Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (Tens); Gate Theory; Endorphin Secretion - Globus ELITE S II User Manual

In treatment description, recommended intensity levels are indicated.
NOTE Recommended current levels are just an indication.
Tens
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a selective
stimulation of the large fibers of peripheral nerves, which contributes
to closing the gate entrance to pain pulses and increases the release
of endorphinic substances, reducing pain intensity. Therefore, TENS is
particularly indicated to treat the severe and chronic pain caused by
the main musculoskeletal disorders.
TENS currents reduce pain thanks to the following factors:
a. Gate control theory
b. Endorphin secretion
c. Different sedative effects depending on frequency

Gate theory

If the electric signals leading pain information to the brain are blocked,
the perception of pain is eliminated. For instance, if we hit our head
against an object, the first thing we do is to massage the traumatized
area. In this way, we stimulate the receptors of touch and pressure.
TENS in continuous mode and frequency modulation can be used to
generate signals that are similar to those of touch and pressure. With
sufficient intensity, their priority is so high that it prevails on pain signals.
When the priority is obtained, the gate of sensory signals is opened and
the pain gate is closed, impeding the passage of these signals to the
brain.

Endorphin secretion

When a nervous signal proceeds from the pain area to the brain, it spreads
through a chain of joined connections called synapses. The synapse
can be seen as the space between the end of a nerve and the start of
another. When an electric signal reaches the end of a nerve, it produces
substances called neurotransmitters that pass through the synapse and
activate the start of the following nerve. The process is repeated until the
signal reaches the brain. The opioids involved in pain reduction have the
task of sliding into the synapse space and impeding the propagation
of neurotransmitters. In this way, a chemical block of pain signals is
obtained. Endorphins are opioids that are naturally produced by the
body to tackle pain and they can act in both the marrow and the brain
as effective analgesics. Tens can increase the natural production of
endorphins and therefore, they decrease the perception of pain.
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Rev. 03 Multi_06_2018