Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, or TENS, is a type of therapy that uses low-voltage electrical currents. It uses a portable device called a TENS machine to deliver these currents to the body. There are several TENS machine benefits that a person can get, such as immediate pain relief, faster rehabilitation, and muscle relaxation. Moreover, TENS machines are safe, easy to use, and non-invasive. They can be used at home whenever necessary.
Pain is a disabling sensation that directly impacts the quality of life. It occurs for numerous reasons and in various situations. The common causes are sports injuries, accidents, or an underlying chronic condition. Therefore, pain management is vital to managing pain and restoring daily activities. Nowadays, a TENS machine is an indispensable tool for pain control. In this article, we will present about the top benefits of TENS and the conditions it can help relieve.
TENS Machine Benefits – Pain Alleviation
The primary goal of TENS therapy is to provide fast pain alleviation. A TENS machine helps boost the body’s natural defences against pain using painless electrical stimulation. It delivers mild electric currents through the skin and reaches the sensory nerves. This causes the pain gate controllers in the spinal cord to close and block pain signals travelling to the brain.
One of the TENS machine benefits for pain relief is triggering the release of endorphins. They are natural pain relievers with the same effects as morphine. As a result, it helps reduce the pain intensity without the aid of drugs. This is beneficial for individuals who want to avoid the potential side effects of medications.
Moreover, TENS machines can target specific areas of the body without being invasive. The electrode pads can be strategically placed over the affected area, allowing for precise pain relief. This helps avoid side effects, such as ulcers and indigestion, that are common with analgesics. This targeted approach makes TENS versatile and suitable for a wide range of conditions.
Types Of Chronic Pain That Can Be Managed
- Neuropathic pain: chronic conditions involving damage to the nerves. Examples are multiple sclerosis, nerve compressions or sciatica, diabetic neuropathy, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Arthritis pain: inflammation or swelling of the joints. It typically occurs as a person ages. TENS can help treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout pain.
- Muscle pain: autoimmune diseases that cause chronic pain conditions. This includes fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, and muscular dystrophy.
- Degenerative disc disease: problems or disorders with the structures of the spinal column. This may include herniated discs and sacroiliac joint dysfunction that causes chronic back pain.
- Chronic migraine: a neurological disorder characterised by recurring headaches.
TENS Machine Benefits – Rehabilitation
TENS machine benefits also include providing rapid recovery of tissue damage. Individuals with injuries may use a TENS machine to help boost blood circulation. The increased blood flow distributes more oxygen and nutrients needed by the body for faster healing. It is often used in physical therapy as part of the recovery program.
The enhanced circulation also helps reduce inflammation and sore muscles. This results in significant alleviation of discomfort and increased range of motion. Moreover, TENS aids in nerve regeneration following a trauma. It enables the nerves to regrow more rapidly than the average recovery time. Additionally, it soothes the aching muscles near an injury site.
Furthermore, TENS machines help individuals cope with post-operative pain. After surgery, the surrounding muscles are often swollen or in pain. Thus, a person may feel discomfort and have limited movements. A physician may recommend TENS to help manage the soreness while the body takes time to heal. Overall, it can be an efficient tool in the rehabilitation process to help individuals regain their mobility and manage pain.
Common Types Of Acute Pain That Can Be Treated
Acute pain is a condition that is sudden in onset and tends to be short-term. Common types of acute pain that a TENS machine can help with are injuries, postoperative pain, menstrual pain, and labour pain. TENS can help alleviate discomfort from strains or pulled muscles and tears to the ligaments.
TENS can also help ease pain and soreness after surgery. It is best to use the machine for 20 to 30 minutes within 48 hours after operation. Additionally, a TENS machine can help ease cramps or period pain. Using TENS at the beginning of labour can also help manage intense contractions.
TENS Machine Benefits – Massage
An advantage of TENS therapy is its versatility in pain management. The device can also serve as an electric massager to help relax tense muscles. A TENS machine produces tingling sensations that can be adjusted according to the level of pain. Some devices come with a preset mode to deliver a massage-like sensation.
The massage functions of TENS deliver low soothing pulses similar to the kneading or tapping sensations of hands-on massage. This method works by stimulating the trigger points in the body. In addition, the electric currents can reach deeper muscle fibres or nerves that may not be accessible with manual massage.
These benefits of TENS machines enable individuals to soothe tired or swollen muscles without going to a spa or massage therapist. People may use it after work or exercise to help reduce fatigue and soreness. Moreover, it does not have adverse side effects even when used frequently. A portable TENS unit allows users to move freely and comfortably during treatment.
Effects Of TENS Massage
Massage and muscle relaxation through electrical nerve stimulation have several therapeutic effects. Firstly, the impulses help reduce muscle spasms and cramps. It boosts circulation, which helps loosen knots and release muscle tension. Secondly, it reduces inflammation and stiffness, causing nerve and joint pain. As a result, it increases mobility.
Furthermore, long-term use of TENS massage can help lower high blood pressure in hypertensive patients. The release of endorphins and serotonin also promotes relaxation and improves sleep quality for people with insomnia. Finally, it helps push out the build-up of fluids. This helps prevent further swelling and inflammation.
Conclusion
A TENS machine is a small, battery-operated device that offers relief to various types of pain conditions. It sends mild electrical currents to the body to stimulate the nerve cells. The TENS machine benefits include a natural method of pain relief, faster rehabilitation, and muscle relaxation. It works by activating the pain gate mechanism and releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. It also helps boost circulation, which aids in the healing process of injuries.
The versatility of TENS can help individuals manage their pain without taking pain medications or undergoing surgery. The device has adjustable pulse patterns to suit the user’s comfort. Moreover, the massage mode offers relief from aches while promoting rehabilitation and relaxation. It can also be used as an adjunct treatment to primary care. Overall, individuals can experience a significant reduction of pain and restore normal activity levels. It is best to consult a health professional before using the device.
