TENS Therapy
Pain relief is a huge issue for people with cancer, especially those who suffer from mesothelioma. Chronic pain can compromise one's quality of life and keep the patient from doing some of the things he/she might otherwise be able to enjoy.
In the search for more solutions for pain relief, some patients have discovered TENS Therapy. Short for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, TENS Therapy has been proven to reduce certain types of pain for a short period of time.
What is TENS?
Simply put, TENS therapy is accomplished by means of a special device which transmits low-voltage electrical impulses through electrodes on the skin to an area of the body that is in pain. Some doctors or practitioners describe TENS as a type of electrical massage. The treatment was developed in the mid-1960s and used quite frequently during the 1970s, especially with some cancer patients and others with acute pain.
A TENS system consists of an electrical power unit connected by wires to a pair of electrodes. These electrodes are attached to the patient's skin near the source of pain. When the unit is switched on, a mild electrical current travels through the electrodes and enters the body. Patients usually note that they feel tingling or a sensation of warmth during the treatment.
Most TENS therapy sessions last from 5 to 15 minutes and treatments may be applied as often as necessary, depending on the severity of pain. With a prescription, patients may lease TENS units for use at home. Otherwise, the therapy is done on an outpatient basis at a doctor's office or by a specialist in TENS therapy.
Does it Work?
Studies on TENS therapy have been somewhat limited, but most research points to the fact that it works well on acute pain, in instances of muscle or bone injury, mild neuropathic pain, or after surgery. Once the pain level becomes severe and is considered "chronic", TENS does not offer much relief. For mesothelioma patients, it may be offered as an adjunct to pain medication.
Is It Safe?
TENS is considered safe for most individuals, though there are a few exceptions. People with heart problems should never use TENS, including those with pacemakers, internal defibrillators, and infusion pumps.
A current that is too high may cause the skin to burn or become irritated. Also, electrodes should never be placed on the eyes, heart, brain, or at the front of the throat.
Last modified: December 12 2007.
