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Gate theory
If the electric signals that lead information related to pain to the brain are stopped,
also the pain perception is eliminated. If, for instance, we hit our head against an
object, the first thing we do is to massage the area affected by the trauma. Thus,
we stimulate the receptors related to touch and pressure. TENS in continuous mode
and in frequency modulation can be used to generate signals similar to touch and
pressure signals. If their intensity is sufficient, their priority is so high that it prevails on
the pain signals. Once the priority is acquired, the gate related to the sensory signals
is opened and gate related to pain is closed, thus impeding the passage of these
signals to the brain.
Endorphin secretion
When a nervous signal proceeds from the pain area to the brain, it spreads through
a chain of connections joined together and called synapse. The synapse can be
seen as the space between the end of a nerve and the beginning of another.
When an electric signal reaches the end of a nerve, it produces substances called
neurotransmitters that pass through the synapse and activate the start of the next
nerve. This process is repeated until the signal reaches the brain. The opioids
involved in the pain reduction slide in the synapse space and impede the
neurotransmitter propagation, thus blocking the pain signals. The endorphins are
opioids naturally produced by the body to tackle the pain and they can act both
on the marrow and on the brain, in this way they are effective analgesics. Tens can
increase the natural production of endorphins and, therefore, they decrease the
pain perception.
Different effects in relation with the frequency
Depending on the frequency used, ELITE produces immediate short-term antalgic
effects (higher frequencies) or progressive long-term effects (lower frequencies).
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