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TeNS Machines: What are they and how do they work?

What is TeNS?

TeNS stands for  Trans-Cutaneous Nerve Stimulation and often refers to the small portable battery operated nerve stimulators that are now freely available. TeNS machines are simple to use, electronic units  which are  now accepted by the medical professional as being of significant benefit in controlling some types of pain. Although  not a cure, most hospitals now routinely use TeNS as part of their pain management programmes often in conjunction with pain-relieving medicines.

Some makes of machine can apply heat to the affected area while being used for pain relief, and some also offer gentle massage. Our model pages show when these facilities are offered.

What can TeNS  be used for?

TeNS has been used extensively to alleviatepain for most parts of the body. It has been shown to be useful for:

-Post-operative pain
-Pain from muscle or ligament sprains
-Various joint and muscle pain including low back pain
-Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (also called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)
-Childbirth
-Pain associated with arthritis.

NOTE: Success rates vary depending on the type, severity and cause of the pain.

What are the Advantages of TeNS?

-TeNS is non invasive and has proved  to be safe and free of side effects
-It provides effective drug free pain relief
-Many people feel immediate benefit
-It is user - friendly, and is ideal for home use
 -It is widely used and is often recommended by doctors and physiotherapists
 -It is portable

How does TeNS Work?

TeNS is simply a means of stimulating your body’s own natural defenses against pain The unit produces a gentle stimulus through self-adhesive pads, normally placed over the area of pain. This stimulation  helps the body to produce natural pain relievers called endorphins and to block the pain messages to the brain. Many people feel immediate benefit from TeNS, however a minority may only achieve benefit after repeated treatment sessions over a 4 week period

Is TeNS Safe?

-TeNS should never be used to mask or relieve undiagnosed pain.
-TeNS is non-invasive and has been proved to be safe and free from side effects<
-TeNS does not interfere with any medication the user may be taking and is non addictive
-TeNS can be used all over the body, except over the heart, or on the front of the neck
-TeNS treats only the symptoms of pain not its underlying causes. What  causes the pain must be always be  diagnosed by a doctor before treatment begins

 NOTE: If you have a pacemaker, or heart disease, or are  pregnant, DO NOT  use TeNS unless under medical supervision. If you are in any doubt about using TeNS then check with your G.P.

Is TeNS Successful?


Success rate does vary depending on the type, severity and cause of the pain, which is why checking with a health professional before purchase is always advisable. Additionally, TeNS has been shown to produce short term pain relief that lasts for a few hours after removal of the stimulation. Its effectiveness for long term pain relief may be more  limited. Nevertheless,  using a TeNS machine may mean that smaller doses of pain-relief  medication can be taken.
 
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