(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.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
TENS therapy allows many people with chronic or localized pain to perform daily activities more easily. A TENS unit can also be used following surgery or trauma to treat acute pain. Some muscle and joint pains also respond positively to this therapy. In general, TENS therapy has applications for pain originating in peripheral nerves. It is not effective for central nerve pain such as that involving internal organs.
Bear in mind, however, that TENS therapy does not treat the source of the pain, but rather provides temporary relief until a viable solution is found. As a result, this therapy should act as a complement to additional healing measures being undertaken.
Typical Session(s)
A TENS unit is a battery-powered device that will have two or more channels for electrodes. The electrodes are covered by flat rubber that is taped to the skin to keep it in place. Pulse intensity can be adjusted by one or more dials on the unit. Each dial likely controls two sets of electrodes, however, variations in design can change the number of electrodes controlled.
Insert the batteries into your unit and ensure it is turned off before applying the electrodes. Coat the "skin-side" of the electrode with the included gel as per the instructions accompanying the TENS unit. Apply the electrode at the target site as per the advice of your naturopath or other health practitioner and fix in place using the tape provided. Ensure the wires hang freely and are not pulled or otherwise obstructed. Wires are typically long enough to string under and outside of your clothes.
Hang the unit on your belt or pocket if you will be moving. Your unit should have a green or yellow light near the dial(s) that indicates when a pulse is being sent. Higher numbers on the dial indicate a stronger/more frequent pulse. Batteries typically last for one hundred hours, depending on usage pattern.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
Keep TENS units out of the reach of children.
Avoid TENS therapy if you are pregnant or have diabetes, metal plates or pins, or a demand-type cardiac pacemaker. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner before undergoing TENS therapy.
Do not place electrodes near the eyes or carotid sinus nerves. Electrodes should not interfere with or induce blood flow through the head (transcerebrally).
EKG alarms, EKG monitors, and sleep apnea monitors may not function properly when a TENS unit is in use.
Skin irritation may result from long term stimulation at the same electrode site. You may also experience skin irritation from the tape or gel. It is possible for the electrode to burn the skin.
As previously mentioned, TENS therapy does not treat the underlying cause of pain. Consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner to determine the appropriateness of this therapy for your needs as you work towards resolving the pain-causing ailment, situation, or condition at hand.
Ailment / Situation Listing
All information contained on this website is for reference purposes only and all content should be treated as a resource. It is highly recommended that you consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner when undertaking self-treatment. For serious conditions, always seek the advice of your naturopath or other health practitioner. People taking medication should
consult with their naturopath or other health practitioner before undertaking additional regime for their ailment.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the information contained on this website. However, errors in copy may occur. You are advised to consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner
when applying the information contained on this website.
The MBR Team is not responsible or liable for any personal injury or related effects from applying the information contained on this website.
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