TENS refers to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. It is a portable battery operated device which emits an electrical current via electrodes to the skin.
Therapeutic Effects:
- Decreases pain by stimulating the nerve endings which in turn inhibit pain receptors.
- Increases blood flow as the stimulation of nerves causes vasodilation, and thus accelerates tissue healing.
- Increases the strength of a muscle as TENS can stimulate a muscle contraction, especially in the case of muscle inhibition from pain, injury or post surgery.
- Decreases swelling/oedema- the stimulation of a muscle contraction increases muscle metabolism and blood flow, which stimulates a muscle pumping action. This muscle pumping action helps decrease swelling/oedema