TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, is a pain treatment that uses low voltage electric current to Distract pain signals in your body. TENS is typically done with a TENS unit. Nowadays there are many types of TENS Modalities are available, but the basic principle remains the same. TENS can be portable or with a clinic setup.
You attach the pads directly to your skin. When the machine is switched on, small electrical impulses are delivered to the affected area of your body, which you feel like a tingling sensation.The electrical impulses can reduce the pain signals going to the spinal cord and brain, which may help relieve pain and relax muscles. They may also stimulate the production of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers. There are two theories about how transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) works. One theory is that the electric current stimulates nerve cells that block the transmission of pain signals, modifying your perception of pain. The other theory is that nerve stimulation raises the level of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain-killing chemical. The endorphins then block the perception of pain. but in short, it is all about Pain gate Theory! :)
Types OF TENS
- High-Frequency TENS ( Conventional TENS)
- Low-Frequency TENS (Acupuncture TENS)
- Burst TENS
- Brief Intense TENS
- Modulated TENS
Where TENS is USED ?!
TENS may be able to help reduce pain and muscle spasms caused by a wide range of conditions including arthritis, period pain, pelvic pain caused by endometriosis, knee pain, neck pain, back pain, sports injuries and It's also sometimes used as a method of pain relief during labor. 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. A physiotherapist is Using TENS for a long time and it is showing both Physical and psychological effects. yet some evidence is showing that TENS is not effective in all conditions.
When to avoid TENS?
Although it is safe for most people, Physiotherapist Recommend that people who are contraindicated like Pregnant women, epileptic or people who are getting seizures infrequent, People with heart problems or related to Blood pressure( hypertension or hypotension)and People with a pacemaker or another type of electrical or metal implant. TENS should not be applied To infected tissues, wounds due to osteomyelitis, or if you have tuberculosis. TENS therapy may result in the spread of infections. and To areas of tissue that have been recently treated with radiation. So basically cancer is also contraindicative.
TENS should never be applied on Near or over eyes or mouth, front or side of neck, or on the head, Near reproductive organs or genitals. a patient who has to severe lack of sensation is also contraindicative.
I have seen people using Portable TENS while bathing and showering, which is very dangerous, so never use it while this. even people should be awake all the time, so if any changes to electrical pulse can be identified earlier to prevent any skin damage, so many times the patient gets asleep during so soothing experience of TENS, which is not good.
What is the Adaptation of TENS?
people who use a TENS unit daily at the same frequency and intensity can develop a tolerance or in simple language adaptation to the treatment. A person who develops tolerance will no longer feel the same level of pain relief that they did when they first used the unit.
To prevent this from occurring, people can alternate between Low Frequency and High-Frequency TENS within each treatment session. Alternatively, they can gradually increase the intensity or duration of TENS daily.
Where to place Electrodes of TENS?
Tender Point, the answer is tender Point or acupuncture points. majorly Physiotherapist working or practicing, are using tender points to place the electrodes. it is a totally different technique then IFT.
Comments
Post a Comment