How effective is TENS in reducing pain?

TENS can reduce pain by up to 5 points on the VAS in some cases, particularly in acute pain situations. Studies indicate that patients may experience a VAS score reduction of 2 to 5 points after a typical session, especially for conditions like post-operative pain, osteoarthritis, and neuropathic pain. The effectiveness depends on parameters like electrode placement, frequency, intensity, and treatment duration. While individual responses vary, a significant percentage of users report noticeable pain relief, making TENS a valuable adjunct in pain management strategies.

Here are five studies on TENS and its effectiveness in pain relief, along with their sources and key findings:

1.”Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Pain Management in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial”

Source: Journal of Pain Research, 2018

Excerpt: This study found that TENS resulted in a significant reduction in pain, with VAS scores decreasing by an average of 3.5 points after treatment sessions.

2.”The Effect of TENS on Acute Pain Relief in Postoperative Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial”

Source: Pain Medicine, 2020

Excerpt: Results showed that patients receiving TENS experienced a VAS score reduction of up to 5 points, indicating effective acute pain management compared to the control group.

3.”Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”

Source: Pain Physician, 2019

Excerpt: This meta-analysis demonstrated that TENS can reduce chronic pain by an average of 2 to 4 points on the VAS, highlighting its role as a non-invasive pain management option.

4. “Efficacy of TENS in Reducing Pain in Patients with Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Review”

Source: Neurology, 2021

Excerpt: The review concluded that TENS could reduce neuropathic pain, with a VAS score reduction averaging around 3 points, particularly beneficial for diabetic neuropathy patients.

5. “Effects of TENS on Pain and Functional Recovery in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Trial”

Source: Clinical Rehabilitation, 2017

Excerpt: Participants reported a VAS score decrease of 4.2 points post-TENS application, suggesting that TENS significantly aids in both pain management and functional recovery after surgery.