Tens and inferential Flashcards
(22 cards)
what is Tens
it electrically stimulates the muscle and stimulates the sensory nerves
how does tens help
decreases pain through the pain gate mechanism and or opioid system
what are the contraindications of TENS/ interfential
active implants , tumours, skin conditions, bleeding tissue, allergy to electrodes
what are the precautions of Tens/ interferential
insufficient local circulation , devitalised tissue , pregnancy
what the different modes used for TENS
normal, modulation and burst
what are the effects of the normal mode
constant stimulation , targets pain gate , high frequency low intensity , useful for acute pain , stimulates AB fibres at 90 - 130 Hz
What are the effects of modulation
varied frequency to not allow nerves to adapt, high intensity low frequency, targets endogenous opioids, good for acute and chronic , A& fibres stimulated at 2-10 HZ
what are the effects of Burst mode
series of pulses 1-5 secs, stimulates beta and delta fibres, beta activated through frequency and delta activated through burst effect
Tens instructions
Explain Tens to patient , input appropriate settings , electrode placement (Red at the head) , turn on machine till a strong comfortable sensation is felt, turn up machine as nerves get used to setting , turn off, remove electrodes, check skin
What are the appropriate Tens settings for Acute pain
frequency 80 - 100 HZ
time 20 - 60 mins up to 4 times per day
pulse width (duration of each pulse) 175 - 200uS (microseconds)
intensity - strong but comfortable (no muscle contraction) tingling
mode normal/modulation
what are the Tens settings for chronic pain
frequency 2-10HZ
time 20-60 mins up to 5 times per week
pulse width 175 - 200uS
intensity - mild to moderate (slight muscle twitch)
mode modulation/burst
what setting would you use for muscle strengthening/stimulation for TENS
mode burst
frequency 35 - 50 Hz
strong intensity
pulse width - 200 - 250
What does Interferential therapy do (IFT)
stimulates the muscle through the use of electrical current
what are the effects of IFT
increases blood flow, relieves pain, reduces oedema
what are the instructions for IFT
wash skin, pads should be wet for even transmission , if using 2 electrodes use yellow circuit, explain concept to patient, Place pads on affected area , electrical current crosses and ‘interferes’, patient will feel tingling, possibly cause a weak muscle contraction, increase intensity
how is the interference current beat frequency calculated
the difference between the two different currents
what settings should you use to target pain for IFT
via pain gate - frequency 90 - 130 Hz 15 mins(acute and chronic)
via opioid effect - frequency 4Hz constant 15mins (chronic pain only)
what settings would target IFT circulation
0 - 100 Hz 20-30 mins
what settings would target IFT muscle stimulation
10 - 50 Hz 15mins
practical application
check for contraindications / precautions, expose effected area, sensation check, set up machine, clean skin, apply pads to area, set dosage, turn off machine, clean skin, check for skin reaction
What are the differences between Tens and IFT
Tens provides high levels of pain relief, IFT more comfortable, Tens delivers a tingling sensation IFT more of a massaging sensation, IFT has higher and variable pulse rate.
Tens delivers steady electrical impulse where as IFT delivers a variable electrical impulse
describe the pain gate theory
when a non painful stimuli is introduced it inhibits pain signals.
example a non noxious stimuli such as rubbing activates A-B (beta fibres) are activated and inhibit pain signals being sent to the brain
