- Tens is used to relief acute or long lasting pain.
- Tens can be used on its own but is best used to complement other treatments or with exercises.
- Tens can be used at home or at work on a regular daily basis.
What is Tens?
Tens is a small battery powered electrical unit which uses electrodes placed onto the skin to deliver electrical impulses to the nerves which lie underneath. It is used to provide pain relief by blocking pain signals to the brain via the spinal cord and peripheral nerve system.
It can also stimulate the production of endorphins in the brain which are natural bio-chemicals that have pain relieving properties. The effect of reduction of pain depends on the perception of pain and pain relief is a personal experience which can be different for each individual sufferer. It is generally accepted that Tens can help relieve most type of pain but in varying degrees depending on the patient’s individual circumstances and perception of pain and pain relief.
Side effects
The current only travels through the skin between pairs of electrodes and only penetrates to the depth of 1-2 inches (to the level of the underlying nerve fibres).
If you have a heart condition, a pacemaker or are pregnant, consult your doctor or physiotherapist before using a Tens machine. For any conditions requiring electrode placement around the neck or head please consult your physiotherapist first.
What can Tens be used for?
Arthritis, Back Pain, Bruising, Strains, Headaches, Knee Pain, Neck Pain, Neuralgia, Osteo-Arthritis, Period Pains, Rheumatism, Sciatica, Shoulder pain, Sports Injuries, Tennis Elbow, Tenosynovitis, Wrist Pain to name a few.