What does TENS stand for?

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a method of pain relief involving the use of a mild electrical current.

What does TENS do for your body?

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.

Does a TENS unit promote healing?

In addition to providing pain relief, TENS machines may facilitate healing through various means. By adjusting skin temperature and improving blood circulation, they can alleviate inflammation and aid in repairing damage to nerves, tendons, and tissues.

What are the three types of TENS?

What does TENS stand for in medical terms?

A procedure in which mild electric currents are applied to some areas of the skin. Also called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.

How Does TENS Work to Relieve Pain?

What are the disadvantages of TENS therapy?

TENS doesn't work for everybody. It can be uncomfortable but shouldn't be painful. You may experience skin irritation where the electrodes are stuck on. TENS can't be used in the bath or shower.

How long should you use a TENS unit?

You can safely use a TENS machine as often as you like. Usually for 30-60 minutes up to 4 times daily. TENS can provide relief for up to four hours.

Does TENS machine have side effects?

Are there any risks of side effects? For most people, TENS is a safe treatment with no side effects. Some people may be allergic to the pads and their skin may become red and irritated. Speak to your GP, physiotherapist or pharmacist if you have concerns.

What is the goal of a TENS unit?

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

The purpose is to influence the way our nervous system responds to pain and increase the production of endorphins to provide pain relief.

What are the basic rules for TENS?

The Rule of Tens says that the resolution of your measurement system should fit at least ten times into the process variation that you are measuring, as shown on the right.

Does TENS get rid of inflammation?

Research has shown that a TENS unit can also reduce chronic hyperalgesia induced by muscle inflammation. The units can help reduce swelling and increase circulation, which may also enhance tissue healing and inflammation control.

What kind of pain does a TENS unit help?

Some of the most common conditions for which TENS has been used include: Osteoarthritis (disease of the joints). Fibromyalgia (aching and pain in muscles, tendons, and joints all over the body, especially along the spine. Tendinitis (an inflammation or irritation of a tendon).

How long does TENS relieve pain?

How Long Does the Relief Last? By using a TENS unit, the user can manage pain for various periods. Mostly, the pain relief will last from anywhere between 5 minutes and 24 hours. Typically, the level of pain relief will vary depending on the type of pain and the intensity of that pain.

Who should not use TENS?

Pregnancy, epilepsy, and pacemaker are all contraindications for TENS.

How long does it take for TENS to work?

You may find that it can take up to 30 minutes to feel benefit / effects from TENS machine. There is no set length of time that TENS may be worn for, some literature suggests using the TENS for 1-1½ hrs at a time, 4 times per day, however you may find that you are wearing TENS for much of the day.

How high should I set my TENS unit?

How high should you set a TENS unit? Different intensities work for different types of pain. For acute pain, the TENS unit should be set between 80 Hz and 120 Hz. For chronic pain, the settings can be lower — around 2 Hz to 10 Hz.

Does a TENS unit break up knots?

Relieve knots – A TENS machine can help relax your overworked muscles, particularly those that developed into knots. Muscle knots or tightness can be painful and sometimes debilitating. TENS can loosen these knots by relieving pain, reducing the tightness and improving range of motion.

How much does a TENS unit cost?

These at-home units usually cost between $30 and $100 and can provide safe, controlled electrical stimulation.

Does TENS work for arthritis?

How well it works: TENS helps acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) pain. TENS has been shown to relieve osteoarthritis (OA) pain and reduce the need for pain medications. A 2015 Cochrane Review concluded, “[there is] tentative evidence that TENS reduces pain intensity over and above that seen with placebo.

Can I overuse my TENS machine?

TENS is safe, so you can use it as much as you like, although it's good practice to take regular 10-minute breaks every hour or so. Some people use TENS for more than five hours a day.

Is TENS machine good for sciatica?

The answer is yes. TENS can relieve sciatica pain—even the radiating, and sometimes debilitating shooting pains that patients often experience. It's a safe, non-addictive painkiller alternative that might help you reduce discomfort and gain some mobility from sciatica.

Where do you put TENS pads for anxiety?

The objective is to place the pads either side of any spot where your muscles are tense. The signal passes from one electrode to the other, therefore passing through the site of tension. If it is a general, all-over, calmer feeling you are seeking, then we recommend placing pads on the wrists or ankles.

Why can't I feel my TENS unit?

This can be caused by a number of things: The electrodes may not be adhered to the body adequately. Press firmly on the electrodes to ensure good contact with the skin. You may also like to try new electrodes.

Should muscles twitch when using TENS?

Simply choose a level of intensity where you can feel the stimulation but ensure it is below a level of discomfort. See the table below for examples. Muscles should not twitch or spasm. So long as you avoid muscle twitching, you cannot overdose.

Can too much TENS be bad?

TENS is generally regarded as safe. But it has risks just like any other medical procedure. For example, if the electrical current is too high or the electrodes are placed on the wrong part of the body, it can burn or irritate the skin. The "danger zones" include the brain, heart, eyes, genitals, and throat.