TENS Units – Keeping “Current” with Pain Relief
What is a TENS unit?
TENS stands for transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation. These portable, battery operated units connect to the skin, using electrodes to send electric pulses across the skin’s surface. They are usually used for 15-20 minutes at a time.
Immediate Pain Reduction
In order to process pain, the brain receives impulses from pain carrying nerves. The TENS unit sends the brain impulses from non pain carrying nerves, thus interrupting and blocking signals from pain carrying nerves. This is why, when you injure your hand, for example, shaking it decreases the pain temporarily.
Long Lasting Pain Reduction
The electric impulse decreases pain long term by causing the body to produce its own naturally generated pain killers, called endorphins.
Fibromyalgia patients get results
In a study done on patients with fibromyalgia, TENS units were shown to reduce pain and fatigue.
What is a TENS unit used for?
lower back pain
neck pain
knee pain
shoulder pain
muscular pain
joint pain
nerve pain
and more ...
Contraindications
Pacemakers
Heart Arrhythmias
During pregnancy
Epilepsy or seizure disorder
Are TENS units covered by my insurance?
TENS units are covered by most insurances.