TENS

TENS is the abbreviation for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. This means that nerves are stimulated by electrodes placed on the skin. This form of treatment uses weak electrical currents and can be used in people with (chronic) pain.

TENS achieves a pain-reducing effect by disrupting pain transmission, stimulating the release of pain-relieving substances, and having a relaxing effect on the muscles.

Use of TENS

Using the TENS device is very simple. The device is a small, battery-powered unit with two leads, each with an electrode. The electrodes are applied around the painful area, after which the device is switched on. Different types of electrical pulses can be set with higher or lower intensity.

There are also portable TENS devices for home use. The TENS device can be used several times a day for 20-60 minutes each time.

A pain specialist prescribes a TENS treatment, or the device is used as part of a physiotherapy treatment. This can be done in combination with pain medication.

Although TENS is used to reduce pain, it is not a solution for the underlying problem. The cause of the pain is not addressed. It can therefore be a supplement to further (physiotherapy) treatment or provide relief of symptoms for people for whom other therapies do not work.