More About TENS

What is TENS?

T.E.N.S stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. TENS is a drug-free alternative for managing pain. For the past twenty years, doctors have been prescribing TENS as an effective way to relieve pain. TENS offers many people safe comforting relief. It reduces and often even eliminates pain. It is FDA approved, and it is reimbursable by most insurance providers.

How Does TENS Work?

TENS sends gentle impulses through lead wires that are connected to electrodes. These electrodes are strategically placed at appropriate pain sights on the body. Because there are many different kinds of pain, and each individual is unique, pain relief varies from person to person. Some users experience pain relief only while the TENS unit is turned on. For others, relief continues for a length of time even after the unit is turned off.

There are two major theories as to how electrical stimulation relieves pain. According to the “gate control theory” pain and non-pain impulses are sent to the brain from the local nervous system. These impulses travel through the nerves to the deeper nerves and then to the spinal cord and brain. Along the path are many areas referred to as “gates.” The gates control which impulses are allowed to continue to the brain. The gates prevent the brain from receiving too much information too quickly. Since the same nerve cannot carry a pain impulse and a non-pain impulse simultaneously, the stronger, non-pain impulse (from the TENS device) “controls the gate,” and basically over rides the pain signal, resulting in less pain perception.  According to the second theory, TENS stimulation encourages one’s body to produce and release greater amounts of a chemical called endorphin. Endorphins are our body’s own natural painkillers that are released as a natural function to overcome pain. Endorphins interact with pain receptors, blocking the perception of pain, much as the pharmaceutical drugs or a narcotic such as morphine does, but without the side effects associated with these types of drugs. Pain suffers who have not been able to find relief from drugs or who may have experienced uncomfortable side effects from drugs, may find TENS to be a great alternative in controlling the pain.

The TENS Unit

PMT offers the most advanced, pocket-sized, fully portable TENS system designed to relieve both acute and persistent pain. The TENS provides several different modes of operation; this provides the user with a variety of treatment options. Because the TENS uses two channels, it can be used to relieve pain at two body locations. The TENS is about the size of a deck of playing cards, so you can wear it anywhere, at home, to work, or in your car. A convenient belt clip allows you to wear it on your belt or even inside your clothing.

What is the most effective way to use TENS?

To achieve the best results of TENS therapy, it is important to remember that TENS merely activates the body’s own pain-fighting mechanism. Placing electrodes directly over or around the painful area delivers pain-blocking current to the nerves leading to that area. Some healthcare professionals have found that placing the electrodes along acupuncture points is also effective. Also, it is good to vary the placement of the electrodes each treatment to avoid skin irritation.

How long does it take for TENS treatment to produce results?

In most cases, studies show that it takes roughly 30 minutes for TENS treatment to begin to relieve pain. However, for conventional, high frequency TENS treatment, there is no set treatment limit. Some patients find hours of pain relief from short 30-to-60 minute sessions. Others use their TENS units for several hours a day or all day, depending on the pain generated by daily activities. Always use your TENS unit according to your physician’s directions.

When can TENS treatment be administered?
TENS can be administered any time of day or night. It is recommended that TENS not be used while sleeping. This is simply because movement during sleep may cause electrodes to come off or be pressed into the flesh, causing skin irritation. However, always use your TENS unit according to your physician’s directions.

Does TENS treatment have any risks or side effects?

Unlike surgery or prescription drugs, TENS is virtually risk free from injury, side effects or addiction. The low-volt electrical current delivered by the electrodes only penetrates the skin to the level of the nerve fibers, usually only one to two inches. This poses no danger to most individuals. However, those with cardiac conditions and/or pacemakers, and pregnant women should consult their doctors before using TENS. Also, neck and head pain that requires locating electrodes on these areas of the body should be conducted only with the consent of a physician. Use caution when you drive or operate heavy machinery.

Indications for Use:

Systemic Pain:
Bursitis
Cancer
Causalgia
Multiple Sclerosis
Neuralgia
Osteoarthritis Phantom Limb Syndrome
Raynaud’s Syndrome
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Synovitis
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Head and Neck Pain:
Cluster Headaches
Dental Disorders
Migraine Headaches
Spondylosis
Sprains/Strains Suboccipital Headaches
TMJ Syndrome
Torticollis
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Whiplash

Abdominal Pain:
Diverticulosis
Dysmenorrhea Labor
Postoperative Pain

Back Pain:
Facet Syndrome
Intercoastal Neuralgia
IVD Syndrome
Lumbago
Lumbosacral Pain Radiculitis
Sprains/Strains
Thoracodynia
Whole Back Pain

Lower Extremity Pain:
Ankle Pain
Foot Pain
Fractures
Ischialgia
Knee Pain Passive Stretch Pain
Sciatica
Sprains/Strains
Tendonitis
Thrombophlebitis

Upper Extremity Pain:
Epicondylitis
Frozen Shoulder
Hand Pain
Peripheral Nerve Injury Sprains/Strains
Subdeltoid Bursitis
Wrist Pain