What treatment method utilizes electrical impulses to relieve pain?

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, commonly known as TENS, is a treatment method that utilizes low-voltage electrical impulses to help relieve pain. The TENS unit generates electrical currents that stimulate sensory nerves through electrodes placed on the skin. This stimulation can interrupt the pain signals being sent to the brain, potentially leading to pain relief.

TENS is often used for various types of pain, including chronic pain conditions, postoperative pain, and pain associated with injuries. The method is particularly favored for its non-invasive nature and the ability to provide pain relief without the use of medications.

Other treatment methods mentioned, such as ultrasound therapy and infrared light therapy, involve different mechanisms. Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to promote tissue healing and may relieve pain through thermal effects and increasing circulation. Infrared light therapy utilizes specific wavelengths of light to penetrate tissues, promoting healing and reducing inflammation, but it does not involve electrical impulses. Massage therapy focuses on manipulating soft tissues to improve circulation and reduce muscle tension, which can also lead to pain relief, but it does not employ electrical stimulation.