The TENS unit sends painless electrical impulses through the electrodes to the nerves under your skin, which you feel as a tingling sensation. The electrical impulses can block or reduce the pain signals going to the spinal cord and brain, which can help reduce or relieve pain or muscle spasm. TENS devices also help stimulate your body to produce higher levels of its own natural painkillers, called "Endorphins".
For most people, TENS is a safe treatment with little or no associated side effects. It is available for home use. You should always follow the manufacturer's specific instructions to be safe. Have your physical therapist or doctor to show you the proper way to use the machine, and follow the instructions carefully.
Types of TENS:
Types of TENS:
1. Conventional
2. Acupuncture-like( Low-frequency stimulation) - A strong low rate TENS can be applied during the chronic phase of pain. Duration of treatment is 30-40 minutes and duration of pain relief is long-lasting( an hour or more). More uncomfortable and less tolerable type.
3. Burst Intense( Pulse burst) - A combined characteristic of both high and low rate TENS but more tolerable than low rate TENS. Onset of pain relief is similar to low rate TENS. Duration of treatment is 20-30 minutes. Duration of pain relief is long-lasting( hours).
4. Brief Intense( High-intensity) - This mode provide rapid onset, short-term pain relief during painful procedures( wound debridement, deep friction massage, joint mobilization or passive stretching). Duration of treatment is usually 15 minutes.
Electrode Placement:
- Over the painful area
- Over the nerve supplying the painful area
- Acupuncture sites
- Proximal or distal to pain site, or even on the opposite side of the body
- Segmentally related myotomes
- Trigger points
Indications:
- Postoperative pain
- Chronic pain
- Arthritis
- Sports injuries - bone fractures
- Period pain
- Acute pain relief during labor and delivery
- Phantom pain
Contraindications:
- Cardiac pacemaker or
another type of implanted electrical device fitted - Epilepsy or a heart rhythm disorder
( consult your doctor) - During first trimester of pregnancy
- Allergic reaction to the electrodes (it's possible to get hypoallergenic electrodes)
- Broken skin, varicose veins, recent scarring in the area, or
over areas of reduced sensation - While driving or operating machinery
- Near water, such as in the bath or shower
- Over lower abdominal/uterus during pregnancy
- Over the anterior transcervical area - the front or side of your neck
- Cause of pain is not known or is not diagnosed.
- In the mouth, close to the eyes, or temple area
Procedure:
- Check the area to be treated for contraindications and precautions.
- Check the unit - batteries, knobs, electrodes.
- Turn the control knobs to the off position before you start.
- Use rubbing alcohol to clean the skin where the electrodes will be placed. Let your skin dry.
- Position the self-adhesive pads either side of the painful area, at least 2-3 cm apart.
- Switch on the machine slowly and turn it up gradually until you feel a tingling sensation.
- TENS machines are designed so that you can move around with them working.
- At the end of the session turn the machine off and disconnect the electrodes from the machine.
- Check the area being treated for irritations; clean the area with soap and water.
- Clean the rubber electrodes with soap and water to remove the gel; Do not wash the self-adhesive type of pad.
- Remove the battery from the TENS and replace it with a charged battery. Charge the battery so that it will be ready for another treatment.
- You can use TENS throughout the day for as long as you like provided you do the same process as mentioned above
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