TENS application for phantom pain

Man with prosthetic leg in sunset. People with amputation of body parts often feel phantom pain, which can be treated with a TENS device.

After an amputation, many of those affected feel the body part that is no longer there. The residual limb pain is expressed in a tingling, twitching or cold and heat spurts. However, real pain can also be felt, which is expressed in cramps, burning or stinging. TENS pain therapy can help you to relieve pain perception with the help of a TENS device.

An analysis of phantom pain patients also shows that the TENS application in phantom pain contributes to a very large effect on pain relief [1]. A TENS device stimulates the body to release more of its own pain-relieving hormones[2]. These hormones are called endorphins.

TENS electrode placement for phantom pain

This illustration shows an example of the electrode placement for phantom pain in the legs. You can apply this to more body parts. The universally applicable, square 5x5 cm electrodes, which are usually included with the purchase of a TENS device, are best suited.

Buy the appropriate electrode now

  • This guide is for orientation purposes and does not replace the supervision of a doctor or therapist. Please follow the warnings and safety instructions of your device. Changes and errors are possible.

  • Number inside the circle: Channel number

    Circle color: Red = Electrode 1, Black = Electrode 2

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.

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

© 22Imagesstudio - stock.adobe.com