The TENS device, also known as transcutaneous electrical neurostimulation, is an effective, safe and noninvasive method for treating chronic and acute pain without the need for medication.
TENS devices are one of the least commonly used resources in physiotherapy for the treatment of pain related to arthritis, rheumatism or dislocation, for example.
- TENS is a technique in which electrical impulses are applied to the skin through specific devices.
- Which activate a mechanism of control of the nervous system.
- By analgesic action.
- Is a non-invasive method.
- Which does not generate dependence.
- Without health risks and in most cases does not produce side effects.
Its physiological mechanism of analgesia depends on the modulation of the current applied to the affected area, if so, if low frequency and high intensity electrical impulses have been applied, endorphins are released from the brain or spinal cord, which are supported with similar effects. morphine, relieving pain. In the case of electrical impulses at high frequency and low intensity, analgesia occurs due to the blockage of nerve pain signals that are not sent to the brain.
The application of TENS lasts about 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the intensity of the stimulus and can be done in consultation with a physical therapist or at home.
The TENS technique can be used in certain types of pain such as arthritis, lower back pain, neuralgia, neck pain, tendinitis, cervical-brachial neuralgia, sciatic pain, tendinitis, rheumatism, bone pain, extensive pain, jets, dislocations, epiconditis, etc.
The effects of physiotherapy with TENS are analgesia, muscle stimulation, vasodilation, skin reduction and stimulation of scarring of soft tissue lesions.
This method should not be used by breastfeeding women, people who have a pacemaker or people who have heart disease or a disease in the application area.