Electrotherapy TENS for Pain Management and EMS therapy for Rehabilitation

What is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Therapy?

TENS therapy is a non-invasive technique that uses electrical currents to stimulate muscles and nerves.

This method is applied through electrodes placed on the skin, generating electrical pulses.

TENS therapy is used to manage pain, aid muscle recovery, and promote general well-being.

How Does TENS Therapy Work?

TENS therapy uses devices to stimulate nerve endings and muscles, offering various therapeutic benefits:

• Nerve Endings Stimulation : TENS devices send small electrical pulses that affect nerve endings, reducing pain perception and enhancing the production of natural painkillers like endorphins.
• Muscle Contraction and Relaxation : The electrical pulses cause muscles to contract and relax, helping to relieve muscle tension and aid the recovery of injured muscles.
• Increased Circulation : TENS therapy enhances blood circulation in the treated area, promoting tissue healing and healthy regeneration by delivering nutrients and oxygen to damaged tissues.

Applications of TENS Therapy

TENS therapy can be used to address various medical conditions, such as:

• Chronic Pain : Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, or lower back pain.
• Neurological Conditions : Peripheral neuropathy relief from pain and tingling sensations.
• Disc Herniation : Pain relief from disc degeneration or herniation.
• Spondylolisthesis : Supports spinal recovery, helping to improve mobility and pain relief.
• Muscle Fatigue : Relaxation of tense muscles after intense exercise or overload.
• Injury Rehabilitation : Recovery after injuries or surgeries.
• Arthritis : Reduces inflammation and pain in affected areas.

How to Use TENS Therapy?

Using TENS therapy is generally easy, but selecting the right settings and proper electrode placement require attention for optimal results.

Functions

• Normal : Continuous pulses - Acute Pain
• Burst : Series of pulses with a pause in between - Chronic Pain
• Modulation : Alternating pulses - Acute or Chronic Pain

Pulse Rate: Frequency of electrical stimulation

• 2-5 Hz : Endorphin release (natural morphine of the body)
• 2-10 Hz : Chronic pain
• 35-50 Hz : Moderate pain
• 80-120 Hz : Acute pain
• 90-130 Hz : Most common - Gate Control Effect (blocks pain signals from reaching the brain, so you don’t feel pain)

Caution : High frequency may cause skin irritation.

Pulse Width: Duration of each pulse, greater width results in stronger stimulation.

• 70-150 µs : Acute Pain
• 120 µs : Chronic Pain
• 35-50 µs : Most common
• 260 µs : Blood circulation and muscle contraction

Caution : Lower width setting is better for pain relief.

Pulse Intensity: Higher level for more severe pain.

Safe Usage Tips

• First Time : 30 minutes! - Optimal time: 40 minutes.
• Acute Pain : 20-60 minutes, up to 4 times a day.
• Chronic Pain : 20-30 minutes, up to 5 times a week.
• Always start at the lowest intensity level and gradually increase until pain is relieved. It can be used as often as needed.

Electrode Placement - Best Practices

• Pads should be placed at least 2 cm apart, without touching each other.
• The closer the pads, the stronger the stimulation.
• Always wash and dry the target area before placement.
• Never place pads on bones or joints.

Types of Placement

• Crossed ("X") : Allows the current from each channel to cross where the pain is most felt.
• Parallel : Allows covering a wider area of pain.
• Different body areas : Allows simultaneous pain treatment in different locations.

Avoid Electrode Placement On

• Front of the neck
• Any part of the head
• Over the eyes
• Inside the mouth
• Irritated skin
• Joints (knee, elbow, ankle)