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1.2 GENERAL INFORMATION
1.2.1 About pain
Pain is felt in an injured area when messages travel to the
brain, along small nerves leading to the spinal cord. These
messages are then transmitted via other nerves that
travel up the spinal cord to the brain. At the brain, they
are decoded, analysed and reacted to.
1.2.2 What is TENS?
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) can
be effective in the relief of pain. It can be used daily and
is clinically proven to be effective. High-frequency TENS
currents activate the pain-inhibiting mechanisms of the
nervous system. Electrical impulses from electrodes,
placed on the skin over or near the pain area, stimulate
the nerves to block the pain signals to the brain,
thus creating the perception of there being no pain.
Low-frequency TENS currents facilitate the release of
endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
1.2.3 What is EMS?
EMS stands for Electronic Muscle Stimulation. This
treatment consists of delivering electrical impulses
through the skin into the nerve fibres and muscles that
lie beneath. Skin contact is made via surface electrodes
placed on the body. The EMS unit will then stimulate
the muscles to contract and relax. EMS can be used
for toning and strengthening all muscle groups for
athletic training, bodybuilding and sports injuries, after
pregnancy, weight loss, cosmetic purposes, chronic back
pain and incontinence.
1.2.4 What is MASSAGE (in electrotherapy)?
This is very similar to TENS and EMS as explained above,
except the treatment consists of delivering electrical
impulses to relax muscles and decrease stress.
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