What is electrotherapy?
Initially, pain was viewed as an emotion rather than a sensation. It was said to be the opposite of pleasure. This theory dated back to the time of Aristotle. Our understanding of pain mechanisms and how pain is perceived has undergone significant changes. The role of using electricity as a method of pain control has been recognized for centuries. Ancient Greeks as depicted from Stone carvings, knew that electricity could be used to treat physical ailments, and that electrical impulses from electric eels in foot baths helped pain relief and enhanced blood circulation. In 47 AD, a physician Scribonius Largus accidentally came into contact with an electric torpedo fish (Black Torpedo Ray) and suddenly developed a cure for gout.
But it wasn’t until the mid 1960’s, and by the way of vast scientific progress, that led to a publication proposed by Dr. Ronald Melzack and Dr. Patrick Wall (1965) on the gate control theory of electro-medical therapy. As proposed, The Gate Control Theory of Pain theorizes that within the nervous system, a hypothetical gate is present which controls the activity of pain signals being sent from the nerve fibers found on the skin’s surface to those found in the higher brain centers of the central nervous system. Upon stimulation of these surface nerve fibers, "gates" could be "closed" to block pain stimuli traveling from the surface peripheral nerves fibers to the central nervous system, which in turn, causes a decrease in the perception of pain. This gate control theory promoted public awareness and interest in utilizing electrical stimulation or TENS for pain management and relief and revolutionized the way most practitioners viewed and treated chronic pain.
Today TENS (Transcutaneous Electric Neuro-Stimulator) is a highly effective treatment for pain. It is used worldwide and recommended by pain clinics, doctors, sports coaches, physiotherapy departments, and other medical practitioners. A TENS unit will ease pain, and should result in a decrease of prescribed analgesic medications. For many the relief is dramatic.
Comfortable, portable, convenient in–home treatments are a key component to a full recovery program.
Below are the steps you will follow through your treatment program.
Preparing for your treatment: This is your first step to a more enjoyable life. Simply place the pads on the treatment area according to your doctors instruction. Connect your device: Once you have positioned your pads, connect our device.
Choose your settings: As channel intensity is adjusted, you will feel a light tingling sensationon the skin. These feelings are normal. Each treatment program is personally customizes so your doctor will review the recommended settings for you at the time you are fitted for your unit.
TENS or Transuctaneous Electrical Neuro–Stimulator is a convenient, compact portable device that clips on a belt with attached electrodes that are applied to the skin’s surface in the area affected by pain. Generated by a 9-volt battery, this device sends a small electrical current through the skin to small superficial nerves. These impulses block the body’s original “pain signal” from traveling to the brain resulting in less pain perception. They also allow the body to produce its own natural pain remedy, a substance called endorphins.
TENS units provide a portable drug–free pain control that gives you relief from chronic pain, swelling and inflammation caused from debilitating conditions such as back pain, neck pain, and arthritis, and from acute pain associated with trauma, surgery, acute and illness.
TENS is a highly effective treatment for pain. It is used worldwide and recommended by sports coaches, physiotherapy departments, pain clinics, doctors and other medical practitioners. A TENS unit will ease pain, and should result in a decrease of drug intake! For many the relief is dramatic.
TENS is essentially risk–free. There are no ill–side effects associated with these devices when used according to the prescribing physician. Since it relieves pain without narcotics, the patient does not run the risk of becoming addicted to pain medications. Pregnant women, patients with cardiac health issues, and those with pacemakers MUST consult with their physicians before using these electrical devices.
Always use the TENS unit as directed by the physician. However the TENS units can be applied and administered at any time of the day to alleviate the discomfort of pain. Because there is no set treatment limit, some patients find comfort in as little as 30 minutes while others prefer to use the units for hours within the day.
No, only apply the TENS electrodes to unbroken skin.
Yes, as long as your skin does not develop a rash or become irritated. If irritation or discomfort is felt, discontinue use and consult your physician.
No. As with all electrical appliances, TENS should not be worn while bathing, swimming, or whenever the body stands the risk of coming in contact with water.
NO. Although TENS units are a safe and non–narcotic, non–invasive alternative to pain control, they do require a doctor's prescription. If a friend is having symptoms of pain (even if they experience the “same type” of pain as you experience) they STILL need to be under the direction of a health–care practitioner.
