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.

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 or migraines.

Therapists make use of the small device known as TENS unit which produces electrical signals through the pads placed on the skin to the affected nerves.

These signals or pulses are controlled by the patients at all times and stop the pain signals that go the brain. TENS also helps the body 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, non-invasive and there are no side-effects involved. In addition,  the TENS device is 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 is connected by wires to foam pads in the form of electrodes.

Coverage Options

pt Health therapy services are covered by most extended health insurance companies and in some cases Veterans Affairs and Medicare - such as OHIP (Ontario), Alberta Health Care and Medical Service Plan MSP (British Columbia). Not sure if you're covered? No problem. We can help you find out (and usually within the hour). Just call us toll free at 1-866-749-7461.

At pt Health we believe your health should come first. We take care of the paperwork so you can focus on getting better, plus we offer direct insurance billing, saving you time and up front costs.

Learn more about coverage options available at pt Health

Ready to feel your best? Schedule an appointment at any one of our convenient locations near you.

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.