A T.E.N.S. unit is a portable electronic device that you use for pain control.  It is very effective in acute and chronic cases.  In many cases your health insurance company will pay for this device if your physician (Medical or Chiropractor) prescribes it for you.

T.E.N.S. stands for Transcutaneous (skin) Electrical Nerve Stimulation.  This device is operated by a 9-volt battery.  All you do is apply the electrodes to the area of your body that is in pain and turn on the unit.  The electrical current will interfere with the pain signals from the affected area going to your brain.  This may raise endorphin levels in the brain which help with pain control as well.

Common conditions that a TENS unit is prescribed for are:

• Arthritis
• Joint Pain
• Fibromyalgia

Electrodes are attached to the surface of the skin over or near the area where you are experiencing pain. It is important that you learn how to:

• correctly put on the electrodes (proper placement is important)
• operate the unit
• change the batteries
• vary the controls and settings (both the frequency and voltage)
• set the proper duration and intensity of the stimulation