Electrical Nerve Stimulation

What is electrical nerve stimulation?

Electrical stimulation is also known as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). TENS refers to many types of electrical therapy that are used to relieve pain. It is sometimes called e-stim for short.

When is it used?

Electrical stimulation is often used to reduce pain and to help heal an injured or diseased part of the body by stimulating the muscles. It is often used as part of a physical therapy program.

How is it used?

Electrodes are placed on the skin near the painful or injured area and attached to a stimulator by flexible wires. Low voltage electrical impulses are delivered to surface nerves in the skin. These impulses can be delivered at different strengths and speeds. The electrical current keeps the nerve from carrying pain signals to the brain. It may also help the body release endorphins. Endorphins are the body's natural painkillers.

The goal is to try to find the best strength and speed of stimulation to control the pain. Typically the electrode is placed directly over or near the painful area. The battery-operated unit is portable and can be used at home as well.

What is PENS and IFC?

There are 2 newer types of electrical stimulation:

• PENS - percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. It uses acupuncture like needles put into the soft tissues to deliver the current. The advantage is that they bypass the skin and can deliver the impulse to a more precise area.
• IFC – interferential current therapy. IFC uses a higher frequency wave that gets to deeper tissues then TENS. It uses a 4000 Hz wave IFC can treat a larger area or in more complex regions such as the shoulder.

These therapies can be used to treat acute or chronic pain.

What are the risks and benefits of electrical nerve stimulation?

The risks are minor. Your skin may be irritated by the electrodes. Do not place electrodes over the front or sides of the neck or in areas that have decreased sensation. Also, make sure that the settings on the electrical stimulation are not too high.

You should not have this treatment if you have a pacemaker or if you are pregnant.

Some of the benefits are:

• less pain over the injured area
• better tissue healing over injured area
• increased muscle strength

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Call your healthcare provider if

• You have increased pain.
• You have any change in skin color - like redness or black or blue areas.
• You develop a break in the skin over the area you are treating.