Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation or TENS therapy induces electric current in low voltage to relieve pain. The TENS unit consists of a battery-operated device offering small electrical impulses through adhesive pads that attach to the skin. The electrical impulses minimize the pain signals transmitted to the brain and the spinal cord and relax the muscles to reduce pain. They may also stimulate endorphin production that is the body’s natural pain relief agent.
Healthcare professionals believe that the therapy works on pain, but the efficiency depends on the patient’s condition. However, it does not provide long-term relief from pain and is a short-term and non-invasive therapy. The treatment is safe and generally administered by physical therapists. The therapy treats pain occurring due to different illnesses and medical conditions.
The therapists can set the TENS device with different wavelengths and frequencies. Therefore, patients receiving the therapy may get a huge burst of electrical current or moderate current. The therapist decides the settings based on the condition of the patients. The types of therapy are:
This mode of therapy aims to activate a large area of non-noxious nerves to induce segmental analgesia. It involves applying low-intensity and high-frequency impulses at the pain location in any part of the body.
In this method, TENS provides jerks to muscles and activates the small-diameter motor nerves to induce extrasegmental analgesia. It uses high-intensity and low-frequency impulses over the muscles, trigger points, acupuncture points to produce strong and tolerable contractions. The therapists administer the impulses for about fifteen to thirty minutes at a time.
This mode of therapy activates small-diameter noxious nerves to induce peripheral blockage of the nerve and extrasegmental analgesia. It involves high-intensity and high-frequency impulses on the site of the pain and is administered for a few minutes at one time.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation therapy is safe and effective for most people, and they may not experience any complications. However, the electrical impulses from the TENS unit may produce a tingling, prickling, or itchy sensation that they find uncomfortable. Besides, some people may get allergies from the adhesive tapes that attach to the skin. So, people who are allergic to the adhesive tapes may choose the hypoallergenic variety. If the redness, itchiness, or tingling sensation persists long after the therapy, informing the therapist or a GP is essential.
TENS treats pain through stimulation of the nerves. The benefits of the therapy are:
The damaged nerves lose the ability to send or receive signals, causing pain and difficulty of movement. TENS therapy retrains the nerve patterns through the electrical impulses and stimulates the muscles.
Pain and inflammation go hand in hand. The TENS unit reduces inflammation and reduces pain. Research reveals that the therapy reduces inflammation deep within the muscle fibers.
The cost of uninterrupted pain medications is expensive. However, the TENS unit is a one-time investment for improving pain.
The TENS unit is small and portable, allowing people to carry the device to any location and access it for pain relief at any given time.
For people requiring massage, the TENS unit uses a different pulse pattern to provide deep massage.
Pain management improves the overall quality of life. The TENS unit helps people resume normal activities through effective pain relief.
The device used for applying TENS therapy is easy to use and does not have significant side effects.
TENS therapy relieves acute and chronic pain. The conditions that the therapy treats are:
The TENS therapy is safe and effective but the following conditions do not allow using it:
The therapist places the electrodes on the skin surface and above the overactive nerves to prepare the patient before starting the therapy.
The TENS therapy stimulates the skin, promotes tendon repair and wound healing. It also increases blood flow and repairs the tissues quickly.
At Physio Tattva, we are committed to bring access to quality physio care through ultra-modern clinics and high-skilled practitioners to all. Our world-class therapists keep a strong focus on patient needs and deliver the highest level of care.
