Many theorize that the mild electrical current stimulates the nerve cells that block the pain signals, stopping transmission to your brain and spinal cord. It’s not entirely clear how TENS therapy reduces pain. The unit sends a mild electrical current to the electrodes, which helps decrease pain sensations.
#Tinge unit physical therapy skin
During treatment, we attach special electrodes to your skin near the source of your pain and activate the TENS unit. TENS therapy is a noninvasive pain management tool. Sometimes, these pain signals misfire, sending pain messages with no real cause. There may be an underlying issue triggering the sensory nerves to send the pain message, such as arthritis or a herniated disc. With chronic pain, these pain signals are constant. Your body uses pain to let you know something is amiss so you can take immediate action. This is because sensory nerves in your toe quickly deliver the pain signal to your spinal cord and brain using a combination of electrical and chemical pathways. When you stub your toe, the pain you feel is instantaneous. Here, we discuss TENS therapy and how it can benefit your pain management program. At Orthopedic & Wellness in Frederick, Waldorf, and Germantown, Maryland, our pain management physicians use TENS therapy to complement other treatments such as physical therapy. Maybe you’ve heard of TENS therapy, but you’re not sure how it works or if it can help you.
Many noninvasive, nonaddictive therapies can provide pain relief for those suffering from acute or chronic pain, including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy. When it comes to pain management, your options aren’t limited to medications, injections, and surgery.