Health Topics for Sports Medicine

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

UI Family Care

Electrical nerve stimulation

Electrical stimulation is often used to reduce pain and promote healing. It is a method used to relieve pain in an injured or diseased part of the body. Electrodes applied to the skin deliver low voltage intermittent stimulation to surface nerves in the skin. The transmission of pain signals is blocked and endorphins are released. Endorphins are the body's natural painkillers.

Electrical stimulation is also known as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). TENS refers to many types of electrical units that are used to relieve pain. Electrodes are placed on the skin near the injured area and attached to a stimulator by flexible wires. Electrical impulses are then produced to give relief from pain. The battery-operated unit is portable and can be used at home by the patient.

TENS is non-invasive and non-addictive. It has no side effects and can be used to treat acute or chronic pain. Persons who use pacemakers must not use any form of TENS. The electrical impulses may interfere with the pacemaker's action.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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