cefar Direct TENS - TENS Therapy Principle

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Direct TENS
™
2.1. TENS Therapy Principle
Two pain theories play an important role in the application and parameter settings of the Direct TENS™
device:
• The Gate Control Theory by WALL and MELZACK (1965)
• The Endorphine Theory by ERIKSON and SJÖLUND (1979)
According to the Gate Control Theory, weak TENS impulses block the pain impulses travelling to the
brain (sensor stimulation).
ERIKSON and SJÖLUND found that strong TENS impulses increase the release of internal substances (e.g.
endorphins) that also alleviate pain (motor stimulation).
Theory Gate Control Theory Endorphin Theory
Principle Via sensory nerves Via motor nerves
Intensity Low, light tingling High, just bearable
Impulse Width
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Short, e.g. 100 µs Long, e.g. 250 µs
Frequency
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100 Hz 2-10Hz
Muscle Contraction No Yes
Onset Pain Relief Quickly Slowly (20-60 minutes)
Duration of Pain Relief Short (5-15 minutes) Long (30 minutes-12 hours or longer)
Treatment Duration Permanent 30-60 minutes, 3-5 times/day
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For easier operation, intensity and pulse width are combined in Direct TENS™.
(low intensity = short pulse width, high intensity = long pulse width)