

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is an electronic device that produces electrical impulses to stimulate nerves across unbroken skin. It is considered an effective method to relieve pain and inflammation.
The TENS unit is placed on the skin with the help of two or more electrodes. This unit is battery operated and comprises a pulse generator, small transformer, intensity and frequency controls and a number of electrodes.
The way the electrodes are placed on the skin determines how nerves are stimulated. The intensity and frequency of electrode signals to be administered depends on the intensity of the health problems and varies from patient to patient.
Continuing Education in Anaesthesia, Critical Care & Pain Advance Access (June 26,2009) published online, has stated that TENS is an inexpensive, self-administered treatment with no potential for overdose.
‘Clinical practice guidelines for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation’ published in 2006, was a report on the effective of TENS in stroke surviving patients.
TENS is particularly useful if you are suffering from pain or inflammation, nerve pain, osteoarthritis, back pain, pelvic pain, shoulder pain, sports injuries, menstrual pain, labor pain, aching joints and migraine.
Therapists make use of the small device known as TENS unit which produces electrical signals through the pads places on the skin to the affected nerves.
These signals or pulses that are controlled by the patients at all times put a stop to the pain signals that go the brain. TENS also helps the body to produce higher quantities of natural healing chemicals called endorphins and enkephalins.
TENS is recommended by many physiotherapy experts, sports professionals and coaches, pain management clinics, doctors and medical practitioners.
Does the TENS procedure cause any pain?
There is absolutely no pain; in fact many peole consider the whole process to be soothing and relaxing.
How safe is TENS?
TENS is one of the safest medical procedures. It is drug-free, non-addictive, and non-invasive and there are no side-effects involved. Also the TENS device is considered an FDA regulated for pain relief.
What is the difference between a TENS unit and a muscle stimulator?
TENS can help ease different types of chronic and acute pain. The muscle stimulator is used to ease muscle tension, joint stiffness and increase blood circulation. TENS can help in all of these areas with even more health benefits.
Can TENS help in administering medication?
Yes, this involves a process called lontophoresis. Here, the therapist applies topical steroid medicine through the skin with the help of a TENS unit to treat certain forms of acute pain. The mild current helps in transferring the medication to reach the soft tissue and remove the inflammation.
What does a TENS unit look like?
A normal TENS unit is smaller than the size of a cell phone. The device has a power module that works because of a 9 volt battery and are connected by wires to foam pads in the form of electrodes.

Though TENS is a safe procedure by itself; however people with certain conditions should not use it. People who have pacemakers in their hearts or spinal cord stimulators should not use TENS procedure unless approved by a physician. People with certain heart conditions, seizures and epilepsy should also avoid TENS.
Unless advised by a doctor, pregnant women should avoid TENS because the effect of the unit on the health of the fetus is not known. Also, it is not advisable to administer this treatment on children. The TENS procedure should not be applied on broken, damaged skin or sides of the mouth and eyes.

Pain control: Pain control and pain management are the best benefits that we can receive from TENS. Self-adhering pads called electrodes are placed on unbroken skin, on or near the area of pain. Electrical impulses are sent through the skin and along the nerves; these signals suppress signals of pain to the brain. As a result, the pain is controlled.
Fast relief: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation has proven to provide fast relief from pain for many people. Apart from controlling the pain, the TENS unit helps the body release natural pain killing and mood uplifting hormones like endorphins and encephalins which does the work of self healing. Thus the Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation acts as a wonderful catalyst for good health.
No side effects: Pain killers (analgesics) and medicines that we usually intake as a part of allopathic medicine, can have side effects. Such problems are not seen TENS. We are benefitted from a source that can completely heal our pain without resorting to invasive medicine and drugs that cost more.
Effective for a variety of health conditions: Problems like back pain, arthritis, bladder inconsistence, visceral pain and neurogenic pain can be controlled by TENS. There have been numerous case studies and research reports which have shown the effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation to get rid of pain among patients.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is a safe, natural and effective way of pain control and pain relief.