Using TENS for CRPS

An essential guide to using TENS for chronic pain including the benefits, how to use it and where to get a TENS machine

What is TENS?
TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is a non-invasive alternative therapy that uses mild electrical impulses delivered through stick-on electrode pads placed on the skin to give temporary pain relief. These impulses feel like a mild tingling sensation, they are not painful and have no side effects. They work by blocking pain signals from your nerves to your brain and encourage the production of your body’s natural painkillers, endorphins. TENS is often recommended as pain relief for women in labour, and is also recommended to treat period pain, pain from sports injuries and pain caused by long-term conditions like arthritis.

How can using TENS be beneficial for people with CRPS?

There are not enough clinical studies to prove TENS is effective at relieving CRPS symptoms, but anecdotally, many people report that it has reduced their pain. TENS is considered to be a safe treatment for chronic pain.

TENS can help in several ways:

• Blocks pain signals to the brains
• Stimulates the release of endorphins
• Improves circulation
• Reduces swelling
• Works well as a distraction from pain
• Improves mobility

Burning Nights CRPS Support member Stacie, who lives with CRPS, used TENS for around a year, with mixed results. She says, “When I used TENS on an area affected by CRPS, it caused an increase in sensitivity, allodynia and the 'buzzing' sensation associated with CRPS. However, when used in areas near, but not on, the affected area there was some relief. It allowed some of the muscles and nerves around the affected area to be calmer and reduced tension and cramping. For others living with CRPS who want to try using TENS, my advice is to start small and give the affected area a wide berth. Try starting using it for 5 or 10 minutes at first, then increase the time if there is a positive impact. And don't start on the CRPS area. Just try putting the pads around the area and see if there is any change after use. And above all, don't over-do it. Make sure to listen to your body and if it doesn't help, don't push it.”

Make sure to listen to your body and if it doesn't help, don't push it

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your machine. It’s recommended that you try TENS on an area with no pain first, so you know what to expect.

As a general guide:

1.  Clean and dry the area of skin that you are going to stick the pads on and make sure it’s free from lotion, otherwise they won’t stick.
2. Make sure the machine is switched off before you attach the pads to your skin.
3. Place the sticky pads (with a gap in between) near the painful part of your body. For example, if you have back pain, you would place the pads either side of the spine. It has been noted those living with CRPS may find it difficult to tolerate having the pads attached or near the painful area because of sensitivity and the level of pain they may be experiencing. If you need advice on where to place the pads, ask your GP or a physio.
4. Plug the wires into the machine. Turn it on and turn the dial slowly until you feel a tingling sensation. If it feels uncomfortable or painful, reduce it. If the discomfort continues, or you have any skin irritation, turn it off and remove the pads.

TENS can be used for up to 60 minutes at a time, up to three times a day.

Important:

Do not use TENS in the bath or shower

Do not use TENS on broken or inflamed skin

Do not use TENS on your neck, mouth or eyes

Do not use TENS while you’re sleeping

Do not use TENS when driving or using tools or machinery

TENS is often combined with other alternative therapies for CRPS. Others you can try include:

• Mirror therapy
• Graded Motor Imagery
• Physiotherapy
• Hydrotherapy
• Acupuncture
• Mindfulness
• Yoga and laughter yoga
• Meditation
• Flotation therapy

Everyone’s pain is unique, so TENS may or may not work for you.

Do not use TENS if you have epilepsy, heart problems, cancer, DVT, have a pacemaker or are pregnant (unless you are in the early stages of labour). If you have any metal plates or pins, do not use TENS directly over the site where they are.

It is always best to check with your GP before using TENS to make sure it is safe for you.

You can buy one online for around £40, they are also available in pharmacies. Or if you want to try it first, you can hire them online for around £20 – plenty of companies who supply products for birth and labour offer this service, and you can try it for around 7 weeks before posting it back. This is a great way to see if it works for you for half the price of buying one.

Join our online community to see how others with CRPS have got on with TENS, along with other treatment advice. Check out our range of support services, and read more about treatments for CRPS including physiotherapy, Calmare Scrambler Therapy and nerve blocks.