TENS is a type of electrical stimulation that primarily seeks to give symptomatic pain relief by activating sensory nerves and hence either the pain gate mechanism or the opioid system. The various TENS application methods are related to these various physiological systems.
TENS Machine efficacy varies depending on the clinical pain being treated, but research suggests that when used properly, it delivers much more pain reduction than a placebo intervention. It is most frequently considered in the therapeutic context to relate to the use of electrical stimulation with the particular goal of delivering symptomatic pain alleviation.
Action Mechanism
The TENS unit’s stimulation seeks to excite (stimulate) the sensory nerves, therefore activating particular natural pain alleviation processes. Because two basic pain relief processes may be activated: the Pain Gate Method and the Endogenous Opioid Network. As opposed to pharmacological therapy, TENS is a non-invasive therapeutic procedure with low adverse effects.
The most frequent complaint is an allergy-type skin response, which is usually invariably caused by the electrode material, the conductive gel, or the tape used to hold the electrodes in place.
The majority of TENS applications now use self-adhesive, pre-gelled electrodes, which have various advantages such as reduced cross-infection risk, simplicity of administration, lower allergy incidence rates, and cheaper overall cost. Digital TENS machines are becoming more commonly available, and new capabilities are appearing, albeit there is currently no clinical proof for increased effectiveness. Several of these gadgets provide pre-programmed and/or automated therapy options.
Electrode Positioning Method
The targeted muscle or muscle group, either alone or in connection to other muscles, determines this
· Unilateral implantation results in inflammation of one limb or half of a muscle pair.
· Bilateral stimulation allows you to stimulate both limbs or both parts of a muscle pair.
· Unipolar: Just one of the two important leads and the electrode linked to it are placed over the target region impacted by the stimulation. This electrode is referred to as the treatment electrode.
· Quadripolar: Using two sets of electrodes, each coming from its channel. It is possible to think of it as the simultaneous use of two bipolar circuits. This approach might be employed with agonist and antagonist stimulation. It might also be utilized in a crisscross pattern or for a huge flat area like the back.
Contraindications
· People who do not understand or refuse to cooperate with the physiotherapist’s instructions
· It has been commonly said that applying electrodes to the trunk, belly, or pelvis during gestation is not advised. TENS for pain relief during labour is both safe and effective.
· It should not be used frequently on Pacemaker patients, however, it can be used safely under carefully regulated settings. It is proposed that routine TENS use for a patient with a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device be considered a contraindication.
· Individuals who are allergic to the electrodes, gel, or tape.
· Electrode implantation over skin diseases such as dermatitis and eczema.
· Application to the front of the neck or the carotid sinus.