TENS

TENS TENS is the use of stimulation to assist in the management of pain. This unit assists in the closure of the "gate" of pain signal transmission. TENS is given for home use so the patients are able to use when they feel they need it. This can be used for acute as well as chronic conditions.

PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF TENS:

Impulses flood the pathways to the brain and close the "gate" to the transmission of pain signals
Stimulation of sensory nerves using a low-frequency releases the bodies natural pain killers (opiates) that are produces by the pituitary gland and in the spinal cord
Causes local vasodilation in patients with myofascial symptoms
Vasodilation alters the ischemic areas affecting the pain caused by trigger points

INDICATIONS FOR TENS:
Pain syndromes such as:

Acute pain
Chronic pain
Phantom limb pain
Postoperative pain
Obstetric pain
Cardiopulmonary pain
Neurological pain

CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR TENS:

Patients with demand-type cardiac pacemakers
Placement over the anterior neck area and carotid sinus
Cardiac disease. Stimulation across the chest
Epilepsy
Over the eyes
Mucosal surfaces
Cardiovascular accident patients or patients with central nervous system disorders
Incompetent patients
Breaks in the skin

PRECAUTIONS WITH TENS:

Do not use on a pregnant patient during the first trimester
Skin irritation from electrodes with long term applications
Equipment such as ECG monitors and ECG alarms may not function properly while TENS units are in use