TENS unit is short for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. This handheld device is powered by a battery and helps treat musculoskeletal pain using electrical currents passing through adhesive pads.

A TENS unit is a non-invasive pain relief technique which sends electrical impulses to local tissues in order to release endorphins and block the transmission of pain signals. These endorphins are known to reduce swelling and inflammation naturally without side effects and increase blood circulation and reduce muscle tension for a faster recovery.

A person can control the intensity, frequency and duration of a TENS unit to their desired preference.  Adjusting the intensity will allow a person to control the strength of the electrical currents, while the frequency controls how often the currents are passed through the nodes.

One of the greatest benefits to a TENS unit is its size. Being small, portable, and discrete people can conveniently have access to pain relief throughout the day. With a personal TENS unit, therapy can be performed at home.

Here is a small list of pain symptoms a TENS unit temporarily helps treat:

• Menstrual pain
• Joint pain
• Postoperative pain
• Neck and back pain
• Arthritis
• Sports injuries
• Muscle pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Pain from overworked muscles
• And so much more!

Not everyone is a candidate for receiving pain relief from a TENS unit. Those who are pregnant, have a history of seizures, or have a pacemaker or other heart problems should avoid using a TENS unit. Even so, there are other manual techniques, which mimic the goals of a TENS unit which are available.

To learn more about the TENS unit and confirm if it is right for you, call the office of Denville Medical and Sports Rehabilitation Center at (973) 627-7888 or complete the form below to be contacted at your convenience.