TENS application for arthrosis

Man holding his finger due to osteoarthritis pain. This pain can be treated with a TENS device.

TENS therapy to relieve pain (from arthrosis, rheumatism and arthritis) is the subject of extensive research and numerous studies. Many physiotherapists, pain centers and clinics use TENS in this context. The results show that TENS therapy can increase both the well-being and mobility of the affected joint. And with success, as the experiences of numerous arthrosis patients prove[1]. In the meantime, stimulation current devices are not only reserved for medical practices, but a compact TENS device for pain therapy at home can also be purchased.

A stimulation current device transmits electrical impulses to the skin via electrodes, which has two effects on pain relief. The transmission of pain to the brain is blocked, which means that the pain may no longer be perceived. On the other hand, the TENS application can stimulate our body to release its own painkilling substances, the so-called endorphins[2]. In addition, the TENS treatment also promotes blood circulation[3].

TENS electrode placement for arthrosis

Conventional square electrodes can be used on the knee. However, the comfort and efficiency of the treatment are significantly increased if the electrodes are specially adapted to the shape of the knee. The use of knee electrodes is therefore recommended.

To the right electrode

Alternative electrode placement for osteoarthritis

There is a special electrode set for fingers and wrists (with a silicone roll) for TENS therapy on the hand. This is held in the hand during use and can also help with pain in several fingers. This offers the additional advantage that the hand can also be tensed by the user during the treatment and thus the build-up of muscles to relieve the joints can be promoted in a targeted manner.

To the right electrode

The recommended programs for axion TENS devices

Please note when using TENS:

The intensity should be adjusted so that it is felt as a pleasant tingling sensation. The duration of the application should be approx. 40 minutes in order to be able to achieve a lasting reduction in pain. It also makes sense to switch programs every now and then.

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What causes osteoarthritis?

The so-called diseases of the rheumatic type, also called rheumatism or rheumatism for short, include many different clinical pictures. All of these diseases have in common that the patients suffer from severe, prolonged pain. The terms rheumatism or rheumatism go back to the ancient Greek word "ῥεῦμα" (pronounced: reuma). That means stream, river, flow. Rheumatism therefore stands for flowing, tearing and pulling pain.

The most common form of rheumatism is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an inflammatory disease of the joints. The joints of the fingers or toes are very often affected, but other joints in the hands, shoulders, feet, knees, shoulders or hips can also be inflamed. In so-called monoarthritis, only one joint is painfully inflamed. If two to four joints are affected, it is called oligoarthritis, if more than five joints the disease is called polyarthritis.

The advantages of pain treatment with TENS

  • From everywhere

    You can use TENS therapy anywhere. It doesn't matter whether you're sitting comfortably on the sofa or in the office.

  • Drug free

    TENS pain therapy is an alternative to drug pain treatment

  • At any time

    You can use TENS flexibly and at any time. Success can already be achieved after the first treatment

  • Free of side effects

    When used correctly, pain treatment with TENS has practically no side effects

Studies and scientific sources

[1] Bachmann, J. & Pothmann, R. (2010). TENS. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in pain therapy (4th ed.). Karl F. Haug Verlag.

[2] Ortu, E., Pietropaoli, D., Mazzei, G., Cattaneo, R., Giannoni, M., & Monaco, A. (2015). TENS effects on salivary stress markers: A pilot study. International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology, 114-118. https://doi.org/10.1177/0394632015572072

[3] Cramp, Gilsenan, Lowe & Walsh. (2000). The effect of high- and low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation upon cutaneous blood flow and skin temperature in healthy subjects. Clinical Physiology, 20(2), 150-157. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2281.2000.00240.x

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