TENS Therapy in Burnaby: How It Works and What to Expect

TENS therapy is a non-invasive way to manage pain. A small device sends gentle electrical pulses through pads placed on the skin, and the pulses act on the nerves that carry pain signals. Unlike medication, TENS works at the nerves near the painful area.

At BLVD, our physiotherapists combine TENS with other physiotherapy techniques to treat a range of conditions.

TENS therapy suits pain that is persistent or keeps returning. It fits when you have:

• Lower back pain from desk work
• Neck tension from long commutes
• Discomfort after surgery
• Pain during recovery from a sports injury
• Nerve-related pain
• Arthritis pain
• Fibromyalgia pain

TENS is drug-free and non-invasive. Your physiotherapist checks at your assessment that it fits your condition before the first session.

TENS works on the gate control principle. The pulses activate large nerve fibres, which closes the gate on the smaller fibres that carry pain signals, so fewer pain signals reach the brain. A visit follows these steps:

• Book online or call (604) 364-1626, and let us know you would like TENS therapy.
• Assessment: your physiotherapist reviews your pain pattern and the nerve pathways involved.
• Pad placement: the pads go on the skin near the painful area, set to follow your nerve pathways.
• Pulses: the device sends gentle pulses through the pads, which feel like a tingling sensation.
• Adjustment: your physiotherapist adjusts the settings to your comfort during the visit.

TENS is combined with manual techniques such as manual therapy in the same visit.