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Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION TO TENS / EMS
(1) GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The device is a battery operated pulse generator that sends electrical impulses through electrodes
to the body to reach nerves causing pain. Electrical impulses can be adjusted by changing the pulse
width and rate. The strength is individually adjusted using the 2 channels. A slide button (button lock
function) protects the device from accidental changes while in use.
(2) EXPLANATION OF PAIN
Pain is the body’s natural warning mechanism and is intended to prevent additional injury. Pain is
important, as without it, vital parts of our body might be injured or damaged without our knowledge.
While ointments, drugs or even surgery can be used to treat chronic pain, these are all utilized with
varying degrees of success, as each individual patient and condition is different. TENS offers a
unique alternative method of pain relief with no potentially harmful side effects.
(3) WHAT IS A TENS / EMS COMBO UNIT
A TENS / EMS combo unit is a 2 channel electrical stimulator with 2 stimulation modalities modes:
TENS and EMS which are explained in more detail below.
(4) WHAT IS TENS
TENS, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator, is a battery powered electrical unit which uses
electrodes placed onto the skin over a painful area to deliver electrical impulses to the nerve fibers
which lie underneath the skin surface. It provides pain relief by blocking pain signals to the brain via
the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system. TENS also stimulates production of endorphins, the
body’s own “painkillers”.
(5) COMMON APPLICATIONS FOR TENS
Although dependent on your specific pain problem, TENS devices have been used successfully to
treat many conditions, including:
CHRONIC PAIN
Cervical (Neck) – Amputation – Phantom Limb – Headache – Lower Back – Lumbago – Leg Pain –
Arthritis
ACUTE PAIN
Post Operative – Muscle and Joint – Tendonitis – Fractures – Tennis Elbow
(6) WHAT IS EMS
EMS, Electrical Muscle Stimulation (also called Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation / NMES), is a
battery powered electrical unit which uses electrodes placed on the skin to stimulate muscles.
(7) COMMON APPLICATIONS FOR EMS
Relax muscle spasms – Prevent or retard disuse atrophy – Increase local blood circulation – Re-
educate muscles – Maintain or increase the range of motion.
