TENS Explained

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is effective drug free pain relief which can be used to reduce pain experienced during childbirth and for acute/chronic pain sufferers.

Small nerves in the body carry the unpleasant sensations (pain) to the spinal cord, which in turn takes them on to the brain. The brain then tells us that we are suffering pain and the extent to which the pain hurts. The larger nerves in the body are stimulated by touch and the electrical impulses generated by your TENS unit target these larger nerves. The effect produced overrides the pain signals being sent to the brain by the smaller nerves; in the same way as the instinctive rubbing action does after a nasty knock. In addition, TENS encourages the body to release its own pain killing hormones, called endorphins.

TENS for Childbirth

TENS is widely recommended for use in childbirth by Midwives who see the benefits TENS brings to the labouring mother. At the first signs of labour, four electrodes (self adhering pads) are placed on the back (full instructions provided) and the machine is turned on to generate the comfortable electrical impulses. During a contraction the Mother uses the hand held boost button to change the machine from the standard pulse to a much stronger continuous pulse. Once the contraction is over the machine is returned once again to the standard mode. The machine is fully portable and this allows the Mother to walk through her contractions if she wishes. TENS can also be used post birth for the after pains caused by the uterus contracting back to its original shape.

TENS for Acute and Chronic Pain

TENS can be very effective in treating both chronic and acute pain. Many people who have tried TENS successfully need only a few simple instructions on how to use the device properly in order to achieve the results they were looking for (full instructions provided). Electrodes (sticky self adhering pads) are attached to the body over the pain site and over the nerve route near the spine which carries the pain signal to the spinal cord. The correct mode of stimulation is applied and the sufferer should feel the benefit after around 20-30 minutes. The unit is portable and can be worn under normal clothing whilst you go about your daily business (except driving or using machinery).

Who should not use TENS

Þ Anyone who has or is suspected of having heart disease.

Þ Anyone who suffers from epilepsy should not be left alone whilst using TENS.

Þ Anyone who has a pacemaker fitted.