Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

What is TENS?

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a therapy that uses low-voltage electrical current for pain relief. A TENS machine is connected to a patient’s skin using electrodes. The electrodes are often placed on the area of pain or pressure point, creating a circuit of electrical impulses that travel along nerve fibers.

How does TENS work?

The electricity from the electrodes stimulate the nerves in the affected area and sends signals to the brain that block or “scramble” normal pain signals. Another theory is that the electrical stimulation of the nerves may help the body to produce natural painkillers called endorphins, which may block the perception of pain.

Benefits of TENS

Reduction in:

• Pain after acute (sudden) injury.
• Chronic pain (long lasting)
• Labour pain
• Post-surgery pain

Conditions treated by TENS

• Muscle pain   
• Tendinitis
• Joint pain   
• Bursitis
• Low back pain   
• Neck pain

Is TENS safe?

Experts generally consider TENS to be safe, although the machine could cause harm if misused. Have your practitioner show you the proper way to use the machine, and follow these instructions carefully.

Always tell your doctor if you are using an alternative therapy or if you are thinking about combining an alternative therapy with your conventional medical treatment.

All of our Chiropractors employ TENS Therapy as necessary.