What is Electrotherapy?

Non-Invasive therapy designed to reduce and relieve muscle and joint pain

To some, the idea of electrotherapy might conjure up sinister Hollywood images of Dr. Frankenstein’s laboratory, or at the very least, of something painful and uncomfortable. But in reality Electrotherapy, including TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) can provide safe, benign and convenient non-pharmaceutical pain reduction and relief.

The type of electrotherapy known as tens unit is a drug-free, non-invasive therapy designed to reduce and relieve muscle and joint pain, stiffness and numbness in the arms, legs, feet and lower back by applying electrical nerve stimulation to the surface of the skin near the site of the pain.  This type of therapy works in several ways: the electrical pulses block pain messages from reaching the brain, the stimulation triggers the body to produce endorphins (a natural pain killer produced by the body) and the therapy improves blood circulation.  While it does not cure the underlying cause of pain, it can provide a temporary decrease in or cessation of pain.

In addition to general pain management, different types of electrotherapy benefit many other conditions as well. Electrotherapy is used in post-surgical treatment to stimulate blood flow and prevent dangerous blood clotting, and to promote bone and tissue growth for healing. It is effective and widely used in rehabilitative therapies for injury, stroke, osteoarthritis and multiple sclerosis for its effectiveness in preventing  muscular atrophy, improving strength, range of motion and controlling spasm. Electrotherapy has even been used in the treatment of incontinence, where the electrical stimulation reduces pelvic pain and strengthens musculature to the point where incontinence can be completely corrected.

TENS and other electrotherapy modalities are completely safe.  In fact pacemakers, which have been used by cardiologists for decades, work using similar scientific principles. TENS and other types of electrotherapy equipment units are so gentle that some are available over the counter without a prescription. Any adult who suffers from muscle or joint pain can use this therapy. However, it should not be used by children, pregnant women or anyone who has an implanted metallic or electronic device. As with any type of medical product, a physician’s recommendation is advised.

Drive Medical has a range of non-prescription electrotherapy products that can be purchased online and through select retailers. Drive offers several types of TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) units, with the focus on nerve stimulation. TENS is a “pain blocker,” with functionality designed to block the pain signal from the nerve to where it is perceived in the brain as pain, and to aid in the release of endorphins. Both outcomes can return quality of life to individuals whose lives have been disrupted by acute and chronic pain.

While TENS devices are utilized for pain management and elimination, Drive’s Muscle Stimulators stimulate muscle fibers, muscle growth and increase blood flow through the repeated, miniscule contraction and release of targeted or affected muscles.  The type of electrical output differs from a TENS device, and is designed to excite muscle fiber, rather than nerve endings.  This prevents muscular disuse atrophy, relaxes muscle spasm, promotes muscle reeducation, increases range of motion and improves local blood circulation.

A ten’s unit is specifically designed for convenience and ease of use.

Tens units can foster recovery, whether from injury or chronic pain conditions, and help restore many people to optimal health and well-being either without, or supplementing pharmaceutical solutions.