TENS (TransCutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation or transcutaneous nerve electrical stimulation) is a non-invasive instrumental treatment that aims to reduce the perception of pain related to traumatic or chronic problems of the musculoskeletal system.
It is performed by applying weak painless electrical impulses on the skin that stimulate nerve fibers, inhibiting the communication of the painful sensation by neurons and raising the tolerance threshold of these sensations.
TENS is a safe method of treatment with a proven efficacy in the field of functional rehabilitation.
TENS treatments involve the movement of very low voltage electric current through the tissues to stimulate precise nerve fibers present in the painful area.
To deliver the impulses, a low voltage electric generator is used, equipped with two or more electrodes that are applied on the affected part by means of reusable patches: the electric impulses are not painful and are perceived by the patient as a tingling.
The impulses allow the blocking or reduction of the perception of pain directed to the spinal cord and brain. It can improve muscle spasms related to even very severe injuries.
TENS promotes a feeling of well-being and relaxation also thanks to the fact that mini-discharges stimulate the release of neuropeptides and other chemical mediators (endorphins, opiates) naturally produced by our body in conditions of serenity, happiness and euphoria.
Transcutaneous electrostimulation treatments in the rehabilitation field have demonstrated scientifically proven efficacy in cases of:
Joint problems such as osteoarthritis of the knee, patellofemoral syndrome or pain in the temporomandibular joint
Soft tissue injuries, such as tendinitis and tendon injuries
Post-operative recovery, to reduce painful symptoms and regain muscle tone and support
Arthritis and back pain
Recovery of strength and muscle tone after intense efforts or prolonged periods of inactivity
Sports and non-sports fractures and acute injuries, to limit the painful symptoms of the acute phase
TENS represents a valid alternative to painkillers
for all patients who poorly tolerate this type of drug and reduce the risks and side effects of a massive use of analgesic products for all those who suffer from chronic painful pathologies.
TENS treatments in most cases are able to relieve pain already after only a few minutes.
Depending on the physical condition and predisposition, some patients prolong the feeling of well-being even after a few hours after the TENS machine is turned off.
In the Isokinetic customised protocols, TENS is usually combined with other manual or instrumental pain management and rehabilitative treatments, which improve, enhance and prolong the effects.
TENS is carried out within Isokinetic rehabilitation facilities by expert rehab practitioners and under the control and prescription of Sports Doctors.
The term electrostimulation generally refers to the use of low intensity electric discharges transmitted to the human body through electrodes.
Electrostimulation can have very different therapeutic and aesthetic purposes and the generators used to emit electrical impulses in turn have different characteristics depending on the objective of the treatment.
EMS electrostimulation (electrical muscle stimulation) uses electrical discharges to generate muscle contractions to improve tone, strength and endurance.
It is used by athletes as a passive training in combination with active athletic training, but is also used in the aesthetic field thanks to its draining and firming effects.
In many centers for slimming it is in fact possible to undergo electrostimulation sessions in order to develop lean mass and sculpt the muscles even in the case of patients with contraindications to active physical activity.
TENS electrostimulation is instead used with painkilling and therapeutic purposes to treat the pains of injuries or acute trauma.
Contrary to EMS electrostimulation, in which muscles and motor nerves are stressed, TENS uses electrical micro-discharges on the skin and on the sensorial nerves to inhibit the transmission of painful sensations and raise the threshold of endurance of these sensations.