TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is one of the most commonly used forms of electroanalgesia, which leads to stimulation of an A nerve fiber.
Stimulation of A fibers lead to the inhibition of C fibers responsible for pain transmission to higher levels of the nervous system. The most efficient way to stimulate a nerve fiber are with electrical stimulation frequencies of 75-125 Hz and a pulse duration of 0.8 ms.
The TENS unit consists of two-channel devices with a supply voltage of 0-9 V and an electricity strength of 0-75 mA. Electricity is applied through the electrodes. The use of gel or cream on the electrodes will increase the conductivity of the skin. The active electrode is placed on the painful area and the other is placed on the opposite side.
The time needed for pain relief is different and ranges from 10-30 minutes, therefore it is best for the treatment to be 20-30 minutes. The procedure can be repeated several times a day.
INDICATIONS FOR THE USE OF TENS:
- acute and chronic pain caused by various pathological processes
- rheumatic diseases
- trauma
- orthopedic diseases
- surgery
- neurology
- gynecological and oncological diseases
- sports injuries
TENS SHOULD BE AVOIDED BY:
- patients with pacemakers or cardiac function dekompensation (implantable cardioverter-defibrillators)
