4. What is a TENS Unit?
Non-invasive medical device specifically designed to
assist in the management of chronic and acute pain
Sends small, safe, electrical signal into the body via
electrodes which are placed on skin and relieves pain in
3 ways:
By blocking pain messages from reaching the brain via the
nerves
By stimulating the release of the body’s naturally occuring
pain-relieving endorphins
By providing a distraction while the pain is occuring
6. History of the Tens Unit
In the 18th century Benjamin Franklin is credited with
reforming the original electric condenser which was
used to shock patients in an effort to treat ailments. It
was refered to as the “magic square”
In the 19th century machines were invented that used
static electricity to treat headaches, migraines and
other types of pain
In the 1970s the TENS unit became a popular use for
treatment of pain instead of pain killers
7. When to Use a TENS Unit
Symptomatic Relief
Control of symptoms rather than cure by single or multiple
therapies
Management of chronic (long-term) intractable pain
Constant
Severe
Disabling
Can affect blood pressure, pulse rate, hormone levels and
neurologic systems
Management of post-surgical and post-traumatic pain
Management for labor pains
Specialized unit specific to pregnant women
8. Pros and Cons of a TENS Unit
Pros
Non-invasive method of
pain relief
Able to use in your own
home
No harmful effects
In control of device so you
can use it at the strength
you prefer
Can prevent medical pain
relief
Cons
Conflicting research on the
effectiveness of TENS
Some people find they do
not like the sensation
TENS machines are
expensive. They range from
200-300 dollars
Most effective when used in
combination with other
pain relief aids
9. Two Types of TENS Units
TENS Unit for Maternity Use
Used for women who are pregnant and are experiencing
back pains from the added weight in the front from the
baby
Can also be used for labor pains
TENS Unit for General Pain
TENS machine used for everyday aches and pains
11. What is a Shockwave Machine?
A newer non-invasive solution for chronic pain in
shoulder, back, heel, knee or elbow
During the treatment a high-intensity sound wave
interacts with the tissues of the body
The primary effect of a shockwave is a direct
mechanical force
It is said that the shockwaves cause microtrauma to the
diseased tendon tissue which results in inflammation
and allows body to send healing cells and increase blood
flow to injured site
12. History of Shockwave Machine
The effect of shockwaves was first documented during
World War 2 when the lungs of castaways were noted to
be damaged without any superficial evidence of trauma
It was discovered the shockwaves created by depth
charges were responsible for the internal injuries
The first medical treatment developed from this
research was lithotripsy which allowed focused
shockwaves to essentially dissolve kidney stones without
surgical intervention
13. When to Use a Shockwave Machine
Can be used to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal
conditions
Most frequently treated conditions:
Plantar fasciitis
Achilles Tendinitis
Calcific Tendinitis
Connective tissue pain
Muscle pain and injury
Joint injuries
Morton’s neuroma
Kidney Stones
14. Pros and Cons of Using a Shockwave
Machine
Pros
Treatment success rate equal to or
greater then surgery
Treatment and minimal procedure
time resulting in increase patient
compliance and cost effectiveness
Bridges the gap between non-
operative and operative treatment
Typically patients feel less pain after
treatment and are able to resume
normal physical activities
Non-invasive treatment for chronic
pain
Cons
Some patients may experience
swelling, redness, and/or bruising
Very expensive, can cause in excess
of 1000.00 dollars and insurance
companies may not cover the
expense
The effectiveness of treatment is
questioned
Low-energy shockwaves is that one
has to provide a repeat application.
A comparison of the effectiveness of
low-energy and high-energy
shockwaves has not been studied
15. Two Types of Shockwave Machines
Low Energy
Administered in a clinic and do not require anesthesia or
injections
A technician places the probe on the area of greatest
tenderness and the shockwaves are delivered over 10-20
minutes
High Energy
Administered in the operating room with regional or
general anesthesia
