How 'Tens' Works - TensCare perfectPFE Instructions For Use Manual

In contrast, by means of a rapid
succession of contractions (fibrillation),
medium frequencies (20-50 Hz) can put
a high level of strain on the muscle, thus
promoting the muscular structure.
Each preset programme has a specific
frequency and pulse width that will offer
the best results for the type of
incontinence treated.

7. HOW 'TENS' WORKS

T.E.N.S. stands for Transcutaneous
Electrical Nerve Stimulation. T.E.N.S.
stimulates your body's own natural
defences against pain, namely the
release of
endorphins. TENS is
totally safe and has
been used
successfully by
thousands of pain
sufferers.
TENS sends a gentle stimulation
through the skin which works in
TWO ways:
Pain Gate
It stimulates the sensory nerves, which
carry touch and temperature signals.
These nerves go
connections in the spine as the nerves
carrying pain. A strong sensory signal
will block the pain signal travelling up
the spine to the brain. This is known as
closing the "Pain Gate" and takes effect
quite quickly after the unit is switched
on. When the gate is open, pain
messages get through to the brain and
we feel pain. When the gate is closed,
these pain messages are blocked and
we do not feel pain.
Evidence suggests that TENS produce
pain relief in a similar way to 'rubbing
to the same
12
the pain better'. The pain gate can be
closed by
mechanoreceptors through 'rubbing the
skin'.
Scientifically, the pain gate works by
release of chemical in the synapse at
spinal level that inhibits transmission of
pain signal.
Endorphin Release
At low frequency
settings, and slightly
stronger outputs,
TENS drives the
motor nerves to
produce a small
repetitive muscle
contraction. This is seen by the brain as
exercise, and this promotes the release
of endorphins - your body's own natural
pain killer. The relief builds up and
normally takes about 40 minutes to
reach a maximum level which can last
for hours after the machine is switched
off.
By using TENS, you can expect to
achieve a significant reduction in pain -
if not complete relief from pain.
• TENS is effective for pain from a very
wide range of causes.
• TENS machines can be used to help
reduce pain from
muscles, joints and nerves.
• It can be also used for people with
musculoskeletal pain such as long-
term (chronic) back pain or knee joint
arthritis. They are also often used for
pain relief in the early stages of
labour (see perfect mamaTENS),
particularly whilst a pregnant woman
remains at home.
• TENS may also be used to treat
many types of pain, such as migraine
activation of
problems in