Which type of therapy uses electrical stimulation to relieve pain?

The type of therapy that utilizes electrical stimulation to relieve pain is TENS therapy, which stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. This method involves the application of mild electrical impulses through the skin via electrodes. The primary mechanism by which TENS therapy alleviates pain is by stimulating sensory nerves, which can help in blocking pain signals from reaching the brain, thereby providing relief. Additionally, TENS may promote the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers.

In contrast, biofeedback focuses on helping individuals gain awareness and control over physiological functions through feedback from devices that measure bodily functions, but it does not employ electrical stimulation directly for pain relief. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and pain relief through traditional Chinese medicine principles, without the application of electric stimuli. Chiropractic care involves manual manipulation of the spine and musculoskeletal system to relieve pain and improve function, rather than using electrical stimulation as a primary treatment modality.