TENS application for tendonitis

Man holds his wrist in pain caused by tendonitis

The tendons or tendon sheaths can become inflamed as a result of incorrect loading or overuse (inflammation of the tendon sheath is referred to as tendovaginitis, in inflammation of the tendon as tendinitis and if the tendons at the bone attachment are damaged or chronically irritated, then this is referred to as tendon attachment tendinopathy, which causes any Movement causes pain. During therapy, the inflamed area is immobilized for a period of time until the symptoms subside and the inflammation disappears. During the period in which you feel pain, you can use a TENS device to relieve pain.

The tendons have a very important function in our body. They represent the connection between our bones, joints and muscles and thus enable us to carry out movements and exertion. At particularly stressed points, tendons have a kind of "protective cover", the tendon sheaths. These surround one or more tendons and are filled with a viscous body fluid, the synovia. This serves as a natural lubricant and allows the tendon to move freely within it.

A TENS device transfers electrical impulses to the skin via electrodes, which has two effects. On the one hand, the electrical impulses can block the transmission of pain to the brain, which means that the pain may no longer be perceived. On the other hand, the TENS application can support the natural pain control mechanism of our body so that its own painkilling substances, the so-called endorphins[1], are released. Using a TENS device can also improve blood circulation[2].

TENS electrode placement for tendonitis

Any tendon sheath and tendon can potentially become inflamed, but the wrist, foot, or forearm are most commonly affected. Especially the "mouse arm" from constantly working with a computer mouse can irritate the tendons and tendon sheath and lead to pain and discomfort. Place the electrodes as shown in the picture for wrist pain.

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.

Causes of tendonitis

The triggers for inflammation of the tendon sheaths are commonunfamiliaror often repetitive,monotonous movements. The strain can cause the tendon sheaths or tendons to become inflamed and swollen. This leads to more friction during movements and this can thentrigger pain. Incorrect loads, for example during sports, can also lead to inflammation of the tendons in the long term.

 

tendonitismost commonly occur in the arms, feet and hands or wrists. A common trigger for tendovaginitis in the forearm is working on the computer, especially with the computer mouse. Since this movement is performed countless times, it can lead to an inflammation in the wrist, this is called amouse arm. Tendonitis in the finger area is commonSnapping finger or snapping finger(Tendovaginitis stenosans) orhousewife thumbon. In the meantime, tendonitis around the joint is also increasingThumbdue to typing on the smartphone. If the tendon or tendon sheath in the wrist is inflamed and the pain is felt on the thumb side of the wrist, this is medically referred to as de Quervain stenosing tendonitis. This clinical picture was first discovered by the doctor Fritz de Quervain.

 

Attendinitisthe cause is not always clear. They occur more frequently in middle-older age, but sometimes they also go throughincorrect loadingandoverloadtriggered. One part of the body where tendinitis commonly occurs is theshoulder. Frequent movement of the arms above the head, for example in sports such as swimming, tennis and volleyball, can cause aRotator cuff tendonitisto be triggered.

 

Thetherapy, the causes and symptoms of tendinitis and tendonitis are largely the same. Usually one is enoughprotectionthe affected area until the pain and inflammation have subsided. Will thetendinitisorinsertion tendopathycaused by incorrect posture or incorrect strain, then this should be treated additionally to prevent chronic inflammation. The pain can be relieved by electrotherapy, such asTENS, or relieved with cold applications or cortisone injections. The chances of recovery are considered good, unless it is a chronic disease or inflammation of the joints. A TENS device for therapy can also be suitable for this.

 

Symptoms of tendonitis

Tendinitis or tendonitis can usually be diagnosed relatively quickly and easily by a doctor. If the doctor suspects a disease as the cause of an inflamed tendon, further examinations and therapy may be necessary. The symptoms that can occur with tendovaginitis are:

 

  • Pain when moving the affected area
  • swelling
  • redness
  • Audible "crunch" when moving due to friction

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] 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

[2] 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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