TENS-MECHANISM

SUMMARY

1. No uniform mechanism has been established.

2. The ‘gate theory’ in which stimulation of large myelinated afferent fibers block the transmission of pain by small unmyelinated fibers at the level of the spinal cord.

3. This does not explain all aspects of TENS analgesia, such as in prolonged pain relief following use.

4. Alteration of cerebrospinal endorphin concentrations is also reported following treatment (particularly with high-intensity TENS) but is difficult to correlate with a therapeutic response.

Reference(s)

Cifu, D.X. (2020). Braddom’s physical medicine and rehabilitation. Elsevier. Get it on Amazon.
Cuccurullo, S. (2019). Physical medicine and rehabilitation board review. New York: Demosmedical. Get it on Amazon.
O’Young, B., Young, M.A. and Stiens, S.A. (2008). Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Secrets. Mosby. Get it on Amazon.