Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a therapy that uses low-voltage electrical current to provide relief from both chronic and acute pain. Some of the most common conditions for which TENS has been used include Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, Tendinitis, Low Back Pain, Bursitis, etc.
A TENS unit is a battery-powered device that delivers electrical impulses through electrodes directly attached to your skin. These electrodes are placed at or near the trigger points.
As mentioned, TENS is a non-invasive pain-relief method that can be used alone or in addition to pain-relieving medications. Because it’s portable and small, the unit can be used at home or away, anytime pain relief is needed.
TENS therapy has a few reported side effects. Patients with extremely sensitive skin have reported burns at the sites where the electrodes are placed. Some patients may be allergic to the adhesive used to affix the pad to the skin or may be sensitive to the tingling sensation generated by the TENS unit.
