Sat - Thu
8:00 AM - 6: 00 PM
Living with pain, whether acute from a recent injury or chronic and persistent, can significantly disrupt your life, limiting your activities and affecting your overall well-being. Many individuals seek non-pharmacological methods to manage their discomfort, aiming to reduce reliance on medication and achieve lasting relief. Among the most popular and widely used modalities in pain management is TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) therapy.
At AdvanCell in Dhaka, our expert physiotherapists utilize TENS therapy as a safe, non-invasive, and drug-free solution to provide effective pain relief for a wide range of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. We integrate this modern therapy into your comprehensive treatment plan, empowering you to better manage your pain and regain your comfort.
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is a therapeutic technique that uses mild electrical currents delivered through electrodes placed on the skin. These electrical impulses stimulate nerves to reduce pain perception. It's a non-invasive, user-friendly modality that can provide significant pain relief without medication.
The Science Behind TENS: How It Works to Relieve Pain
TENS therapy primarily works through two main pain theories:
Gate Control Theory of Pain: This is the most common explanation. TENS therapy delivers a continuous, mild electrical stimulation to sensory nerves in the painful area. These electrical signals travel faster than pain signals. According to the Gate Control Theory, these faster, non-painful electrical signals "close a gate" in the spinal cord, preventing the slower pain signals from reaching the brain. Essentially, the electrical stimulation distracts the nervous system from the pain.
Endorphin Release Theory: For certain TENS settings (often lower frequency, higher intensity), the electrical stimulation can trigger the body's natural pain-relieving mechanism. It encourages the release of endorphins and enkephalins, which are natural opioid-like chemicals produced by the brain and spinal cord. These natural pain relievers help to block pain signals and create a sense of well-being.
The sensation experienced during TENS is typically described as a tingling, buzzing, or vibrating feeling, which should be comfortable and never painful.
TENS therapy is a versatile and beneficial treatment for individuals experiencing various types of pain, both acute and chronic. You could significantly benefit from TENS if you are seeking:
Non-Pharmacological Pain Relief: An alternative or complement to pain medication.
Reduced Pain Intensity: For ongoing discomfort.
Improved Function: That is limited by pain.
Safe & Convenient Pain Management: With minimal to no side effects.
Conditions commonly treated with TENS therapy include:
Back Pain: Acute or chronic low back pain, upper back pain.
Neck Pain: Stiffness, muscle spasms, and chronic discomfort.
Knee, Hip & Joint Pain: Including pain from Osteoarthritis, sprains, or strains.
Shoulder Pain: Rotator cuff injuries, impingement, general soreness.
Muscle Pain & Spasms: Any localized muscle aches or involuntary contractions (Myalgia).
Nerve Pain (Neuropathy/Radiculopathy): Such as Sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, or pain from shingles.
Headaches: Tension headaches, cervicogenic headaches.
Post-Surgical Pain: To manage discomfort during recovery.
Rheumatism & Arthritis: To alleviate joint pain and stiffness.
Fibromyalgia: For widespread pain management.
Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): To help modulate pain signals.
Menstrual Pain: To reduce cramping.
At AdvanCell, your safety, comfort, and effective pain relief are paramount. Our TENS therapy is delivered with:
Expert Assessment & Application: Our qualified physiotherapists carefully assess your condition to determine if TENS is appropriate and then expertly apply the electrodes to optimize pain relief.
Personalized Settings: TENS units have various modes, frequencies, and intensities. Our therapists customize these settings to your specific pain type, intensity, and individual comfort level.
Integrated Care: TENS therapy is often part of a broader, comprehensive physiotherapy program that includes exercise, manual therapy, and other modalities for long-term pain management and functional improvement.
Patient Education for Home Use: For suitable patients, we provide thorough instruction on how to safely and effectively use a portable TENS unit at home, empowering you to manage your pain independently between clinic visits.
Comprehensive Assessment: Your journey begins with a detailed medical history and a thorough physical examination by our physiotherapist. They will diagnose your condition, identify the source of your pain, and determine if TENS therapy is a suitable and beneficial component of your treatment plan.
Electrode Placement: The physiotherapist will select the appropriate size and type of electrodes and clean the skin over or around the painful area. Precise placement of electrodes is crucial for effective pain modulation.
Initiating & Adjusting Therapy: The TENS unit is then turned on, and the intensity of the electrical impulses is gradually increased until you feel a strong but comfortable tingling, buzzing, or vibrating sensation. The goal is never to cause pain.
Session Duration & Frequency: TENS sessions in the clinic typically last between 20 to 60 minutes. The frequency and duration of therapy will be tailored to your specific pain needs and treatment goals.
Home Program & Education: For ongoing pain management, our therapists can guide you on using a personal TENS unit at home. This includes proper electrode placement, setting adjustments, and safety precautions, empowering you to use the device safely and effectively as needed.
Effective Pain Relief: Provides significant reduction in both acute and chronic pain.
Drug-Free & Non-Invasive: A safe alternative for pain management, avoiding the side effects associated with oral medications.
Portable & Convenient: Small, portable units allow for pain management at home or on the go for suitable patients.
Reduces Reliance on Medication: By providing direct pain relief, it can lessen the need for pharmacological interventions.
Safe with Minimal Side Effects: Generally very safe with few contraindications, making it suitable for a wide range of individuals.
Improves Function & Sleep: By reducing pain, it can improve your ability to move, perform daily tasks, and achieve more restful sleep.
Complements Other Therapies: Works synergistically with manual therapy and exercise, allowing for more effective rehabilitation.
Experienced & Qualified Therapists: Our physiotherapists are highly trained and skilled in the clinical application of TENS therapy, ensuring accurate assessment and optimal treatment parameters.
Integrated Pain Management: TENS is seamlessly incorporated into your comprehensive rehabilitation program, addressing all aspects of your pain and recovery.
Patient Education & Empowerment: We don't just apply TENS; we educate you on how it works and, when appropriate, how to safely use it at home for continuous pain relief.
Patient-Centered Approach: We prioritize your comfort, understanding, and active participation in your healing journey.
Commitment to Excellence: We are dedicated to providing evidence-based treatments that deliver lasting relief and improve your quality of life.