OverviewWhat is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy?Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a therapy that uses low voltage electrical current to provide pain relief. A TENS unit consists of a battery-powered device that delivers electrical impulses through electrodes placed on the surface of your skin. The electrodes are placed at or near nerves where the pain is located or at trigger points. Show
How does transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) work?There are two theories about how transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) works. One theory is that the electric current stimulates nerve cells that block the transmission of pain signals, modifying your perception of pain. The other theory is that nerve stimulation raises the level of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain-killing chemical. The endorphins then block the perception of pain. What is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy used to treat?TENS therapy has been used or is being studied to relieve both chronic (long lasting) and acute (short-term) pain. Some of the most common conditions for which TENS has been used include:
For what types of conditions and areas of the body should transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy not be used?Do not use TENS therapy at these specific body locations if you have any of the following conditions:
In addition, TENS should not be applied:
If you have any current or past health issues, or any concerns or questions, always check with your healthcare provider before using TENS. Procedure DetailsWhat are the parts of a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device and how do they work?The battery-powered TENS device is about the size of a small cell phone. The device comes with several sets of electrode wires and end pads. The electrodes connect to the device at one end and are attached to about 2 inch by 2 inch pads at the other end. Each pad has an adhesive backing and is positioned on your skin in specific areas along nerve pathways in the area to be treated. (Instead of direct contact with the skin, an acupuncturist may connect the TENS unit to acupuncture needles.) The device delivers pulses of electrical energy. Pulses can be adjusted for intensity, frequency, duration, and type (burst or continuous). A doctor, physical therapist, or acupuncturist determines and adjusts the machine’s settings. Risks / BenefitsWhat are the advantages or benefits of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy?TENS is a non-invasive method of pain relief. It can be used alone or in addition to prescriptions or over-the-counter pain-relieving medications. The amount of medication may be able to be reduced in some patients who use TENS therapy. Do not stop taking or make any adjustments in your dose of medications without discussing it with your doctor first. Another benefit of the TENS unit is that it is small and portable and therefore can be used at home or away, anytime pain relief is needed. What are the risks and side effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy?TENS therapy has few reported side effects. In rare cases, patients have reported burns at the sites where the electrodes are placed. Some patients may be allergic to the adhesive used to affix the pad to the skin or the materials in the pad itself (the skin may appear red, irritated, or a rash may break out). Some people may be sensitive to or feel uncomfortable with the prickling/tingling sensation generated by the TENS unit. Recovery and OutlookDoes transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy relieve pain?Results from using TENS for pain relief have been variable and inconclusive. In some studies, patients have reported pain relief with the use of TENS. In other studies, pain relief using TENS was not significantly greater than reported by “sham” TENS (placebo); in other studies, results were better than placebo. Efficacy may depend on many factors including the type of condition for which pain relief is sought, where electrodes are positioned on the skin, and the settings of the TENS unit itself (pulse frequency, duration, intensity, and type). Researchers say that a lack of randomized trials of TENS versus conventional therapy makes it difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of TENS and that more study is needed. Physical therapists, acupuncturists, and other healthcare professionals may offer TENS therapy. TENS devices are also available by prescription. Other electrical stimulation devices can be purchased over-the-counter. Always check with your doctor or healthcare professional before using the device. Carefully follow the instructions of the device manufacturer. How long should you use a TENS unit at a time?You can safely use a TENS machine as often as you like. Usually for 30-60 minutes up to 4 times daily. TENS can provide relief for up to four hours.
Does a TENS unit promote healing?Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) uses electrodes to stimulate sensory or motor nerve endings in a therapeutic fashion. TENS is also used to block pain signals being sent to the brain. Over time, this can help retrain damaged nerves, resulting in tremendous rehabilitative effects.
What type of pain is a TENS unit used for?A TENS may be used to help with many types of chronic (long-term) pain, such as: Arthritis or other joint pain. Back and neck pain. Fibromyalgia.
Do TENS units help with inflammation?Reduced Inflammation
Thankfully the TENS unit can help with Inflammation as well. Numerous studies have discovered that the electric impulses can reduce inflammation located deep within the muscle fibers.
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