LOW FREQUENCY
CURRENTS
PHYSICAL AGENTS AND ELECTROTHERAPY-I
, TENS
TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL
NERVE STIMULATION
Dr. Meerub Shakil PT
, DEFINITION
◦ Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (tens) is the application of low-frequency
current in the form of pulsed rectangular currents through surface electrodes on the
patient’s skin to reduce pain. A small battery-operated machine is generally used to
generate current, which has a specific stimulatory effect.
◦ Parameters in TENS apparatus;
i. Pulse shape - usually rectangular
ii. Pulse width – usually fixed at 100 to 200 microseconds, other units variation from 50
to 300 microseconds
iii. Frequency – set as low 2Hz to high 600Hz, commonly 150Hz used
iv. Intensity – can be varied from 0 to 60 milliamperes, set according to the patient
experience.
◦ The effect and use of TENS depend upon gate control theory and pain modulation
CURRENTS
PHYSICAL AGENTS AND ELECTROTHERAPY-I
, TENS
TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL
NERVE STIMULATION
Dr. Meerub Shakil PT
, DEFINITION
◦ Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (tens) is the application of low-frequency
current in the form of pulsed rectangular currents through surface electrodes on the
patient’s skin to reduce pain. A small battery-operated machine is generally used to
generate current, which has a specific stimulatory effect.
◦ Parameters in TENS apparatus;
i. Pulse shape - usually rectangular
ii. Pulse width – usually fixed at 100 to 200 microseconds, other units variation from 50
to 300 microseconds
iii. Frequency – set as low 2Hz to high 600Hz, commonly 150Hz used
iv. Intensity – can be varied from 0 to 60 milliamperes, set according to the patient
experience.
◦ The effect and use of TENS depend upon gate control theory and pain modulation
