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Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) |
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Written by Pain Management Service
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TENS is a safe, non-invasive, drug free method of pain management (Poole 2007). The development and use of TENS has been based on the Melzack and Wall's (1965) Gate ControlTtheory. Mild electrical pulses are applied to the skin to stimulate the underlying nerves in such a way that they prevent unwanted pain signals from reaching the pain centre in the brain (Tippey 2000).
It is generally accepted that TENS has an effect through three different mechanisms:
- Closing the pain gate
- The release of endogenous opioids - often known as endorphins
- May contribute to muscle relaxation
These mechanisms have been researched and accepted by those who provide clinical TENS application (Tippey 2000).
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 28 April 2010 08:47 )
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