An investigation into the value of transcutaneaus electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for arthritic pain

This paper presents the case for the relief of arthritic pain with TENS. In addition, it aims to provide physiotherapists with a more objective basis for their choice of effective stimulation from TENS. Table 1 summarises the experimental designs and results of nine controlled trials of TENS for pain from arthritis and problems related to arthritis. These results were used to evaluate the evidence they provide for and against TENS. TENS emerges as having genuine analgesic properties, but the reader's attention is drawn to the placebo effect of TENS. The most effective combination of pulse parameters is proposed. The importance of viewing TENS as an adjunctive therapy is discussed