TENS is short for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and means that you can use electricity to relieve pain in various conditions.
I use TENS in my daily clinical practice for pain relief. Plates are then applied to the skin which send a weak current into the pain area, which provides temporary pain relief.
This can be used for both long-term and more acute pain. Pain relief with tens can be done in two ways.
One way is to temporarily block the pain signals to the brain, by treating with high-frequency TENS. Which means higher speed of the impulses. Which in turn sends strong signals to the brain and out competes the pain signals.
The other way is through low-frequency TENS, i.e. slower impulses. Then we stimulate the body's hormones (endorphins), which are the body's own pain inhibitors and feel-good hormones.
Which ailments might it be appropriate to try TENS as a treatment method?
Low back pain/stiffness, neck pain/stiffness, herniated disc, shoulder/shoulder, osteoarthritis & period pain.
(NOTE, if you have a pacemaker, you should not be treated with TENS)
In summary, TENS is a well-used treatment method in healthcare. It is also a treatment method with a low risk of complications and easy to use, which means that the common man can use it at home.
Hope you gained a better understanding of how TENS can be used!