Let’s take a look at TENS machines (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation).
In TENS therapy, a small, device delivers low-voltage electrical current through the skin via electrodes placed near the source of pain. The electricity from the electrodes stimulates nerves in the affected area and “scrambles” normal pain perception, and often feels “a bit tingly”. This can not only reduce the level of pain felt; but also relax muscle tension, and release endorphins within the spinal cord.
Traditionally used for the relief of chronic pain, there is an increasing body of evidence that TENS is also effective for acute pain; though in general the evidence for TENS is still fairly inconclusive. Given the relative lack of side-effects though, it is often considered “worth a try” to see if it works for the individual, especially in this age of “opioid crisis”.
Please note – TENS passes an electrical current through the skin; please do not use it over damaged skin; or if you have a pacemaker in place; we also recommend against using it over cells that are rapidly dividing, such as testicles, eyes or foetuses.
NB: TENS therapy is only effective when the machine is switched on; at Back In Action we have a rental machine for you to try for a week before investing £40-£60 in a machine of your own (easily available from Amazon).
#TENS #AcutePain #ChronicPain #Tewkesbury
You can find out more here:
www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/treatments-therapies/electrotherapy/tens
www.electrotherapy.org/modality/transcutaneous-electrical-nerve-stimulation-tens