What Is TENS Therapy?
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a non-pharmacological pain-management tool that uses low-level electrical pulses delivered through adhesive electrode pads on the skin. The pulses activate sensory nerve fibres that carry non-painful information to the spinal cord, effectively competing with and suppressing the pain signals from arthritic joints. TENS units are small, portable, and can be used both in clinic and at home, making them ideal for the ongoing pain management demands of arthritis.
How TENS Treats Arthritis and Joint Pain
Arthritis produces persistent joint pain through inflammation, cartilage erosion, and increased sensitisation of the joint nerve supply. TENS interrupts this chronic pain cycle by providing constant sensory input that the spinal cord prioritises over pain signals — the gate control mechanism. Regular use at low frequencies (2–4 Hz) also triggers endorphin and enkephalin release in the brain and spinal cord, producing analgesia that can outlast the treatment session by several hours. Studies in osteoarthritis of the knee and hip show TENS significantly reduces pain scores and improves quality of life.
What to Expect During Treatment at Realign Rehab Clinic
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5 Faridabad, Dr. Vaishali Suri will assess the distribution and severity of your arthritis pain and determine the most effective electrode placement. For knee arthritis, electrodes are typically placed medially and laterally around the joint. For hip or spinal arthritis, placement is over the relevant dermatomes. Each clinic session lasts 30–45 minutes. Dr. Vaishali Suri may also prescribe a home TENS unit and teach you to use it safely and effectively as part of a self-management plan.
Benefits of TENS for Arthritis
- Significant reduction in joint pain without tablets or injections
- Supports reduction in NSAID medication use and associated gastrointestinal side effects
- Safe for elderly patients and those with multiple co-morbidities
- Empowers patients to manage pain independently at home
Is TENS Therapy Safe?
TENS is extremely well-tolerated and is one of the recommended non-pharmacological treatments for osteoarthritis in clinical guidelines. It must not be used by patients with cardiac pacemakers, over active infection, directly over metal implants in sensitive cases, or over the carotid arteries. Rheumatoid arthritis patients should avoid TENS during active inflammatory flares over the affected joint. Dr. Vaishali Suri screens every patient thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does TENS therapy hurt?
TENS is painless and most arthritis patients find it very soothing. The buzzing sensation over the arthritic joint can feel immediately calming. Intensity is kept within a comfortable range and adjusted as tolerance increases over the course of treatment.
How many sessions of TENS therapy will I need?
For arthritis, eight to twelve clinic sessions is a typical starting course. Many patients continue with home TENS use indefinitely for daily pain management. Dr. Vaishali Suri reviews progress regularly and adjusts the programme to optimise long-term pain control alongside joint mobility exercise.
Is TENS therapy available in Faridabad?
Yes. TENS Therapy is available at Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5 Faridabad. Dr. Vaishali Suri uses this technique as part of a comprehensive physiotherapy programme. Call +91 9818185589 to book.