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| Principles of TENS Treatment
TENS,
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, is a method of applying controlled, low-voltage
electrical stimulation to large, myelinated peripheral nerve fibers via cutaneous electrodes for the
purpose of modulating stimulus transmission and relieving pain.
and muscle.
TENS,
utilizes both positive and negative poles of electricity conducted by electrodes and a xed to the
surface skin to have electric currents stimulate the peripheral nerve fibers.
TENS
is believed to work by two di erent mechanisms. First, electrical stimulation of the fast-
conducting nerve fibers can block/override a slow-conducting pain signal from being carried to the
brain/spinal cord. If the signal is blocked, pain is not perceived. Secondly, the body has its own
mechanism for suppressing pain. It does this by releasing non-addictive natural chemicals called
endorphins in the brain which act as analgesics. TENS may activate this mechanism.
and electrode placement may be required for best results.
