Compex Tens/Heat Knee Wrap

What is TENS

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) are tiny electrical pulses delivered through a device which can help alleviate pain through two different means. By stimulating the sensory nerves TENS produces high levels of endorphins to help ease body pain. The other method of pain relief, known as GATE Control Theory, works to block pain signals to the brain.

EMS vs TENS

EMS (Electrical muscle stimulation) is often confused with TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), a common modality used in physical therapy offices. Compex EMS provides an electrical current at a specifically designed frequency to target motor nerves. These nerves activate the muscle to contract based on the amount of resistance applied through the device. The brain goes through a similar process when actual weights are lifted

TENS is designed to target sensory nerves. Typically, sensory nerves receive a signal that they relay to the brain, the brain then decides if the stimulus is painful, soft, warm, etc. When using a TENS program the goal is to alleviate pain by either inducing an endorphin release (Low Frequency TENS programs) or to block the pain signals to the brain through the Gate Theory (High Frequency TENS programs).