Abstract:
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-invasive peripheral stimulation technique used to relieve pain. TENS nomenclature focuses on the output of the device rather than the physiological intention of currents. This has led to inappropriate clinical practice. Different TENS techniques are used to selectively activate populations of nerve fibres to elicit mechanisms leading to pain relief. Acupuncture-like TENS is applied with electrodes and the frequency is 1-10 Hz and the pulse duration is 0-200 ms. This type of TENS affects small diameter C fibers, and it is thought that the stimulation provides an analgesic effect by affecting the release of endorphins. It is mostly applied on chronic pain and trigger points (knot areas and bands in muscle tissue). In conclusion, TENS is a noninvasive modality that is easy to apply with relatively few contraindications.With the help of TENS therapy, nerves that stimulate the production of analgesic substances in the brain and spinal cord are stimulated. Thus, natural substances produced in the body are used in the treatment of pain.
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