How do you use transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation?

Start on a low setting and gradually increase it until the sensation feels strong but comfortable. If the tingling sensation starts to feel painful or uncomfortable, reduce it slightly. Switch the TENS machine off after you’ve finished using it and remove the electrodes from your skin.

What are the types of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation?

Table 1.

  • Conventional TENS (low-intensity, high-frequency)
  • Acupuncture-like TENS (high-intensity, low-frequency)
  • Intense TENS (high-intensity, high-frequency)

How does a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation relieve pain?

A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) sends electrical pulses through the skin to start your body’s own pain killers. The electrical pulses can release endorphins and other substances to stop pain signals in the brain. TENS can reduce pain.

What are the indications and contraindications of TENS?

The TENS unit is a small device, often battery-operated, which can sometimes even fit into a pocket. It utilizes electrodes placed on the skin and which connect to the unit via wires to address pain in a target region. Pregnancy, epilepsy, and pacemaker are all contraindications for TENS.

What is the purpose of using a TENS unit?

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy involves the use of low-voltage electric currents to treat pain. A small device delivers the current at or near nerves. TENS therapy blocks or changes your perception of pain.

What is the difference between TENS and E Stim?

The main difference Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machines stimulate the nerves exclusively for the purpose of relieving pain, whereas Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) machines are designed to stimulate the muscles for the purposes of strengthening and rehabilitating them.

What are the benefits of a TENS unit?

TENS is a noninvasive method for relieving pain. People who experience pain relief from TENS may be able to reduce their intake of pain medications, some of which can be addictive or cause adverse side effects. TENS units are also convenient because they are small, portable, and relatively discrete.

Does a TENS unit help with nerve pain?

Studies show that TENS can help relieve pain from diabetic nerve damage, most commonly in the hands and feet. Spinal cord injury pain. At least three studies on TENS and spinal cord injury pain have shown improvements in this kind of pain, which is hard to treat.

What are the contraindications for electrical stimulation?

You should avoid electrical stimulation if you have:

  • A change in tissue sensation.
  • Impaired mental status.
  • Presence of an implanted electrical device (the e-stim could interfere with pacemakers or implanted pain stimulators)6.
  • Malignant tissue.
  • Wounds that are too moist.