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 most commonly used resources in physiotherapy for the treatment of pain related to arthritis, tendinitis, rheumatism or dislocation, for example.
- TENS is a technique in which electrical impulses are applied to the skin by specific devices.
- Which activate the internal control mechanisms of the nervous system.
- Exerting an analgesic action.
- Is a non-invasive.
- Non-addictive method.
- Without health risks and.
- In most cases.
- Without side effects.
Its physiological mechanism of analgesia depends on the modulation of the current applied to the affected region, i. e. if low-frequency, high-intensity electrical impulses are applied, the brain or bone marrow releases endorphins, which are substances with morphine-like effects. , which leads to pain relief. If electrical impulses are applied with high frequency and low intensity, analgesia occurs due to a 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 performed in a practice by a physical therapist or at home.
The TENS technique can be used in certain types of pain, such as arthritis-related pain, lower back pain, neuralgia, neck pain, tendinitis, cervical neuralgia, sciatica, neck pain, tendinitis, rheumatism, bone pain, back pain, sprains. , dislocations, epicondylite, postoperative pains, among others.
The effects of TENS physiotherapy are analgesia, muscle stimulation, vasodilation, reduced swelling and stimulation of the healing of soft tissue lesions.
This method should not be used by pregnant or lactating women, people using pacemakers or people with heart or skin diseases at the site of application.