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Clinical Uses of TENS: A Survey of Physical Therapists

Ms. Paxton was a student at Sargent College of Allied Health Professions, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, when this article was written. She is now Staff Physical Therapist, Mississippi Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Jackson, MS 39216.

A nationwide survey of physical therapy departments was conducted to investigate the clinical use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for patients with pain. The majority (64.8%) of the 196 respondents used TENS to relieve chronic pain (and, less frequently, acute pain) from a variety of disorders. Any one of eight modalities was reported to be used in conjunction with TENS for the same pain problems. Seven criteria were used to evaluate the effectiveness of TENS in relieving pain. Most clinicians applying TENS were satisfied with the effectiveness of the modality in relieving acute, chronic, and psychogenic pain. Pain relief with short-term use of TENS was more satisfactory than with long-term use.

Key Words: Electric stimulation • Pain • Physical therapy