![]() Most often the electrodes are placed either directly over the painful area or on either side of the pain. ![]() The electrode placement is determined based on the location of the involved nerves and/or the location of your pain. The electrodes will be placed on your body at positions selected by your physiotherapist. The unit can be slipped into a pocket or clipped to your belt. The unit is battery-operated with controls you manipulate yourself to alter the strength of the electrical signal. Usually four electrodes (two pairs) are used to get maximum benefit from this treatment although two electrodes can also be used and in many cases provide sufficient relief. The electrodes are self-adhesive with a protective layer of gel built in to prevent skin irritation or burning. Round or square rubber electrodes are applied to the skin over or around the painful area. You will be shown how to use your TENS device by your physiotherapist at Advantage Physiotherapy. ![]() This effect can be true for the positive effects of using TENS as well. This means that by simply believing a treatment it has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Recent research has also shown that autosuggestion or the placebo effect is a powerful way many people experience pain relief or decrease their symptoms. Besides controlling pain, this type of electrical stimulation can also improve local circulation and reduce or eliminate muscle spasm. Pain messages may be altered enough to provide temporary or even long-lasting pain relief. For example, TENS may inhibit (block) pain pathways or increase the secretion of the pain-reducing substances (e.g., endorphins, serotonin) in the central nervous system. There are several possible ways TENS works. The exact mechanism by which it works to reduce or even eliminate pain is still unknown. TENS machines produce an electrical impulse that can be adjusted for pulse, frequency, and intensity. decreased use of pain relievers or other analgesic drugs.To summarize, the benefits from TENS treatment can include: TENS is usually used along with other forms of treatment and pain control such as analgesics, relaxation therapy, biofeedback, visualization or guided imagery, physiotherapy, exercise, massage therapy, nerve block injections, and/or spinal manipulation. Studies show that TENS can significantly reduce the use of analgesics (pain relievers, including narcotic drugs) after surgery. Sometimes TENS is used after surgery for incision or post-operative pain (e.g., joint replacement, cardiac procedures, various abdominal surgeries, or cesarean sections). ![]() Athletes with painful acute soft tissue injuries (e.g., sprains and strains) may benefit from TENS treatment. TENS can also be used for muscle soreness from overuse, inflammatory conditions, and both rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis. TENS has been used for people suffering from cancer-related pain, phantom-limb pain (a chronic pain syndrome following limb amputation), and migraine or chronic tension-type headaches. Nerve pain (neuropathy) from conditions such as chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS) or diabetes may also be managed with TENS. ![]() Back pain caused by spine degeneration, disc problems, or failed back surgery is commonly relieved by the use of TENS. TENS can be used for relief of pain associated with a wide variety of painful conditions. In addition to controlling pain, this type of electrical stimulation can also improve local circulation and reduce or eliminate muscle spasm. TENS is a noninvasive way to override or block signals from the nerves to the spinal cord and brain. When it is delivered through electrodes or patches placed on the skin, it is called transcutaneous (meaning through the skin) electrical nerve stimulation or TENS for short. It is a form of electrical energy sent in various waveforms to the nerves. Welcome to Advantage Physiotherapy’s guide to Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.Įlectrical nerve stimulation is a treatment for pain that can be used for acute pain (e.g., during labor or after surgery) or for chronic pain (e.g., low back pain). ![]()
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