TENS
All content is checked by medical journalists.TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and describes a gentle variant of electrotherapy. It is also known as electrical stimulation therapy. TENS can be used either by the physiotherapist or by the patient himself for pain, muscle and wound treatment. Read everything about the TENS process and how it is used.
TENS therapy for pain relief
The principle of pain therapy through TENS treatment is based on the influence of electrical impulses on the pain-conducting nerve fibers. The stimulation current generated by a stimulation device blocks the conduction of excitation in the nerve fibers so that they cannot pass the pain on. A therapy session lasts about 15 to 30 minutes.
According to experts, TENS is suitable as an accompanying therapy to relieve symptoms immediately and for a short time. For hip and knee osteoarthritis, TENS is recommended as a complementary treatment option to relieve pain.
In certain cases or body regions, TENS should not be used:
- People with a pacemaker, implanted defibrillator (ICD) or other implanted electrical device (the stimulation current could affect the function of the devices)
- Thrombosis in arteries or veins (blood clots may come off)
- In the area of the front of the neck, the sinus nerve, heart or chest (heart function and rhythm could be affected)
- In the abdominal region of pregnant women
- On wounds, ulcers or inflamed skin
- If you have a fever and / or infection
TENS therapy for muscle treatment
Stimulation current therapy has the following goals for muscular disorders:
- Restoration of the sensation when the muscles are tensed
- Increase in muscle strength
- Promotion of the muscle to combat muscle breakdown (atrophy)
Depending on which types of muscle fibers are to be stimulated, the physiotherapist sets different frequencies for the stimulation current impulses. In this way, the muscle fibers are tensed up to twenty times per session. If the muscles get tired, the physiotherapist breaks off the session. For a good treatment result, TENS should be carried out daily, but at least three times a week.
TENS therapy for wound treatment
Open pressure points caused by diabetes or surgical wounds can be treated with electrical stimulation to accelerate the healing process. However, the electrodes must not be attached directly to the wound. When the stimulation current is switched on, the patient should feel a slightly stinging, tingling sensation.
TENS for self-treatment
The TENS devices are battery operated and can be worn directly on the body. As soon as the therapist has instructed you in the TENS treatment, you can also use it at home. He shows you exactly where to stick the electrodes or marks the places with a waterproof pen.
If necessary, shave the area and clean the skin with mild, unscented soap before applying the electrodes. After each treatment, you should examine the areas of skin to which you have attached the electrodes for irritation.
After the treatment, cream the adhesive areas with a skin care lotion to protect them from drying out. If you have not noticed a clear effect of the TENS after one to two weeks, it is advisable to take a stimulus break of ten to 15 days. If necessary, a change to another electrotherapeutic variant, for example ultrasound therapy or high-frequency therapy, makes sense.
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