TENS/EMS Stimulator

contact:   rubyemik AT yahoo.com

TENS introduction:

 TENS is considered a method of pain relief,and has a wide following for use in obstetric care, particularly labour.

What is TENS: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator, more commonly referred to as a TENS unit and pronounced tens, is an electronic device that produces electrical signals used to stimulate nerves through unbroken skin.The name was coined by Dr.Charles Burton. The unit is usually connected to the skin using two or more electrodes.A typical battery-operated TENS unit consists of a pulse generator, small transformer,frequency and intensity controls, and a number of electrodes.Uses of TENSTENS is considered a method of pain relief, and has a wide following for use in obstetric care, particularly labour.In palliative care and pain medicine, TENS units are sometimes used in an attempt to alleviate neuropathic pain (pain due to nerve damage).

TENS Indications:

Muscle strain, cervical spondylosis, frozen shoulder, arthritis, lumbar disc disease, acute and chronic soft tissue injury and to relax muscles, reduce fatigue and promote blood circulation and others. 

TENS Functions:

This physical therapy device can used for massager,health care and relieve pain,treat some common diseases,for example: rheumatoid arthritis, muscle aging, stiff neck, cervical spine disease, degenerative joint disease, lumbar hypertrophy

TENS therapeutic Principle:

The gate control theory of pain was put forward by Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall in 1965. They proposed that there was a “gate” mechanism in the central nervous system that opened to allow pain messages through to the brain and closed to prevent them getting through.

When we feel pain, such as when we touch a hot stove, sensory receptors in our skin send a message via nerve fibres (A-delta fibres and C fibres) to the spinal cord and brainstem and then onto the brain where the sensation of pain is registered, the information is processed and the pain is perceived.

The gate theory says that as these pain messages come into the spinal cord and the central nervous system (before they even get to the brain), they can be amplified, turned down or even blocked out.There are many accounts of how people injured on the battlefield or in sports games don’t feel any pain from their injuries until afterwards. This has to do with the brain being busy doing other things and shutting the gate until it can pay attention to the messages.

Large diameter nerve fibres (A-beta fibres) responsible for transmitting signals of touch to the brain have the ability to close the pain gate and so block signals from other smaller diameter nerve fibres which transmit pain.

An example of this would be when a child falls over and hurts their knee --if they rub the knee, the signal from that sensation of touch temporarily blocks the pain signal travelling from the injured knee to the brain.

TENS Features:

 1. Operate easily.

 2. Unique pulsed waveform to provide soft and comfortable treatment experience.

 3. Electrodes with heating function and adjustable intensity of treatment.

 4. Silicon electrodes with durability and safety.

 5. Multiple prescription programs for different treatment purposes.

 6. Treatment modes can be selected based on the treated part.

7.The built-in treatment programs can be selected in a one-touch auto-therapy.

TENS Applications:

1. Relaxation of Muscle spasm.

2.Prevention or Retardation of disuse atrophy.

3.Increasing local blood circulation.

4.Muscle re-education.

5.Immediate post-surgical stimulation of calf muscles to

6.Prevent venous thrombosis.

7.Maintaining or increasing range of motion. 

TENS caution:

1. if you have a pacemaker fitted or you have a severe heart disorder;

2. if you have epilepsy and you are using the machine alone;

3. if you are in the first trimester of pregnancy (at least not around the abdomen);

4. over the front of your neck or over your face;

5. over an area of broken skin; and if you have a cochlear implant hearing device.

6. Always check with your doctor if you are thinking of using TENS or any other form of self-treatment.