There are a number of TENS articles on this website, and it appears that when the articles were written, the equipment that provided TENS therapy could be purchased online from websites specializing in pain relief – and not many available over the counter. TENS refers to transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, which involves the use of electrical impulses to relieve pain. Here are the previous articles on TENS if you want to revisit them: Quell Your Pain With Quell, Pain Relief: TENS versus PEMF, and WiTouch Wireless TENS Device. Time flies, and now it appears you do not need a prescription from your doctor in order to purchase the WiTouch Pro TENS unit on its website.
In fact, you can find reasonably priced TENS units at your local drug stores now, which are portable devices and can be used in the comfort of your home. According to Wikipedia, the “[t]he first modern, patient-wearable TENS was patented in the United States in 1974”, and thus, TENS is not some fly-by-night phenomenon and can be looked at as a legit form of pain relief. It is evident with the number of local drug stores carrying such devices for retail today. The following is an article from the renowned Cleveland Clinic that discusses TENS in detail.
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Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
“Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy involves the use of low-voltage electric currents to treat pain. A small device delivers the current at or near nerves. TENS therapy blocks or changes your perception of pain.
What is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy?
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a therapy that uses low voltage electrical current to provide pain relief. A TENS unit consists of a battery-powered device that delivers electrical impulses through electrodes placed on the surface of your skin. The electrodes are placed at or near nerves where the pain is located or at trigger points.
How does transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) work?
There are two theories about how transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) works. One theory is that the electric current stimulates nerve cells that block the transmission of pain signals, modifying your perception of pain. The other theory is that nerve stimulation raises the level of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain-killing chemical. The endorphins then block the perception of pain.
What is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy used to treat?
TENS therapy has been used or is being studied to relieve both chronic (long lasting) and acute (short-term) pain. Some of the most common conditions for which TENS has been used include:”
Click this link to continue reading the Cleveland Clinic article ==> TENS
The Cleveland Clinic article did not commit to the effectiveness of TENS therapy, citing a mix bag of results. However, pain relief is not a cookie cutter solution since we all have unique needs and respond differently to the same form of therapy. This is not medical or professional advice, and since TENS devices are readily available at your local drug stores without a doctor’s prescription, why not try it out as an option over taking pain killer pills. And, more over, TENS units are not as costly as before.
Thank you for dropping by and reading my post. I hope you found the contents of today’s article helpful for your needs.
To Your Success & Freedom,
Glenn Shimabukuro
