TENS Therapy

"Relief in every pulse."

Pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek physiotherapy and rehabilitation care. Among the various electrotherapy techniques used today, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) stands out as a safe, non-invasive, and effective method for pain management. At Prana Rehabilitation Centre, TENS is an essential part of individualized rehabilitation programs designed to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall functional recovery.

What is TENS Therapy?

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is a form of electrotherapy that uses low-voltage electrical impulses delivered through electrodes placed on the skin. These impulses stimulate peripheral nerves, helping to reduce the perception of pain and improve patient comfort. It is widely used in physiotherapy because it is simple, safe, drug-free, and effective for both acute and chronic pain conditions.

TENS Therapy at Prana Rehabilitation Centre

At Prana Rehabilitation Centre, TENS therapy is delivered in a structured and clinically guided environment to ensure maximum effectiveness and patient safety.

Patient Assessment and Positioning

Each treatment session begins with a detailed assessment by a qualified physiotherapist. The therapist identifies the source of pain, evaluates nerve involvement, and checks for any contraindications. The patient is then positioned comfortably — either lying down or sitting, depending on the affected area. Proper positioning helps relax muscles and ensures accurate electrode placement.

Skin Preparation

The treatment area is cleaned and dried to improve electrical conduction. This step reduces resistance and ensures better contact between the skin and electrodes. If needed, excessive hair is trimmed for proper adhesion.

Electrode Placement

Self-adhesive electrodes are placed strategically based on clinical requirements. Common techniques include — proper placement is essential for achieving optimal pain relief.

Segmental placement (spinal levels related to pain)
Localized placement (directly over the pain site)
Nerve pathway placement (along affected nerves)
Trigger point placement (motor or pain points)

Treatment Parameters and Device Setup

Once electrodes are placed, the TENS unit is activated and carefully adjusted by the physiotherapist:

IntensityIncreased gradually until a strong but comfortable tingling sensation is felt

FrequencyLow frequency (1–10 Hz) for endorphin release
High frequency (50–150 Hz) for immediate pain relief

Pulse WidthAdjusted according to patient sensitivity

DurationTypically 15–30 minutes per session

Continuous monitoring ensures the patient remains comfortable throughout the treatment.

Benefits of TENS Therapy

TENS offers several important benefits in rehabilitation:

Reduces acute and chronic pain

Improves joint mobility by reducing stiffness

Enhances participation in physiotherapy exercises

Reduces dependency on pain medications

Improves daily functional activities

Supports recovery in nerve-related conditions

How TENS Works

TENS relieves pain through two main mechanisms:

Mechanism 1

Gate Control Theory

Electrical impulses activate sensory nerve fibers that "close the gate" in the spinal cord, preventing pain signals from reaching the brain. This reduces the sensation of pain.

Mechanism 2

Endorphin Release

Low-frequency stimulation encourages the body to release natural painkillers called endorphins, providing longer-lasting pain relief.

Conditions Treated with TENS at Prana Rehabilitation Centre

TENS is used for a wide range of conditions, including:

Neck, back, shoulder, and knee pain

Post-surgical pain management

Arthritis and fibromyalgia

Sciatica and neuropathic pain conditions

Carpal tunnel syndrome and radiculopathy

Sports injuries and soft tissue trauma

At Prana Rehabilitation Centre, it is delivered with expert supervision, personalized treatment planning, and advanced clinical protocols to ensure the best possible outcomes. Patient safety is a top priority.

TENS is avoided or carefully used in certain conditions