How can electricity relieve pain? Cefar’s products relieve pain using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which is clinically proven and used daily by physiotherapists and other caregivers. The treatment method is safe, and in contrast to oral painkillers has no side effects. Your body has its own systems for easing pain. TENS works with and enhances these systems. You place electrodes, which look like big patches, on the skin where the pain is. The electrodes are connected to a TENS stimulator, which sends out electrical impulses that block the pain so you can’t feel it. Try it yourself! Massaging a painful area often feels good, just like blowing on an “owie". Massaging or blowing are other ways of blocking pain impulses, but TENS is more effective.  The most common TENS programs use high-frequency stimulation, which is the first choice for both acute and chronic pain. High-frequency stimulation sends impulses to the nervous system’s own pain-inhibiting mechanisms, which block the pain. You can use it as often and as long as you like, but each treatment should last at least 30 minutes. Another type of TENS is low-frequency stimulation. Low-frequency TENS treatment can alleviate pain by stimulating muscles to release the body’s own morphine-like substances, endorphins. Place the electrodes on a muscle in the painful area so that a visible contraction occurs. You can use low-frequency TENS for 20–45 minutes three times a day. Low-frequency stimulation can lead to sore muscles. TENS gives good results for both acute and chronic pain. This pain relief is usually most effective during the stimulation, but the effect can last after the program finishes. TENS may be sufficient as the only treatment form, but it is also a valuable complement to other pharmacological and/or physical treatments. You can combine oral painkillers and TENS with excellent results. TENS allows many patients to reduce their consumption of oral painkillers. TENS also boosts circulation, which makes it an ideal method for treating leg ulcers. Remember, the TENS programs do not treat the cause of the pain. Contact a doctor if the pain continues. How can electricity rehabilitate? Electrical muscle stimulation is used successfully both in medical rehabilitation and as a complement to athletic training on all levels. The goal of electrical muscle stimulation is to achieve contractions or vibrations in the muscles. Normal muscular activity is controlled by the central and peripheral nervous systems, which transmit electrical signals to the muscles. Electrical muscle stimulation works similarly, except that it uses external electrical impulses transmitted through the skin. They go via the nerves into the muscle, which reacts by contracting just as it does with normal muscular activity. Electrical muscular stimulation is suitable for all the muscles in the body. You can use electrical muscular stimulation to train up muscles that are weakened after an operation, fracture, etc., and train mobility. It’s also an excellent tool for stroke rehabilitation, allowing patients to train things like handgrip and gait. Electrical muscle stimulation for rehabilitation purposes should be tested by a physiotherapist or other caregiver for the best results. |