What Is TENS Therapy?

TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, is a method of pain relief with the use of a mild electrical current. Commonly used to treat chronic issues like lower back pain, fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis, as well as more acute conditions, TENS therapy helps patients to cope more easily with mild to severe discomfort.  

As well as pain management, TENS therapy is used to reduce muscle spasms – such as those caused by sports injuries - and help women to cope with labour during childbirth.

Thanks to its versatility, TENS therapy is used widely across the healthcare industry. From physiotherapy to geriatrics and maternity to oncology, TENS therapy can help to reduce the pain levels of patients across the board.

So, what exactly is TENS therapy and could it benefit you? Keep reading to find out.

 

What Is the Purpose of TENS Therapy?

The purpose of TENS therapy is to relieve acute and chronic pain and to ease the discomfort of muscle spasms. When the TENS unit is attached and switched on, it sends small electrical impulses to the affected areas of the body. Patients generally feel these impulses as a mild tingling sensation.

 

How Does TENS Therapy Work?

A TENS machine is a battery-operated device that delivers electrical impulses to the skin via electrodes. These electrodes are positioned at or near the nerves where the pain is located.

There are two main theories about how TENS treatment relieves pain. One is that the electrical stimulation causes the nerves to block the transmission of pain signals. This essentially modifies the patient’s perception of pain, making it easier to cope with.

The other theory is that the electrical pulses delivered by the TENS device help to raise the level of endorphins in the body. These hormones are the body’s natural painkillers. The more endorphins there are in the patient’s system, the easier it will be for them to cope with chronic and acute pain.

What Are the Disadvantages of TENS Therapy?

TENS therapy is generally a safe form of pain management, and few people experience significant side effects. The main disadvantage of TENS therapy is discomfort. Some patients feel mild discomfort in the form of a tingling or prickling sensation when the electrotherapy is underway.

Some people may be allergic to the electrode pads used in TENS therapy. These patients might experience skin irritation or skin reddening following treatment.

Another disadvantage of TENS therapy is that it can become less effective over time. Some research suggests that patients build up a tolerance to the low voltage electrical impulses, so won’t experience the same level of pain relief as treatment continues. This can make TENS therapy more suitable for short-term pain management.

What Kind of Pain Does a TENS Unit Help?

TENS therapy is used to treat both musculoskeletal pain and a number of painful conditions including:  

 

• Osteoarthritis
• Neck pain
• Fibromyalgia 
• Tendinitis 
• Bursitis 
• Labour pain
• Period pain
• Sports pain
• Low back pain
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Spinal cord pain
• Diabetes-related neuropathy 
• Peripheral artery disease 
• Neuropathic pain

TENS therapy may not be suitable for you if you have a pacemaker or another type of electrical or metal implant in your body, if you suffer from epilepsy or if you have an overactive bladder. It’s also not suitable for use in early pregnancy, so avoid the treatment if you think you may be pregnant.

While the therapy can be used to treat cancer pain, TENS electrodes shouldn’t be attached to areas of the body where there is known or suspected cancer.

Does a TENS Unit Promote Healing?

As well as easing various types of pain, TENS therapy can help to promote healing. Some studies suggest that the high-frequency electrical pulses used in TENS therapy can help to stimulate blood flow and therefore promote the healing of various types of wounds.

TENS therapy can also help to reduce stiffness and stabilise weakened joints. This can help people undergoing physical therapy to improve faster and regain a wider range of movement.

 

What Is the Difference Between TENS and EMS?

The main difference between TENS and EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) is that, while TENS is used exclusively to relieve pain, EMS machines stimulate the muscles in order to strengthen and rehabilitate them. EMS therapy also promotes the release of endorphins and so can be used by a physiotherapist to help patients cope with pain – such as chronic low-back pain – as well as muscle issues.

How Often Should a TENS Unit be Used?

Patients can use a TENS unit for 30-60 minutes up to four times per day. However, as we’ve already seen, prolonged use may see patients experience a drop off in results.

If you’re not sure how long to use your TENS machine for, or if you want to find out about potential alternative treatments like acupuncture, it’s always best to talk to a healthcare professional. Pharmacies that stock TENS machines should also be able to offer you medical advice.

 

What Is the Best Time to Use a TENS Unit?

Studies have shown that TENS therapy machines provide the most benefit if used when patients are active. If electrodes are placed on the painful area when the patient is resting, sitting or lying down, they’re likely to see less significant results. Again, a doctor or physical therapist will be able to advise you on optimum electrode placement and the best times to use your TENS therapy machine.

An innovative and effective way of easing chronic pain and muscle contractions, TENS works to heal wounds and promote the release of endorphins. To find out more, and to learn about our range of TENS machines and accessories, explore our collection or get in touch with a member of our team.