What Is TENS Therapy? Benefits, Uses & How It Works

TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, is a method of pain relief that utilizes a mild electrical current. Commonly used to treat chronic conditions like lower back pain, fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis, as well as more acute conditions, TENS therapy helps patients manage mild to severe discomfort more effectively.

In addition to pain management, TENS therapy is also utilized to reduce muscle spasms—such as those caused by sports injuries—and to assist women in coping with labor during childbirth. I have seen its effectiveness in osteopathic practice, where it significantly reduces discomfort and enhances the quality of life for patients with persistent pain.

Due to its versatility, TENS therapy is widely used across the healthcare industry. From physiotherapy to geriatrics, maternity to oncology, TENS therapy helps reduce pain levels for a broad range of patients.

So, what exactly is TENS therapy, and could it benefit you? Keep reading to find out.

What Is the Purpose of TENS Therapy?

The purpose of TENS therapy is to relieve acute and chronic pain and to ease the discomfort of muscle spasms. When the TENS unit is attached and switched on, it sends small electrical impulses to the affected areas of the body. Patients generally feel these impulses as a mild tingling sensation.

Benefits of TENS Therapy

TENS therapy offers numerous benefits, making it a valuable tool in pain management and overall health:

• Non-invasive Pain Relief: TENS therapy provides an effective, non-invasive alternative to pain medications. It can be used at home, making it convenient for ongoing pain management.
• Versatility: TENS therapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, from chronic issues like osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia to acute injuries such as sprains and sports-related muscle strains.
• Labour Pain Management: It is particularly beneficial for pregnant women, offering a natural pain relief option during labor, allowing them to manage contractions without medication.
• Post-Surgical Recovery: TENS therapy can aid in reducing post-operative pain and speeding up recovery by promoting circulation and reducing muscle stiffness.
• Reduced Dependency on Medication: For patients seeking to decrease their reliance on painkillers, TENS therapy can offer a viable alternative, helping to manage pain without the side effects associated with long-term medication use.
• Enhanced Physical Therapy Outcomes: TENS therapy can be an adjunct in physical rehabilitation, helping to relieve pain and improve mobility, which can expedite recovery times.
• Improved Quality of Life: By effectively managing pain, TENS therapy can enhance overall well-being, allowing individuals to engage more fully in daily activities without the hindrance of chronic pain.

How Does TENS Therapy Work?

A TENS machine is a battery-operated device that delivers electrical impulses to the skin via electrodes. These electrodes are positioned at or near the nerves where the pain is located.

There are two main theories about how TENS treatment relieves pain. One is that the electrical stimulation causes the nerves to block the transmission of pain signals. This essentially modifies the patient’s perception of pain, making it easier to cope with.

The other theory is that the electrical pulses delivered by the TENS device help to raise the level of endorphins in the body. These hormones are the body’s natural painkillers. The more endorphins there are in the patient’s system, the easier it will be for them to cope with chronic and acute pain.

What Are the Disadvantages of TENS Therapy?

While TENS therapy offers many benefits, it’s important to be aware of some potential disadvantages:

• Discomfort: Some patients may feel mild discomfort in the form of a tingling or prickling sensation during electrotherapy. In my experience, this can usually be managed by adjusting the settings on the device.
• Skin Irritation: Some individuals may experience skin irritation or redness from the electrode pads, particularly if they have sensitive skin. Switching to hypoallergenic pads often alleviates this issue.
• Tolerance Development: Over time, some patients may develop a tolerance to the low-voltage electrical impulses, which can reduce the effectiveness of pain relief. This makes TENS therapy more suitable for short-term use or as part of a broader pain management strategy.

What Kind of Pain Does a TENS Unit Help?

TENS therapy is used to treat both musculoskeletal pain and a number of painful conditions including:  

• Osteoarthritis
• Neck pain
• Fibromyalgia 
• Tendinitis 
• Bursitis 
• Labour pain
• Period pain
• Sports pain
• Low back pain
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Spinal cord pain
• Diabetes-related neuropathy 
• Peripheral artery disease 
• Neuropathic pain

However, it’s important to note that TENS therapy may not be suitable for everyone. For instance, if you have a pacemaker, another type of electrical or metal implant in your body, or suffer from epilepsy or an overactive bladder, TENS therapy may not be appropriate. It’s also not recommended during early pregnancy, so avoid the treatment if you suspect you might be pregnant.

When used for cancer-related pain, it is crucial to avoid placing TENS electrodes over areas with known or suspected tumors.

Does a TENS Unit Promote Healing?

As well as easing various types of pain, TENS therapy can help to promote healing. Some studies suggest that the high-frequency electrical pulses used in TENS therapy can help to stimulate blood flow and therefore promote the healing of various types of wounds.

TENS therapy can also help to reduce stiffness and stabilise weakened joints. This can help people undergoing physical therapy to improve faster and regain a wider range of movement.

What Is the Difference Between TENS and EMS?

The main difference between TENS and EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) is that, while TENS is used exclusively to relieve pain, EMS machines stimulate the muscles in order to strengthen and rehabilitate them. EMS therapy also promotes the release of endorphins and so can be used by a physiotherapist to help patients cope with pain – such as chronic low-back pain – as well as muscle issues.

How Often Should a TENS Unit be Used?

Patients can use a TENS unit for 30-60 minutes up to four times per day. However, as mentioned earlier, prolonged use may lead to diminishing results. If you're unsure about the duration or frequency of use, consulting with a healthcare professional is advised.

What Is the Best Time to Use a TENS Unit?

Studies have shown that TENS therapy machines provide the most benefit if used when patients are active. If electrodes are placed on the painful area when the patient is resting, sitting or lying down, they’re likely to see less significant results. Again, a doctor or physical therapist will be able to advise you on optimum electrode placement and the best times to use your TENS therapy machine.

An innovative and effective way of easing chronic pain and muscle contractions, TENS works to heal wounds and promote the release of endorphins. To find out more, and to learn about our range of TENS machines and accessories, explore our collection or get in touch with a member of our team.

 

Author: Steven John Cumper, B.App.SC. (Osteo.), M.Ost., is a businessman with a strong foundation in biomedical science and osteopathic medicine, who founded and led Medshop to international success, culminating in its acquisition by the Bunzl Group in September 2021, where he continues to serve as Managing Director (Medshop Group).