I-Tech MIO-CARE TENS User Manual page 80

The programs described in this paragraph are analgesic. You are advised to read
the ENTIRE manual carefully before using MIO-CARE.
Moreover, remember that pain is a SIGN: consult a doctor to identify the medical
condition before using MIO-CARE!
TENS, an acronym standing for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, is a
therapeutic technique mainly used for analgesic purposes to counter the effects
(usually pain) of a wide variety of medical conditions. For this purpose, it finds
application in treating everyday ailments troubling mankind: neck pain, arthrosis,
myalgia, neuritis, back pain, periarthritis, heaviness in legs, muscle weakness, just
to mention a few.
On an academic level, TENS can be divided into various categories according to the
mechanism used to reduce the pain. The main types are: conventional TENS (or
fast analgesic), training TENS (or delayed analgesic), which is similar to the effect
of the electro acupuncture, TENS at maximum values with antidromic action and
consequently an immediate local anaesthetic effect.
The rehabilitative action of TENS is represented by its power to reduce pain
thereby restoring physiological conditions; most of the time this allows the patient
to regain normal motor function. Consider a patient suffering from irritating
periarthritis; the patient usually resorts to use analgesics or learns to live with the
pain, which often makes even the simplest movements impossible. Immobility
reduces metabolic activity making it impossible to eliminate allogenic substances.
So, a vicious circle begins. In addition to relieving pain, TENS causes induce muscle
stimulation increasing metabolic activity and blood flow and improving tissue
oxygenation with an intake of nutritional substances. Therefore, the positive effect
can be amplified by combining TENS with muscle stimulation of the area
concerned.
Electrodes' positioning and intensity
levels
IMPORTANT
Create a square area with the electrodes
over the painful zone. Keep 4cm minimum
distance between the electrodes.
Figure 1 – Electrodes' positioning.
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