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Stone carvings from the Egyptian Fifth Dynasty in 2500BC depict an electric fish being used to treat pain. Present day TENS began after the landmark paper by Melzack and Wall 1965, "Pain Mechanism: A New Theory." An enormous amount of scientific research followed, resulting in the therapy used today.
Benefits of a TENS unit:
TENS is clinically proven to be effective. In a longitudinal study, 376 patients with chronic pain were interviewed after using TENS for a minimum of six months1.
- 86% reported decreased pain
- 66% reported increased activity levels
- 86% reported that TENS therapy helped them return to work
TENS can reduce the need for prescription medications. A TENS unit may not completely replace prescription pain medication, studies that have shown that in many cases, TENS therapy may reduce the need for them. After using TENS for six months, participants in the above-referenced study reported a significant reduction in their medication use.
- 29% reduced NSAIDs
- 45% reduced steroids, sedatives and relaxants
- 51% reduced opiates
Great strides have been made in portability and technology of TENS units over the past decades. The newest model introduced in the marketplace is a one-touch, battery powered unit that reduces pain in two ways:
- Electrical impulses stimulate the peripheral nerves that convey information about touch and vibration. The signals from the stimulated nerves interfere with pain signals traveling to the brain, reducing the brain’s perception of pain.
- Stimulation created by the unit triggers endogenous opiods, which reduce pain through the same biological processes as prescription pain medications but without the common, sometimes risky, side effects associated with narcotics.
This unit must be prescribed by a physician. It provides a pulse mode for relief and management of chronic and intractable pain and may be used in a clinical or home setting. It presents a safe, effective adjunct for pain management, designed so it can be used with traditional electrodes and conductive garment.
Benefits to the Injured Party:
- Discreet size allows the injured party to wear the device underneath clothing
- A simple button push delivers a localized electrical stimulation to quickly relieve pain
- Reduces the dependence on prescription drugs
- A non-narcotic, effective pain treatment
To learn more about how Progressive Medical can help your injured party, please call 1-800-777-3574 and press 1# to speak with a Client Services Specialist, visit the Web site at www.progressive-medical.com or contact your local Progressive Medical representative. 1All changes were statistically significant (<0.05); Fishbain, D.A., Chabal, C., Abbot A., Wipperman-Heine, L., & Cutler, R. (1996). Transcultaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) treatement outcome in long-term users. Clinical Journal of Pain, 12, 20-214.
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