TENS/NMES

TENS:

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is where low level electrical stimulation is provided which interacts with the peripheral nerves, this is used to achieve one of two results. Either the activity in the CNS (Central Nervous sysytem) is increased, or the Pain Gate can be closed at the spinal cord. 

Studies have shown changes to the peripheral nervous system, the spinal cord, and the descending inhibitory pathways.

Therefore TENS is an effective treatment for:

• Chronic Pain.
• Acute Pain.

NMES:

NeuroMuscular Electrical Stimulation is the use of low level electrical currents to elicit a muscular contraction. 

Generally NMES is used for patients that have been immobile for a period of time. With NMES it is possible to target specific muscles and muscle groups.

NMES is beneficial for the treatment of:

• Maintaining Muscle Mass
• Ataxic/Paralyzed patients
• Immobilized Patients

Although TENS and NMES are both forms of electrical stimulation, they target different nerve groups of the body. TENS targets sensory fibers, whilst NMES target motor fibers, these work at different frequencies. Therefore these modalities have significantly different effects on the patient.