How TENS WorksMike Williams2023-05-17T06:31:43-05:00
What is a TENS Unit?
Stands for “Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation”, a non-invasive drug free method used by physical therapists and prescribed by Doctors for over 30 years. TENS consists of a device that transmits low-level electrical impulses into the area of pain in the body.
Portable TENS systems consists of a small, battery-powered device that is connected to a single electrode or electrodes. Electrode (s) are connected to your skin near the source of pain. A mild electrical current travels through your skin and along your nerve fibers which may cause a warm, tingling sensation. A TENS session can last anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes.
What is the Science Behind TENS?
TENS delivers low voltage pulses to the skin to stimulate nerve fibers to help block the pain signal to the brain.
Primary Theories Behind TENS
1) Gateway Theory
2) Endorphin Production
3)Central Inhibitory Effect:
TENS may work by changing the way your brain perceives pain.
TENS may increase production of endorphins-a natural pain reliever, sometimes referred to as the body’s “Feel Good Chemical”.
Can a TENS Unit Work For Me?
If you’ve been struggling with some type of pain for years or have just recently needed to seek treatment, a TENS Unit may be just what the doctor ordered. At the least, it is excellent all natural, drug free alternative to pain pills and oral narcotics. In most cases a TENS unit will work quite effectively for back pain relief, any body pain and symptoms associated with arthritis.
TENS Units have been found useful in a wide range of treatment indications for both acute and chronic pain and have been used in clinical settings for over 30 years.
The Medical Community in Large Part Recommend TENS and EMS Units:
Drug Free & Natural
Clinically Proven
Surgical Alternative
FDA Cleared OTC
The earliest records of use of electricity to relieve pain, or at least recognizing that it has some effect, dates back to 2500 BC. Egyptian stone carvings reveal electric fish, or possibly an electric eel being used as a pain remedy.