A clinically proven
method to reduce pain using electrical
stimulus
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a noninvasive therapy indicated for the
symptomatic relief from, and management of, chronic intractable pain and
post-surgical and post-trauma acute pain.
For over 30 years, the
medical community has used TENS as a safe
and effective alternative to pharmacological approaches to pain control for
many patients. TENS has minimal side effects and is non-addictive. Adverse
reactions associated with electrotherapy may include skin irritation beneath
the electrodes.
Advantages of
Integrating TENS in Pain Management
Decreases pain, increases
activity, and promotes return
to work 1
Reduces the need for pain
medication 2-4 and
its concomitant side effects 2
Reduces the need for muscle
relaxants, tranquilizers
and steroids
Reduces the need for PT and OT
services 2
Has no known side effects, no
risk of overdosing, and
no drug interference
Is cost effective, typically
reimbursed, and easy to
administer
Helps patients remain alert,
functional, and productive
Puts patients in charge of
their pain control
Mechanism of TENS
Pain messages
transmitted by the peripheral nervous system to
the brain are elecro-chemical in nature. Controlling or overriding these
nociceptive impulses can bring about significant pain relief to patients.
With a TENS system, a
portable stimulator generates a current
which flows through leads to electrodes placed in specific locations on the
patient’s skin. The low voltage current causes an electrical reaction in
sensory and motor nerve fibers, overriding pain message transmission. The
frequency and intensity of the stimulus are carefully controlled. TENS can also
stimulate endorphin production. 5
Clinical Application
TENS
is useful for:
Pain treatment and management
for general and specialty
medical practices
Patients whose pain therapy is
limited by medication
side effects
Patients requiring frequent and
costly PT and OT
services
1 Fisbain D, Chabal C,
Abbott A, et al. . Transcutaneous electrical nerve
stimulation (TENS) treatment
outcome in long-term users. Clinical Journal of Pain. 1996;12;201-214.
2 Chabal C, Fishbain
D, Weaver M, Heine L.. Long-term
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
use: Impact on medical utilization and physical therapy costs. Clinical Journal of Pain. 1998;14;66-73.
3 Erd M, Erdogan A,
Erbil N, et al. . Prospective, randomized,
placebo-controlled study of the
effect of TENS on post-thoracotomy pain and pulmonary function. World J Surg. 2005;29;1563-1570.
4 Bjordal J, Johnson
M, Ljunggreen A. . Transcutaneous electrical nerve
stimulation (TENS) can
reduce postoperative analgesic consumption. A meta-analysis with assessment of
optimal treatment parameters for postoperative pain. Eur J Pain. 2003;7;181-188.
5 Facchinetti F,
Sforza G,
Amidei M, et al. . Central and peripheral beta-endorphin responses to
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. NIDA Res Monograph.
1986;75;555-558
