Operation Manual

Introduction

Theory of therapy

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-invasive tech-

nique in which a low-voltage electrical current is delivered through wires

from a small power unit to electrodes located on the skin. Electrodes are

temporarily attached with paste in various patterns, depending on the spe-

ciﬁ c condition and treatment goals. TENS is often used to treat pain, as an

alternative or addition to pain medications. Therapy sessions may last from

minutes to hours. The use of electrical stimulus for pain relief was popula-

rized in the 19th century and became widespread in the 1960s and 1970s

using battery power.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) was ﬁ rst introduced into

current clinical practice following Melzack and Wall‘s gate control theory of

pain in 1965. Davis (1993) and Lewith (1984) explain the gate control theo-

ry of pain as follows. An area of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, known as

the substantia gelatinosa, acts as a gate to nociceptive impulses. It receives

myelinated nerve ﬁ bres , the largest being A ﬁ bres, and small non-myelina-

ted nerve ﬁ bres (C ﬁ bres). If pain impulses pass along ﬁ ne myelinated ﬁ bres

and C ﬁ bres rather than along A ﬁ bres, the gate is opened, and the patient

perceives pain. If A ﬁ bre transmission of impulses is greater, the gate may

be closed.

There is also evidence that the TENS machine enhances the production of

the body‘s own natural pain killing substances: endorphins and encephalins.

Human body produces endorphins and encephalins, which are opiate-like

substances to counter the pain. Low frequency stimulation causes the re-

lease of the endorphins and encephalins.

Why consider digital pain relief?

Pain is a warning signal -we need these signals to tell us that something

may be wrong with our body. Without it, we may do not know that part

of our body might be damaged, thereby damaging them further. However,

once we have identiﬁ ed damage, pain serves little purpose. In the case of

chronic, regular pain it can signiﬁ cantly interfere with daily activities and

the quality of life.

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