Tens

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS is the application by surface electrodes, of a pulsed biphasic electric current to or around a painful area for pain relief.

There are several theories:

1. Gate theory: This theory explains how painless stimuli (touch and proprioception) can block the transmission of stimuli that are painful.
2. Endogenous pain control: According to this theory TENS would produce chemical changes at the brain and the spinal cord with the consequent production and release of endorphins, enkephalins and dynorphins, all of which would contribute to producing analgesia.

Direct inhibition on the abnormally excited nerve, producing electrical changes at this level with the consequent moderation of the painful impulse.

TENS should be used basically on the area affected by the trauma, and its application is simple: its electrodes adhere to the skin, so they can be placed anywhere on the body.

The application of TENS electrodes can be invading the affected area, generating an analgesia in the indicated place, or around the affected area.

The advantages of TENS are:

1.  Low presence of side effects
2.  Low cost
3.  Muscle-skeletal pain