What Is TENS Therapy?

TENS Therapy (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation therapy) is a drug-free and non-invasive pain treatment method that uses electrical currents to stimulate nerves in order to relieve pain. TENS Therapy is a low-risk electrotherapy method for reducing pain and is a favorite therapy method among Physical Therapists and Chiropractic professionals.  

How Does TENS Therapy Stop Pain?

TENS therapy provides pain relief through two methods, pain gaiting and the release of endorphins.

Pain Gaiting

Electrodes send millions of impulses through the nerve endings into the spinal cord and brain, which effectively block the slower pain impulses from connecting. Pain signals have much smaller nerve diameters when compared to the pleasant impulses which cause them to be overridden by the size and capacity of the signals provided by TENS. This is similar to the body natural instinct to stop the pain. When you hit your elbow, you instinctively start rubbing the injured spot. This massage stimulates the nerves and creates pleasurable signals to overwhelm the pain.

The Release of Endorphins

Pain is also relieved by the release of hormones such as endorphins, which the body releases in response to an injury or stress. They are composed of a similar chemical structure to Morphine or other pain killing medications but are completely natural. A TENS unit creates a pulsing rhythm that causes the muscles to “twitch” which allows the release of the endorphin hormone. For example, exercise also releases endorphins, which is why some people experience a “runners high." This feeling of pleasure is similar to the feelings produced by a TENS unit, which combat pain signals.

How Does TENS Treatment Work?

1. TENS unit pads (called electrodes) are placed on the skin near the area that is causing pain.  
2. The TENS device sends electrical impulses of varying intensity, pulse rates, and frequency to treat either chronic or acute pain. 

Can TENS Therapy be Used as an Alternative to Pain Medication?

TENS Therapy is an effective pain management treatment method, especially for those who don’t wish to take pain relieving and/or potentially addictive pain-controlling drugs. It's great for use as daily living and at home therapy method and can even be used in public because of its subtleness, mobility, and light-weight. Our own TENS 7000 2nd edition comes with a carrying case for added mobility.

What Type of Injuries and Conditions does TENS Therapy Help with?

TENS therapy can be used to treat many types of pain, including acute or chronic pain. TENS device therapy can relieve muscle soreness or assist in pain related to child labor.  TENS therapy is a great therapy method to assist with lower and upper back pain or can assist in relieving pain related to an injury. 

Here is a list of common injuries and ailments that TENS therapy helps with:

Please note that you should check with your doctor or physical therapist before using a TENS unit to help with any injury or condition.

Is TENS Therapy Right for You?

Many swear by TENS units since they offer features such as ease of use, customized pain treatment, and ability to target specific pain points. They've been proven to help relieve pain in many forms, both acute and chronic pain.

To help decide if TENS therapy is right for you, read some consumer reviews