Introduction
TENS Unit (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is a device that uses a low-voltage electrical current to stimulate nerve fibers and provide pain relief perception. It is a non-invasive device, a drug-free method of managing and handling pain perception that can be used for a variety of conditions such as arthritis, neuropathic pain, and chronic pain. TENS brand such as Omron has been found to be highly reliable and effective in pain management.
TENS units work by sending small electrical low-voltage current impulses through electrodes that are placed on the skin near the area of pain or underlying nerves. These low current impulses help to reduce the feeling of pain by stimulating the body’s natural pain-relieving or pain-encounter mechanisms, such as stimulating the release of endorphins which are pain-relieving hormones. TENS units are portable and can be used at home or you can carry it with you at any place.
The low voltage generating device TENS unit contains electrodes at the end connected to the device with a wire which is placed near or at the nerve where pain generates. There is an option to switch the current frequency according to the stimulation needed.
What are the Potential benefits of TENS Therapy?
TENS units (Transcutaneous electrical stimulation) is a non-invasive pain relieving method. which subsides pain in your joints, muscles, and any area it helps to release some pain encounter hormones which inhibit the pain sensations.
Some potential benefits of TENS therapy include the following:
Relief of chronic pain:
TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) has been found to be very effective and helpful in reducing chronic pain caused by certain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain. It is proved very helpful in pain relief. It’s usually done with a device known as a TENS unit that sends electrical impulses through wires to electrodes that are connected to the skin near the area of any localized pain. TENS is rarely or not harmful and generally considered to be a safe and well-tolerated treatment with minimal side effects.
Reduction of muscle spasms:
TENS is thought to work by blocking pain signals to the brain which later releases endorphins, a hormone that counters the pain sensations in the body and acts as a pain-relieving mechanism
Improved mobility:
Some studies show that TENS may improve mobility also by reducing pain and stiffness in the affected area or muscle, which can make it easier to move in a pain-free range. However, more research is still needed to confirm the effectiveness and efficiency of TENS for improving mobility and to determine the optimal dosage and duration or frequency required for the treatment.
It is commonly used to relieve pain associated with the back, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and more painful conditions in the localized area of the body. TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is considered safe and has minimal near to no side effects, but it should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional and a physiotherapist for the proper outputs and cautions.
Non-invasive:
TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) therapy is a non-invasive method of treating pain and does not require any drugs or surgery, which makes it a safe alternative for people who are allergic to painkillers or do not want to take pain medication or go for surgery.
Easy to use:
The TENS unit is a handy device that is properly fit to your hands, it comes in a variety of designs you can opt for. TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is mainly a device with which wires of electrodes are attached. You can adjust the frequency of low voltage current through a button. The electrodes are placed on the skin at the affected area and the current frequency is set accordingly for the treatment.
For proper use, you may need the assistance of a healthcare professional and a doctor because it can be more effective under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
For What conditions TENS therapy can be used?
TENS therapy is typically used for pain relief. The current and electrical impulses stimulate the pain relief mechanism of the body.
different conditions in which pain sensations could occur and could be treated by TENS therapy include:
Osteoarthritis: disease of the joints in which the inflammation and swelling of the joints occur.
Fibromyalgia: aching and pain sensations in muscles, tendons, and joints all over the body, especially in the spine.
Tendinitis: an inflammation or irritation of a tendon known as tendinitis.
Bursitis: is inflammation and painful condition of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints and protect them against trauma or any injury.
Labor pain:
Low back pain:
Diabetes-Related neuropathy: damage and degeneration of the nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body might cause pain and burning sensations in the feet.
Peripheral artery disease: hardening of the arteries that circulate blood from the heart to the body.
TENS Therapy can be used in Wrist Drop?
The answer to;” Can TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) be used in wrist drop is Yes.
TENS basically is a form of pain management that uses low-voltage electrical current to generate stimulation to the nerves and reduce pain. TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) can be used for a variety of conditions which also include wrist drops.
Wrist drop, that is also known as radial nerve palsy, is a condition in which the radial nerve, which is responsible for the hand fingers and wrist movement gets damaged and compressed due to any reason or causes. This can cause weakness or paralysis of the hand and fingers and the power or strength of gripping and holding objects gets compromised. TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) may be used to help reduce pain and improve muscle strength and function y stimulating the effect of the radial nerve to regenerate it in individuals with wrist drops condition or radial palsy.
Which conditions are contraindicated for TENS Therapy?
