Therapies... - TENS

 
(also referred to as...)

Electronic Muscle Stimulators, EMS
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator Unit Therapy

 
Description

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS) unit therapy is widely used as a drug-free approach to pain management. The battery-powered unit sends low-power electrical pulses of various intensities to nerve fibres via electrodes attached to the skin.

Rather than administering a shock or jolt at the point of contact, a TENS unit uses a gentle pulse that provides a tingling sensation. Some people, however, find the pulse mildly uncomfortable.

Electrical stimulation of the nerve fibres blocks pain signals before they are carried to the brain and the pain is thus not perceived. This effect is based on the "Gate Theory", where your brain can handle only one stimulus at a time. Chronic pain is recognized as such due to the constant signal sent to your brain. When an electrical stimulus originates from the area of pain, it is felt by the body and, since only one stimulus can be processed at a time, the sensation of pain is not transmitted. It is also believed that the electrical stimulation stimulates the body to release pain-killing endorphin hormones.

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