TENS Therapy
Effective Non-Invasive Pain Relief
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a method of pain relief involving the use of a mild electrical current. It's widely used in physiotherapy to manage both acute and chronic pain.
How TENS Works
A TENS unit is a small, battery-operated device that delivers low-voltage electrical impulses through electrodes placed on the skin. These impulses work in two ways:
- Pain Gating: The electrical signals travel faster than pain signals, effectively "closing the gate" in the spinal cord and preventing pain messages from reaching the brain.
- Endorphin Production: The stimulation triggers the body to produce natural painkillers called endorphins.
Common Uses
- Post-operative pain
- Arthritis (Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid)
- Period pain (Dysmenorrhea)
- Neck and Back pain
- Sports injuries
- Labor pain
Is it Safe?
Yes, TENS is generally very safe. You may feel a tingling or buzzing sensation, but it should not be painful. However, it should not be used by people with pacemakers, epilepsy, or during early pregnancy (unless advised by a doctor).
Manage Your Pain Safely
Find physiotherapists who can include TENS in your comprehensive pain management plan.