How does a TENS machine work?
In short~ Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machines works by activating sensory and motor neurones to provide pain relief, increase blood flow, reduce muscle spasm and improve muscle function.
The science~ Pain travels travels to our brain through slow 'C fibers' but the tens is able to activate the faster 'A beta fibres.' As these fibres share a common pathway to the brain the pain signal is effectively blocked by the faster signal produced by the tens. This is know as the 'pain gate mechanism.' When the tens is used at a low frequency setting 'A delta fibres' are activated which stimulates the release of opioids in the brain providing endogenous pain relief. By activating motor neurones you produce a non tiring muscle contraction which increases blood flow and lymphatic drainage. When a muscle in in spasm it becomes stuck in the cycle of 'PAIN, SPASM, ISCHEMIA (lack of blood flow).' If you can break the cycle by providing pain relief or increased blood flow then you will reduce muscle spasm. The TENS will also
Steps for setting up my tens machine
1. Identify the area for pad placement (as shown by your physio) and apply connective gel to the area (about the size of a 50p.) If the horse has a long coat you may need to wet the coat with some water or separate the hairs so that the pad comes into contact with the skin.
Types of gel which can be used:
- ultrasound gel, which can be purchased from ebay or from any physio supplies website
- cheap hair gel
- ky jelly
NOT TAC GEL, this is the human tens gel but it is not suitable for a hairy coat (you will have difficulty getting it out!)
2. Turn the tens machine on and begin to turn it up very slowly until you see the muscle pulsing sufficiently. The number will normally be between 2-5, if you have it turned up past 5 then something is probably wrong with the pad/ machine or pad connection.
In short~ Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) machines works by activating sensory and motor neurones to provide pain relief, increase blood flow, reduce muscle spasm and improve muscle function.
The science~ Pain travels travels to our brain through slow 'C fibers' but the tens is able to activate the faster 'A beta fibres.' As these fibres share a common pathway to the brain the pain signal is effectively blocked by the faster signal produced by the tens. This is know as the 'pain gate mechanism.' When the tens is used at a low frequency setting 'A delta fibres' are activated which stimulates the release of opioids in the brain providing endogenous pain relief. By activating motor neurones you produce a non tiring muscle contraction which increases blood flow and lymphatic drainage. When a muscle in in spasm it becomes stuck in the cycle of 'PAIN, SPASM, ISCHEMIA (lack of blood flow).' If you can break the cycle by providing pain relief or increased blood flow then you will reduce muscle spasm. The TENS will also
Steps for setting up my tens machine
1. Identify the area for pad placement (as shown by your physio) and apply connective gel to the area (about the size of a 50p.) If the horse has a long coat you may need to wet the coat with some water or separate the hairs so that the pad comes into contact with the skin.
Types of gel which can be used:
- ultrasound gel, which can be purchased from ebay or from any physio supplies website
- cheap hair gel
- ky jelly
NOT TAC GEL, this is the human tens gel but it is not suitable for a hairy coat (you will have difficulty getting it out!)
2. Turn the tens machine on and begin to turn it up very slowly until you see the muscle pulsing sufficiently. The number will normally be between 2-5, if you have it turned up past 5 then something is probably wrong with the pad/ machine or pad connection.
where do I get one from?
trouble shooting?
trouble shooting?
