Physiotherapy is a branch of medicine that focuses on physical rehabilitation. Moreover, it aims to treat musculoskeletal conditions. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is an in-demand technique professionals utilise in physiotherapy practice to help manage aches and promote healing. TENS for physiotherapy is a natural method of pain relief. It uses mild electrical pulses to stimulate the nerves in the affected area. Subsequently, TENS blocks pain messages and boosts endorphin release to reduce discomfort.
The management of pain in adults can be challenging because it often involves a combination of medications and therapies. However, some individuals may not always find them effective. Thus, having alternatives is beneficial. They can visit physiotherapy clinics to receive TENS therapy. Additionally, they can buy a personal device from physical or online retailers. For more informed decisions, the article will present what TENS is, how it works, and the types of pain conditions it can help with.
What is TENS for Physiotherapy?
TENS is a popular and effective treatment option for managing pain. Also, it can improve function in patients with a variety of conditions. This pain reliever utilises a battery-operated device and adhesive electrode pads. People can buy the unit in a handheld or wireless form. The former requires wires, while the latter comes with Bluetooth connectivity.
The application of TENS in physiotherapy is relatively simple. In addition, people can do it in a hospital or at home. Physiotherapists or individuals place sets of electrodes on the skin over the pain area or along the path of the affected nerves. Then, they can choose from different settings or pre-set modes depending on the pain intensity.
Regular electrical nerve stimulation therapy sessions can provide a high level of pain relief and improve function. Hence, it is valuable in physiotherapy for patients looking to manage pain and enhance their overall well-being. Furthermore, they can apply TENS as an adjunct treatment with other physiotherapy techniques to maximise the benefits.
History of TENS Treatment in Physiotherapy
- TENS treatment was first introduced in the 1960s.
- Electrical nerve stimulation was developed as an alternative to more intrusive pain management methods, such as medication or surgery.
- Originally, TENS was primarily utilised in the field of anesthesiology. It relieves pain during surgeries.
- Physiotherapists started to adopt TENS as a non-pharmacological pain management tool.
- In the 1970s, professionals used TENS to aid acute and chronic pain conditions.
- The TENS machine became more widely available to patients for home use in the 1980s.
- Today, practitioners apply the TENS technique in physiotherapy to manage a wide range of medical conditions.
How TENS for Physiotherapy Works
Electrical nerve stimulation provides effective analgesia by activating the natural pain relief mechanisms of the body. Generally, TENS in physiotherapy uses mild electric currents through electrode pads to stimulate the sensory nerves for pain control. However, individuals can modify the settings to interrupt pain signals from reaching the brain. This method is based on the Gate Control Theory of Pain.
Moreover, TENS can trigger the production of endorphins. The release of natural painkillers can reduce pain perception and increase the threshold for pain. The reason is that endorphins are neurotransmitters that inhibit the transmission of pain messages in the nervous system. By modulating the electrical stimulation parameters, TENS helps disrupt pain patterns and promote a sense of relief for patients.
Healthcare providers and individuals can administer TENS for extended periods. As a result, it provides long-lasting relief without the potential side effects associated with medication. TENS devices are portable and easy to use, allowing patients to self-manage their pain at home. In addition, they have adjustable settings for personalisation.
Understanding Low and High Frequencies
Low-frequency TENS, typically from 1 to 9 Hz, can trigger pain-blocking endorphins. These natural painkillers bind to the same receptors in the brain as opioid medications. Users may not receive the pain-relieving effects from this setting immediately. Nevertheless, they can enjoy longer-lasting pain relief after continued use. Lower frequencies are suitable for chronic pain management.
On the other hand, high-frequency TENS operates at a frequency range of 50 to 120 Hz. This type of therapy primarily targets the sensory nerves. High frequencies provide immediate pain relief. However, the effects may diminish quicker than low-frequency TENS. High-frequency TENS is more suitable for acute pain conditions.
Types of Pain TENS for Physiotherapy Can Help With
Using TENS in physiotherapy can help with various medical conditions and pain types. One of these is chronic pain conditions. These can often last for extended periods and significantly impact the quality of life. Fortunately, regularly conducting TENS can improve daily functioning. Some examples of chronic pain are cancer pain, arthritis, and chronic low back pain.
The electrical nerve stimulation machine can also manage acute pain conditions. Typically, these result from a recent injury or surgery. These include labour pain, sports injuries, and post-operative pain. Moreover, TENS can alleviate musculoskeletal pain conditions. These affect several body parts, such as the muscles and joints. Hence, people experience shoulder pain, muscular aches, and joint pain.
Furthermore, TENS can effectively address neuropathic pain conditions. These result from damage or dysfunction of the nerves, which can be debilitating. Some causes are diabetic neuropathy, regional pain syndrome, and peripheral neuropathy. As always, consulting a qualified physiotherapist is essential for proper assessment and guidance on incorporating TENS into a treatment plan.
Is It Safe?
Generally, professionals consider TENS as a safe treatment. People do not have to worry about the adverse effects associated with pain medicines. However, they should be cautious and follow guidelines to prevent issues. For instance, they should not place electrode pads on broken skin because it can lead to skin irritation or burns.
In addition, individuals should avoid attaching the patches near the head or over the heart. Otherwise, TENS can interfere with vital functions in these areas. Also, they can prevent allergic reactions by buying hypoallergenic electrode pads. Furthermore, they must refrain from using the device while driving or operating heavy machinery.
Conclusion
TENS for physiotherapy has proven to be an effective and natural treatment option for various conditions. It uses low-voltage electrical currents to stimulate the nerves. Then, it can activate the pain-gating mechanism, which blocks pain signals going to the brain. People can apply high frequencies for this. Meanwhile, they can choose low frequencies to enhance the release of endorphins, natural painkillers produced by the body. The level of pain relief TENS provides depends on the individual and their specific condition.
Electrical nerve stimulation can relieve different pain types. These include cancer pain, sports injuries, chronic low back pain, diabetic neuropathy, and postoperative pain. A TENS pain reliever is generally safe, but individuals should recognise the potential for minimal side effects, such as skin irritation. They can mitigate these by following the guidelines of physiotherapists and other professionals. Regular treatment sessions can help improve the quality of life. In addition, TENS can reduce the need for medication or invasive procedures.
