Menu
1. Gate Control Theory: TENS stimulates large-diameter nerve fibers, which can inhibit the transmission of pain signals from smaller nerve fibers to the brain. 2. Endogenous Opioid Release: TENS may stimulate the release of natural pain-relieving substances in the body, such as endorphins. 3. Improved Blood Circulation: The electrical stimulation can increase local blood flow, potentially aiding in tissue repair and reducing inflammation.
1. Acute Post-Operative Pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis by Bjordal et al. (2003) in Physical Therapy examined 21 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1,350 patients. The study found that TENS, when applied at adequate intensities, significantly reduced analgesic consumption (mean: 26.5%) compared to placebo TENS.
2. Orthopedic Surgeries: Lan et al. (2012) conducted an RCT on 60 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. The study, published in Clinical Rehabilitation, reported that TENS significantly reduced pain intensity and improved range of motion compared to the control group.
3. Abdominal Surgeries: A study by Tokuda et al. (2014) in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science investigated the effects of TENS on 40 patients after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The TENS group showed significantly lower pain scores and reduced analgesic requirements compared to the control group.
4. Thoracic Surgeries: Fiorelli et al. (2012) published a prospective randomized study in the European Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, involving 60 patients undergoing lobectomy. The TENS group experienced significantly less pain and showed improved respiratory function compared to the control group.
5. Cesarean Section: An RCT by Kayman-Kose et al. (2014) in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research studied 40 women undergoing cesarean section. The TENS group reported significantly lower pain scores and required less additional analgesia compared to the placebo group.
1. Wound Healing: Gürgen et al. (2013) conducted a study published in the Journal of Wound Care, examining the effects of TENS on wound healing in rats. The results showed accelerated wound closure and increased collagen synthesis in the TENS-treated group compared to controls.
2. Edema Reduction: A study by Fang et al. (2014) in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science investigated the effects of TENS on post-operative edema in 54 patients following ankle fracture surgery. The TENS group showed significantly reduced edema compared to the control group.
3. Tissue Oxygenation: Machado et al. (2012) published a study in the Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy, examining the effects of TENS on tissue oxygenation in healthy individuals. The results showed increased oxygen saturation in the stimulated areas, suggesting potential benefits for post-operative tissue healing.
4. Inflammation Reduction: An animal study by Gomes et al. (2014) in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science demonstrated that TENS application reduced inflammatory markers and accelerated the healing process in induced muscle injuries.
5. Scar Formation: Karlekar et al. (2018) conducted a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, examining the effects of TENS on post-operative scarring in 60 patients undergoing cesarean section. The TENS group showed
1. Reduced Medication Use: A systematic review by Johnson et al. (2015) in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that TENS use was associated with reduced opioid consumption in acute pain settings, potentially leading to cost savings and fewer side effects.
2. Length of Hospital Stay: Hamza et al. (1999) published a study in Anesthesia & Analgesia, showing that post-operative TENS use in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery resulted in earlier hospital discharge compared to the control group.
3. Patient Satisfaction: An RCT by DeSantana et al. (2008) in the Journal of Pain Research reported higher patient satisfaction scores in the TENS group compared to the placebo group following inguinal herniorrhaphy.
Safety Considerations: TENS is generally considered safe when used as directed. However, some precautions should be noted:
TENS should not be used in patients with cardiac pacemakers, over areas of active malignancy, or directly over the carotid sinus.
Skin Irritation: Some patients may experience mild skin irritation at the electrode sites, which can usually be managed by adjusting electrode placement or using hypoallergenic electrodes.
Interference with Monitoring Equipment: TENS may interfere with ECG monitoring, necessitating temporary discontinuation during certain procedures.
The scientific literature provides substantial evidence supporting the use of TENS devices in post-operative care for pain reduction and improved healing. Key benefits include:
While individual responses may vary, the overall body of evidence suggests that TENS can be a valuable adjunct to standard post-operative care protocols. Its non-invasive nature, relatively low cost, and minimal side effect profile make it an attractive option for many patients and healthcare providers.
By integrating TENS into our patient’s post-operative care plans, we have seen objective benefits in patient outcomes, reduced medication costs, and potentially shorter hospital stays. As with any medical intervention, individual patient factors should be considered, and TENS should be used as part of a comprehensive, multimodal approach to post-operative care and pain management.
©2025 Dr Frank McCormick All Rights Reserved.
©2025 Dr Frank McCormick All Rights Reserved.