Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (T.E.N.S.) is used to block pain, making patients more receptive to other treatments. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (N.M.E.S.) strengthens muscles by causing them to contract. Both therapeutic modalities act on nerves and therefore require only small amounts of current to be effective.

Our T.E.N.S. unit uses a pulsed electrical current delivered through the skin to stimulate specific nerve cells. The stimulated nerves trigger different neurologic and physiologic reactions, reducing pain. The pain relief from T.E.N.S allows for more comfortable and effective exercise, more comfortable tissue stretching (improving range of motion), and postoperative pain management. Our whirlpool has a built-in T.E.N.S. unit.

Healing Touch also uses N.M.E.S. to deliver pulsed electrical current through the skin to stimulate peripheral motor nerves causing muscle contractions. N.M.E.S. can increase muscle strength, prevent disuse atrophy (even in paralyzed animals), increase joint range of motion, reduce edema, increase circulation, reduce spasticity, and improve motor control.