TENS

The landmark “Gate Control Theory” is central to our understanding about the transmission of pain impulses in the body. A TENS unit is a simple, battery-operated device that can be worn on a patient’s belt, and it is typically not much larger than a cellular telephone. The device is attached by tiny leads to comfortable “gel-pads” that are placed on parts of the body (such as the low back and neck), and the machine delivers a gentle “electronic massage”. A TENS unit can be used for several hours each day, and it is often highly effective for musculoskeletal pain.