November 08 2022 – Jack Riess
Therapists, physical therapists, and medical professionals are often asked to recommend home pain relief methods for their patients who suffer from acute or chronic pain. While natural methods like stretching, heat therapy, and massage can go a long way toward improving one’s pain threshold, there are times when the need for something more invasive arises.
In those instances, a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device is your answer. It provides fast-acting relief with no side effects. TENS is an effective therapy that helps manage pain in several areas of the body. It uses mild electric impulses to stimulate nerves, which in turn stimulates endorphins, which are chemicals (specialized hormones, to be more specific) that block pain signals from being shuttled to the brain.
Read on to learn about everything you need to know about TENS therapy and its benefits for reducing or eliminating knee, hip, shoulder, and foot pain, as well as other benefits you may not have known about before reading this article.
What Is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Therapy?
TENS therapy is an alternative treatment that employs low-voltage electrical current to alleviate pain, inflammation, and other conditions. A TENS unit is a battery-operated device that transmits electrical impulses to the skin's surface via electrodes. Electrodes are positioned on or near the painful nerves or trigger points.
TENS therapy is frequently used to alleviate arthritis, back pain, muscle aches, and other types of pain. It can also be used to treat anxiety and depression, among other conditions. Chronic pain patients can benefit from TENS therapy's ability to reduce pain intensity and enhance their quality of life.
10-Minute Daily Pain Relief Protocol With TENS Therapy
You may need to reduce the intensity of the electrical impulses by adjusting the dial on the device. Make sure that the sensation isn’t too overwhelming or too mild for you. It is best to do the exercises for about 10 minutes. This allows enough time for the muscles to relax with the electrostimulation and for the endorphins to kick in.
However, it’s often less effective when you are resting, sitting, or lying down. Once you start, do all the exercises in one session. If it is not possible, break it up into two sessions.
How Does Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (Tens) Work?
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a low-level electrical stimulation therapy commonly used to alleviate muscle pain, chronic tension, and nerve pain. TENS sends low-level electrical impulses through the skin, causing muscle relaxation and tension release. It is frequently utilized to treat fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, back pain, neck pain, and headaches.
TENS works by stimulating the nerves in the targeted area. When these nerve cells (neurons) are fully activated, they give off endorphins that decrease pain signals going to the brain. As a result, TENS has been shown to relieve pain in people who suffer from chronic tension and other types of musculoskeletal pain. However, it is best to use a TENS machine only on the advice of a doctor or other health professional. They are not suitable for all types of pain or all conditions.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) functions according to research theories. According to one theory, the electric current stimulates nerve cells that inhibit the transmission of pain signals, thereby altering your perception of pain. The alternative theory holds that nerve stimulation increases the level of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkilling chemicals. Endorphins then inhibit the generalized sensation of pain.
How Does Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Boost Blood Circulation?
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is an alternative therapy to help people with peripheral artery disease (PAD). A TENS unit sends small electrical pulses through a wire-like electrode that attaches to the skin. It’s believed that this stimulation helps to improve blood circulation around the body. The device generally consists of two parts: a power pack for the electrodes, and a controller for programming the pulses.
TENS is widely used in clinical settings as a way to relieve muscle pain, reduce swelling, and boost blood circulation in patients who not only have PAD, but other conditions too. Electrodes have been typically placed on the affected area of the body, although some devices have electrodes that can be worn on both wrists. The controller controls how long the pulses will be applied and how strong they will be.
How Does Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Work The Muscles Without Exercise?
TENS is a non-invasive treatment that delivers low-level electrical impulses to the muscles through small electrodes attached to the skin. The impulses fire up the nerves, which in turn signals the nervous system to relax and release endorphins, which have a calming effect on the body.
Because TENS is safe and painless, it is often used as a first-line treatment for people who are unable to exercise due to injury, illness, or age-related muscle loss. If you’re experiencing chronic lower back pain or other musculoskeletal challenges related to tight or weak muscles, TENS may help you regain flexibility and range of motion in the absence of further injury. TENS is also a great tool for getting rid of muscle pain and tension owing to a hard workout.
How Does Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Train The Brain To Block Pain?
TENS is a treatment that uses electrical stimulation to train the brain to be able to effectively block pain signals. TENS works by sending small low-voltage electrical pulses into the skin. These pulses can activate nerves that are responsible for processing pain signals, thereby inhibiting the transmission of pain signals to the brain. TENS has been shown to be effective in the treatment of chronic pain, including neuropathic pain (pain due to damage or injury to nerves). It is also used off-label in cases of post-surgical pain as well as for diagnostic purposes.
TENS has been found to be effective in truncating the duration of postoperative pain and reducing acute pain sensitivity and hyperalgesia (exaggerated response to noxious stimuli such as extreme heat or cold). It has also been shown to be useful in modulating chronic pain due to fibromyalgia, phantom limb syndrome, and others.
TENS For Shoulder Pain
A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) product can be an effective treatment for chronic shoulder pain. There are several points on the shoulder that are beneficial to stimulating with an electrotherapy device like a TENS machine.
The machine is handheld, portable, and can be attached beneath clothing. TENS therapy involves attaching electrodes to your skin. These electrodes deliver mild electrical impulses that stimulate your nerves in the shoulder regions. This can help manage chronic pain in your shoulders by increasing endorphins in your body.
TENS For Hip Pain
Foam rolling is one of the best self-massage techniques for hip pain relief. It is an effective way to stretch and relax your muscles and helps reduce pain and soreness. However, TENS therapy can also be used on your hips to ease pain and tension. To do this, place the electrodes on either side of your hips, about 2 inches away from the bone.
TENS For Knee Pain
The knee is one of the most commonly treated areas for TENS therapy. Knee pain can be caused by a wide array of issues, including arthritis, injury, obesity, and exercise. People who suffer from knee pain or are recovering from an injury can try TENS therapy to ease their discomfort. There are several types of electrodes that you can use to treat knee pain. If your knee pain is on the front of your leg, you can place electrodes on either side of your knee joint.
TENS For Foot Pain
If you are experiencing foot pain, TENS therapy can be a quick and easy way to manage your discomfort. The foot is often overlooked as a therapeutic treatment for pain, but it actually offers many benefits.
Surprisingly, TENS therapy is actually often used to help relieve foot pain. There are several electrode placements that can help target foot pain: If you are suffering from foot pain, you should try TENS therapy at home. This is a quick and easy way to manage your discomfort.
The Wrap-Up
There are several different types of pain. In fact, acute pain, chronic pain, and even neuropathic pain are just a few examples. These conditions can be extremely uncomfortable and challenging to manage.
Fortunately, there are many different treatment options available to help reduce your pain and increase your quality of life! TENS therapy sends gentle electrical impulses through small pads attached to the skin directly over the area where you have pain. This helps to occlude the sensation of painful stimuli going from your nerves to your brain. It also ramps up endorphin fabrication in the brain, which reduces your perception of pain when necessary in a healthy manner of course.
If you are interested in learning more about how our top-quality Z-Pro TENS unit works or want information on its effectiveness, place your order now and test it yourself. You’ll find out what the fuss is all about, as well as some of our favorite tips for getting relief from your chronic pain with a favorable TENS machine.
References
Morris HH 3rd, Lüders H. Electrodes. Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol Suppl. 1985;37:3-26.
MOORE JW. Electric current transients through the human body. J Appl Physiol. 1949;2(6):355-362.
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