TENS Machine, what is it?

TENS Machines have been prescribed for years as an alternative to traditional analgesic pain relievers. A TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) Machine is a pocket size, portable, battery-operated device that sends electrical impulses to certain parts of the body to block pain signals. This causes a tingling sensation that reduces pain, even pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments. Because of their size, most patients will hook the TENS Machine onto their belt or place it in their pocket turning it on and off as its needed.

Will a TENS Machine help my Pain?

In clinical trials, TENS Machines have been shown to be an effective and safe method for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. Some conditions for which a TENS Machine may help include: Chronic Pain: Neck and Back pain, Headache, Migraine, Arthritis, Post-herpetic neuralgia, Sciatica, Lumbago Acute Pain: Childbirth, Post-operative pain, Fractures, Tennis elbow, Muscular Strains

How does a TENS Machine work?

The TENS Machine stimulates nerves by sending an electrical current gently through your skin. Some people say it feels sort of like a massage on their skin. Two respected scientists discovered a theory, called the Gate Theory. This theory says that when you feel a sensation other than pain, like rubbing, massage, or even a mild electrical impulse, your spinal column will actually “close the gate” and not let pain impulses pass to the brain. In the case of electrical stimulation, the electrical impulses speed their way across the skin and on to the central nervous system much faster than pain. By getting there first, the electrical information “closes the gate” to pain, blocking its passage to the brain. Once the pain eases, muscles that are in spasm begin to relax, letting you move and exercise with less discomfort. Other settings on the unit can be used to help your body release endorphins or feel good substances. These are natural chemicals formed within your body that behave like a strong drug in reducing the perception of pain for up to eight hours at a time

What does a TENS Machine feel like?

There are different settings which affect your experience with TENS Units, however the most effective settings give you a pleasant tingling sensation on the skin where the pads are placed.

Are there any side-effects when using a TENS Machine?

Unlike drugs, TENS does not cause nausea, drowsiness, limited activity, personality changes or addiction. TENS may sometimes cause skin irritation or redness. Usually this disappears quickly or can be prevented by using alternative gels or electrodes.

Can I get a refund from my health fund?

Some health funds offer a rebate of the purchase of a TENS Machine depending on your level of cover. To apply for a refund, you will need a letter from your GP, Obstetrician or physiotherapist stating your need for a TENS Machine, and a receipt for the sale of the TENS Machine.

Contraindications

Except in the case of certain individuals using pacemakers, there are no known contraindications for TENS Units. The use of a TENS Machine with a pacemaker may prevent the pacemaker from working. If you have a pacemaker, you must get a clearance from your consultant cardiologist that it is O.K for you to use a TENS machine.

Precautions:

1. TENS Units should be used with caution where the cause of the pain has not been established.

2. TENS stimulation is of no curative value. That is, TENS does not do anything to the underlying cause of the pain.

3. Treatment outcome (with TENS Machines) will be influenced by the cause of the pain, the patient’s psychological state and use of medication.

4. TENS Machines should be kept out of the reach of children.

5. Electrical stimulation over the carotid sinus, i.e. anywhere over the front of the neck, may be hazardous.

6. The safety of TENS during pregnancy has not been established so please see your doctor if you’re pregnant and considering using a TENS Machine.

TENS Machines should be used under the direction of a doctor or physical therapist