T.E.N.S.

T.E.N.S.

T.E.N.S. or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. This is a small portable electrical device that is used for the treatment of pain.It can be  bought [ for less than €100]. It has small self adhesive surface electrodes which are placed around the painful area and connected by wires to the device. There are now wireless versions available too.  The patient feels a tingly/buzzy sensation when the current is turned on. It needs to stay on for a least 15 minutes and can be left on much longer.This masks the patients pain and gives pain relief during and after the treatment.

It is used widely to help with pain control in labor. There are very few contra- indications or side effects. It can also be used for painful periods.

In Swords Physio we use T.E.N.S. as an adjunct to pain management in our chronic pain patients.It can be used for acute pain management in cases where the patient cannot, or doesn`t want to, take medication.