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T.E.N.S
What is TENS?
TENS is "transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation". It works by using a high frequency electrical stimulation of the nerve which disrupts the pain signal so that the pain is no longer felt.
History of TENS?
Stone carvings from the Egyptian Fifth Dynasty in 2500 BC depict an electric fish being used to treat pain. Present day TENS began after the landmark paper by Melzack and Wall 1965, entitled "Pain Mechanism: A New Theory." An enormous amount of scientific research followed, resulting in the therapy used today.
How Does TENS work?
Pads are placed on or near the area of pain. Soothing pulses are sent via the pads through the skin and along the nerve fibers. The pulses (controller by the user at al times) suppress pain signals to the brain. TENS also encourages the body to produce higher levels of its own natural pain killing chemicals called Endorphins and Encephalins.
Contraindications & Precautions
Pain is the body's means of warning that something is wrong. Before using any TENS unit, you should establish the source and cause of your pain. TENS units must not be used by patients using a demand type pacemaker. Electrode pads should NOT be placed at the front or side of the neck. Units should NOT be used when driving or operating machinery. Pregnant women and patients who have heart disease or epilepsy should seek medical advice before using TENS. Never use a TENS or any other method of pain relief to mask undiagnosed pain as this could require urgent treatment.
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