TENS Unit
What is a TENS Device?
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator) is a type of electrotherapy equipment that works by sending small electrical pulses through the skin via ten unit electrodes to the underlying peripheral nerves. TENS is thought to work in two ways. First, “high frequency” continuous, mild, electrical activity blocks the pain signal traveling to the brain. Brain cells perceive pain. If the pain signal does not get through to the brain, the pain is not “felt.” The second way is by stimulating the body’s own natural pain-control mechanism. “Low frequency” or short bursts of mild electrical activity cause the body to release its own pain easers called beta endorphins. Ask your doctor or clinician for more details on this type of electrotherapy equipment. ¹
The Benefits
TENS is a noninvasive method for relieving pain. People who experience pain relief from TENS may be able to reduce their intake of pain medications, some of which can be addictive or cause adverse side effects.
TENS units are also convenient because they are small, portable, and relatively discrete. People can carry a TENS unit in their pocket or clip it onto a belt to ensure that they have immediate access to pain relief throughout the day. ²
How is chronic pain treated?
Chronic pain has been treated with ointments, surgery and drugs with varying degrees of success. Since each person and pain condition is different, no single treatment will work best for everyone. Many of these treatments have harmful side effects. Drugs can cause dependency, while surgery carries its own risk. TENS on the other hand offers a unique alternative method to pain relief. ¹
Control Incontinence
If you are having difficulty with incontinence, your PT may use electrical stimulation to help you engage the proper muscles that help keep urine flow at bay. Your PT may also use a form of electrical stimulation as biofeedback - electrical impulses that monitor your muscle contractions to tell you if you are working the right muscles properly. (This can be difficult to monitor visually or with a finger due to the location of the muscles that control urination and bowel movements.) ³
Administer Medication
Iontophoresis is a form of electrical stimulation that is used by your physical therapist to administer medication. The electricity pushes the medicine through your skin and into your injured tissues. Iontophoresis is often used to administer anti-inflammatory medicine, like dexamethasone. It may also be used to help decrease muscle spasm or break up calcific deposits that may form in muscle tissue or tendons. ³
If you are interested in learning more about TENS Units and how they can be used for pain and recovery, contact Designed Living today. Whether you are a surgeon, a nurse, or a physical therapist, we are here to guide you through the process of providing a better recovery experience for your patients.
Individuals with a pacemaker or patients who are pregnant should not use a TENS device. Consult your doctor or clinician first to find out if this type of electrotherapy equipment is right for you. ²
¹ BMLS
² TENS Unit: Benefits, Side Effects, and Research
³ 6 Ways Your PT Uses Electrical Stimulation