TENS PAIN MANAGEMENT APPLICATIONS

• Pulse Frequency
• Time & Repetition of Applications
• Body Region of Application
• Overlap of Stimulation Effects

The main application points to know about applying TENS are:

The pulse frequency to use.

The length of each application & repetition of applications

The body region to optimally apply the stimulation.

Pulse Frequency
Low pulse frequency is used to selectively stimulate C-type slow conducting autonomic nerve fibres.

A Low Rate, (1 to 10 pulses per second) is used to activate and maintain slow, non-urgent automatic functional activity over long periods, even on a 24-hour "Around-the-Clock" basis. Low pulse rate therapy is optimally performed as 3L stimulation - Long periods are applied at Low rates, combined with Low pulse intensity is used to achieve an Endorphin release and acupuncture-type applications, and as Acupuncture-type 1 pps, which is used to stimulate and sustain muscle-twitching applications.

Brainwave Frequency/Entrainment of Brain Waves
The frequency of the brain's own electrical activity has a tendency to adopt the same rate as the dominant external source (entrainment). This is seen daily in mood changes experienced when one listens to music. Slower, rhythmic sounds can induce relaxation, as with new age music, for example. The faster, up-tempo beats of dance music can arouse and invigorate. Whereas music stimulates auditory nerves (specialized sensory nerves), BioStim™ Advanced TENS acts directly on sensory nerves that supply the skin (as with wrist stimulation).

There are actually four brain 'rhythms' associated with different states of consciousness.

A High Rate (35 - 100 pps) is used to stimulate fast conducting sensory nerves, which carry awareness input signals. This input activates immediate reflex action and urgent controlled reactions appropriate to the input basis. A high pulse rate has a strong stimulating effect for acute pain management and is normally performed as 3S stimulation - Short periods are applied at Strong rates combined with Strong pulse intensity to achieve a Gating effect.

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Vary the frequency of treatment:
As the length of the treatment goes up, the frequency of treatments goes down:

For example;

If the low levels of pulse intensity required for pain management are passed through damaged tissues, a powerful healing effect is achieved. Should the pulse energy be raised high enough, muscular contractions will occur. At very low frequencies muscular twitching will occur, whilst at high rates the stimulation needs to be switched ON and OFF to prevent tetany in the muscles.