The term TENS is the acronym of the English words "Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation" which in Italian mean "transcutaneous electrical stimulator of the nerves". It is a pain control device that is used by placing electrodes on the skin, through which rapid but low-intensity electrical pulsations are sent. It is believed that electricity blocks the nerve pathways used by the pain signal to reach the brain and at the same time induces the release of substances called "endorphins". If they are intense and slow enough, the pulsations cause involuntary muscle contractions followed by relaxation, while the more rapid ones can be felt as a rubbing or shuddering. The effectiveness of this treatment as a pain reliever is still being studied, but some people claim to have benefited from it. It is important to know where on your body you can safely apply electrodes and when to completely avoid such therapy (for example, if you have a pacemaker, defibrillator, or cardiac monitoring device).
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Place the Electrodes Safely
Step 1. Start with the minimum settings
Then gradually increase them to an effective level. Go to a physical therapist who can teach you how to modify the device; in this way, you reduce the chances of using too much or too low intensity. Learn about the places on the body that are commonly massaged to relax the body. The physiotherapist has the necessary experience, is able to suggest what is best for your health condition and what to avoid.
- To find pain relief, locate pain points by feeling them with your fingertips and apply electrodes all around.
- The best settings vary from person to person, based on the individual sensitivity level and pathology. The body can develop resistance to TENS units with only one current distribution scheme, some models have a random distribution.
Step 2. Place the electrodes at least 2-3 cm from each other
By doing this, you avoid an excessive release of electricity in a small area. Keep the device turned off while placing the patches; you can distribute them in many ways, depending on the one that best suits your situation:
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Around the painful area or above the acupressure points that the physical therapist showed you on a chart.
If your device has black and red electrodes, you should place the black ones away from the trunk, such as on the arms or legs, while the red ones should remain close to the torso. This way, you can prevent unpleasant electrical impulses from reaching the central nervous system; this arrangement also stimulates muscle contraction
- You can place them in a line, in an "X" shape or in squares, but they must always be at least 2-3 cm apart. To create an "X" arrangement, place one pair of electrodes (one positive and one negative) diagonally and the other pair on the perpendicular diagonal.
Step 3. Change the amount of electricity slowly, progressing gradually and carefully
Start with the device turned off and turn it on when the display indicates the minimum setting.
- Gradually increase the intensity of the electric current until you feel a pleasant tingling; if you feel pain, the level is too high.
- Remember that such a strong current is not necessarily more effective; if you overdo it, you don't get more pain relief.
- The body may get used to a certain level of electricity over time; if this happens, increase the intensity slightly and slowly.
Step 4. Remember which setting is right for you
Once you have identified the amount of current and the placement of the electrodes that benefit you, continue to use them.
- This does not mean that you must necessarily start each session at this level, as you may feel pain; start with a lower intensity and then gradually increase it to the one you prefer.
- You can use a TENS device for as long as you like. If you opt for prolonged use, for example while doing other activities, you can attach it to your belt with a clip or keep it in your pocket.
- The duration of each session depends on the pathology to be treated, its chronicity and the body's response; the physiotherapist provides you with all the information on this and can indicate the correct frequency of use.
- Be aware that if you undergo TENS too often, your body "gets used" to the electrical impulses and over time the beneficial effects diminish.
Step 5. Make sure the electrodes are coated with a sufficient amount of gel or water
Remember that the body not only responds to a certain group of device settings, but that the therapeutic experience can vary based on the amount of lubricant. A good dose of gel or water allows for better impulse conduction.
Part 2 of 3: What to Avoid
Step 1. Do not place the electrodes in dangerous areas of the body
You shouldn't apply electrical impulses near the heart or other particularly sensitive parts. Keep the patches away from:
- Temples;
- Mouth;
- Eyes and ears;
- Front or side of the neck, near the main arteries
- Spinal column (however, you can arrange the electrodes transversely, on the sides of the spine);
- Left chest, close to the heart
- Don't put one electrode on your chest and one on your back;
- Varicose veins;
- Damaged skin or new, healing scars
- Areas with poor tactile sensitivity.
Step 2. Avoid using TENS anywhere in your body if you have a medical condition that makes it dangerous
Some health conditions are not compatible with the procedure, which can even pose a serious danger.
- If you have a pacemaker or other electrical device implanted in your body, the electrical impulses from the TENS can interfere with the signal and prevent the meter from working.
- If you have epilepsy, you may be more sensitive to electrical current and you shouldn't use this type of painkiller.
- If you have any disorder that alters the rhythm or heart rate, the heart may be extremely sensitive to electricity and undergo changes in its functionality;
- If you are allergic to the material from which the electrode patches are made, you should choose hypoallergenic models;
- If you are pregnant or think you are pregnant, do not use a TENS device without being prescribed by your doctor. The risks of this therapy during pregnancy are not known, so do not undergo it without the approval of the gynecologist; some women find it helpful in managing the suffering of labor, but you need to ask the doctor if it is a safe solution for you and the baby;
- If in doubt, talk to your doctor.
Step 3. Don't use TENS while doing certain activities
In some cases, it could be more risky.
- If you are in the bath, shower or pool, remember that water changes the way and the areas where electricity is conducted;
- Do not undergo TENS while you sleep;
- If you are driving a motor vehicle, the sensation triggered by the electrical impulses may distract you;
- If you are using a machine, do not apply the device to avoid sudden interactions;
- The electrical pulses from a TENS device shouldn't cause problems for airlines, but you should always ask for permission before using it on a flight.
Part 3 of 3: Having Realistic Expectations
Step 1. Reduce possible disappointment by knowing what to expect
This kind of therapy does not usually have an immediate effect, so you need to be patient.
- Some people claim it takes 40 minutes for the pain to subside.
- Most patients find benefit only during therapy; once the device is turned off, the pain returns.
- If the therapy is ineffective, it is essential to make an appointment with the physiotherapist to learn how to change the settings; in this way, you can find the most useful ones for your health condition.
Step 2. Know which issues TENS is most effective for
This therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals who suffer from muscle spasms or pains in certain parts of the body or due to certain problems:
- Back;
- Knees
- Neck;
- Menstrual cramps
- Sports injuries;
- Arthritis.
Step 3. Maximize the benefits by combining other pain management techniques
Although people who cannot take pain relievers find this device very useful, they are more likely to find a little more relief if TENS is used in conjunction with other pain relief methods. Eg:
- Both prescription and over-the-counter medications;
- Exercise: Ask your doctor what type of physical activity is right for your health condition;
- Relaxation Techniques: Depending on the cause of suffering, you can use TENS during meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or calming image viewing sessions.
Warnings
- When using a TENS device, always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- If you are not sure if this therapy is safe for you, ask your doctor for confirmation.
- As already indicated above, Not apply electrodes to the head, eyes, ears, tongue, jugular veins and arteries; Not place them in line along the spine e not even along the blood vessels.
- Do not use a TENS device if you have an implanted pacemaker, heart monitoring device, or defibrillator.
