costs $109, was \u201cpreset to parameters that are used every day in pelvic physio clinics and in pelvic health\u201d.<\/p>\n
The five modes ran from high to low frequency. Users could choose the mode based on a prescription or \u201cwhat feels right for you\u201d.<\/p>\n
She said pharmaceutical medication could cause brain fog or a \u201changover effect\u201d.<\/p>\n
Tap. Health sells a wearable Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation device that helps manage endometriosis pain. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Using a Tens machine was \u201clike taking your pain relief on the go with you but being able to keep a level head\u201d.<\/p>\n
She said more than 10,000 Tens machines had been sold in six years.<\/p>\n
Half of its business was wholesale to clinics across New Zealand and Australia, and half was from its website, she said.<\/p>\n
Lindsay said she used Tens monthly. Now, her pain \u201cdoesn\u2019t really hold me back anymore\u201d.<\/p>\n
For endometriosis awareness month this month, Endometriosis New Zealand is running a 120 challenge which involves individuals and groups doing something \u201c120-themed\u201d. <\/p>\n
As a major sponsor, Tap. Health\u2019s 120 challenge involves inviting people to its Tauranga headquarters to paint part of two canvases with 60 squares.<\/p>\n
Each square is a visual representation of someone\u2019s endometriosis journey.<\/p>\n
Endometriosis New Zealand will auction the artwork.<\/p>\n
Tap. Health invited 120 people to its Tauranga office to paint part of two canvases with 60 squares. It will be auctioned by Endometriosis New Zealand. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n
Endometriosis New Zealand chief executive Tanya Cooke said the online auction started at 9pm on Thursday and would end 120 hours later on Tuesday at 9pm. <\/p>\n
Cooke said the organisation did not receive government funding. Money raised during awareness month would go towards its day-to-day operations.<\/p>\n
Its work included research, advocacy, education, and providing resources to schools, businesses, and community groups, she said.<\/p>\n
People can donate to the 120 challenge on the Endometriosis New Zealand website.<\/p>\n
Lindsay said people with endometriosis had many questions.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s so amazing that we have an organisation like them to steer people in the right direction and to feel like there\u2019s some hope.\u201d<\/p>\n