13.2.5 PAIN RELIEF II
CATEGORY PAIN RELIEF II
PROGRAM TENS Hz
WHEN?
Gate control, which is activated during TENS stimulation, is particularly eective for
the relief of localised pain of non-muscular origin. It is particularly eective for relieving
neuropathic pain and inflammatory conditions. The sessions may be repeated at will
and without restriction, depending upon the intensity of the pain.
WHY?
Without side eects, TENS Gate control eectively relieves pain and improves the
patient’s level of comfort. The sedation period that results from the stimulation allows
the vicious, self-perpetuating cycle of pain to be broken.
HOW?
The principle involves causing high levels of sensitivity impulses in order to limit the
input of pain impulses when they return to the posterior horn of the spinal cord. Apart
from the 80 Hz frequency, this programme specifically tries to stimulate other sensory
fibres (pressure, vibration) in addition to stimulation of the Aβ fibres (tactile sensitivity).
PULSE WIDTH
The pulse width for the programme is 180 s.
ELECTRODES
The electrodes are usually placed in such a way as to cover or surround the painful area.
INTENSITY
The intensity must be increased gradually until the patient feels a tingling sensation
that is pronounced without being painful.
+TENS
OPTION
No.
TENS
FREQUENCY PULSE WIDTH MODULATION TIME TREATMENT TIME
80 Hz 180 s - 30 min