TENS Units


TENS units are small battery powered devices designed to relieve post-operative, acute, and chronic pain. Back pain, neck pain, leg pain, arm pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, etc. TENS units are about the size of an iPod.

TENS units are a safe non-invasive drug free method of pain management that can help decrease the need for pain medication and also supplement treatment being received for pain control. Chiropractic treatment, physical therapy, pain management, spinal decompression treatment, can all be supplemented. TENS units are also used for pain caused by peripheral nerves (such as herniated disc - radiculopathy) and not centrally derived pain.

TENS Units are prescription only devices. Sometimes TENS units have attachments that go on your pants or pockets so that they are easy to bring with you.

TENS units are often used along with non-operative treatments such as Physical Therapy, Physiotherapy, Pain Management, Chiropractic treatment, Spinal Decompression, or Manipulation Under Anesthesia.



A TENS unit is a device that transmits small square electrical pulses to the electrodes, which transmit this electrical pulse to the underlying nerves. The fundamental components of a TENS unit are the electrodes, a highly advanced computer chip, and an electrical battery source. The small amount of electricity is transmitted through the computer component then to the electrodes, which transmits the electrical waveform through the skin to the underlying nerves.



Neck Pain, Back Pain, Arthritis, Sciatica, headaches, Muscular Strains, TMJ Disorder, Radiculopathy, pain from herniated discs, mid back pain, upper back pain, tendonitis, Sports Injuries, bursitis, shoulder pain, knee pain, hip pain, ankle pain, wrist pain.



TENS units will not cure a disease or pain problem. They are of no curative value. It is a symptomatic pain management treatment which suppresses pain sensation.



Application of TENS Unit Electrodes are placed on or near the area where pain management is needed. Soothing pulses are sent via the electrodes through the skin and along the nerve fibers. The current travels through the electrodes and into the skin stimulating specific nerve pathways to produce a tingling or massaging sensation that reduces the perception of pain.



The TENS machine pulses suppress pain signals to the brain. TENS Machines also encourage the body to produce higher levels of its own pain killing chemicals called Endorphins.



It takes approximately 30 minutes or less to feel the effects.



Some people use their TENS unit throughout the day off and on for pain management. It's not typically recommended to be used continuously. Rather best to use for a period of time (1-2 hours) then take off for a while.



The device produces a tingling sensation but should not be painful.



Users of TENS machines experience significant pain relief by and large. Some patients note that their skin is red where the electrodes are placed.



One needs a prescription from a medical provider such as a Phoenix chiropractor or a Phoenix Pain Doctor (MD/DO) for a TENS Machine. When you receive a TENS Unit, the machine will be set to optimally manage your pain condition and personal instructions will be given on its use. One should not attempt to change the settings without having undergone this instruction.



For some chronic and acute pain patients, a TENS machine provides pain relief that can last for several hours. For others, a TENS Unit may help reduce the amount of pain medication needed.



Few quality research studies have been done on the use of TENS for pain relief. With regards to the literature that does exist on TENS machines, it's controversial. Anecdotally however, patients often rave about the pain relief felt. In conjunction with physical therapy, chiropractic treatments, or pain management treatments, the results tend to be good to excellent. They also work well in the post-operative setting. At our Phoenix Pain Center, the results with TENS machines in conjunction with treatment from our Phoenix Chiropractor, Phoenix Physiotherapist, and Phoenix Pain Doctors has been excellent.

Ask your doctor if a TENS will help your condition. If you are in the Phoenix or Scottsdale AZ area, call Preferred Pain Center for a No-Cost one hour consultation to discuss options to relieve your pain.





Preferred Pain Center's diverse treatments span traditional (medical and interventional pain management along with PT), complementary (chiropractic treatment and spinal decompression services), and holistic methods (naturopathic). Our blog is dedicated to educating and discussing topics anything and everything related to Pain.

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