TENS

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TENS

• Veronica Southard PT MS GCS

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What is TENS?

• Transelectrical Neuro Stimulation
• The application of low voltage electrical pulses
  to the nervous system through the skin via
  electrodes

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Purpose of TENS

• Pain relief
• Acute
• Chronic
• Post op
• obstetrical

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Mechanism of action

• Gate control theory Conventional
• Natural opiates Accupuncture like settings
• Primary indication PAIN

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CONTRAINDICATIONS

• PPM
• Carotid sinus
• 1st Trimester pregnancy
• Avoid chest
• Epilepsy avoid head and neck
• Eyes
• Incompetent
• Open skin

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TENS Parameters

• Pulse rate control lg. Myelinated high rate gt
  100 Hz. Sm. Unmyelinated low rate lt100Hz
• Pulse width lg. Myel- narrow width 50ms
• Sm. Myelinated wide width 200ms.
• Waveformcan be biphasic or monophasic
• Modulation varies by 10 usually the frequency
  or width

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Common Modes of TENS for Nerve Stimulation
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MODES
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MODES
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Acceptable Electrode Placement

• Directly over pain
• Superficial peripheral nerve
• Dermatome
• TP, Accupressure point
• Segmentally related myotomes
• Motor points
• Placement can be unilateral, bil, bracketed, or
  crossed

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TENS for Home Use

• Specific instructions
• Frequency of use.
• Duration
• Placement of electrodes
• Care of electrodes and unit
• How to contact you