TENS & EMS Therapy: What It Is and How It Helps Pain Relief

What is Electrotherapy?

Electrotherapy is a general term for a variety of electrical stimulation therapies.  The most common of these therapies are TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) and EMS (Electrical Muscle Simulation).  Simply put, electrical currents are used to quiet down the affected nerves to provide pain relief, or to stimulate muscle fibers.

There are two main theories as to why it works.  First, that the stimulation causes your body to release endorphins, your body’s natural pain killers.  The second is that the stimulation stops the receptors in your brain from receiving pain messages.  So, although you may still have the injury, you simply do not sense it and therefore become temporarily pain free.

Does it hurt?

Electrotherapy is completely painless; it gives you a “tingling” sensation.

Is it safe?

Yes.  The amount of electrical current being used is not enough to shock you or harm the skin.  However, patients with cancer, epilepsy, pacemakers, and pregnant woman should avoid electrotherapy.

TENS therapy is used for pain relief and can manage pain associated with:

• Arthritis
• Back Pain
• Neck Pain
• Rheumatism Pain
• Diabetic Neuropathy
• Headache/Migraine
• Sciatica
• Tendinitis, and many more painful conditions

EMS can reduce muscle spasms, strengthen muscles, increase blood circulation, and reduce edema.

Tens and EMS units are covered under your extended heath plan provided you have a doctor’s prescription for a chronic issue.

Vitality Depot. (2018). Manage your pain naturally Understanding Tens & Ems Therapy.