TENS ( Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation )

 

What is it?

It is a form of electrical stimulation with surface electrodes to modulate pain perception.

Why do physical therapist use it?

• To reduce pain perception
• To reduce spasticity
• To reduce nausea and vomiting (cancer patients or post-op)

What stages of healing can we use TENS?

• acute stage
• sub-acute
• chronic

What conditions would benefit from TENS?

• Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Cervical spondylosis
• Low back pain Fibrositis/Myofascial pain syndromes
• Tendinitis/Bursitis
• Carpal Tunnel syndrome Radiculopathy
• Peripheral nerve injuries Phantom limb pain
• Post operative pain
• Spinal cord disorders
• Pain in the terminally ill Labour pain

How does TENS reduce pain perception?

There are 4 theories about the physiological effects of TENS:

• Gate control theory
• Opiate-mediated control theory
• Local vasodilatation of blood vessels in ischemic tissues
• Stimulation of acupuncture points causes a sensory analgesia effect

References:

• J Reeve, D Menon, P Corabian. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): atechnology assessment. International Journal of Technology Assessment 1996 12:2: 299-324.
• D Carroll, M Tramèr, H McQuay, B Nye, A Moore. Randomization is important in studies with pain outcomes: systematic review of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in acute postoperative pain. British Journal of Anaesthesia 1996 77: 798-803.
• D Carroll, M Tramèr, H McQuay, B Nye, A Moore. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in labour pain: a systematic review. British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology 1997 104: 169-175.

 

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