Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) units can be helpful in dealing with localized pain, and are widely used both in health care provider's offices and physiotherapy clinics. TENS therapy can also be performed at home.
With this technique, electrodes are placed on the skin and joined to the TENS unit with wires. Electric signals are then sent to the nerve endings, blocking pain signals before they reach the brain. It is believed that these signals may also stimulate the production of endorphins, the body's natural pain killers. TENS therapy is not considered painful, although some people report feelings of mild discomfort.
Pain relief from TENS therapy can be long-or-short-term in nature. Because the treatments are safe and have no known side effects, they can be repeated as necessary.
