Research has demonstrated that a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) can reduce chronic hyperalgesia induced by muscle inflammation. The electrical pulses emitted by the unit can help reduce swelling, increase circulation, and improve tissue healing. In addition, TENS can also help with inflammation-induced pain. The effects of high and low frequency TENS were tested on mutant mice that lacked a functional α2A-adrenergic receptor (AR).
It was found that both low-frequency TENS and high-frequency TENS completely reversed the compression abstinence threshold when applied 24 hours or 2 weeks after the induction of inflammation, but not when they were applied 4 hours after the induction of inflammation. In clinical studies, TENS was consistently more effective than placebo for pain intensity, anxiety, and heart rate in patients with chronic pain. The levels of subjective pain, both at rest and during coughing, and the need for additional painkillers were also significantly reduced in patients who received TENS compared to the placebo TENS. It is important to note that some patients experience “breakthrough pain”, which refers to a situation in which pain is initially relieved with the TENS unit, but then, for some reason, even with the TENS unit on, they feel pain again.
Therefore, it is important to use the TENS unit correctly and to monitor its effects closely. In summary, research has shown that a TENS unit can be an effective tool for reducing inflammation-induced pain and improving tissue healing. It is important to use the unit correctly and to monitor its effects closely in order to maximize its effectiveness.
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