As humans, we experience pain for many different reasons, from acute (such as an injury or period pain) to chronic (such as arthritis or fibromyalgia). Many patients ask us about TENS machines and whether they might help treat their condition. Let’s explore how these machines work, when they can be used, and whether they actually work.
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What is a TENS Machine?
A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machine is designed to deliver small electrical impulses, which it achieves via electrodes attached to the skin using adhesive pads. These impulses flood the nervous system, reducing its ability to transmit pain signals to the brain. They’re also believed to stimulate the body’s production of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers.
TENS machines are non-invasive, portable, and relatively discreet – it can be carried around in a bag or pocket to ensure that you have access to pain relief throughout the day.
The machine itself offers controls that are used to alter the electrical current according to the person’s specific needs:
- Intensity
Adjust the intensity of the electrical stimulation either up or down using a dial. - Frequency
This refers to the number of electrical pulses per second. High-frequency ranges from 80 to 120 cycles, while low-frequency ranges from 1 to 20 cycles. - Duration
Adjust the number of microseconds that the current enters the skin during each pulse.
All bodies are different, so the frequency that you respond best to could be very different from that of someone else. It’s recommended that you try out different frequencies and learn what works best for you.
What Can TENS be Used For?
TENS machines may help in treating symptoms of period, labour, joint, postoperative, back, and neck pain. It may also help alleviate pain associated with endometriosis, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, spinal cord injuries, and sports injuries.
People who are interested in a non-pharmaceutical pain relief approach tend to be curious about TENS, as are people for whom medically prescribed pain medications simply aren’t cutting it.
Do TENS Machines Actually Work?
The research surrounding TENS machines is varied, with some studies finding that they’re beneficial for pain relief and others finding that they’re not effective at all. Despite this, it is considered a low-risk pain relief option for many people.
Some factors may influence the effectiveness of TENS:
- Tolerance
Some research has suggested that people can develop a tolerance to the treatment, particularly if they use it daily at the same frequency and intensity. There are ways to prevent this, such as switching between low-frequency and high-frequency TENS or gradually increasing the intensity or duration of treatment. - Stimulation Intensity
Variances in the intensity of electrical stimulation may also impact its effectiveness, with some studies finding that high-frequency TENS is far more effective than low-frequency. As such, many experts recommend using the highest intensity TENS that you can tolerate for the best results. - Electrode Placement
Some studies have found that TENS may be more effective if the electrodes are placed on acupuncture points. Acupuncture is a practice whereby needles are used to stimulate nerves underneath the skin at specific locations, which experts believe aids the body in producing endorphins.
Are There Times TENS Should be Avoided?
Yes, there are situations where the experts would recommend that TENS be avoided (unless advised otherwise by a doctor or medical professional). This applies to:
- Pregnant women (although TENS can be used in active labour).
- People with epilepsy.
- People with heart problems.
- People with a pacemaker or other type of electrical or metal implant.
- People who have an allergic reaction to the electrodes.
- People experiencing eczema or dermatitis in the area where electrodes need to be placed (although treatment can continue when the flare-up has passed).
To TENS or Not to TENS – That is the Question
While the research on using TENS machines for pain relief has yielded varying results, they can be safely used by most people as an alternative or complementary pain management treatment. Be sure to speak with your doctor or medical professional before using one of these machines – they are not all created equal, and their effectiveness relies on knowing how to properly use it. The team at Excel Body & Health is here to provide guidance, so be sure to book an appointment today.
