How Physical Therapists Use TENS

TENS devices from HiDow are a common staple at physical therapists’ offices because they are widely used to treat a wide range of aches and pains. But beyond the everyday use of TENS for pain treatments, physical therapists are getting creative with the ways in which they are using TENS in and out of the office.

To Control Acute and Chronic Pain

TENS devices are a popular therapy for pain management and pain treatment. Used to treat a wide array of muscular pains both chronic (long-term) and acute (short-term). They send a vibrating signal through electrode pads, into your body, and up to your brain where the pain signals are disrupted. Common acute and chronic pain conditions that TENS devices are used to treat are: • Back pain and sciatica pain • Fibromyalgia • Joint pains • Ligament / Meniscus pain • Inflammation • Muscle injury and pain

For Post-Op Treatment

Following a major surgery (often orthoscopic surgery for meniscus and ligaments) TENS devices are used in the recovery process. When a patient is recommended for post-op physical therapy, a physical therapist may use TENS therapy in tandem with rehabilitation workouts in order to ease the pain and soreness from surgery while helping to stimulate the muscles.

To Improve Muscular Function

TENS devices work by stimulating muscles through electrode pads that can work to improve muscular function. By causing the muscles to repetitively contract. This can be a highly effective way to help build up weak muscles. When used in conjunction with workouts that engage and activate the muscles. Using a TENS device between reps or after your workout can help get the blood circulating and ultimately lead to better muscular function.

To Engage Muscles That Need To Be Jump Started

When you have overly weak or inactive muscle groups that you need to engage in. Using a TENS device can help get those muscles “jump-started” much as you would an inactive battery. One example of how TENS devices are used to engage muscles is in the case of incontinence. Under supervision, electrode pads for a TENS device are placed where the pads can stimulate the muscles in the lower back and pelvic region. That are involved in urination. Of course, this comes with risks that you should consult your physician about. Before using a TENS device make sure that certain treatments are right for you.

To Reduce Trigger Point Pains

Trigger points, hyperirritable points on the body, are chronic conditions that many people live with. They can cause severe pain in the same spot of the body. And may require you to use TENS therapy to treat the pain. The TENS devices send a mild pulse through the trigger points and up to the brain. To disrupt the pain signals.