CriterionMed

TENS

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a trusted, clinically-proven, noninvasive therapy used for the management of, and relief from, chronic (long-term) intractable pain and post-surgical and post-trauma acute pain.

Benefits of TENS

It is an effective and safe alternative to prescription, pain control medication with NO known side-effects or risk of overdose.
TENS decreases pain and helps the patient remain functional and productive.
It is easy to administer, typically reimbursed, and cost effective - by often reducing the need for PT or OT services.
TENS allows for patient control over pain management.

Mechanism of actions for TENS

The primary aim of TENS is to provide symptomatic pain relief by exciting sensory nerves and thereby stimulating either the Pain Gate Mechanism and/or the Endogenous Opioid system.

Pain management via the Pain Gate Mechanism involves excitation of the A beta sensory fibers, which reduces the transmission of the pain stimulus from the ‘c’ fiber through the spinal cord to other parts of the body.

Alternatively, pain management via the Endogenous Opioid system involves excitation of theA delta fibers which causes the release of an endogenous opiate (encephalin) in the spinal cord - hence reducing the activation of the pain sensory pathways.

Indications for TENS

Relief of chronic (long-term) intractable pain
Reduce Muscle Guarding
Relief of post-surgical acute pain
Relief of post-trauma acute pain

Contraindications for TENS

Can affect the operation of demand type cardiac pacemakers
Not recommended for patients with known heart disease without physical evaluation of risk
Do NOT Apply over the anterior aspect of the neck or carotid sinus
Do not apply TENS for undiagnosed pain syndromes until etiology is established

Precautions

Electrodes should not be placed over the eyes
Avoid active epiphyseal regions in children
Use of abdominal electrodes during labor may interfere with fetal monitoring equipment
Turn the stimulator off before applying or removing electrodes
Electrotherapy may cause skin irritation beneath the electrodes

TENS Treatment Protocols

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Electrode Placement

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Clinical References

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