Introduction

What is Pain? Pain warns our body of injury. This warning system is intended to prevent additional damage. The sensation of pain is important, because without it, vital parts of our bodies might be injured without our knowledge. However, long lasting, persistent pain, often called chronic pain, once diagnosed serves no apparent purpose. TENS is developed to help relieve certain types of chronic and acute pain.

How Does TENS work? TENS or Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation, refers to the transmission of small electrical pulses through the skin to the underlying peripheral nerves. The theory of TENS suggests two different modes of operation. Conventional (high frequency) TENS, is based on the theory that continuous mild electrical activity may block the pain signal traveling to the brain. If the pain signal does not get through to the brain, the pain is not “felt”. The second way TENS is thought to work is by stimulating the body’s own natural pain-control mechanism. “Low frequency” or short bursts of electrical activity may cause the body to release its own pain- relieving substances, called endorphins. Ask your physician or therapist for more details. No matter what pain theory is used. TENS has been proven useful in pain management for many pain patients.