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy is generally considered fully safe, but there are certain conditions for which its use may not be appropriate or may need to be used with precautions. These may include:
Pregnancy: TENS therapy has not been well studied in pregnant women and should be used carefully with caution.
Epilepsy: TENS therapy can trigger seizures in people suffering from epilepsy, so it should be used with some caution or not used at all in epilepsy.
Heart conditions: TENS therapy may cause an increase in heart rate rhythms and blood pressure, so it should be used with caution or not used at all in people with heart diseases or any serious conditions.
Pacemaker or defibrillator: TENS therapy may interfere and cause interruption with the function of these devices, so it should not be used on the chest in people who have any of them.
Open wounds or skin irritation: TENS therapy should not be used over open wounds or irritated skin than can trigger delayed healing and may cause infection.
Numbness or decreased sensation: TENS therapy may not be effective and sufficient in people with numbness or decreased sensation conditions.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine proper guidelines and whether the TENS therapy is appropriate for your condition or not.
Tens device
What could be the side effects of TENS?
TENS Unit is considered safe and effective with little minimal side effects which are not alarming or too harmful to get treatment.
The most common side effects of using a TENS unit which most people complain about are skin irritation or redness at the site of the electrodes and occasionally muscle twitching can also occur. Some people may also experience a mild tingling or buzzing sensation at the electrode-placed site. In very rare cases, Sometimes TENS therapy may cause headaches, nausea, or muscle soreness. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects with the TENS use, it is important to stop using the TENS unit and consult with your healthcare provider for details and concern.
TENS vs Traditional treatments:
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) units are a non-invasive, drug-free method of pain management that can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other physical therapy and rehabilitation treatments.
Compared to traditional pain management methods such as medication, TENS units have several advantages. For example, TENS units do not have the potential for addiction or overdose, and they do not have the same side effects as many medications used for pain management, such as drowsiness or gastrointestinal upset. Additionally, TENS units can be used to target specific areas of pain, and the intensity of the electrical impulses can be adjusted to suit the individual’s needs.
One of the traditional pain management methods is physiotherapy, TENS units can be a great addition to physiotherapy sessions, as they can help to reduce pain and muscle spasms, and increase blood flow to the affected area. This can help to improve the range of motion, strength, and function.
Another traditional method is using medications to manage pain, TENS units can be used as an alternative to medication or as a complement to medication. For example, a person with chronic pain may be able to reduce their medication dosage or avoid taking medication altogether if they are able to manage their pain with the use of a TENS unit.
It’s important to note that TENS units are not suitable for everyone and should not be used for certain conditions or without the guidance and supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. It’s also important to note that TENS units are not a substitute for seeking medical attention when it is necessary.
TENS as a Standalone Treatment:
As a standalone treatment, TENS units can be used to provide pain relief for a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, osteoarthritis, and neuropathic pain. The electrical impulses generated by the TENS unit are thought to interact with the body’s own pain-relieving mechanisms, thereby reducing the perception of pain.
In conjunction with other physical therapy and rehabilitation treatments, TENS units can be used to enhance the effectiveness of these treatments. For example, TENS units can be used in conjunction with exercise and manual therapy to help manage chronic back pain, or in conjunction with physical therapy to help manage the pain and muscle weakness associated with conditions such as stroke or multiple sclerosis.
It’s important to note that TENS units should not be used for certain conditions, such as malignancy, deep vein thrombosis, and pregnancy. Also, TENS units should not be placed over the carotid sinus, over the eyes, or on the front of the neck.
Conclusion
A TENS unit, (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is a small, portable device that uses electrical current impulses to stimulate nerve fibers and provide pain relief. TENS therapy is a non-invasive and drug-free method of managing and reducing pain and can be used to treat a variety of conditions such as back pain, arthritis, osteoarthritis, wrist drop, and diabetic neuropathic pain.
In general, TENS therapy is a safe and effective option for those seeking an alternative or cheap method to traditional pain management. It is a drug-free and non-invasive method that can be used by people of all ages without any restrictions or difficulty. TENS units are also relatively cheap than multiple medical devices, making them accessible to a wide range of people. It is promising and may be the best method for pain management.
Furthermore, TENS should not be used on certain areas of the body which include the eyes or the brain and should be avoided by individuals with certain underlying medical conditions such as heart disease or an artificial pacemaker. It’s important to consult with a doctor or physical therapist before using a TENS unit, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition that could be contraindicated for TENS Therapy.